Guyana Times Daily - December 8, 2014

Opposition stalling of AML/CFT Bill: effects beginning to “bite”

– BOG Governor

By Tajeram mohaBir

Businesspersons and commercial banks are already feeling the squeeze as the nonpassage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill (AML/ CFT) begins to bite.

Guyana, though having missed several deadlines, has been given a new extension of September 2015 to get its house in order. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has mandated that Guyana implements a seven-point action plan to address its strategic AML/CFT deficiencies.

FATF had indicated that Guyana has made a highlevel political commitment to address the loopholes within its anti-money laun-

dering regime by working with both the international financial watchdog and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

As part of the sevenpoint action plan, Guyana is required to adequately criminalise money laundering and terrorist financing. Additionally, the country is mandated to establish and implement adequate procedures for the confiscation of assets related to money laundering, establish and implement an adequate legal framework for identifying, tracing and freezing terrorist assets and establish a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Effective measures for customer due diligence and enhanced financial transparency would also need to

be established, in addition to a strengthened suspicious transaction reporting requirements.

The Government and the combined Opposition, the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have thus far failed to reach a consensus on the vital legislation, resulting in it being held up in the House.

Speaking with Guyana Times in a recent interview, Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga said local financial institutions have complained to the Central Bank of the high level of scrutiny they are being subjected to. He said the high level of due diligence is resulting in higher transaction costs, which is directly affecting businesspersons and the commercial banks.

According to the newly-appointed Governor, the amended Anti-Money Laundering Bill is modern in outlook, featuring international best practices and

enjoys the full blessings of the Central Bank.

Painting a dire picture, Dr Ganga said the non-passage of the Bill as time goes by will significantly hurt the economy, pointing out for example, if someone is producing sugar for export, the trade, which is international in nature, will encounter a number of hurdles.

Domino effect

Notably, he said no one would want to do business with Guyana for fear of being blacklisted, while noting that non-passage of the Bill creates a domino effect as a result of excessive due diligence. He pointed out that rice farmers and other business owners will not be paid on time, resulting in them being unable to pay their workers in a timely manner. He said an exporter now has to wait a longer period to uplift his receipts from the importer abroad as the transaction has to go through much more due diligence.

“Further, if you are going to make a payment abroad, it means that there is much more detail on you with respect to where did you get the money from, what business are you doing, whether or not you are clean, because no institution abroad wants to be tainted.”

Another setback of the non-passage of the Bill, Dr Ganga said is the creation of

a situation that negatively affects investors’ confidence, in the economy. On this score, he pointed out that investors’ loss in confidence, would translate to fewer investments, creating a situation of less supply, and demand plus less supply will cause prices to increase.

Dr Ganga said in order to build confidence in the economy, political stability is a vital ingredient as confidence provides for an increase in investment, causing an increase in supply. These, he noted are imperative for growth and development of the economy. This environment, he said, will allow for the financial standings of the banks to improve, creating the wherewithal for a stable exchange rate, which will be beneficial to all Guyanese, both rich and poor alike.

Guyana, he said, has enjoyed a level of investors’ confidence, and the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering Bill will build on the gains made.

He noted that the Guyana dollar is convertible on the open market as anyone can go to a local Cambio, and buy with Guyana dollar any quantity of US dollars, both cash and draft. Some persons in the region, he said have been coming to Guyana with their local currency to buy US dollars here.

Police destroy large ganja farm in Canje River

Police in Berbice have found and destroyed more marijuana plants in the Canje River. The most recent discovery of cultivation of the illegal plant was made on Sunday when a joint Police/Army operation was carried out at Calabash Creek about three miles up the Canje River.

One field measuring about one acre in size and with approximately 1500 marijuana plants ranging in height from one foot to four feet, was found and destroyed. The marijuana has an estimated weight of 4500 kilograms. No arrests have been made.

Recently, Commander of B (Berbice) Division, Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph had promised to weed out the cultivation of the illegal plant in Berbice. He had pointed to areas along the Canje River and the Berbice River as the two main areas of focus as he declared war on ‘ganja cultivation’.

Joseph had promised that it would not be an easy

Christmas for persons involved in the illegal cultivation. In the past, ranks from the Division have led operations to both districts and have destroyed several fields of the illegal plant.

Baracara in the Canje River has been one community where it is believed that much of the marijuana traded locally is cultivated.

Growers along the Berbice River have close links with Surinamese and there are reports that the drug grown along the Berbice River is traded there. Police have, however, not been able to arrest persons from both communities in recent times.

Sources close to the Police have indicated that those involved in the cultivation of the illegal plant have placed lookouts at various points along the Berbice River and Canje Creek to inform them when the law enforcement officers are approaching by boat. On most occasions, Police only find the fields being cultivated and destroy them.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

Leader of the Opposition and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), David Granger said the call by the Alliance For Change (AFC) to lead any coalition of “progressive forces” to contest next year’s general elections is premature.

Observers have said that the minority Opposition party’s proposal is presumptuous given that it trailed APNU by a distance in terms of electoral support.

“It’s a bit presumptuous for them to want to lead a group with a party that has over 20 seats comparing to their seven,” a former Member of Parliament commented. Since the beginning of the 10th Parliament, the AFC has sought to project itself as the better of the two parties and even managed to secure the Speakership.

Khemraj Ramjattan,

Conference on Saturday that while the party remained open to discussions on a broad national alliance to govern the affairs of the country, it must be understood that the AFC will not be taking the back seat in any such alliance.

According to Ramjattan, the AFC has the capacity to deliver the leadership that is required to propel Guyana forward.

He noted that “hard decisions have to be made”, one of which is the possible coalition with other political forces in Guyana and in particular APNU.

It was noted that after this National Convention, the AFC hopes to work “purposefully” with APNU on matters of common interest. He said, “Indeed the AFC is ready to enter, if necessary, into negotiations to lead, to lead a pro-

democracy alliance with progressive forces”, adding that these included “workers’ unions, political forces and by political forces, we mean even PPP/C [People’s Progressive Party/Civic] members who have been disenfranchised…and APNU”.

Granger, in a telephone interview with the Guyana Times on Sunday evening, remarked that the recent remarks by Ramjattan are welcomed, positing that he was looking forward to the

would be able to reasonably determine which party would be at the helm. He contended that those factions “haven’t even sat down to speak about the composition of any alliance or leadership”, adding that it was “premature to speak about the leadership of any coalition”.

Nevertheless, Granger remarked that the announcement was a “good move by the AFC”. Granger is the Leader of the People’s National

fruition of the possibility of talks.

Granger, however, explained that while APNU was looking forward to the possibility of coalescing propelled dialogue with AFC, such declarations on the leadership of any coalition are hasty.

According to Granger, it would be through dialogue that the political factions

Congress Reform (PNCR), which is also the largest stakeholder in the APNU coalition formed in 2011. At the time that the APNU coalition was formed, it consisted of the Guyana Action Party (GAP); The National Front Alliance (NFA); the PNCR; The Working People’s Alliance (WPA); and the Justice For All Party (JFAP).

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

Failed state or subverted state?

We continue with our examination of the Opposition’s charge that Guyana is a “failed state” which was initiated in yesterday’s Editorial, “What failed state?” In that survey we examined the social and economic factors used by the organisation “Fund for Peace” to evaluate “fragile states and today continue with its final category, “Political Factors”.

Ever since the movement towards independence, all observers of the Guyanese state have concluded that Guyana has a political problem.

The first political issue is whether there is, or has been, “Intervention of External Political Agents”. We do not have to rehearse the fact that all of Guyana’s intense political conflict was due to the US’s intervention, via the CIA in the 1960s. They staged a coup against the PPP Government, which they concluded was “communist”. In the heat of the Cold War, this was a sentence for “regime change” by whatever means necessary.

In the case of Guyana, the sentence translated into race riots, the embers of which still smoulder and periodically burst into flames when fanned by opportunistic politicians.

In the present, quite a few objective observers believe that the US still has a finger in the political affairs of Guyana. When it was formed, the Alliance For Change (AFC) boasted of their “American” support; given credence by the milliondollar US pollster Dick Morris’ service being given to the AFC, gratis.

The entire 19-member PPP/C’s Ex-Co, including the now departed Ralph Ramkarran and Moses Nagamootoo, accused Khemraj Ramjattan, co-founder of the AFC but then a PPP/C Ex-Co member, of “carrying news” to the local US Embassy.

In its 1960s intervention in Guyana’s affairs, classified documents from the US archives demonstrate that two parties, the Guyana United Muslim Party (GUMP) and the Justice Party (JP) were funded by the US as part of its multiprong effort to oust the PPP government.

More recently, the PPP/C government has accused the local US Embassy of unleashing a Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Project, without consultations on the particulars. What was most troublesome was that the USAID-funded project was being implemented by the International Republican Institute (IRI), which had been fingered as the catalyst in several cases of regime change in Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. They even boasted about this feat on their website.

In Guyana, the IRI blithely initiated the identical game plan used in other countries in which regimes had been changed, even though the Government protested vehemently. Their modus operandi included forming, training and funding youth groups across Guyana, such as the Blue Caps.

Under the rubric of promoting “Local Government Elections”, they also secured the excuse to enter local communities to identify and recruit grassroots operatives. It was only after the Government threatened to deport the head of the IRI’s LEAD programme, that it was halted. After consultations, the programme has resumed.

It is noteworthy that in each of the groups the IRI has worked with, just as in every one of the “regime changed” countries, the members are either from the Opposition, or they began opposing the Government.

In light of the foregoing, we have to conclude that as far as “Political Factors”, the negative effect of the “Intervention of External Political Agents” in Guyanese politics is very high because of the role of the US.

The second political variable, the “Rise of Factionalised Elites”, is somewhat more complicated. As a plural society with several ethnic groups at the initiation of the independence movement, it was not surprising that political mobilisation followed the ethnic cleavages - just as it did, for example, in Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

However, because of the US’s violent interventions, our factionalised elites are prone to falling back on violent protests and actions which make our politics much more challenging. The US should clearly declare that it would not support groups that initiate political violence.

(To be continued)

No financial statements at AFC Convention

Dear Editor, How much hypocrisy can the few members and supporters of the Alliance For Change continue to bear, suppress or live in complete denial?

The AFC Leadership made it clear before the 2014 Conference that the nominations for the AFC’s Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates are not on the agenda and will be done at a Special Conference prior to elections.

The AFC Leader did in fact once again endorsed Mr Nagamootoo and Mr Hughes as the Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates respectively. However, the AFC leadership once again disregarded its own Constitution when no nomination was allowed for the posts of Chairman, Vice-Chairman and General Secretary!

This is in direct contravention of Article 7 Section 4 (c) which emphatically states that, “The business of the

National Conference shall be to ELECT the Leader, Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, the General Secretary and the 12 Committee members of the National Executive”.

The AFC is vociferous in calling the prorogation of Parliament by the President an “unconstitutional act”, yet they are disregarding their own Constitution on a regular basis. Can these people be trusted to run this country?

This is AFC’s democracy in action!

At the 2012 Conference they did a similar selection when no nominations were allowed for Leader and Chairman and the elections were rigged in favour of Nagamootoo and Patterson. This year they have gone further - there is no reason to vote anymore; the current leaders are there for life! So Burnhamish!

Furthermore, in 2012, the AFC presented an inaccurate and unaudited finan-

cial statement which again was in direct contravention of Article 15 Section 9, which spoke of the appointment of an Auditor on an annual basis, and Article 7 Section 4(b) says that, “The business of the National Conference shall be to receive the Report of the Treasurer”.

If these are read together, then it means that an audited financial statement should have been presented at that Conference, since each year the financial year ends on Ferbruary 28 (Article 15 Section 10).

However, at this year’s Conference the AFC went further by not presenting any financial statements whatsoever! They have moved from an inaccurate and unaudited one to none at all!

Yet once again the AFC Leadership is singing about accountability and the need to wipe out corruption. Once again I will reiterate that the AFC is the most corrupt po-

litical party this country has ever seen. Unfortunately, the worse is yet to come from the AFC. I had made many revelations to AFC’s Leader Ramjattan in my e-mails to him, but corruption runs deep within the AFC and all are consumed. I attempted to change that, but I was expelled. Now there is no one in the AFC who is willing to stem the downward slide. The recent rally at Whim speaks volumes when “a crowd” was actually ‘rented’ from among APNU supporters from Lancaster and Liverpool.

The AFC leaders cannot fool everyone. In addition, the poor turnout at the National Conference is another indicator - delegates had to be ‘bussed’ to get an attendance! The end is nigh!

Haseef Yusuf AFC Councillor Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

Govt will once again have to rescue this rice miller

Dear Editor, Farmers who sold their paddy to a certain rice miller have not been paid for this crop and it seems like Government will have to bail him out again.

The farmers and their families will have a black Christmas without their money. At the moment their crop is 21 days old and needs its first dose of urea and TSP fertilizer, which is necessary for normal plant growth.

Urea, TSP and Potassium are considered the primary food elements. The plants will have a stunted growth and delayed maturity if these fertilizers are not applied on time.

These farmers who are being owed for their paddy will

now have to borrow money from the banks with a high interest rate or take credit from their input suppliers to buy their first, second and third dose fertilizers to make sure they have a bountiful rice crop, so they can pay off their debts and return to the land.

This same miller is selling the farmers, whom he owed for their paddy, fertilizers on credit with a high interest and it will be deducted from their payment. Farmers are very unhappy with this situation and are blaming the Government and Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) for doing nothing year after year to arrest the situation and make their lives better.

This rice miller is evading

the Rice Factory Act,which states that farmers must be paid within two weeks for their produce. If he fails to pay the farmers within the two weeks or one month in full, an interest will be charged. This particular miller can be seen buying new combines, tractors, cars, 4x4s, and doing large scale investment on his complex, while owing the rice farmers.

One will come to the conclusion that he is using the farmers payments to enrich himself and, at the same time, modernise his factory with the sweat and blood of the poor rice farmers.

Every day rice farmers are trying to make ends meet so that they can buy clothes,

books and food, and provide transportation for their children so they can go to school to have an education. The majority of farmers still haven’t been paid and many are broke. Each day of delay in payment means a lot of distress for them.

The farmers’ fury last crop caused a massive protest at Mainstay, Essequibo Coast over payment. Six farmers were charged for blocking the road and setting it afire. Government will once again have to rescue this rice miller with a subsidy programme and disburse millions to pay farmers for paddy bought.

Mohamed Khan

AFC experiencing its worst organisational crisis

Dear Editor,

The Alliance For Change (AFC) held its National Conference amid a deep organisational and leadership crisis.

The Conferenc was scheduled for earlier in the year, but was abruptly called off after its unsuccessful attempt to remove the People Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) from office by way of a No-

Confidence Motion.

It is clear that the AFC is at sea when it comes to assessing the mood of the Guyanese people and strategizing on the way forward for the country.

Being a new kid politically on the block and having regard to the nature of its formation, the Party lacks any real ideological grounding or sense of direction. It is evident why

its reaction to issues are eclectic if not confusing, driven more by hate rather than promoting the national good.

The Conferenc took place at a time when the Party is experiencing one of its worst organizational crisis since it was formed.

PPP/C

Freedom House

Privacy is fundamental to civil society

Dear Editor,

Now that the dust has settled on the fiasco of the taped conversation between Anil Nandlall and Leonard Gildharie, perhaps we should do some reflection. It is undisputed that the conversation was private and recorded without Nandlall’s consent and made public also without his consent.

Many have condemned what Nandlall reportedly said in that conversation. These include the political Opposition, the lawyers associations, the press association, the human rights association and even some in his own political quarters.

None of these persons and organizations have addressed what I consider to be the real issues that this whole fiasco has unearthed.

These are:

1. That a man’s privacy was invaded, his private conversation made public without his consent, and then the public being outraged at what they heard, knowing fully well that they were not supposed to hear it.

2. A media house owner openly confessing that he tapes people’s conversations on the telephone without their permission and as is demonstrated, is prepared to use those conversations to blackmail persons and worse yet, to use them and his press outfit to shove himself over and above the law. Unfortunately, in their haste to criticize Nandlall, these important persons and organizations have turned a blind eye to these atrocities. In my view Nandlall’s utterances are completely harmless when compared with the gravity of these atrocities.

What is worse, because of the silent treatment these wrongs have received, one gets the impression that they are being condoned. If they are, I have no doubt that they will be repeated in the near future. This is a clear demonstration of the depth to which we have

sunk as a society.

Just imagine for a moment that the association representing lawyers seems to have no regard for privacy, private conversations and confidentiality. What this means is that, in principle, they will condone the public disclosure of clients private information. It means they have no moral authority to tell the doctors not to disclose confidential information about their patients.

Christopher Ram cannot speak on similar ethical breaches in the accounting profession and that profession can disseminate confidential information about clients with impunity. Commercial banks are now free to publicly disclose the accounts of their customers. The tax authorities would do the same in relations to person’s tax records.

The Commissioner of Police, Minister of Home Affairs, the Director of Public Prosecution, the Attorney General himself and many other important Government and state functionaries who receive very sensitive information about important people in our society can freely disclose that

information to the public.

What is worse is that the political Opposition is supporting this societal chaos.

The above is not exhausted, but I hope that a sufficiently clear picture has been painted which should demonstrate to the rational mind that society will disintegrate should those occurrences take place and then to add icing to the cake, you have a media mogul using his newspaper to make himself invincible. I am convinced that this man enjoys this delusion.

As regards what Nandlall said on that tape, while I may disagree with some of what he said, I would not be critical of him since quite frankly, I was not supposed to hear it. Those who claim to be offended by it are simply hypocrites. You cannot want to eavesdrop on others conversations and be outraged at what you hear.

My grandmother would say “you too blasted fast and yo look fo wha yo get”. The real problems are those I have identified. It is left to be seen who will address them. In the end privacy is fundamental to civil society.

Balram Persaud

When will law students at UG speak up?

Dear Editor,

The great Sir Arthur Lewisreminds us that “…asking questions is the principal business of university people; if we do not ask important questions simply because they are dangerous questions, we cease to be honest, and a dishonest scholar is a menace to society”.

I submit that in my humble estimation, the weight of such a position takes on an even greater nature and quality when one dons the ‘title’ Student-at-Law.

Since my foray into these Letter(s) to the Editor on the issue of reforms in legal education locally and regionally, I have contemplated this letter, which seems even more pertinent now in light of several revelations that have taken on an infamous tenor regarding our Attorney General Anil Nandlall and KN, and also in the wake of the President’s prorogation of Parliament.

Almost a year ago, the Council forLegal Education (CLE) had suspended the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS), University of Guyana (UG) special arrangement regarding the latter’s ‘Top 25’ law graduates.

I have written at some length on this and so will not wade again into these waters. Suffice to say that neither the UG Law Society (UGLS) nor the students of the Department of Law in any significant numbers have articulated any view publicly on the matter.

When the dilemma regarding the2014 top 25 graduates was ‘remedied’, no mention was mentioned of the 2015 or 2016 batch and even though it seems

UG has a new policy of accepting more students in the Department of Law, it is understood that new negotiations must ensue regarding the 2015 batch especially.

Law students have thus far said nothing on the issue.

I am advised that, as regards the matter concerning our Attorney General, there was some discussion among law students canvassing their position on the matter. Alas, there was a sense that those who were public on the matter were already qualified and could hold their own, while law students were in the process of doing so. Their silence was therefore intentional.

Another line of reasoning noted that when these students become attorneys, the focus is then on upward mobility and ‘security of tenure’ - all the more reason not to rock the proverbial boat, which for all intents and purposes seems to be taking on water fast and is in eminent danger of sinking.

Attorney at Law Martin Daly, in his recent column in the Trinidad Express, titled, “Looking across the generations”, perhaps articulates my thoughts greater economy when he said that “… the pursuitof self-advantage and

opportunism at the controlling levels of the society and acceptance of that value system for entry to the top is the natural enemy of independent thought and expression, as well as consultation, reform and innovation.

“This syndrome also produces bitterness, cynicism and ultimately civil disorder, most pronounced among those who cannot get out from under the neglect of good governance.” I was heartened to see even more recently, according to the Huffington Post, “The Black Law Students Association at Yale Law School has denounced with “sadness, outrage, and indignation” the failure to indict the former Ferguson, Missouri Police Officer who shot and killed unarmed teenager Michael Brown”.

Part of the group’s statement read: “We are outraged to see that separate and unequal codes of conduct, nightmares we hoped were relegated to our forefathers’ generations, persist today.” I think on these matters and wonder when will UG law students speak up.

Sherod Avery Duncan

Page Foundation

On a freshly cleared hillside outside the capital, where the trees have been chopped down and replaced with acres of smooth gravel, the new Ebola treatment centre seems to have everything. There are racks of clean pink scrubs and white latex boots, bathrooms that smell like Ajax, solar-powered lights, a pharmacy tent, even a thatch-roofed hut to relax in.

But one piece is missing: staff. The facility opened recently with a skeleton crew. Now, in an especially hard-hit area where people are dying every day because they cannot get into an Ebola clinic, 60 of the 80 beds at the Kerry Town Ebola clinic are not being used.

It is like this with a lot here: good intentions, bad planning. Aid officials in Sierra Leone say poor coordination among aid groups, Government mismanagement and some glaring inefficiencies are costing countless lives.

Some officials argue that the whole response system seems to be begging for a McKinsey & Company, or some other troubleshooter, to rush in and problem solve.

Ambulances, for example, are being used to ferry blood samples, sometimes just one test tube at a

time, while many patients die at home after waiting days for an ambulance to come.

Even after patients recover, many treatment centres delay releasing

projections for new hospital beds.

Recriminations

The recriminations are beginning to fly, especially against Britain, which, in a colonial-style carve-up of

Half of the patients in some front-line Ebola clinics do not even have Ebola, but their test results take so long that they end up lingering for days, taking beds from people whose lives hang in the balance and greatly increasing their own chances of catching the virus in such close quarters.

them for more than a week until there are enough other survivors, sometimes dozens, to hold one huge goodbye ceremony for everyone — again, keeping desperately needed beds occupied. “I just wanted to get home and see my wife,” said Suliman Wafta, a recent Ebola survivor treated nearby. “But I had to wait eight extra days.”

The latest Ebola numbers are ominous. This past week, Sierra Leone reported almost 100 new cases in a single day, nearly double the number just 10 days before — and those are only the confirmed cases, which health experts say may be a third of the total. At this rate, the swelling roster of the gravely ill will far outstrip even the most optimistic

Ebola-afflicted countries, is the international power taking the lead here.

“Why are the British here? To end Ebola, or party?” read a headline in a local newspaper. It added, “While their American counterparts are working hard to end Ebola in Liberia, our so-called colonial masters are busy living the life of Riley.”

British officials say that is not true, and that the 800 or so soldiers deployed here, who are building new treatment centres and training medics, are not allowed even a beer. “We’re working from 7 am to 10 pm, seven days a week,” said Maj.

A big question people here are beginning to ask is whether the American military, which has sent 2400 troops to Liberia, has

any appetite to come to Sierra Leone. Many aid officials say the Pentagon’s role in building treatment centres, establishing mobile blood labs and ferrying Ebola supplies around Liberia has helped slow the epidemic there.

An Obama administration official in Washington said that no decision had been made to shift American troops from Liberia to Sierra Leone or send in large numbers of reinforcements, but that “nothing is off the table.”

Like others, the official kept citing the “Brits’ primacy” in Sierra Leone — a reference to how, several months ago, Western powers divided Ebola responsibilities in West Africa along historical lines, with the United States helping Liberia, a nation founded by freed American slaves in 1822; France helping a former colony, Guinea; and Britain helping its own former colony, Sierra Leone.

According to several other American officials, the Pentagon was not enthusiastic about getting involved in Liberia in the first place and is resistant to going deeper into the region.

Delays

“They basically said, ‘We know conflict, but we don’t know Ebola,’ ” said

one American official in West Africa. The military is also tired from fighting two long wars, the official said.

The Pentagon press secretary, Rear Admiral John F. Kirby, said the Defence Department was continuing to “monitor the spread of Ebola”, and was “mindful that it doesn’t just exist in Liberia.” In the next month, it will send two mobile blood labs to Sierra Leone to help reduce the bottlenecks caused by delays in testing.

Many aid officials in Sierra Leone said they crave a more effective command structure. The Government runs a national emergency centre, but aid officials said that with scores of foreign experts, Government delegations and private charities flocking here, coordination was still messy, with many gaps and overlaps. It is extremely difficult, they said, to get even the most basic information, including how many treatment centres exist.

There are also growing questions about corruption, with the Government announcing recently that it had found 6000 “ghost medical workers” on its payroll, even as real Ebola burial teams and frontline health officers say they have not been paid in weeks. (New York Times)

By Regina Radomski

In 2005, I adopted two older boys from Poland. A joyous event for sure, but sometimes I felt at a loss about how to help them. During those early years, their behaviours were often out of control and solutions were hard to find. I struggled daily, trying to find ways to understand their needs and help them understand our love, rules, and way of life. My hope was that we could connect them with someone who had knowledge of their culture, their feelings of abandonment, their loss of trust, and the many emotions I could never truly know myself; but at first, that was not meant to be.

A mentor— someone who could help them gain control of their new lives by easing them into it, without the boys even realising it—would have been ideal. Yet every time I tried to make a connection with someone who seemed to have potential, something went wrong; however, I never stopped trying. Sadly, my middle son fell into a very lonely place; the blessing was that he was ready to reach out— and to listen. He made a heart wrenching phone call to a good friend of mine, and she came running to his rescue. Fortunately, he grabbed on to her and let her help him shine.

Now, after two and a half years, anytime he falls on his face and needs a pick me up, he calls her and they talk. They may go to the mall; he may drive around with her while she picks up her children; but either way, he is getting knowledge from a mentor and doesn’t fight it. My friend is not herself adopted, but she really connects with children and has been a good friend to the whole family. And my son is not the only child she mentors; she has a gift!

You know, whenever an adult can connect with a child, whether it’s by playing basketball, hopscotch, jump rope or whatever, it’s a great thing! My hope for the future is that more mentoring groups for all children, adopted or not, develop and grow. (empoweringparents)

Private sector backs early elections

President Donald Ramotar’s decision to call General and Regional Elections in 2015 is receiving the support of civil society with the exception of a few.

Former Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Clinton Urling, who now heads the newly-formed social change advocate group Blue CAPS, offered his commendation to President Ramotar on Sunday.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Urling said though the President should have named a date for the elections, no longer can the country endure gridlock at the level of the National Assembly as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) engage in a struggle for power at the expense of

coming election.

“Really, I hope Guyanese of all walks of life would take elections very seriously. I am looking forward to a massive turn out where Guyanese would make a decision on the Government of

the electorate.

As Guyana heads for early elections, the Blue CAPS President called for greater involvement on the part of the young population. Additionally, he said there should be sufficient observers to ensure that Guyana benefits from “free and fair elections”.

The results, whether it favours the ruling PPP/C or the Opposition, should be respected even if it returns a minority Government to power. According to Urling, if the electorate votes another minority Government into office, it is clear that they are calling for “inclusive power”, where political parties would put aside their individual agendas and work in the best interest of Guyana.

Roraima Airways

Proprietor Captain Gerry Gouveia expressed similar sentiments, emphasising that President Ramotar should have named a date for the elections. According to Gouveia, “it is time for us to get on with the business of Guyana”. Like Urling, Gouveia believes that there should be a higher level of participation during this up-

their choice; a Government that would lead them for the next five years.”

Similarly, Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners

Association (GGDMA)

President Patrick Harding said there is a clear indication that the Government and the Opposition have failed miserably, and it is the electorate’s call for them to work together. He added there is no need for further gridlock, and as such, elec-

Cops launch programmes for sleuths, domestic violence victims

The Guyana Police Force has teamed up with the Cops and Faith Community Network (CFCN) to introduce two new projects that will provide spiritual guidance for Police officers and psychological coping mechanisms for victims of serious crimes.

The projects were launched on Saturday at the Police Officers Training Centre, Eve Leary. They include chaplaincy and family liaison for victims of serious crimes and domestic violence.

The concept behind the Force’s Chaplaincy is the involvement of the CFCN to provide chaplaincy services to members of the Guyana Police Force, especially those who have had traumatic experiences.

tion is the next best option. “Let the Guyanese people decide.”

On Saturday, President Ramotar announced his intention to dissolve the 10th Parliament, allowing for General and Regional Elections early next year.

The President had suspended Parliament on November 10, after the combined Opposition threatened to proceed with a NoConfidence Motion against his Administration at the first post-recess sitting of the National Assembly.

The Head of State pointed out that his actions were to preserve the life of the 10th Parliament while at the same time giving the parties the opportunity to engage in talks on matters that failed to gain adequate parliamentary consideration.

From the onset, the Alliance For Change (AFC) stated its unwillingness to engage in any talks. Nevertheless, President Ramotar wrote Opposition Leader David Granger, inviting him to dialogue; however, Granger responded in a brief letter dated December 2, refusing to have any discussion. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will soon be consulted on the way forward.

Meanwhile, President Ramotar expressed confidence that the PPP/C will once again return to office, this time with a majority.

“This situation has been an impediment to the development of our country and I think the Guyanese people are seeing that and this election, the PPP is taking the majority,” he reaffirmed while adding “… we have been doing very well in reaching out to supporters. A lot of our party leaders have been out, I myself have been out, and I can tell you our responses have been very, very good.”

The PPP/C has won every consecutive election since entering office in 1992; however, during the 2011 elections, it returned to power with a minority with the Opposition dominating the National Assembly.

The training programme was facilitated by officials of Chaplaincy International and placed emphasis on giving guidance and counselling.

In the meanwhile, as it relates to the family liaison for victims of serious crimes and domestic violence, it was recognised that in some instances, the victims of serious crimes are not cooperating fully with the Police investigators on issues such as giving statements, attending identification parades and attending court.

significant role in the development of the projects, while expressing the hope that this will continue and improve with time.

Simultaneously, the acting Commissioner urged members of the Force to be professional and to give of their best in support of the initiatives, while calling on them to strive to develop their interpersonal skills that can lead to improved Police-community relations.

It is recognised that there are Police ranks who visit crime scenes such as shooting incidents or murders where they have various experiences that may have a long-term effect on them, with a resulting unnoticed pressure building up that may eventually affect them psychologically.

Consequently, in situ-

With this in mind, the involvement of the religious leaders attached to the CFCN might have a positive impact by way of bringing some psychological relief to the victims in the first instance, along with giving encouragement for their cooperation with the Police as well as the provision of feedback to them on the progress of the investigations into a particular matter.

More comfortable

In many instances, persons are more comfortable talking to a religious leader and additionally, the pres-

Meanwhile, Pastor Doolichand pledged the continued support of the faith community in the development of the projects under the CFCN. He stated that some 282 members of the religious community are presently involved in the CFCN countrywide.

Additionally, during the forum, discussions were held on identified issues and recommendations made in order to ensure that the two projects can be operationalised in an effective manner. Another project in the pipeline between the Police Force and the CFCN is a suicide hotline,

ations where a rank or a group of ranks has been exposed to a traumatic situation, the CFCN will be providing counselling in order to bring some psychological relief. Additionally, if this intervention is not considered to be enough based on feedback, then higher and more in-depth treatment will be sought.

As a precursor to the initiating of the Chaplaincy Project, the Guyana Police Force has appointed a Force Chaplain, Pastor Patrick Doolichand, who will be coordinating the project and other projects involving the CFCN in addition to ceremonial duties.

Also, a number of members of the Guyana Police Force and the religious community comprising Christians, Muslims and Hindus, participated in a Level One Community Service Chaplaincy Training Programme during September this year that was organised by the Police in collaboration with the CFCN.

ence of the religious leader will serve to motivate ranks to be more professional in their delivery of service and assist in enhancing public trust.

Acting Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud in his address explained the concepts of both projects and detailed how they should be operationalised.

This will see the appointment of Police Community Relation Officers in each Division, who will not only engage in CFCN projects but other social programmes that the Force has on stream countrywide.

The Commissioner pointed out that the social intervention projects and the work to empower youths in the various Police Divisions have impacted positively on the crime rate.

He lauded the excellent partnership that exists between the Police Force and the CFCN. Persaud also commended religious leaders who have been offering their services on a voluntary basis and playing a

where depressed persons can call with a view to receiving counselling.

The CFCN was launched by the Home Affairs Ministry on September 12, 2013, as a pilot project for a period of six months in the 10 communities in which the Community Action Component of the Citizen Security Programme was implemented. They are Sophia, Agricola/McDoom, Plaisance, Buxton/ Friendship, Annandale/ Lusignan, Angoy’s Avenue, Overwinning/Glasgow/ Edinburg, Port Mourant, Rosehall and Kilcoy/ Chesney/Fyrish.

At the inception, it was a crime prevention effort intended to treat with juvenile first offenders, and involving minor offences, as a preemptive intervention to the New Opportunity Corps. A review and assessment conducted at the end of the pilot stage was highly positive and consequently, the initiative has been expanded countrywide.

Police spread Christmas cheer to Tiger Bay youth

The very talented students of the Rosemary Lane Youth Club showed how fun it is being a child on Sunday when the Guyana Police Force hosted a Christmas luncheon for the club.

The event was held at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary on Sunday where the children participated in a number of activities at a well -attended concert.

There were poem recitals, dance performances and singing by the club’s choir which had everyone in the audience clapping their hands and tapping their feet to the popular tunes.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Department Leslie James expressed his satisfaction of the efforts that go into sustaining the programme over the years. He said the programme was de-

signed to generate vocational skills and build inter-personal relations among the youths in Rosemary Lane and from what was displayed at the function; clearly, the initiative has been a success.

Several children whose performances stood out in the various acts were presented

with special awards. One of the youths who was clearly the favourite of the audience was Shemar Bullen, who had everyone lively during his rendition of “Happy” and “I know who I am”.

He and others were presented with monetary awards from Commander of

the needs of the evolving society.

Currently, there are a total of 70 children in the programme; however, only about 30 of them regularly attend.

Throughout the year, the youths were taught vocational skills and craft while receiving lectures on child and drug abuse at the many events held.

Some 18 youths attended the Police Force/ Women Police Association Youth Camp at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre, Soesdyke Highway, in August.

At the camp, they were taught woodwork and craft, among other skills.

Additionally, the Force’s Criminal Investigation Department also conducted a summer training programme in August where the students were given English and Mathematics classes and participated in other con-

A Division Clifton Hicken and other senior officers of the Force.

At the end of the programme, the children were treated to a scrumptious meal and all walked away with a present, thanks to the Guyana Police Force.

The Rosemary Lane Youth Club was founded several years ago by former Police Commissioner Larry Lewis. The programme is mandated to impart onto club members religious teaching, skills coaching and lectures on key issues affecting society.

Despite fluctuating attendance, the youth club has managed to record another successful year by improving

structive activities.

On Sundays, ranks from the Criminal Records Office and the Supreme Court would pick up children from the homes and take them to the Police Sports Club, where they were taught spiritual guidance and lectured on child abuse and domestic violence.

For the New Year, plans are in place to expand the programme with the intention of attracting more children to the club. There are also plans to get the children more involve in music and photography in the hope of sparking an interest in them to join the Force. Sporting activities such as cricket, football and tennis training are also in the works.

Edingburgh man found hanging

The body of an East Bank Berbice man who has been described as a “big drinker” was on Sunday morning discovered under his house hanging by the neck with a rope attached to it.

Parmanand Dhanraj of Edingburgh Village, East Bank Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) is believed to have taken his own life. The discovery was made by a resident who alerted neighbours.

Dhanraj, 38, was found hanging with a piece of rope from a hammock which was left blowing in the wind beneath him. A bottle with what is believed to be alco-

hol was beneath the hanging body with about half of its contents remaining. A packet containing cigarettes was next to the bottle.

The discovery was made about 06:15h. Dhanraj’s motionless body was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where it was certified as dead. The labourer did odd jobs in the village and lived alone.

He was recently separated from his wife. Reports are that the couple had a child together. Dhanraj was last seen by neighbours under his house. A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on the body shortly.

Eyew tness Beyond redemption...

...shameless pimp Nagamootoo

The PPP/C has described Moses Nagamootoo - who jumped ship in a huff because he wasn’t voted as their Presidential Candidate - as an “errand boy” for the AFC/PNC/APNU. They’ve made the point that this Eyewitness’ been making ad nauseum. Why, out of the blue - Ramjattan nixed his party’s “racial leadership rotation” in favour of Nagamootoo as the party’s Presidential Candidate?

It’s now obvious that this was the pound of flesh Nagamootoo must’ve demanded for hopping over to the AFC. This is a man who’s been consumed by that “mean and hungry” look for “leadership-or-nothing”, as far back as anyone can remember. The question, of course, is why would Nigel Hughes, the “African AFC leader”, whose turn it was at the top slot, move aside for somebody like Nagamootoo??

Nagamootoo, of course, is a foul-mouthed race baiter of the PNC, who Granger rejected for Trotman as Speaker because he was “too PPP/C”. In PNC lingo (to malign the PPP/C), this meant Nagamootoo was an “Indian aapanjaatist”. Well Hughes sidestepped because (1) his credibility was damaged since he’d been caught with his hand in Sithe’s till. But more so (2) because he figured Nagamootoo would poach PPP/C’s Indian voters in Berbice - to be delivered to the PNC/APNU to throw the PPP/C out of office!

And Ramjattan?? Well, that wanker earns his keep from his foreign handlers who’re determined to see the PPP/C’s back so their multinationals could rape Guyana.

So you see dear readers?? Nagamootoo isn’t an “errand boy”. He’s a PIMP who would woo the Indians of Berbice so that they - and all of Guyana - can be raped by the comprador PNC/APNU and their multi-national masters! O tempora!! O MORES!!

...clueless slave

Mook Lall’s house slave says as a kid, he was taught that “honesty is the best policy”. And that once you start lying, you have to keep on making up fibs...just to cover your ass. We wish he’d followed that advice as an adult. Can you imagine the amount of lies he’s had to concoct - and tellas Burnham’s Editor of Chronicle for decades?? If he was a wooden puppet like Pinocchio, his nose’d be the length of a coconut tree!!

Anyhow, right now, he’s following up on his master’s vendetta against Brassington and the Marriott. Jagdeo, of course, gets the obligatory lash. Sadly, Slaveboy just reveals how out of depth he is on matters concerning finances. But how could he be otherwise?? While he’s trusted to be chief cook and bottle washer to do the dirty on his master’s “enemies”, he’d better not poke his nose in finances!! Forget the tongue lashing...it’s the whip-lashing that’s a bitch! He’d better “know his place”.

He didn’t follow our friendly advice to find out the difference between a “debenture” and a “mortgage”. Let’s see if he can translate this into two-syllable words for his master: “a debenture’s one type of security a company (in this case AHI) may be asked to grant a lender” (here, Republic Bank). The debenture’s typically secured by floating or fixed charges, that is, the company agrees to put up assets as security. While this is technically a “legal mortgage”, the charge only crystallises when the lender decides to call in his loan, for example, on insolvency, and thus ranks before unsecured debtors for funds when the company’s liquidated.

“A mortgage on the other hand, relates to a particular asset, generally land or buildings. When the debt is called in, the lender gets the proceeds of the sale of the asset and is an unsecured creditor for any shortfall.”

...so “manners” them!!

The AFC and APNU are going into a coalition to throw out the PPP/C on the strategy explained above. But they’re gonna be feeling the Rod of Correction from the people, come Election Day!!

Police reform team fulfilling mandate – Rohee

The Strategic Management Department within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is fulfilling its mandate despite minor challenges, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said.

The Strategic Management Department was established with the primary goal of establishing and implementing a five-year strategic plan to aid in the reformation of the Guyana Police Force.

The Home Affairs Ministry said it should not be forgotten that the Guyana Police Force in its 175 years of existence has never undertaken a task of such complexity and magnitude. Hence, the formulation of a strategic plan which addresses both operational efficiency and organisational cultural reforms should be viewed as a step in the right direction. Additionally, it should serve as a reminder of the

Ministry’s commitment to bring the Guyana Police Force in line with modern Police forces globally.

In this regard, the Home Affairs Ministry said the Strategic Management Department has been making process even as recommendations continue to trickle in. It was explained

that the department has conducted a series of assessments, in addition to the formulation of proposals which were submit in pursuit of the objectives of the plan. Additionally, it has been providing technical assistance in the development of the action plan.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs has been in the forefront of this effort and appreciates the combined efforts of all the players actively involved in this initiative.”

Principal among the major interventions in that regard has been the recent commissioning of a management audit of the Strategic Management Department. Based on the audit done, seven recommendations have been made and have since been communicated to the hierarchy of the Force for implementation under the watch of the subject Ministry.

The facilitation of a mul-

ti-stakeholder forum and a citizen perception survey were among some of the recommendations made with the intention of highlighting the perceptions, expectations and potential contributions that stakeholders can provide to the Police in fulfilling their constitutional mandate in serving and protecting citizens.

“At the Ministry of Home Affairs, we are satisfied that some work has been done and others are ongoing with reform and modernisation as the focal issues.”

But the Ministry warned that these interventions could fail in the absence of ownership on the part of the Force. “The Ministry of Home Affair recognises that any institution steeped in a certain operational mode will sometimes quite unwittingly display signs of resistance at influential levels. In the case of the Guyana Police Force, although reforms are in themselves desirable, care must be taken that our expectations of a quick fix do not take root in unrealistic ways. Results will not come overnight.”

Nevertheless, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to the Force for the benefit of all Guyanese.

Rum Jhaat want a good whip fuh he back

Along time now, de Pee-P-P people had know that Rum Jhaat and de Nagga Man is two strange people. And this strangeness ain’t even got any ting to do wid how dem look, how much rum dem does walk wid in dem lawyer bags, or whah does come out dem mouth.

Fuh de Nagga Man to have de guts (although he gotta lot) to stand up in Parliament and tell de whole House and de whole nation that he tell he grandson to “shut yuh soand-so mouth”, every body know right away that is a man wid no class.

In fact, one Parliamentarian who does sit down near to de Nagga Man does use another word that rhyme wid “class” to describe Nagga behaviour. And although it related to “crass”, it ain’t that.

Well, that Parliamentarian got to be right, because de Prezzi had use a word in Berbice that mean de same ting to describe de Nagga Man. One big people might be wrong some of the time, but fuh two big people to be wrong on de same matter at de same time bout de same man is unlikely.

Rum Jhaat, of course, is a different kettle of fish altogether. And de fish part ain’t got any ting to do wid de shape of he mouth when he talkin. And nowadays he talkin bout sheer crack and back and a good whip.

Every body at de KFC Con-Vention leff wid dem mouth open when Rum Jhaat tell dem to getta good whip and crack it pun he back. Now Rum Jhaat does look stupiddy most of de times as a lawyer when he deh in court. But he ain’t look stupiddy when he start talkin bout bout de crack and de back plus a good whip at de Con-Vention.

Right away one man get up and seh he goin fuh de whip.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And de Con-Vention end right deh when Rum Jhaat tell he, “Ah comin wid yuh”.

AFC/PNC coalition bad business

– Norton says AFC should just weaken PPP/C

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Aubrey Norton said he does not support the move by the Alliance For Change (AFC) to form any deal with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in establishing a broad national alliance for the upcoming elections.

AFC re-elected leader Khemraj Ramjattan at the party’s Biennial Convention on Saturday morning had told supporters that the AFC was ready to enter into negotiations to lead a pro-democracy alliance with “progressive forces” including the worker unions and political forces including disenfranchised members of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and APNU.

But at a forum Sunday afternoon, during discussions on the way forward for Guyana, particularly as it relates to the prorogation of Parliament, Norton said the two main political parties must rid the country of the PPP/C administration.

“The issue at hand is beating the PPP and getting rid of the PPP and the best approach to beating the PPP in my opinion, the APNU has to continue to do its work in its constituency and the AFC

has to continue doing its work with the aim of garnering more votes that were traditionally PPP,” Norton told the small forum.

He added: “One will see that if (Nigel Hughes) becomes the Presidential Candidate of the AFC, he is more likely to draw the African Guyanese constituency and that will be negative for the APNU, and in my opinion that is how you stand your best chance,” Norton told the gathering. The announcement by the AFC on Saturday came weeks after the smaller political Opposition body had shrugged off calls for it to join forces with APNU.

APNU’s Leader retired Brigadier David Granger had been continuously proposing the idea of the parties coming together for a preelection alliance to contest the General and Regional Elections. However, the AFC Leader has been ignoring such calls, pointing out that his party would stand a better chance being successful outside of a coalition with APNU.

Ramjattan had also said that joining forces with APNU would severely impact the AFC’s constituency, especially supporters who are dissatisfied with both the PPP/C and PNCR/APNU.

The party had already raised concerns over the validity of report coming out of Berbice; a known stronghold of the PPP/C, that it was losing ground there.

Reports were that AFC supporters, particularly those who had crossed over from the PPP/C to the AFC at the last General Elections, were outraged at news that the AFC was planning to join APNU, a component of the PNC, which they believe continues to support the dictatorial and hardliner economic and social policies of the Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham regime.

Times Notebook

Early elections represent a new beginning again

On December 6, President Donald Ramotar announced that he will decide on a date for new general elections and that he will inform the nation in January, after he would have consulted various stakeholders.

The President declared that the prorogation of Parliament, which he had proclaimed on November 10, was intended to explore even the remotest chance of dialogue between political parties to end our political impasse.

After 26 days, the President concluded that his pleadings for talks had fallen on deaf ears. It is frightening that the political leaders of APNU and AFC could not afford the Guyanese people one more chance for dialogue. They pounded their chest and huffed and puffed that the Government must go no matter what the consequences. Power is the only goal that APNU and AFC were after.

The President was elected for five years by the people of Guyana in free and fair elections. That term only comes to an end in November 2016 and the term constitutionally could last till February 2017.

Parliament, far from being the beacon of democracy and the foundation on which we build a free and democratic country, has become the sledge hammer and a

guillotine to fatally suck the nation’s blood and strangle democracy in the very halls of freedom.

Many argued that the best possible outcome for Guyana resulted from the 2011 general elections. They called it the new dispensation, a creature of the people’s collective wisdom. It was proudly touted that the new dispensation would force political parties to cooperate and collaborate more.

Many of us, indeed, had wished that the results of the 2011 elections would have provided us with a new dispensation in which political parties inculcate a culture of talking to each other in good faith. But the 10th Parliament, far from being a Parliament of respect, dialogue and compromise turned out to be a hung Parliament.

The Opposition parties thought that the one-seat numerical advantage that the 2011 elections provided them could instead be used to create deadlock and impasse, disrespect democratic norms and that the muscle of a one seat numerical advantage gave them the right to reject any form of meaningful dialogue.

The Opposition used the new dispensation to teach the Government a lesson, ignoring the welfare of the nation. Since Independence in 1966, the 10th Parliament

has contributed the least to Guyana’s development. The 10th Parliament saw the Standing Committee for the Revision of the Constitution under the leadership of David Granger, Leader of the Opposition, meeting only three times in three years. One of those meetings was to elect the Chairperson.

At that meeting, the Opposition used its numerical advantage to elect the Leader of the Opposition as the Chair of the Committee. After that, the Committee met only twice simply to consider previous work done in earlier Parliaments.

Many important Government bills ended up mired in Special Select Committees where the Opposition used their numerical advantage to suffocate Government’s business. In many cases, the Opposition parties forced through measures that were

Climate change impacts on Caribbean discussed at Peru meeting

An overview of the main effects of climate change on Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as policy recommendations, was delivered last week by the head of ECLAC’s Climate Change Unit, Luis Miguel Galindo.

The presentation was made during a side event held in the framework of the 20th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 20), which is taking place in Lima, Peru.

Strong economic dynamism in the region has contributed to reducing poverty and improving social conditions.

However, it has also triggered negative impacts – like greenhouse gas emissions, greater vehicular traffic, fossil fuel consumption and deteriorating air quality –that are eroding the founda-

tions of the current development scheme, the official said at the event Euroclima: Joint Regional Responses to Climate Change by the European Union and Latin America.

The adaptation and mitigation measures needed to comply with climate targets require reaching a global climate agreement that is based on moving towards sustainable development, he said.

Euroclima, which began in 2008, is a cooperation programme between the European Union (EU) and Latin America focused on climate change. It receives financing from the EU and one of its components, the socioeconomic one, is implemented by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

Other participants at the event held in the Brussels room of the European pavilion included representatives

from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the European Commission.

As part of the Euroclima programme, different studies have been carried out on climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in the region’s countries. In addition, the initiative has enabled the creation of spaces for dialogue at a national and regional level on methodologies, successful experiences and public policy alternatives for adaptation and mitigation of this phenomenon.

ECLAC will share two reports with its vision on climate change challenges in the region and will participate in numerous parallel events during the COP20, which will be held in the Peruvian capital until December 12.

unconstitutional.

In the three years, the Opposition parties collectively cut more than $90B from the National Budget. The Appointments Committee reversed the comprehensive consultation process for nominations that the 8th and 9th Parliament developed. They sought to replace the Executive with the National Assembly.

We can recall may-

be two bills introduced by the Opposition in the three years and at least one of the two bills they introduced was unconstitutional. In previous Parliaments, they argued that it was not practical for the Opposition to introduce bills because the Government would use its majority to shut the Opposition down. What was their excuse this time around?

It is a terrible tragedy that the 10th Parliament is coming to an end more than two years before its constitutional deadline. Since leaders like Granger and AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and their parties refuse to serve the people’s interest, the time has come for the people to have a direct say. The next elections must replace the present quagmire with a genuine new dispensation, one in which the Government of Guyana is

able to conduct the people’s business without destructive delays and childish tantrums.

The 10th Parliament has caused Guyana to lose ground in consolidating democratic gains. Whilst split Parliaments with no single party majority might seem like an elegant formula to force dialogue and compromise, in fact, with powerdrunk leaders, the opposite could be true.

The 10th Parliament presented Guyana with the worst possible option, the new dispensation that created impasse and stalled Guyana’s development. The President’s announcement of new elections will give us a chance for a genuine new beginning again, as in 1992, when democracy was restored.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times. notebook@gmail.com.

5034 registered with NAPS HIV/AIDS Programme

The National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS) has registered a total of 5034 patients in their programme with 4274 of those patients accessing anti-retroviral (ARVs) drugs, according to Programme Manager, Dr Shanti Singh.

Dr Singh was at the time addressing a number of health workers and other invitees at an appreciation ceremony to honour partners of NAPS.

She said the numbers in-

dicate that the HIV treatment programme has been working progressively all year in caring for persons with the virus.

Thus, she said the virus no longer poses a threat, but facilitates normal life for those infected.

Dr Singh also disclosed that these tests could not have been possible without persons being encouraged to get tested and know their status.

She said a total of 26, 028 tests were done at the

58 testing sites around Guyana, including the tests done through the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) blood screening programme.

“Testing continues with greater emphasis on reaching the key groups on detecting HIV positive cases.” The key groups include sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM).

The NAPS Programme Manager also used the opportunity to thank a number of organisations for enabling

the testing and treatments as they all unite in the fight against AIDS. Keith Burrowes was recognised for being an “invaluable contributor to the health sector programme, particularly the HIV response in Guyana”.

He was at one time the Executive Director of the Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU) for seven years, during which he successfully managed the implementation of the Basic Nutrition Programme, the Health Sector Reform

Programme, the World Bank HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Project and the Global Fund HIV, TB, Malaria and HSS Grants.

It is due to the “competent” negotiations of

Chance, Totaram Hansraj, Leslyn Roberts, and the Finance and Personnel

Burrowes that the health sector was able to gain donations from the Global Fund and the World Bank.

NAPS employee

Departments of the Health Ministry were also awarded for giving substantial support to the AIDS programmes.

Corentyne Chamber urges Govt to address crime, high taxes

By Andrew CArmiChAel

The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) is calling on the Donald Ramotar Administration to seriously address the issues of high taxes, unemployment and crime in the Berbice region.

President of the chamber Tajpaul Adjodhea made the call last Friday evening at the chamber’s awards ceremony held at its newly-built $35 million office in Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice.

Adjodhea said the chamber has an obligation to make representation on behalf of the business community and statements made by the chamber should not be seen as politically-motivated.

“One of the objectives of the chamber is to make representation to Government on matters of industrial and commercial development and to pursue the impact of fiscal and economic policies as they impact development of the community.”

Adjodhea said he is of the view that citizens are being overtaxed.

“Government three years ago promised Berbicans a reform of the tax system. A three-person tribunal was appointed but three years has past and the tribunal has not met as yet; there is no tax reform…. There can be no justification that an important commodity like gasoline that impacts on every facet of the community will attract a tax of 40 per cent.

”

Crime, he said is another

worrying issue even as the Police boast that there is not an upsurge.

“But the crime rate for armed robberies has risen significantly. Every single day you look into the newspapers, businesses are being robbed. When we engaged the Commander 10 years ago, he told us that they have manpower issues; they don’t have enough persons in the Police Force to Police the community that they have issued with equipment and vehicles. Ten years down the line, those same issued still exist. Where is the plan to fight crime?” he asked.

While applauding efforts made to attract tourist to Guyana, Adjodhea said many of them get robbed when they arrive.

“When Police find the bandits, they can’t prosecute

them successfully because they have Corporals prosecuting against the brightest criminal lawyers in the country.”

Weak prosecution

He is advising that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) engage the services of lawyers to prosecute some of the cases in the courts.

“When you look at some of the decisions that are be-

of qualified graduates in Guyana and the Police Force still have a manpower shortage; Adjodhea said it is time to revise policies.

“As a chamber when we make representation, it must not be seen as political, it must not be seen as right only when it suits your convention. You must look into the material that is being said. You must analyse it before making a judgment call,” he noted.

ing thrown out of court because of technicalities, this is because of improper presentation of case material, something is wrong,” Adjodhea said.

Touching on unemployment, he said there are secondary school and university graduates, but the Police Force is unable to attract them.

With the high numbers

Meanwhile, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Khadija Musa, who delivered the feature address, noted that businesses are affected by growing social and political challenges.

She feels that the chamber has a right to challenge the Government and not hesitate to advocate and pursue betterment.

“You cannot move forward if you do not push politicians, they need to be pushed.” She said high taxes stifle the oxygen out of the economic engine, noting that “it is a crucial area that requires reform”.

According to Musa, the chamber needs to become familiar with the National Competitiveness Strategy and other such policies so that it can play a useful role as an advocate.

“It is important that organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce to emulate the Business Call to Action (BCA); a global group that seeks to harness the power of business investments to reduce extreme poverty and improve lives of ordinary citizens.”

The BCA was launched in 2008, and among its goals is the acceleration of progress towards the millennium development goal by challenging companies to develop inclusive business models that offer potential for commercial success.

At the awards ceremony, Dr Ramesh Sugrim was honoured for his commitment and selfless service to the region. Dr Sugrim has served the Berbice as a medical doctor for the past 29 years.

The CCCC also honoured businessman Nazeer Ahman Hamid, who has provided dedicated service to the community for decades. JC Chandisingh top Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) student Natasha Alladin was also honoured.

December 8, 2014 |

Govt takes steps to correct flaws in revised laws

Attorney General Anil Nandlall on Friday met with Justice Abdullah D Zuru, a Law Revision Consultant attached to the Legal and Institutional Framework of the Caricom Secretariat, to address the deficiencies that have been attributed to the newly Revised Laws of Guyana.

In light of the deficiencies found within the Revised Laws of Guyana, the Attorney General has constituted a team of officers within the Law Revision of the Legal Affairs Ministry, which will be headed by Justice Zuru, to begin the process of addressing those deficiencies.

The Law Revision Secretariat would have in

addition to Justice Zuru, Cheyenne Lall, State Counsel assigned to the Law Revision Unit and Renée K Sandiford, Legal Assistant within the Law Revision Unit.

In a release, the Attorney General said Justice Zuru has the magnitude of experience necessary to address the deficiencies associated with the newly Revised Laws of Guyana.

He has successfully remedied similar discrepancies associated with Revised Laws in countries such as Fiji, Belize, Dominica and many others including Caricom member countries. He noted that such deficiencies are not uncommon when Law Revision is done, specifi-

Full Gospel Churches host rally

The Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches on Saturday culminated its Jubilee Celebrations with a grand march and rally at the Kennard Memorial Turf Ground, Bushlot Farm, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The Fellowship is currently celebrating 50 years in Guyana, a release stated. Hundreds of marchers representing the Full Gospel Churches from all across Guyana moved off from Cromarty and Adventure on the Corentyne and converged at the Kennard Memorial Turf Ground for the thanksgiving rally. The rally featured a number of items including songs, dances, poems, drama and testimonies. The feature address was delivered by current Superintendent of the Full Gospel Fellowship Apostle Elsworth Williams.

Williams said God wants to bring change, spiritual, economic and social change to the residents of Corentyne and Guyana as a whole and encouraged

cally after a protracted period. In the case of Guyana, the last Law Revision ex-

ercise occurred nearly 40 years ago.

In the meeting, Justice

Zuru was apprised by Minister Nandlall of the deficiencies that have been

attributed to the newly Revised Laws such as omissions and mistakes which have to be corrected. Justice Zuru outlined that paramount to addressing the deficiencies of the Revised Laws is the establishment of an index. This index, he articulated would be the beginning of the process of rectifying the omissions and mistakes that have been made in the newly Revised Laws. Once the index is completed, then the others steps would be taken to rectify the problems associated with the Revised Laws. A draft of this new index has already been prepared and was presented by Justice Zuru to the Attorney General. The Legal Affairs Ministry has pledged to provide all the requisite support to see this exercise to its successful completion. The work will begin on December 7.

residents to be prepared as God is about to intervene.

He also called on the church to be real and open since they have to set the example. Among those in attendance were senior Region Six officials and B Division Commander Brian Joseph.

Earlier this year, the Fellowship held several special activities including a prayer breakfast, torch run, March of witness, anniversary service, national conference and many social projects.

Two special commemorative stamps were also launched by the Guyana Post Office Corporation in July. The Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches was founded by the late Philip Mohabir and others in April 1964. Today, the body consists of about 120 churches located all across the 10 administrative regions of Guyana, making it the largest Christian denomination in Guyana. The Fellowship also has branches and affiliated bodies in over 80 nations.

AG challenges Chief Justice’s ruling on paper committals

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister

Anil Nandlall has appealed a ruling by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, who deemed paper committals “unlawful” in a matter where Attorney Murseline Bacchus had challenged the Sexual Offences Amendment Act based on a decision taken by a magistrate to commit his client to stand trial at the High Court.

The legal action was filed by the AG on November 25. Additionally two days later, Nandlall also filed a stay of execution on the decision made by the Chief Justice. In his ruling last month, Justice Chang ruled that paragraph five of the First Schedule to the Sexual Offences Act purports to disallow cross-examination of the makers of prosecution witness statements, which he pointed out was inconsistent with Articles 144 (2) (d) and (e) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

He further ruled that Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus acted in violation of the defendants rights under Article 144 (2) (d) and (e) when she disallowed crossexamination of the makers of prosecution witness statements tendered against the applicant in the Preliminary Inquiry.

In the Constitution, Article 144 (2) (a) (d) and (e) states – (2) It shall be the duty of a court to ascertain the truth in every case and every person who is charged with a criminal offence: (a) Shall be presumed to be innocent until he or she is

proved or has pleaded guilty; (d) Shall be permitted to defend himself or herself before the court in person or by a legal representative of his or her own choice; and (e) Shall be afforded facilities to examine in person or by his or her legal representative the witnesses called by the prosecution before the court and to obtain the attendance and carry out the examination of witnesses to testify on his behalf before the court on the same conditions as those applying to witnesses called by the prosecution.

However, the Attorney General in his grounds for appeal, said that the judge erred and misdirected himself in law when he ruled that “in so far as paragraph five of the First Schedule of the Sexual Offences Act Chap 8:03 purports to disallow cross-examination of the makers of prosecution witness statements”. The AG noted that this was inconsistent with Articles 144 (2) (d) and (e) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Misdirection

He then stated that Justice Chang further erred and misdirected himself when he ruled that while it does appear that the amended paragraph five to the First Schedule to the Sexual Offences Act does afford the person charged the opportunity of tendering witness statements on the same conditions as are applicable to the witness statements tendered by the prosecution,

Article 144 (2) (e) clearly imposes a positive duty on the court to facilitate the examination of prosecution witnesses by the person charged either in person or by his or her legal representative.

Nandlall went on to say “The learned Judge erred and misdirected himself in law when he ruled that the learned Magistrate Sherdel Issacs-Marcus acted in violation of the Respondent/ Applicant’s rights under Article 144 (2)(d) and (e) when she disallowed crossexamination of the makers of prosecution witness statements tendered against the applicant in the paper committal proceedings”.

The legal document pointed out that the Chief Justice erred and misdirected himself when he failed to consider that the specific requirements of Articles 144 (2) (d) and (e) are satisfied by the Sexual Offences Act Cap 8:03, in particular, the accused is entitled at his trial to cross-examine the pros-

ecution witnesses and give oral evidence.

It added that the Judge “erred and misdirected himself in law when he failed to consider that the Applicant’s Constitutional Rights as guaranteed by the specific requirements of Articles 144 (2) (e) are satisfied by the Sexual Offences Act Chap 8:03 which clearly sets out that the accused shall be afforded the same conditions as those applied to the prosecution”.

The AG explained that the Judge erred and misdirected himself when he failed to take in to consideration that the Respondent/ Applicant, who was legally represented by a Counsel, was given every opportunity to provide evidence and failed or declined to exercise his rights during the paper committal proceedings. Another point that was argued in the appeal was that “the learned Judge erred and misdirected himself when he failed to consider that a paper committal proceeding is a judicial process to determine whether in the Magistrate’s opinion, there is sufficient evidence to commit the accused for trial or to discharge the accused if the Magistrate is of the opinion that there is insufficient evidence”.

Finally, Nandlall noted that Justice Chang even further erred and misdirected himself when he failed to consider that the Court was by way of Prerogative Writ not appropriately procedurally moved to make a finding of unconstitutionality.

Jags Aviation to expand fleet …launches Christmas package

By Royden James

Domestic airline service Jags Aviation on Saturday officially launched its first Christmas package and officials said they have been making great strides since entering the industry.

The airline’s aim is to create cheaper airfares for persons travelling to interior locations for work or persons going to the Kaieteur or Orindiuk falls as well as the Quari in Bartica.

According to one of the Directors of Jags Aviation, Briony Tiwari, apart from cheap airfares, passengers will also benefit from free meals. She said thus far a number of persons have used the new service and was waiting for the Christmas promotion to be launched to cash in on a once-in-a-lifetime deal.

She disclosed that a number of persons have also booked their flights for the various locations. When asked about the future of the air service, the Director said that for the New Year there will be a number of new aircraft operationalised to expand the fleet.

She said they will also be expanding their service to full time in Mahdia and other interior locations where they did not make frequent flights so that miners will be able to move on a more regular basis. Tiwari also dis-

closed that they will soon be entering into the tourism market as stated from the beginning to expand Guyana’s economy.

“You will also see substantial investments in the promotion of Guyana as a

Probe into “loose talking” magistrate yet to commence

More than a week since Magistrate Alex Moore was suspended, the inquiry into the allegations levelled against him is yet to commence.

Moore was suspended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) two Fridays ago after it was reported that he allegedly made some inappropriate statements to an East Coast Demerara businesswoman at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Member of the JSC, Justice Prem Persaud, told the Guyana Times that a date has to be set by the chairman of the Commission and Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh. He added that after a date is set, the magistrate will be before the five member-commission. During the inquiry proceedings, Magistrate Moore will be given an opportunity to defend himself. Nevertheless, Justice Persaud noted that in the interim, the Magistrate will continue to be on suspension.

The 47-year-old businesswoman Seerojanie Singh appeared before Moore at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on a cross charge of abusive language on November 12, when the incident occurred. The woman claimed that she was tormented by the Magistrate, who was “disrespectful” in the manner in which he handled the case and spoke to her in front of a packed courtroom.

Singh was quoted in another newspaper alleging that the Magistrate questioned her and the other party in the matter about using expletives towards each other and further threatened to “prosecute” her because she refused to dismiss the matter.

destination for international and domestic tourism. We want to encourage everyone in the tourism and transportation sectors to work together to quickly bring Guyana’s tourism infrastructure to the place where we are hosting a substantial number of tourists each year,” she stated.

The air service is working hand in hand with Dagron Tours which is responsible for selling individual seats to make sure that all passengers’ needs are met and fares are offered at affordable prices. Jags Aviation was launched in August by the BK International Group of Companies.

The airline will be providing domestic services to interior locations with a brand new aircraft recently added to its fleet. The Cessna Grand Caravan

Following the incident, the woman brought the matter to the attention of the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General and also wrote the Chancellor of the Judiciary as well as the Ombudsman. The matter was then handed over to the JSC, which met on Friday when the decision was taken to indefinitely suspend Magistrate Moore with immediate effect.

Over the past weeks, Magistrate Moore has come under fire from both civil society and the legal fraternity after he handed down an unprecedented ruling of a five-year suspended sentence to confessed drug trafficker Leonard Bacchus. Bacchus had pleaded guilty to trafficking 76 kilograms of cocaine in kunds worth some $300 million, back in 2011 after a raid was conducted at his Enmore, East Coast Demerara home. Additionally, the 47-yearold businessman was also given a suspended sentence of two years for being in unlawful possession of 125 12-guage cartridges and 115 .32 rounds of ammunition. The man was further fined $2.5 million and was given up to next June to pay.

208B EX, valued some US$3 million, has a seating capacity of 13, excluding the pilot. It is equipped with stateof-the-art technology and is fully air conditioned.

The Director assured that her company will be continuing its efforts to improve the aviation sector by investing in new aircraft and higher standards of operations and customer care. Some of the services offered by the air service include interior charter flights, cargo flights, passenger flights, sightseeing flights, medical evacuation, aerial surveys, shuttles, and overseas charters.

The airline is currently using the Wings Aviation facility at the Ogle International Airport; however, it is currently engaged in negotiations for land to build a new hangar.

Around the world

Syria says Israeli jets hit Damascus

Syria has accused Israel of carrying out air strikes against two Government-held areas in Damascus province, one of them near the Damascus international airport.

There was no immediate reaction to Sunday’s report from the Israeli authorities.

“The Israeli enemy attacked Syria by targeting two safe areas in Damascus province, namely the Dimas area and the area of Damascus International Airport,” state TV said.

The state-owned Al Ikhbariya TV station reported no casualties, but said “the Israeli enemy committed a heinous attack by targeting two peaceful areas in the Damascus countryside”.

Al Jazeera’s Jane Ferguson, reporting from Beirut in neighbouring Lebanon, said the Syrian Government issued a statement shortly after the news of the attacks broke.

It said the attacks were evidence that Israelis were supporting what it called “terrorists”, she said.

“The statement also said the Syrian Government would respond in a way the military saw it. But they have said this before and they have not responded militarily against Israel.”

The Israeli military has launched several air raids

Tragedy strikes Ethiopian migrant boat

At least 70 Ethiopians have drowned after a boat used by smugglers to transport migrants to Yemen sank in the Red Sea in rough weather, according to security authorities in the western part of Yemen.

The authorities in Taiz province told the Associated Press news agency on Sunday that the small boat sank after encountering high winds and rough seas off al-Makha port.

Human traffickers often use unseaworthy boats to smuggle African migrants

to Yemen, seen as a gateway to wealthier parts of the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and Oman, and Europe.

They said the boat was carrying 70 people, all of them Ethiopians.

Tens of thousands of migrants from Africa, the Middle East and beyond crowd into often unsafe boats each year and many drown.

In March, at least 42 African migrants drowned in the Arabian Sea off the southern coast of Yemen. (Al Jazeera)

against Syrian military positions since the outbreak of the country’s armed uprising in 2011.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict, said one of the sites targeted, Dimas, was a military position.

Operations at the international airport are both civilian and military.

Activists posted footage online purporting to show Government air-to-air missiles targeting Israeli fighter jets over the Dimas region.

Before Sunday, the most recent air raid was in March and targeted military positions in the Quneitra region that borders the Israelioccupied Golan Heights.

13 killed in failed US hostage rescue bid in Yemen

Awoman, a 10-yearold boy and a local al Qaeda leader were among at least 11 people killed alongside two Western hostages when US-led forces fought Islamist militants in a failed rescue mission in Yemen, residents said on Sunday.

US Special Forces raided the village of Dafaar in Shabwa province, a militant stronghold in southern Yemen, shortly after midnight on Saturday, killing several members of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

American journalist Luke Somers, 33, and South African teacher Pierre Korkie, 56, were shot and killed by their captors during the raid intended to free them, US officials said.

AQAP, formed in 2006 by the merger of the Yemeni and Saudi branches of the network, has for years been seen by Washington as one

of the movement’s most dangerous branches.

Western Governments fear advances by Shi’ite Muslim Houthi fighters with links to Iran have bolstered support among Yemeni Sunnis for AQAP, which has established itself in parts of Yemen, including Shabwa where the raid took place.

However, since Islamic State in Syria and Iraq began distributing films of its militants beheading Western hostages, the focus on AQAP, which has traditionally used hostage-taking as a way to raise funds, had diminished until now.

At least two more hostages are being held by the group.

The Yemen-based group, loyal to the wider al Qaeda organisation founded by Osama bin Laden, has denounced Islamic State, but Western and Gulf sources say there may be operational connections between the two.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Typhoon Hagupit strikes Philippines

Typhoon Hagupit has killed at least three people, destroyed homes and flooded coastal communities across the eastern and central Philippines, affecting millions of people.

The storm moved in from the Pacific Ocean and struck remote fishing communities on Samar island on Saturday night, but weakened from 210 kilometres to 165km an hour as it continued its path through the country on Sunday.

The wind strength made Hagupit the most powerful storm to hit the Philippines this year, exceeding a typhoon in July that killed more than 100 people.

In a span of just 24 hours, the storm brought

Hong Kong protest leader Joshua Wong ends hunger strike

Joshua Wong, the teenage student who became an icon of Hong Kong’s protests for greater democracy, has ended a hunger strike after four days.

Wong said he was halting his 108-hour strike on the advice of a doctor. However, he said the protesters’ fight would go on. Three other students are still refusing food.

The protests – which began two months ago – are calling for China to drop restrictions on the 2017 election of Hong Kong’s next leader.

The demonstrations, spearheaded by the students, initially drew tens of thousands of people onto the streets.

Recently the numbers have been much smaller. Only two protest camps remain in the centre of the city, after a third one was dismantled by police last Sunday.

Wong and fellow students began an “indefinite” hunger strike on Monday, calling on the Government to resume talks on electoral reform.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Close to a million people had fled to shelters in areas along the path of the typhoon

396 millimetres of rain, which is equivalent to half a month of precipitation.

Two people, including a baby girl, died of hypothermia in central Iloilo prov-

ince at the height of the typhoon, officials said.

Another person died after being hit by a falling tree in the eastern town of Dolores, where the typhoon

first made landfall, according to Mar Roxas, Interior Secretary.

Two women were injured when the tricycle taxi they were riding was struck by a falling tree in central Negros Oriental province.

“Tin roofs are flying off, trees are falling and there is some flooding,” Stephany Uy-Tan, the Mayor of Catbalogan, a major city on Samar, told AFP news agency.

According to reports from news agencies and local media, close to a million people had fled to shelters in areas along the path of the typhoon.

So far, the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur and Masbate have declared emergency. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

India arrests suspect in alleged taxi rape

Indian Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged rape of a passenger, according to an official in the capital New Delhi.

Police said they tracked down the driver from the international taxi-booking service Uber late on Sunday after he had abandoned the vehicle and fled to his native Uttar Pradesh state.

“The accused has been arrested from Mathura [city] with the help of Uttar Pradesh Police. He is being brought to Delhi,” Madhur Verma, deputy police commissioner of the northern part of New Delhi, said.

The driver allegedly sexually assaulted the 25-yearold woman before threatening to kill her if she alerted police. The woman, an executive for a finance company, dozed off in the taxi as she was returning home from dinner with friends on Friday night, according to media reports.

The woman told Police she woke to find the taxi parked in a secluded place where the driver assaulted and raped her, before dumping her near her home in north New Delhi.

Deepak Mishra, Delhi Special Police Commissioner, criticised the US-based Uber over the attack, saying early investigations showed GPS had not been installed in the taxi and mandatory Police background checks were not conducted on the driver.

“Our initial investigations have revealed the shortcomings of the private [taxi] company which didn’t have GPS installed in its cabs and the staff wasn’t verified,” he told AFP. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The woman took a photograph of the car’s number plate and then reported the crime to Police, an officer told the Press Trust of India news agency.

monDAY, December 8, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Guyana Times cops top PAHO media awards

...for Excellence in Health Journalism

Guyana Times

Journalist Tajeram Mohabir copped the first prize in the Best

ened calls for greater local attention to be paid to the epidemic following the outbreak in West Africa.

sentatives of PAHO and Caricom; and members of the diplomatic community, at the Savannah Suite,

Publisher, Dr Bobby Ramroop and his Editor, Nigel Williams for their support and encouragement in

News Story Category of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) Excellence in Health Journalism competition when the awards were presented Saturday evening.

Mohabir, who is also a Sub-Editor at this publication, was placed second in the Best Feature Story Category; the first place was secured by Stabroek News reporter Jeanna Pearson. The winning piece from Mohabir titled “Ebola monitoring in Berbice weak” shed light on the country’s porous borders amid height-

The news feature, which earned him second place and US$500 headlined “Some 15,000 unaware they have diabetes” spoke to issues of unhealthy eating and lack of exercise and how they contribute to diabetes.

High level of understanding

From the judges’ report, Mohabir exhibited a high level of understanding of the issues he wrote about and great depth and skill in the presentation of information. In brief remarks that were well received by a sizable gathering of Health Ministry officials; repre-

He also praised PAHO for giving the media an opportunity to be recognised for their work, in raising awareness of health issues and providing solutions to them.

Both Mohabir and Pearson have been awarded a one-week trip to PAHO/ WHO headquarters in Washington DC, USA. The trip will happen some time next year.

Pegasus Hotel, Mohabir thanked Guyana Times

writing on issues of human interest and development.

The other winners of the prestigious awards in-

cluded Desilon Daniels from Stabroek

and

from the

PAHO Resident Representative in Guyana William Adu-Krow said the Media Award for Excellence in Health Journalism started here in early 2000 and petered out, but was resuscitated through the efforts of himself and Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Cathy Hughes, among several others.

Previous winners include Ruel Johnson, Oluatoyin Alleyne of Stabroek News and Shirley Thomas of the Guyana Chronicle. Given the poor quality of work submitted for radio and television, no significant awards were made to applicants in these categories. But Handel Duncan of HGP Nightly News and Merundoi were recognised for their work in health journalism.

The winning articles which cover areas ranging from Ebola to suicide will be posted on PAHO’s website.

Guyoil launches US$2M aviation fuel farm at CJIA

By Erica Williams

The Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) on Sunday launched its US$2 million jet fuel farm at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The facility was declared open by President Donald Ramotar. It is expected to act as a price regulator for jet fuel in Guyana thus attracting more airlines to fly the Georgetown route. President Ramotar, said the farm is a smaller aspect of a bigger picture. Ramotar said persons in some quarters were saying that the Government has chosen to invest in such a lavish facility but was neglecting the simple things such as village roads.

However, the President explained that such investments create a chain reaction which trickles down the line and citizens across Guyana will soon reap the benefits. “While roads in villages are important and we need to fix them, you can’t eat the roads. These investments are to increase revenue in our country.”

Guyoil’s Managing Director Badrie Persaud said the project fell under Guyoil’s recently-registered

Aviation Services Limited. Persaud said Guyoil made the decision to enter the aviation fuel market in Guyana because of the growing opportunities. Persaud explained that while the 38-year-old company could have gotten into the fuel market in the 90s, back then, it was not feasible. “In the 90s, we had maybe two to three flights operating out of CJIA daily, now we have about 10 to 12 flights daily.”

This represents over 100 per cent growth in activity at the CJIA and as such, Guyoil tested the aviation market in 2010, by starting to distribute aviation fuel to smaller planes at the

Ogle International Airport through the Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services (CAMS). The service was subsequently halted briefly in 2013 when the company invested approximately US$1.5 million in phase one of its aviation services, because of local controversy.

Guyoil in 2013 took the initiative to set up two 5000-gallon barrels at Providence, East Bank Demerara to supply jet fuel to CAMS. After seeing the growing possibilities, phase two of Guyoil’s aviation services was embarked upon. Phase two entailed the commencement of works on the

fuel storage plant at the CJIA. Persaud said initially the plan was to construct a 5000-gallon storage facility, but because of the length of time that had required, Guyoil opted for a pre-fabricated facility instead.

Attractive prices

Guyoil’s jet fuel is expected to be sold for approximately US$4 per gallon as opposed to the US$6 to US$7 being offered by private companies. This is intended to create competitiveness in the aviation fuel market thus forcing the competition to lower their prices.

High fuel prices at CJIA have been cited by big air-

lines such as Delta as a main reason for neglecting the Guyanese market. Cheaper fuel prices are expected to realise the Government’s aim at making the CJIA a more attractive route for big airlines and create the possibility of realising the dream of making Guyana an international hub.

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, who was also present at the event, said the goal is for Guyoil to create the same impact that it had on road fuel, in avia-

out on many business opportunities in this sector because of the small runway at CJIA and fuel cost. “The expansion of the airstrip .... will make an enormous contribution to our economy.” This and other developments are essential for the development of Guyana’s Tourism Sector and other aspects of the economy, President Ramotar said. Among other attendees at the opening was Director of Guyoil, Oscar Phillips, who gave an overview of the

tion fuel. “This is an opportunity for leveraging. The price of fuel has been critical in maintaining good gas prices in the road transportation and we are confident that this facility will do the same for air transportation operating out of CJIA.”

President Ramotar said Guyana has been missing

company, citing the move to make it completely computerised.

Guyoil Chairman Keshav Mangal was also present along with Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh. Guyoil was lauded for being one of the most proactive companies in the Public Sector.

Bandits will be on the prowl seeking to enrich themselves

Dear Editor,

The Police need to do a lot more in cracking down on the spate of robberies afflicting the nation. It is not surprising there is a rise in hold ups especially of businessmen and visitors. It is election season, as well as the holiday season, when some people need money to acquire gifts for their families, parties, fetes, girlfriends (yes - some chaps have many girlfriends they have to finance).

Business people are wary of politicians. As business people told me during my trip to Guyana last week, some politicians desperately need funds for their campaigns and they are targeted for robberies when they refuse to give “forced” donations.

Business have to pay protection money. Some politicians have their boys out there to raise money for the imminent election campaign and for holiday parties using threats to get donations.

As someone wrote some time ago, where threats against business fail to raise enough money for fetes, etc, some politicians have to find alternative ways to raise the money for the campaign – but I refuse to believe politicians or political parties send people to rob in order to fund their campaign or sponsor fetes.

I just can’t see politicians engaging in such desperate and despicable acts. But then again in Guyana anything goes.

Visitors and businessmen and those engaging in transactions in banks are urged to be extremely cautious. Although the criminals go after anyone who they feel has funds, Indians are especially targeted (based on reports).

My friend Freddie Kissoon somehow seems to be defending the criminals, saying it is okay to rob Indians because he has this foolish idea that the Indians are loaded with their nice homes and vehicles.

Indians are not the only ones with wealth. Successful individuals of all ethnicity work hard to acquire their wealth,

putting their money to productive use.

Criminals have no right to other people’s money and Freddie should not excuse the bandits and choke and rob for engaging in a crime spree against anyone regardless of ethnicity.

The criminals should go out and work like productive citizens to acquire their wealth – don’t hold up others to fatten their wallets and entertaining their families.

Of late, overseas visitors are targeted and relieved of their suitcases and cash.

The criminals are clever in their operations; some operate in gangs. They plan and execute their criminal acts cunningly.

Some current and ex-Police are involved in the criminal operations as was revealed in the robbery of Balram and Indira Singh of New York; they were robbed of US$8000 and six suitcases of handouts for the poor.

The Police need to go after these hoodlums who make a living robbing others.

Armed patrols are needed, especially during this season in busy business districts, in communities where business people tend to be targeted, and on the East Bank Demerara highway from the airport where cars are stopped and visitors robbed.

The Police need to be more active in their operations. They need an intelligence unit to inform them of criminal operations, so deterrent actions can be undertaken, or the bandits arrested during their act.

In the carjacking and robbery of the Singhs, Police followed leads to a Ruimveldt, Georgetown home where a large amount of loot was stored (from other robberies as well). That home should have been confiscated and all the adult dwellers arrested and charged for being accessories to criminal acts. They knowingly serve as protectors of the criminals and of stolen property.

Other buildings that also serve as a conduit for stolen goods should be confis-

cated and sold to make restitution to victims of crime. There are certain communities where criminals are protected. People know the criminals and refuse to divulge names and or the criminal operations.

Descent people can anonymously tip off the Police. How could any descent person cover up for criminals? How could a self-respecting homeowner allow his or her property to be used for criminal operations? How could anyone (a parent or an adult) of integrity take possession of stolen property?

Where is the decency in a head of household to encourage members and friends to steal? Is there no self-guilt in enjoying the fruits of stolen money or goods?

And how about the families of the (former) cops involved in the robbery of the Singhs and others -- do they not have any shame to accept stolen loot destined for the poor?

Police should also go after these families and those who protect the criminals or enjoy the fruits of stolen goods. Those individuals must be ostracized. Recipients of stolen property should be reported to the Police and put away.

People need to band together and protect themselves from bandits. Community policing is needed now more than ever. Be on the lookout – be a brother’s keeper. The Government should grant gun licences to community leaders and to businesses to protect themselves.

Those who are known to have a lot of cash, secure your money and arm yourself.

As one of my colleagues pointed out, as the holiday and election season rises, expect a rise in cash robberies.

Bandits will be on the prowl seeking to enrich themselves and somehow casting the blame on some uncouth politicians. And the Police – be more vigilant in your patrols as you know the areas where the bandits operate and who they target.

Vishnu Bisram

Dr Munroe’s philosophies ought to be reproduced to upcoming generations

Dear Editor,

I would like to express my reflection on how the death of Dr Myles Munroe has affected me, especially since my love and admiration for him was widely publicized.

Although there is understandable and justifiable pain, hurt and a sense of loss, I would much rather highlight and focus on the impact of his life on me. Be assured that his death has in ways not diminished his global influence, but has rather cemented him as a global icon.

It was such a privilege for me to be a part of and bear witness to the nation of the Bahamas, as it paused to celebrate their national hero. Although short in stature, he had grown to become a giant of a man. Even in his death, there is a remarkable degree of authenticity as we observe his leadership philosophies continually being manifested.

Many shared with me their sentiments about Dr Munroe’s replacement, and who will fill those shoes of his. I suggest that we do not think in terms of replacement, but rather advancement.

He should not be reduced to cheap copies. However, his philosophies ought to be reproduced and represented to upcoming generations. They are eras categorized either by a catastrophe or by an impressive larger than life personality. And I dare say that this era will be known and referred to as the Myles Munroe Era.

Thoughts echoed throughout the celebrations were comments such as, “The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but life without a purpose”, and “Great leadership is measured in your absence”, as well as “The quality of your life is not in duration but donation”.

He believed that a purpose driven life was the only life worth living. He has inspired millions to discover their purpose

and yes, to die empty. I’m not alone when I say that Dr Munroe has challenged me by inspiring me to do more, go further and become better than my perceived best. Titles such as “Maximizing your Potential”, “The Burden of Freedom”, “The Power of Vision”, The Spirit of Leadership”, “The Power of Character in Leadership”, are among 69 published books by Dr Munroe, filled with revelatory wisdom.

To honour this icon of our time, I’ve already dedicated the National Award of Excellence I received from my country, Guyana, and will also be dedicating my Golden Rule International Award next year in April, which is to be held at the Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Furthermore, I also accepted an invitation to speak in Pakistan; this is to also honour of Dr Munroe.

While living in South Africa, I had facilitated a number of leadership seminars, conferences and workshops across the various provinces to governmental institutions, prisons, corporate businesses, universities, schools, NGOs, orphanages and so on.

As a result, I had received a national special recognition award, which ranked me as one of the most influential youth as a non-citizen. Furthermore, I was granted the opportunity to meet first lady of the USA Michelle Obama, the South African President, the legendary gospel singer Shirley Caesar, among others, and Dr Munroe wrote on my facebook wall, “Astell, congratulations!! I am so proud of you and wish you continued good success”.

Furthermore, it was Dr Munroe who upon his visit to South Africa met with me and encouraged me to return to Guyana and make a contribution to the nation’s

Suicide

According to Dr Alex Lickerman, people generally try to kill themselves for a variety of reasons, the number one being when they are depressed. According to him severe depression is always accompanied by a pervasive sense of suffering as well as the belief that escape from it is hopeless.

Whatever they are going through becomes too painful to bear. For example the idea that “Everyone would all be better off without me” becomes their way of thinking.

Narine Dat Sookram

One interesting piece Dr Alex mentions which I think we all need to make a note of is that he says when suicide is affiliated with depression, it is almost always treatable and that we should all seek to recognize its presence in our close friends and loved ones.

I couldn’t agree with him anymore, because often people suffer with it silently, planning it without anyone knowing. Dr Alex suggests that if we suspect someone who might be depressed, we should not allow anything to come in the way that will deny the possibility of asking about it, because a simple a conversation can turn the situation around.

The fact that sometimes people do cry out for help, and don’t know how else to get it is another reason why people turn to suicide. Dr Alex says that they do want to alert those around them that something is seriously wrong, but these people don’t usually want to die and they often don’t believe they will die.

That is why they usually choose methods they don’t think can kill them in order to strike out at someone who has hurt them. I have no doubt that the pain suicide leaves in the lives of those they left behind is long lasting.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1 million people die each year from suicide. I am sure that these can be prevented, but the problem is there are a few misunderstanding around it.

For example some people think that those who talk about suicide won’t really do it, but study shows that almost everyone who commits or even attempts suicide has given some sort of a warning.

Thought not all of us are expert in knowing the warning signs, but is it not wise to ignore statements such as, “everyone will be sorry when I’m dead.” No matter how jokingly it may seem, it should be taking seriously. Sometimes we even think that those who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy, but most suicidal people are not crazy.

leadership development.

I submitted to his authority and returned to Guyana in December 2012. Since then I met with our President, military chiefs of staff, Speaker of the National Assembly, Caricom’s Secretary General and many other leader in our nation, whom have all received a copy of Dr Munroe’s book.

I had has also introduced Dr Munroe’s concepts and philosophy in leadership through my BD1 (Better Defined One) Leadership seminars nationally, in the Caribbean and internationally.

The moment which I recalled as destiny-defining was when I was singled out by Dr Munroe. While I was attending one of Dr Munroe’s conferences in Durban, South Africa, I was seated behind him and on his way to his seat he pointed to me and said, “My Ambassador”!

Therefore, to have been a part of both his national memorial and also his state recognized service, I feel a sense of urgency and duty to epitomize, disseminate and represent his philosophies, principles and precepts to this and the generations to come.

Moreover, the executives of BD1 will be facilitating 60 activities in honour and celebration of Dr Munroe 60’s years which has already begun. In the words of Dr Munroe, I admonish you: “Leaders don’t wait for the future to come, they create it.”

Without fear of future contradiction, I boldly proclaim that Dr Munroe has lived fully and has thus transitioned because he was emptied and finished. Hence, the mission that I must and will continue is to transform followers into leaders of and leaders into agents of change.

Astell Collins (BD1) Leadership Development

For some reason people think that if a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop them. If we all think this way, then we are not doing our part to help present it. We ourselves don’t know any better too so we’ll say things like people who commit suicide were unwilling to seek help.

This is not necessary true, because studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had wanted medical help in the six months prior to their deaths. It is my hope that everyone reading this article will do their part to reduce the suicide we see every day in our own community.

For questions, comments or feedback, please email them to mcnarine@rogers.com.

Misleading report linked to current political situation in Guyana

Dear Editor, First of all, I would like to stringently reject the information presented in the KN on December 4, since it is totally inaccurate. Quite recently, I have been asked by several media entities that are coming into Guyana for interviews.

However, I am not dealing with the Mining Sector directly and have publicly said that the Mining Sector is handled by another entity.

I am very stringent with respect to these interviews and request a copy sent to me before it is published.

For example, US Today recently interviewed me over one week and has sent the

article for my vetting. I, regardless of the issues, with respect to the publication and the media calling everyday for this article, I will not release it until I am satisfied that it reflects correctly the information given to them. I firmly believe that this effort is to tarnish my relationship with the Government. I wish to reiterate my loyalty to the current Government and will not indulge in this kind of nonsense, since I believe that this is not a misreporting on what I said, but is linked to current political situation in Guyana.

Keith Burrowes

THURSDAY'S WORD

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

Don’t be a pushover. Stick to your plan and don’t let anyone talk you out of doing something you have your heart set on. Missed opportunities will lead to regrets.

An increase in professional commitments will keep you busier than usual. Undue stress will cause minor health problems. It’s OK to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed or if you fall behind.

Dealing with relatives may try your patience. Pick your battles. If you turn a minor disagreement into a major confrontation, everyone will be upset and no one will come out a winner.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Try not to get too frazzled about the changes going on around you. Jumping to conclusions before all the facts are in will add to your distress.

If you are feeling pressured by someone, cosy up to fun, optimistic friends. Avoid sharing your disappointments with others, and keep your focus positive.

Your patience will be tested. Your peers may feel that they have all the answers. Get your point across without alienating the people you deal with daily if you want to avoid repercussions.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You’ll receive mixed signals from a colleague today. If you are not sure what is expected of you, ask. Speculation on your part will only add to the confusion.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Today is about making money and getting ahead. Take control of your situation. Attend business courses, go for interviews and find a market for your ideas and skills.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

You are a crusader and unlikely to stand by while others are mistreated. Your concern and helpfulness will be recognised and honoured by your peers, friends and family.

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

Don’t jeopardise your reputation. Stay away from anyone whose ethics or morals are in question. Others will judge you by the company you keep. Choose your friends wisely.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Look for a challenge that stimulates your senses and motivates you to do your best. Regardless of what path you take, patience and hard work will be required.

Ask pertinent questions, or someone will offer you a false impression. Choose a reliable friend or relative to give you an honest assessment of your current situation.

Warriors set franchise record behind Green’s career night

Draymond Green

scored a career-high 31 points and the Golden State Warriors beat the Chicago Bulls 112-102 on Saturday night to set a franchise record with their 12th straight victory.

Klay Thompson added 24 points for the Warriors, who extended their league-best record to 17-2.

Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 24 points. Pau Gasol added 22 points and 20 rebounds.

The Warriors improved to 10-1 on the road. They previously won a franchise-record 11 straight games from Dec. 29, 1971-Jan. 22, 1972.

The Bulls fell to just 2-5 at home.

During warmups, Chicago point guard Derrick Rose wore a black “I Can’t Breathe” T-shirt, referring to a New York man who died July 17 after a police officer placed him in a chokehold when he was being arrested for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes.

A grand jury decided it would not indict the officer in Eric Garner’s death. A videotape recording of the arrest showed Garner gasping, “I can’t breathe” during the fatal encounter. Thousands have protested the grand jury decision around the country.

76ERS 108, PISTONS 101, OT

Hollis Thompson’s 3-pointer in the final seconds sent the game to overtime, and Philadelphia outlasted Detroit in a matchup of the teams with the NBA’s two worst records.

Detroit (3-17) dropped its 11th straight and now leads the 76ers (2-18) by only a game in the standings. Philadelphia has won two of three since starting the season 0-17.

Thompson tied it at 100 when he sank a fadeaway shot from the right corner with 13.4 seconds left in regulation. The Pistons managed only one point in overtime.

The teams entered with a combined record of 4-34, the second-worst in NBA history for teams about to play each other — with a minimum of 38 combined games. The 76ers and Buffalo Braves were 4-35 entering their meeting Nov. 24, 1972, according to STATS.

Robert Covington scored 25 points for Philadelphia. Josh Smith led Detroit with 23 points, and he also had eight rebounds and seven assists.

MAGIC 105, KINGS 96

Tobias Harris scored a season-high 27 points for Orlando, and Channing Frye made a game-changing 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter.

Victor Oladipo had 16 points, seven assists and five rebounds, helping the Magic to their second straight win following back-to-back losses to Golden State and the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Magic (9-14) led most of the game and were up by 16 early in the fourth quarter before holding off a late Sacramento push to end a four-game losing streak to the Kings.

Darren Collison scored

22 points for Sacramento, and Jason Thompson had 18. The Kings have dropped five of six.

ROCKETS 100, SUNS 95

Trevor Ariza and Pat Beverley each scored 19 points, leading Houston to its fourth straight win.

The Rockets improved to 16-4 by winning for the seventh time in the nine games All-Star centre Dwight Howard (knee strain) has been out.

The Rockets led by as many as 22 points. The Suns used an 8-2 run, capped by a tip-in by PJ Tucker, to cut the lead to 97-93 with 21.9 seconds remaining.

But Beverley made three free throws to make it 10093 and Houston held on for the win.

Eric Bledsoe led the Suns with 23 points.

SPURS 123, TIMBERWOLVES 101

Marco Belinelli scored 20 points, Tim Duncan had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and San Antonio rolled to the easy win.

The Spurs had seven players score in double figures. Kawhi Leonard and Cory Joseph had 18 points apiece, and Boris Diaw finished with 17.

San Antonio (15-5) had a season-high 30 assists.

Zach LaVine had 22 points and Shabazz Muhammad added 20 for Minnesota (4-15), which has lost five straight.

CLIPPERS 120, PELICANS 100

Blake Griffin scored 30 points, going over 7,000 for his career, and Los Angeles rallied after blowing an 18-point, first-half lead to beat New Orleans for its seventh straight victory.

J.J. Redick scored 13 of his 21 points in the first quarter, Jamal Crawford added 20, Chris Paul had 18 points and 16 assists, and DeAndre Jordan had 18 rebounds for Los Angeles. Griffin was one of just two starters to go to the free throw line, where he made 10 of 15.

Anthony Davis scored 26 points, Ryan Anderson added 16 off the bench and Luke Babbitt had 12 after making four of five 3-pointers for New Orleans, which has dropped two straight and five of six. (Herald Sport)

Willet lands biggest win of carrier with six birdies

Briton Danny Willett landed six birdies and the biggest win of his career as he claimed the $1.25 million first prize at the Nedbank Challenge following a faultless final round at Sun City on Sunday.

It is a second European Tour victory for the 27-yearold Englishman, who showed no sign of nerves to produce a final round 66, the best score of the day, for a tournament total of 18 under par and a four-shot win over compatriot Ross Fisher.

Willett and Fisher were part of an English trio that also included overnight leader Luke Donald, celebrating his 37th birthday, as the only realistic winners on Sunday.

Fisher, the leader after the first round, ended his tournament with a 68, equaling the second-best round of the day, but three bogeys in the first 10 holes saw Donald slip to third as he carded 73 to finish 12 under.

“Words can’t describe it, you hope that when you win

you have a bit of breathing space coming to the last. I’ve only won one before and it was a five-hole play-off so it was a bit more nervewracking,” Willett said at the presentation.

“We stuck to our gameplan, we said we were going to go aggressive and see if we could shoot another low score and put it out of reach for the other players. Luckily we did and it was a really good win.”

If Willet did have any nerves, he did not show it as he built momentum with three birdies in his first five

holes that opened up a fourshot lead that he never relinquished.

While Fisher and Donald battled with the course at times, Willett never looked troubled and three further birdies on the back nine cemented his win.

After his first European Tour victory at the BMW International Open in 2012, Willett proposed to his now wife Nicole.

Asked how he would top that, the Sheffield-born player said: “I don’t know ... she can take a dive into this cheque!” (Reuters)

Thomas Bach makes final plea to IOC

IOC president Thomas Bach issued a final plea Sunday for members to support his wide-ranging reforms, warning that “we are not living on an island” and the Olympic movement must act now to remain relevant or risk being forced to change by others.

Speaking on the eve of a two-day meeting of the IOC general assembly, Bach laid out his 40-point “Olympic Agenda 2020” reform package that includes a revised bidding process, a more flexible sports program and cre-

ation of an Olympic television channel.

“If we do not address these challenges here and now we will be hit by them very soon,” Bach said in a speech to the 100-plus IOC members in Monaco. “If we do not drive these changes ourselves, others will drive us to them. We want to be the leaders of change in sport, not the object.”

“The time for change is now,” he said.

Bach has moved swiftly since his election in September 2013 to put his

stamp on the presidency and rally support for the most sweeping changes since the IOC enacted a series of reforms in 1999 after the Salt Lake City bid scandal. His plans, which will go to a vote of the full IOC on Monday and Tuesday, come at a time when countries have been scared off by the costs of hosting the games. Several cities withdrew from the bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympics, leaving only Beijing and Almaty, Kazakhstan, in the running.

The IOC will debate and vote one by one on each recommendation. Bach has invited feedback from across the OIympic world over the past year, laying the groundwork for what should be approval on all the proposals.

“You can inspire others to change, only if you are ready to change yourself,” Bach said in his speech. He said the IOC was in a strong financial position and the Olympics continue to attract big viewing figures around the world, but the organization cannot be complacent. (ESPN)

Matthews steers Sri Lanka to win

Sri Lanka regained their two-match advantage in the one-day series although were pushed closer that appeared likely for most of the chase before getting home with two balls to spare. The pursuit was controlled, for the most part, by Kumar Sangakkara’s 86 but it needed another steely contribution from Angelo Mathews to ensure against any late slips.

Nothing seemed more certain than Sangakkara would seal victory with his 20th ODI hundred, but on 86 he found deep cover from a short delivery by Chris Jordan and could barely come to terms with the need to walk off. So instead it was Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne who crossed the winning line with a stand of 53, never flinching when the asking rate briefly went above seven although Mathews was dropped at third man by Alex Hales with 25 needed. Given that England managed to squeeze the chase into the final over, they will rue the 12 wides which continued a theme from the series.

England now need to win the three remaining games, two in Pallekele and one more back at the Premadasa, if they are to take the series although with an eye to the future there were a couple of performances that meant it was not a completely forlorn day for them.

James Taylor, playing just his third ODI and first against anyone other than Ireland, top-scored with well-crafted 90 before cramp got the better of him and Eoin Morgan, the stand-in captain for the day, made his first ODI fifty since January with 62 off 47 balls as the rest of England’s middle and lower order, losing 7 for 94, frittered away earlier good work.

Kumar Sangakkara turns one off the leg during his steady innings of 86

The early new-ball bowling from Steven Finn and Chris Woakes was inconsistent and meant England did not build pressure, although they were perked up when Tillakaratne Dilshan carved into the off side. With two left handers now at the crease, Moeen Ali was brought straight into the attack and kept a lid on the scoring while also enticing Kusal Perera to edge to slip. However, with each ball that gripped for Moeen it will have reinforced the belief that the balance of England’s attack was wrong without the additional offspin of James Tredwell. Instead, they preferred to take another look at Ben Stokes whose two overs went for 21, after being the seventh bowler used, to take his series tally to none for 85 from eight overs.

From 69 for 2, and a potential opening for England, Sangakkara and Jayawardene added 96 with

effortless accumulation, often toying with Morgan’s attempts to cut off their scoring areas. One minute they would open the face to find space in the off side, and the next dinking into the leg side.

The signs of growing desperation were clear when England used their review against Jayawardene when he was 27, but discovered that even Joe Root was turning the ball too far. Given the ease with which Sri Lanka were batting, it was a surprise when Jayawardene chopped against Jordan, the pick of England’s quicks. But Sangakkara just continued to cruise, the most adventurous shot he played an uppercut over the keeper against Woakes who, a short time earlier, had needed some treatment on a knee problem. Then Sangakkara’s aberration left the majority in the ground stunned.

There was a sense of relief at the toss when it was

Phelps ready to race again

Michael Phelps is back in training and plans to return to competition after his sixmonth suspension ends in March.

Phelps’ coach, Bob Bowman, told The Associated Press on Saturday that it’s not yet known which meets the 18time gold medalist will enter once he is eligible.

The suspension ends March 6. That would set up Phelps for a possible return at the Mesa Grand Prix in Arizona on April 15-18 -- which, in an interesting twist, was his first meet after coming out of retirement this year.

Phelps could also compete at Arena Grand Prix meets in Charlotte, North Carolina (May 14-17) and Santa Clara, California (June 18-21).

“We’re looking at a lot of different options for competition,” Bowman told the AP in a phone interview. “We’re just taking it one day at a

time. He’s back in training, and we’re seeing how things go. We’ll look at things in March and really go from there.”

Phelps was suspended by USA Swimming on Oct. 6 in the wake of his second drunken-driving arrest, one day after he entered a sixweek inpatient program that he said would “provide the help I need to better understand myself.”

The 29-year-old swimmer completed the program but still must deal with the charges. A court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 19 in his hometown of Baltimore. Legal experts have said it’s unlikely he would have to do any jail time, even though he was arrested on the same charges a decade ago.

Phelps was also banned from competing at next summer’s world championships in Russia, but is moving forward with plans to take part in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

He is the winningest athlete in Olympic history and

confirmed that Taylor would play. If he had not been given his chance in the enforced absence of Alastair Cook because of a one-match suspension he would have been well within his rights to want to get on the next flight home.

Still, it is one thing getting the chance and another to take it. He was at the crease early, which could well have played to his advantage as he did not have much time to let the nerves build, after Alex Hales edged Dhammika Prasad’s first legitimate delivery to slip.

There were some uncertain moments early in his innings and the initial stages were hard work as he reached 11 off 29 deliveries before he cashed in on Thisara Perera’s first over. A bottom-handed flick from outside off over deep midwicket for six was the sort of stroke that peppered county boundaries during last season.

By the time Taylor found the boundary, he had lost Moeen, charging down the pitch at Dilshan, meaning the innings went into a rebuilding pattern as he was joined by Root. Boundaries were few and far between, and Taylor saved himself by using a review when he was given lbw to Jeevan Mendis on 35, only for there to be a clear bottom edge.

The scoring rate was given a jolt by consecutive sixes, Taylor driving Ajantha Mendis over long-off and Root following by clearing deep midwicket off Jeevan. The partnership ended on 93, England’s best of the series, when Root’s penchant for late-cutting the spinners off his stumps brought his downfall against Rangana Herath.

Taylor continued to punctuate his sprinting between the wickets with the

most decorated as well, with 22 medals overall.

In addition to competing at the U.S. meets, Phelps might look to enter some international competitions to fill out his schedule next year, since he won’t be at the biggest meet of 2015.

“With the domestic program, there are relatively few good options,” Bowman said. “I don’t think there will be a lot of surprises in it. We’ll see where he is in a couple of months and kind of go from there in terms of meets.”

The coach said Phelps was in reasonably good shape, certainly much better than he was a year ago when he got back into serious training after his retirement.

“He’s not nearly as far away as he was last fall,” Bowman said.

Phelps’ fellow swimmers look forward to having him back at the pool.

“The number one thing he’s doing right now is mak-

occasional boundary, but the conditions were starting to take their toll and he twice needed lengthy treatment from the physio who was focussing on his left forearm. Later the cramp appeared to be spreading to his legs, and four balls after the second visit from the physio Taylor tried to clear the off side against Ajantha Mendis but could not beat the infield.

As so often, the batting Powerplay - taken one over before it had to be - was not England’s friend. Five deliveries after Taylor departed to the relative cool of the dressing room, Ravi Bopara missed a quicker ball from Dilshan.

Buttler could not help set a target in the same way he had chased one down a few days ago as he picked out long-on with seven overs

remaining. Stokes’ international batting woes continued when he found deep square-leg, and with Morgan starting to find his stride the shot selection of Woakes and Jordan left something to be desired.

Mathews entrusted his spinners with the final 21 overs of the innings: for 20 of those overs there was barely any reason to question that decision as Herath returned a miserly 3 for 36 and Ajantha Mendis claimed 3 for 56. However, the first two balls of the last overbowled by Dilshan - were slotted for six by Morgan and the over ended up costing 18. In the end it did not matter and the tricky decisions remain England’s, including the pressing question of who misses out for the returning Cook in Pallekelle. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

England innings (50 overs maximum)

MM Ali c †Sangakkara

b Dilshan 19

AD Hales c Jayawardene b Prasad 0

JWA Taylor c MDKJ Perera b BAW Mendis 90

JE Root b Herath 36

RS Bopara b Dilshan 22

EJG Morgan* c †Sangakkara

b Dilshan 62

JC Buttler† c Jayawardene

b Herath 15

BA Stokes c NLTC Perera

b BAW Mendis 6

CR Woakes b Herath 6

CJ Jordan c NLTC Perera

b BAW Mendis 1

ST Finn not out 1

Extras: (lb 1, w 6) 7

Total: (all out; 50 overs) 265

Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Hales, 1.1 ov), 2-29 (Ali, 7.2 ov), 3-122 (Root, 25.3 ov), 4-170 (Taylor, 34.4 ov), 5-173 (Bopara, 35.3 ov), 6-203 (Buttler, 42.4 ov), 7-219 (Stokes, 44.6 ov), 8-238 (Woakes, 47.3 ov), 9-245 (Jordan, 48.1 ov), 10265 (Morgan, 49.6 ov)

Bowling: AD Mathews 6-0-210, KTGD Prasad 6-1-29-1, TM Dilshan 10-0-64-3, NLTC Perera 2-0-19-0, HMRKB Herath 100-36-3, BMAJ Mendis 7-1-390, BAW Mendis 9-0-56-3

Sri Lanka innings (target: 266 runs from 50 overs) TM Dilshan c Morgan b Woakes 16 MDKJ Perera c Jordan b Ali 31 KC Sangakkara† c Woakes b Jordan 86 DPMD Jayawardene b Jordan 44 AD Mathews* not out 51 HDRL Thirimanne not out 19

Extras: (b 4, lb 4, w 12) 20

Total: (4 wickets; 49.4 overs) 267 Did not bat: BMAJ Mendis, NLTC Perera, KTGD Prasad, HMRKB Herath, BAW Mendis Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Dilshan, 5.1 ov), 2-69 (MDKJ Perera, 14.1 ov), 3-165 (Jayawardene, 31.2 ov), 4-214 (Sangakkara, 41.1 ov) Bowling: ST Finn 9.4-1-61-0, CR Woakes 9-0-53-1, MM Ali 10-0-44-1, CJ Jordan 10-0-352, JE Root 6-0-29-0, RS Bopara 3-0-16-0, BA Stokes 2-0-21-0

ing sure he is healthy,” said Ryan Lochte, who is perhaps Phelps’ leading rival. “There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be back in the water. He loves this sport, he loves the excitement of just getting on the blocks and racing.”

Lochte had said all along that he expected Phelps to return after he retired following the 2012 London Olympics. Lochte figures the DUI case and suspension will only strengthen Phelps’ resolve.

“Once you’re in that racing mode, it’s hard to get rid of it,” Lochte said recently. “That’s the reason he came back. He missed that excitement of racing the best people in the world. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll be ready for Rio.”

Natalie Coughlin said she reached out to Phelps after his arrest. The two are longtime members of the U.S. national team.

“I just wanted to tell him how much I cared about him and want him to be well,”

Coughlin said. “I think he’s making the proper steps in his life to get his life in order. Hopefully we’ll see him back in the pool. It’s a blessing to see him race whenever he can. He’s incredible.”

Phelps made a strong return after his retirement, winning three golds and two silvers at the Pan Pacific Championships in August. In fact, he was named the male athlete of the year by USA Swimming at the Golden Goggles awards last month. (ESPN)

Street, Stabroek. Enjoy 20% discount. Phone: 227-3869, 622-8162, 644-7052, 227-3835

Healthworld Holistic Centre offers clinical psychotherapy for suicidal thoughts, attempted suicides, depression, stress, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, homicidal thoughts, hallucinations, loneliness, conflicts, anger management, relationship & sexual problems, paranoia and much more. Call +592-6210552 and make that appointment now before it’s too late. 12:006:00PM. Mondays-Fridays. Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Eccles: two flat executive concrete house; three bedrooms upper, two bedrooms lower (separate flats). Price negotiable. Tel: 602-2135

Eccles: Build your own home in a modernized, gated community. Lot size 60’x100’ $7.5M. Call: 227-2913, Cell: 689-3033.

Eccles: Commercial lots $14M. Call: 227-2913, Cell: 689-3033

one two-storeyed concrete building with four apartments at Fort Ordinance Canje. Size: 50 x 30 feet. Contact Indera Gupta at Telephone: 627-3095 for further details.

One business/ residential transported property located at Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara. Property presently houses a variety store and beer garden. Price negotiable. Call 661-8802 for more information.

countries breaking doping rules should be banned fr om olympics, says radcliffe

British marathon runner Paula Radcliffe has called for countries to be banned from Olympic Games if found guilty of repeatedly breaking doping rules.

A German television documentary has claimed to present evidence of systematic doping in Russian sport.

The Russian Athletics Federation has threatened legal action over “slanderous allegations” including bribes to cover up positive tests.

Radcliffe told BBC Sport she would like to see “sanctions” for federations.

The 40-year-old women’s marathon world record holder said that when a federation surpasses a certain number of positive cases among its athletes, it should be punished.

“I’d also look at the independent testing bodies,” Radcliffe told BBC Radio 5

Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit; bad luck; evil sickness; spells; re- uniting lovers and prosperity to busi- ness etc, Call 6126417, 220-0708, 687-5633.

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 592-690-1824 from 10:0016:00h Email:anew-life@live.com

HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES. 24hrs miracle line 322-5081/337-4510/3374259/337-4021/337-3070/3375103 For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues. Call now. Jesus cares.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 679-4672

l and FOR Sale

32 Acres of transported land located at Lot 5 Plantation Content, Mahaicony, ECD; from the public road to sea shore. This property is ideal for residence, business, aquaculture, agriculture, etc. Price: $175,000 (USD) or best offer. For more information or to make an offer please call Pooran at 813319-4219 (Florida, USA) or email rpooran@tampabay.rr.com

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 2750322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

4x4 Nissan Titan fully powered Immaculate condition $3.5M. No reasonable offer refused. 6227740

One PPP series Mazda Axela in excellent condition and one white 2007 unregistered BMW, Price negotiable. Call 679-5842.

live’s Sportsweek. “Maybe they need to be taken away from the countries if they can’t be trusted.

“I think there should be sanctions for that country competing in events like the World Championships, like the Olympic Games.

“It shouldn’t just be Russia that’s singled out here, but any country that isn’t abiding by the Wada or

IAAF codes of practice and anti-doping rules and implementing sanctions and testing like they should.”

The claims have been rejected as “a pack of lies” by Valentin Balakhnichev, president of RAF, who said in a statement on Friday that the documentary was “a planned attempt to create an ugly scandal within Russian athletics and Russian sport

in general”.

However, both the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) have said they will look into the claims.

The IAAF said it had “noted a number of grave allegations” and revealed that an investigation into some of the claims is “already ongoing”.

Wada president Sir Craig Reedie, also talking to Sportsweek, said the claims had been “pretty dispiriting” for the anti-doping community.

“There have been a number of cases where athletes in Russia have tested positive and have been sanctioned,” said Reedie. “So clearly there has been an issue in that country. Perhaps it’s good news that people are being caught and are big sanctioned.” (BBC Sport)

Federer unconvinced by new ITPL

Roger Federer says that he is unconvinced by the innovative new International Premier League.

The 17-times Grand Slam winner admits the tournament doesn’t sit easily with his traditionalist views on the sport.

Launched in November, top male and female players feature in teams representing four cities: New Delhi, Manila, Singapore and Dubai.

Federer, 33, said: “My mind was scrambling trying to remember all the rules. It’s crazy, but it’s good fun.”

The 33-year-old went undefeated on his debut for the Indian Aces in New Delhi as a late replacement for Rafa Nadal.

Federer won his men’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles against Singapore

Slammers at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

With an emphasis on speed, an IPTL tie comprises five one-set shootouts in men’s and women’s singles, men’s and mixed doubles and a past champions match.

The team that wins the most games, not sets, is declared the winner.

Andy Murray and world

Federer, who agreed to play only in Delhi, said he found some of the rules strange, and others unnecessary.

He added: “The one I think is most unnecessary here is when you start the motion and let’s say you miss the ball toss, that counts as

a mistake.

“I think that’s probably most unnecessary. The way it is right now, I don’t think it will work as a Tour event.

“I’m very traditional and I like the way the game is on tour. I like the scoring system.”

Additional features include a 20-second serve clock, a ‘Happiness Power Point’ in where a point is worth double once per set, no advantages, no lets, coaching timeouts and a five-minute shootout if a match is tied at 5-5.

Federer added: “It’s not going to replace how we play the tour but it definitely has a place in our sport to have more interaction, more fun, and different rules.

“You bend it, you customise it, and it works for everyone involved. It’s a very interesting concept.” (BBC Sport)

Messi’s hat-trick inspires Espanyol rout

Lionel Messi matched Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo with a hat-trick this weekend as Barcelona returned to second in La Liga with victory over Espanyol.

The 27-year-old struck either side of half-time with two typically well-taken finishes to put his side ahead after Sergio Garcia’s solo goal had given the visitors a surprise early lead.

After Messi’s second, Barca took charge with Gerard Pique heading their third.

Pedro scored a fourth before Messi had the last word by completing the rout.

Messi’s three goals - the first a pinpoint finish from the edge of the box, the second a side-foot strike after he had controlled Luis Suarez’s pass and the third a tapin following a one-two with Pedro - took him to 256 goals in La Liga in 291 appearances.

They also took him past the 200 goal mark in Spain’s top flight since the 2009 arrival at Real Madrid of Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his own 200th goal as part of a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday night.

Ronaldo’s treble was a record 23rd in La Liga, but

Messi is not far behind, having now notched up his 21st in the competition.

Ronaldo still leads the goalscoring charts for this season with 29 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions (and a stunning 23 in 13 in la Liga), with Messi having now scored 20 in 19 games this campaign, 13

of which have come in the league.

Barca were once again indebted to their Argentine forward for turning the game around after Garcia had charged forward to slot Espanyol into a 13th-minute lead and give them hope of a famous victory at the home of their local rivals.

However, having claimed the lead, Barca kicked on and Pique’s header from a corner and substitute Pedro’s drilled finish from Jordi Alba’s pass swung the game decisively in their favour before Messi added the gloss.

Real’s win (their Spanish record-equalling 18th in succession in all competitions) took them five points clear of their great rivals overnight.

But Barca’s victory means the gap is now back to two points, with reigning champions Atletico Madrid two points behind Luis Enrique’s side in third. (BBC Sport)

Farfan & Mendes junior Christmas squash tournament…

Joseph tops Mekdeci to win squash final

National champion

Nyron Joseph was in top form, displaying his skill by defeating Ben Mekdeci in the final of the Digicel sponsored Farfan and Mendes junior Christmas tournament at the Georgetown Club squash courts.

Joseph came from one set down tow in the Category A match-up 3-1 on an exciting final to defeat Mekdeci.

Mekdeci looked in top form by easily claiming the first set of the match by an 11-5 margin. Mekdeci would come out in the second looking in rhythm once again flying out to a 10-8 lead before Joseph put on a show by winning the next four points to win the set 12-10.

Joseph then went onto win the next two sets at 11-9 and 11-3 respectively to seal the win.

Makeda Harding and Maya Collins also put on a dazzling performance as Harding won the Category C match 3-2.

Collins took the first set 13-11 as harding answered with two straight set victories at 11-8 and 114 be-

fore Collins answered with a fourth set win at 11-9 to set up the fifth and final set that Harding won 11-9.

The days’ results are as follows:-

Category H: Mohyryan Baksh beat Paige Fernandes 11- 8, 9 – 11, 11 – 7, Beau Fernandes defeated Isabella Ramjohn 18 – 16, 23 –21, Teija Edwards beat Geovanna Dos Santos 11 – 9, 12 – 10.

Category G: Samuel InceCarrahal beat Jason Gomes 11 – 9,11 – 3, Liam Carpenter beat Chad De Abreu 11 – 7,6 – 11,11 – 5.

Category F: Gareth Da Silva beat Halley Carpenter 11 – 7, 11 –7, Nathan Rahaman beat Gareth Da Silva 8 – 11,11 – 3,11 – 7, Nathan Rahaman beat Aliyah Persaud 11 – 5, 11 – 8.

Category E: Zachary Persaud beat Madison Fernandes 11 – 8, 11 –3, Kirsten Gomes beat Nechemiyah Levans 11 –7, 6 – 11, 13 – 11, Zachary Persaud beat Nechemiyah Levans 10 – 12,11 – 8,11 –3, Nechemiyah Levans beat Madison Fernandes 11 – 4, 11 – 8.

Category D: Demetrius De Abreulost lost to John Phang 7 – 11, 8 – 11, 1 –11, Gianni Carpenter beat Demetrius De Abreu 11 – 2, 3 – 11, 11 – 4, 11 – 9, John Phang beat Dominic Collins 11 – 7,11 – 8,13 – 11.

Category C: Rebecca Low beat Jael Gaskin 11 – 6, 11 –6, 6 – 11, 8 – 11, 11 – 1, Maya Collins beat Jael Gaskin 10 – 12, 11 – 9, 11 – 3, 3 – 11, 11 – 5, Makeda Harding beat

NA Multilateral to defend chess title on Tuesday

ew Amsterdam

NMultilateral School (NAMS) is expected to field two teams when the fifth annual Berbice InterSchool Chess Championship is held on Tuesday at NAMS.

However, despite their dominance at last year’s championships at which the school picked up four of the six available trophies, twotime winner of the tournament Black Bush Secondary will be hot on their heels.

Runners-up last year, Black Bush Secondary will

be out to regain the title during the one day tournament as schools throughout Berbice are expected to participate in both the male and female categories. Darwin London is the defending individual champion.

Also expected to be among the front runners is JC Chandisingh Secondary while Orealla have proven to be strong participant over the years.

National Chess Champion and national Trainer Wendell Neusa is also expected to be present

at Tuesday’s match up.

The annual tournament which is coordinated by Executive Member of the National Chess Federation Krishnanand Raghunandan is being backed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport along with the Ministry of Education.

Meanwhile Krishnanand Raghunandan has sounded an appeal for persons with Chess boards to make them available for the tournament. The first move is expected to be made at 9:00h.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Bua seeking new umpires

The Berbice Umpires Association (BUA) will embark on a recruitment drive to increase to number of umpires available to officiate in cricket matches in Berbice.

This is according to newly elected President of the BUA, Joseph Simeon who noted that the BUA is in need of new blood.

Currently there are seventeen registered umpires with the BUA; however, only fourteen are practicing.

“We intend to use the media and invite persons from different organization and who may be interested in umpiring.” Simeon told the Guyana Times Sport.

Simeon highlighted that meetings will be held at the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) office in New Amsterdam, the Area ‘H’ Ground in Rose Hall Town, similar facilities at Corriverton and on West Bank of Berbice to facilitate the crowning of new umpires.

Simeon’s comments were in accordance with some of his plans for the new execu-

tive.

On Sunday the BUA held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections for office bearers.

Simeon was elected President, replacing Kochan Mokhan who did not seek reelection.

Clement Brush is the Association’s Vice President with new secretary being

Augustus Outar.

Devendranauth Samwaru is the new Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer while Treasurer, Jaipersaud Hardeo was the only office bearer to return to office.

Three committee members were also elected to form the executive. There are Omadat Samwaru, Orin Archer and Rafeek Latif.

According to Simeon persons below the age of 30 years old will be given preference since they will have a chance of being in the West Indies elite panel of umpires before the age of forty.

“After forty if you don’t make it to the top by doing Regional games the West Indies will not look at you, so one needs to start when they are in their twenties or early thirties if they want to reach to the highest level.”

The BUA President is however not discouraging any one regardless of their age who wants to become an umpire and officiate in Berbice matches. (Andrew Carmichael)

Maya Collins 11 – 13, 11 – 8, 11 – 4, 9 – 11,11 – 9. Category B: Larissa Wiltshire beat Taylor Fernandes 11 - 7, 11 - 6, 11 – 6, Taylor Fernandes beat Daniel Islam 11 – 7, 11 –6, 7 – 11, 11 – 2, Shomari Wiltshire beat Alex Cheeks 6 – 11, 11 – 8, 11 – 4, 8 – 11, 11 – 2, Daniel Islam beat Matthew Phang 11 – 8,11 –5,6 – 11, 9 – 11, 11 – 6.

Category A: Nyron Joseph

defeated Ben Mekdeci 5 –11, 12 – 10, 11 – 9, 11 – 3, Akeila Wiltshire defeated Alec Melville 11 – 5, 13 – 11, 11 – 3.

Final placing in the respective categories were as follows

Category H: Mohyryan Baksh – Winner, Category G: Samuel Ince-Caralhal –Winner, Category F: James Mekdeci – Winner, Category E: Zachary Persaud –

A:

Most Improved boyAnthony Islam Most improved girl –Kirsten Gomes Most Outstanding boy –Nyron Joseph Most outstanding girl –Larissa Wiltshire

Messiah Primary top Number 56 to win wind ball title

Messiah Primary won the AL Sport and Tour Promotions Upper Corentyne Primary Schools girls wind ball cricket competition earlier in the week.

In the final, Number 56 Primary after been invited to take first strike scored 35-5 off their allotted 5 overs.

In reply, Messiah Primary playing in front of their home crowd reached the required target without much fuss after losing just one wicket at 38-1as

Chitranie Dharry scored 16 runs. Earlier in the semi-final action Messiah Primary defeated defending champions Number 48 Primary, while Number 56 Primary girls playing in their first championship beat Crabwood Creek.

Meanwhile in the boy’s finals Messiah went down to Number 56 Primary in a replay of last year’s final which produced a different result this year.

Messiah batted first in

the sizzling sun as their fellow pupils cheered them along to a score of 54-6 off 5 overs.

Number 56 behinds Samuel Madray 36r runs rallied to win the game with their fellow school mates showing tremendous support. Fourteen school teams took part in the tournament, organized by Sport Officer Alistair Munroe with the aim of finding the Upper Corentyne Zone champions. (Andrew Carmichael)

Man City striker set to miss Roma game

Sergio Aguero is expected to miss Manchester City’s crucial Champions League match against Roma after injuring knee ligaments at the weekend.

The Argentine, 26, was injured in the third minute of Saturday’s game against Everton after a challenge with Muhamed Besic. He left the pitch in tears.

City must win Wednesday’s game in Rome to have any chance of reach-

ing the last 16 and Aguero’s absence is a big blow.

“It’s a big problem,” admitted City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

“It is very difficult when you have trouble with your ligament to recover in three days.”

A Manchester City spokesman told the BBC on Sunday that there was no update about the player’s injury.

Aguero - the Premier League’s top scorer with

14 goals - limped out of Saturday’s match, which City won 1-0, and was replaced by teenager Jose Pozo.

Pellegrini, who was already without Yaya Toure for the Roma game due to suspension, revealed Aguero was “more calm” in the dressing room afterwards.

Match of the Day Presenter Gary Lineker said on Twitter: “Worryinglooking knee injury sustained by Sergio Aguero.

“Anything serious would be a massive blow to him, Manchester City, and football lovers everywhere.” Aguero has earned widespread acclaim for his performances this season, with Pellegrini hailing the striker as “one of the best players in the world”.

His highlights this season include scoring all four in a 4-1 rout of Tottenham on 18 October and a hattrick in the 3-2 Champions League win over Bayern Munich on 25 November.

(BBC Sport)

Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival...

Hikers, Tigers remain undefeated

The Pepsi Hikers men, GCC Tigers ladies and Hikers vets all remain unbeaten as the Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival continued on Saturday at the National gymnasium.

Old Fort seemed on the cusp of a major upset in the men’s division of the competition when they found themselves up by 2 goals in the opening three minutes of play as they squared off against pre-tournament favourites and National champions, the PEPSI Hikers.

However, their lead was short lived as Travon Younge sprinted the full length of the court to be in position for a pass just beyond goalkeeper Tony Cole to open the Hikers account.

Jamarj Assanah slammed home a double with singles from Devin Munroe and Andrew Stewart to give Hikers a commanding 5-2 lead by the half.

The Hikers’ Michael Harding would be the lone scorer of the second half with a goal in the 35th minute for the resounding 6 – 2 victory and a place in the semi-finals.

With the Hikers defeating GCC by 7 – 2 later in the evening, they enter the

semi-final round unbeaten and face the under-19 squad who finished fourth in the pool round. GCC will face Old Fort in the other men’s semi-final.

Meanwhile GCC Tigers hardly broke a sweat as they annihilated the Old Fort Shooting Stars 10 – 0 in the opening ladies fixture of the evening.

The victory has propelled the Tigers into the final as overwhelming favourites.

On the other hand GCC Spice upstaged a fighting Hikers ladies team by 3-0. Young striker Aliyah Gordon once again proved a menace for the Hikers defence, scoring two goals with the third being scored by veteran Tricia Fiedtkou.

Although the Hikers got a few good attempts at the Spice net, fine goalkeeping from Natalie Hing in the Spice goal kept them scoreless.

The lone veteran’s fixture of the day saw Old Old Fort securing a place in the final against the Hickers by defeating Carib Hockey Club of Trinidad 4-3.

Men Hikers defeated Old Fort by 6 – 2

Goals: Hikers – Jamarj Assanah 2, Travon Younge,

Devin Munroe, Andrew Stewart, Michael Harding.

Old Fort – Stephon King, Jason DoSantos.

Under-19 defeated Renegades by 5 – 1

Goals: Under-19 –Mark Sargeant 2, Kareem McKenzie, Aroydy Branford, Daniel Hooper. Renegades – Dwight McCalman.

GCC defeated Saints by 8 – 0

buzzer beater lifts colts B over slash

With four seconds left on the shot clock, Shelroy Thomas rose and swished a dagger to lift Colts B over Slash for a 10-7 when action in the Mackeson ‘King of the Rim’ 3-on-3 tournament continued on Saturday evening at the Albertown court.

Thomas ended with five points with the two point dagger from beyond the arc being the most important during the game as his team sealed their spot in the national playoff.

Pacesetters A face familiar faces in Pacesetters C, winning the encounter by the slimmest of margins as the game ended 13-12 in favour of the A side. Meanwhile Colts A was unstoppable as they trounced Rim Kings 11-4

with their crisp ball movement to reach the national playoff. Dave Causway netted five points while Rayon Cummings netted four points.

Colts B continued their hot night by defeating Eagles 11-9. Thomas was again the crucial factor in the game as the he stole the ball on the game’s final possession to preserve his team’s lead.

In other results, Pacesetters A defeated ‘De Four Ah Dem’ 9-7 while Colts A edged National AllStars 11-8 in their opening match of the night.

Colts B, earlier in the evening edged Eagles again by a 12-10 margin. Thomas hit yet another dagger to seal the win for Colts B.

In the matchup of the night Pacesetters A defeat-

ed Headshots 15-8 behind Stephon Gillis eight points as the sharpshooter displayed his touch from beyond the arc with two consecutive two pointers to help his side take the lead for good after trailing 6-4 in the final three minutes.

Pacesetters C also rook victories against ‘De Four Ah Dem’ with a 9-4 win and Headshots with a 9-6 win. Slash outplayed Target for a 15-8 win while Rim Kings edged Future Setters 7-6 in the fifth and third games respectively.

Slash made light work of Rising Colts 11-4 while the Rising Colts bounced back against Target with a 9-8 win in overtime. ‘De Four Ah Dem’ squeaked past Net Warmers in a low scoring match-up for a 6-4 victory.

GCC – Kevin

Hikers defeated Renegades by 8 – 0

Goals: Hikers - Jamarj Assanah 3, Devin Munroe 2, Shane Samuels, Randy Hope, Travon Younge.

Old Fort defeated Saints by 7 – 5

Goals: Old Fort – S.

Sprosta 3, Aderemi Simon 2, Jason DoSantos, Mark Fraser, Stephon King.

Saints – Robert Fernandes, Yonnick Peters, Taise Seepaul, Kwesi Lewis, Joel Hunte

GCC defeated under-19 by 4 – 3

Goals: GCC – Stephen Xavier 3, Orland Semple. Under-19 – Aroydy Branford 2, Mark Sargeant.

Old Fort defeated Renegades by 4 - 1

Goals: Old Fort – Jason Dosantos 2, Shaquille Thomas, Ascofu Simon. Renegades – Dylan Francis. Under-19 defeated Saints by 5 – 2

Goals: Under-19 –Aroydy Branford 3, Leon Bacchus 2. Saints – Kevin Edwards, Joel Hunte. Hikers defeated GCC by 7 – 2

Goals: Hikers – Robert France 2, Jamarj Assanah 2, Devin Munroe, Andrew Stewart, Shane Samuels. GCC – Kevin Spencer 2.

Ladies GCC Tigers defeated Old Fort Shooting Stars by 10 –0

Goals: GCC - Ashley DeGroot 5, Sonia Jardine 3, Trisha Woodroffe, Kerensa Fernandes.

Spice defeated Hikers by 3 – 0

Goals: Spice – Aliyah Gordon 2, Tricia Fiedtkou.

Veterans Old Old Fort defeated Carib by 5 – 3

Goals: Old Old Fort – John Abrams 2, Dexter Wyles, Anthony Marcano, Dwayne Allen. Carib – K. Ramsammy, Andre Durant, Nigel Simon.

Simon ready for December 13 bout

By TreisTon Joseph

erbician boxer

BKishawn Simon is ready to put on a class act against Barbados based Guyanese Revlon Lakeon December 13 at the RoseHall Town Showdown.

Simon with a record of two wins and two losses, one win by way of knockout is aiming to go for a definitive win.

“I’m going after the victory by way of Knock Out and look Spectacular doing it.

“I’m looking to break him down and then lay him out. Just going to outclass him and put on a spectacular performance,” the 24 year old stated.

Simon, who trains at the Robert’s Champion Gym under the watchful eyes of Howard Eastman, is privileged to have Eastman in his corner as he noted that his is “wonderful”.

“It’s an awesome opportunity, hard to find words to express how grateful I am but I’m truly blessed to have him there. He’s been there for me ever since I was in my teens. He gave me my first pair of boxing gloves when I was just 12 years old. We have a tremendous relationship, it’s like a father son relationship,” the blonde hair boxer highlighted.

Meanwhile Simon’s ambition is to take Guyana’s boxing to a level it has never been before after his bout on December 13.

“I’ll be looking to fight asap. I need to stay active. Make some wonderful fights

and create interest in boxing here in Guyana. Looking to take this sport to the level it needs to be honestly. Looking to attract tourism and build from here to a world class level,” he noted.

Further, Simon views himself as a future world champion, “I’ve got the potential to become World Champion, I’ve got to make it count. This means I need to fight as often as possible right now as I’m in the learning curve of my professional career,” he revealed.

Simon during the interview also talked about his passion for boxing, ““It first starts with my self belief. Day by day I keep my eyes on the prize, know where I

need to be so I make my sacrifices, dedicate myself, stay determine, work hard every day also Howard believes in me a great lot, I was even told Howard believes in me tremendously and how passionately he speaks of me becoming World Champion. That’s a boost for my motivation.

“It’s something flowing from within, a hunger, a desire for supremacy. Ambition to be Pound For Pound King,” Simon mentioned.

Meanwhile with the December 13 bout approaching, one thing will be certain when the bell rings, Simon will be aiming to drop Lake cold.

Late wickets put Guyana Jaguars in total control after day 3

Guyana Jaguars took total control after day three of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League fourth round match against hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Queen’s Park

Oval in Port of Spain.

The Red Force struggled to 58-4 in their second innings, still 236 runs behind the Jaguars first innings lead.

Fast bowler Ronsford Beaton (2-16) made the first

Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival...

Hikers, Tigers remain undefeated

breakthrough when he bowled Lendl Simmons for 10.

He also snapped up the prized wicket of Yannick Ottley, caught at the wicket the very next delivery without scoring.

Evin Lewis was then

caught and bowl by medium pacer Raymond Reifer for three before left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul accounted for Jason Mohammed (16), just before stumps.

Yannick Cariah (21 not

out) and Daniel St Clair (8 not out), will both resume today with the Red Force facing an uphill task.

The visitors declared on 492-8 with an overall lead of 294 runs and 40 minutes to work on the hosts batting before tea.

Resuming at 300-5, the Guyanese lost overnight batsmen, centurion Vishual Singh (141), Devendra Bishoo (27) and Anthony Bramble (13) during the first session. All three wickets went to Jason Mohammed.

However, Christopher

Barnwell and Veerasammy Permaul came to the crease with the clear intent of pushing the score along. They accelerated the run rate to gain a substantial lead before the declaration came. Barnwell was left unbeaten on 65 and Permaul on 50. Mohammed was the leading wicket-taker for the Red Force with figures of three for 41, while Akeal Hosein (2-52), Rayad Emrit (1-28), Daniel St Clair (1-44) and Imran Khan (1-71) were the other successful bowlers for the Red Force.

SCOREBOARD

Guyana scorecard

T&T 1st Innings 198

GUYANA 1st Innings (overnight 300 for five)

T Griffith c wkp Pooran b Emrit 8

R Chandrika c Ottley b Hosein 60

S Hetmyer b Imran Khan 31

N Deonarine c Ottley b Hosein 21

*V Singh st Pooran

b Mohammed 141

R Reifer b St Clair 58

D Bishoo c Hosein

b Mohammed 27

C Barnwell not out 65

+A Bramble c St Clair

b Mohammed 13

V Permaul not out 50

Extras (b3, lb9, w1, nb5) 18

TOTAL (8 wkts decl., 152.3 overs) 492

Did not bat: R Beaton.

Fall of wicket: 1-13, 2-84, 3-115, 4-146, 5-292,

6-354, 7-360, 8-380. Bowling: Richards 22-6-600, Emrit 17-9-28-1, St Clair 21-3-76-1, Imran Khan 354-122-1, Hosein 28-5-1062, Mohammed 15-1-41-3, Ottley 4.3-0-5-0, Cariah 5-028-0, Simmons 5-0-14-0.

T&T 2nd Innings

L Simmons b Beaton 10

E Lewis c and b Reifer 3

Y Ottley c Reifer b Beaton 0 Y Cariah not out 21

J Mohammed c Singh b Permaul 16

D St Clair not out 8 TOTAL (4 wkts, 16 overs) 58 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-12, 3-14, 4-50. Bowling: Beaton 5-0-162, Reifer 4-1-12-1, Permaul 4-1-17-1, Barnwell 2-0-110, Deonarine 1-0-2-0.