Guyana Times Daily - December 12, 2014

Citizens wary

Citizens wary of Christmas crime spike

… Police say they are ready

Against the background of daily armed robberies across the country and over 127 murders for the year so far, Guyanese are concerned about the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) readiness to deal with the expected spike in crime during the holiday season. However, the Force said it is prepared, pointing to its elaborate city plan which was presented earlier this month to members of the business community and the media.

To tackle this anticipated surge, the GPF last month released a “Christmas Strategic Plan” with the aim of preventing or minimising the commission of crimes that are likely to occur as a result of increases in commercial activity dur-

ing the Christmas season.

The strategic plan covers the period December 15 to January 15, 2015. This type of pro-active measure has been implemented by the Police over the years, however many still feel in secure and are not confident about the plan put forward by the Force. The plan mostly targets the A Division, particularly Georgetown.

Citizens fearful

While there has been a decline in serious crimes, the impact of a single crime can cause a great degree of uneasiness among persons. For example, the robbery/ murder at Sterling Products on Monday has left many workers traumatised and citizens fearful of similar attacks.

Crime Chief Leslie James, in presenting the strategic plan disclosed that the Police will be focused on maintaining the intelligence-led posture while continuing to work along with Community Policing Groups (CPG) to ensure increased safety for citizens. James added that they will also be engaging the Private Sector. He appealed to the business community to put in place proactive measures in protecting their businesses.

“We have seen the continuous occurrences of crimes committed by persons while businessmen are seeking to take cash to the bank. In some cases, their employees are robbed, some of them

are killed. What actions you take in terms of protecting your business ought to be commensurable with the type of business you are engaged in. If you have a $500 million business, you ought not to have a $50,000 security,” the Crime Chief stated.

Security measures

With crimes expected to increase alongside the boost in economic activities, Police will be monitoring commercial hubs across the country. Additionally, James noted that there will be ro-

ward off suspicions of illegitimate exercises. James further mentioned that there will be monitoring of the various choke points.

Meanwhile, Commander of A Division (A1Georgetown/A2-East Bank Demerara) Clifton Hicken, assured that policing arrangements in his Division will be intensified beginning from December 15, in order to ensure that citizens go about their activities in a safe and secure environment. He said that the Police will be monitoring the

Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent assisted by a Cadet Officer along with adequate ranks. In addition, there will be increased patrols around the city, the Georgetown Prison, hotels, night spots, places of business, banks and post offices. Hicken noted that motorcycle and vehicular patrols will be maintained along the East Bank/ Timehri corridor, and the Albouystown, and Agricola, Greater Georgetown areas.

The A Division Commander further dis-

bust beat patrols and various ‘stop and search’ exercises by anti-crime ranks. He added too that road blocks, whether snap or deliberate, will also be more prevalent during this period while reminding persons about the decision taken recently to have a marked Police vehicle at every road block to

major hot spots, which are considered to be the hub of business activities, in order to minimise criminal activity. Commander Hicken pointed out that Georgetown will be divided into five sectors in order to adequately police the city and its environs. He added too that each sector will be manned by a

closed that during the periods December 22 to 24 and December 29 to 31, additional foot patrol ranks will be enforced to accommodate late shopping. Hicken stated that up to October this year, there was an 11 per cent decrease in the number of indictable reports for serious crimes, that is, 3014 last

year compared to 2687 this year. As it relates to summary reports, there was a 27.3 per cent decrease with 575 recorded last year in comparison with 418 this year.

In a recent statistics update from the Police, it was revealed that serious crimes were reduced from 133 recorded in 2013 to 127 this year during the same period. A total of 127 murders were recorded at the end of November, representing a decrease of five per cent. At the end of November 2014, robbery under arms overall had increased by six per cent during the same period. Police Divisions A and E recorded a decrease, while Divisions B, D and G recorded slight increases. Divisions C and F recorded the same amount.

AFC/PNCR/APNU coalition:

The minority opposition party Alliance For Change (AFC) could play the crucial role of “Indian vote getter” should it hammer out a coalition deal with A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), political commentators have said.

With the party gradually losing its multi-racial appeal that it started out as, the AFC has mainly been campaigning in East Indian-dominated communities, most of them traditionally electoral support bases for the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

The Opposition group has also made no attempt to untie itself from the “Indian party” tag, with its Leader Khemraj Ramjattan going as far as declaring recently that he and Moses Nagamootoo did not attend a recent APNU rally because they were fearful of the backlash from their supporters. The AFC decided to send two of its black leaders to the rally largely attended by Afro-Guyanese.

“At this stage, no; we (Ramjattan and Nagamootoo) are not going out there with APNU,” Ramjattan said. Besides, the party has shunned APNU’s daily protests outside the Office of the President, instead taking its demonstration in front of the Regional Administrative Complex at Fort Wellington, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice). “We don’t want to go there. We will continue to protest using other methods that do not require them to be on the streets rallying alongside fellow Opposition party – APNU. We have indicated that we will maintain our hard-hitting press releases and comments in the press,” he said.

Political Commentator and PNCR Member, Aubrey Norton has been blunt about the AFC’s role as a party. Norton told a forum on Sunday that an APNU/AFC coalition was bad business, noting that if the opposition is to ever unseat the PPP/C, then the AFC must remain

disconnected from APNU and work towards weakening the PPP/C’s support. “The issue at hand is beating the PPP/C and getting rid of the PPP/C and the best approach to beating the PPP/C 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/C,” 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 PPP/C has already been on record as saying that Nagamootoo is being used as an “errand boy” in that party’s s campaign to steal PPP/C voters. According tote ruling party “Nagamootoo is highly unpopular within his party and would never be elected as the Presidential Candidate for the AFC were he to stand for such a high office at a convention of the AFC”. The PPP/C said that Nagamootoo and Ramjattan “have conspired against upholding the pathway to elect the Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidate of the AFC at their Biennial Convention and have instead opted for the

same pathway they had once openly rejected”. The party said too that because of the lack of support for Nagamootoo, the AFC’s strategy follows that of APNU.

According to the PPP/C, this strategy is “to set up Nagamootoo to go for PPP/C votes knowing that Nigel Hughes is more popular within the AFC, but who will not succeed in wooing PPP/C voters. The strategy therefore is to set up Nagamootoo as the errand boy to woo PPP/C voters and then later to use him as the delivery boy to deliver whatever paltry votes the AFC may win to APNU with the hope of increasing the joint Opposition’s votes at the upcoming elections.”

The PPP/C said that it is convinced that this strategy adopted by the AFC will fail and may even result in negative repercussions for not only the AFC but for the APNU as well.

With a total of 35, 333 votes at the last general elections the AFC polled its largest bloc of votes in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne)11, 634 followed by Region 410,635. It also picked up over 3000 votes respectively in both Regions Three and Five. Elections in Guyana have largely been won along racial lines over the years and with the East Indian population being the majority there has been a battle to weaken the incumbent PPP/C to wrest some of those votes.

The main opposition, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) now APNU have tried several combinations to woo more East Indian votes, but without

much success, but with the AFC’s relative success at the last elections there seems to be renewed hope that the PPP/C can be toppled. “What we have seen is that the AFC made some gains in Region Six- largely through Moses Nagamootoo, but that was because he was a fresh defector from the PPP/C,” a former Member of Parliament said.

The Former MP commented that it is left to be seen if the AFC could repeat such a performance amid reports that its support has dwindled in the region.

Only recently PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee declared that the AFC’ s support in Region Six is dwindling as supporters return to the PPP/C. According to Rohee, the AFC has failed miserably in making good on promises made to its supporters; hence, the party is experiencing a serious case of “haemorrhage”. “To the PPP/C, this is a very pleasing sign though it’s upsetting to the AFC,” he said.

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

Clearing the air on radio licences

Thursday's edition of this newspaper published a clarification that unlike the claims Kaieteur News has been peddling, neither Government nor former President Bharat Jagdeo awarded to Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII) television or radio licences.

The company in 2008, through its Executive Chairman Dr Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, bought the television station from Vieira Communications Limited (VCT) owned by Anthony Vieira, a former People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) parliamentarian and businessman. An open and public transaction, it was heavily criticised because of Vieira’s association with the PNC/R.

Details of that sale were carried by the KN itself, under the headline, “Guyana Times owners buy VCT Channel 28”, on June 5, 2009. Yet, KN continues to publish articles about the Government awarding television and radio licences to QAII. Vieira himself conceded that it was the best offer he had received.

“As businessmen we enter into specific business ventures with objectives, whilst at the same time, seeking to conclude the best alternative or deal, and I believe, having considered all my years of hard work and investments in the television industry, the offer I got for VCT from the Ramroop group was acceptable,” Vieira said.

The Court of Appeal, on October 14, 2009, ruled that Government had an unlawful monopoly on the airwaves and it said the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) was not doing its job with respect to considering radio licence applications. It was ruled that the NFMU had been procrastinating over the years.

VCT had applied for a radio licence in 1993 and had asked that the court order the NFMU to issue it with a radio licence forthwith, but the court said there were technicalities involved in making such a decision and that it lacked the expertise to make such an evaluation.

It eventually ruled that the NFMU was the entity which was well placed to make such an evaluation. The court directed the NFMU to consider and determine VCT’s application for a radio broadcast licence.

The court ruled that the monopoly enjoyed by Government was not only unlawful, but significantly restricted VCT and the people of Guyana in their ability to receive and to communicate ideas and information without interference.

The court also ruled that VCT was entitled to compensation for damages resulting from violations of its rights. It also ordered Government to pay VCT costs in the sum of $500,000.

Then Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, who was present in court for the ruling at the time, hailed the decision, saying it was a milestone in the constitutional history of Guyana. He said the Court of Appeal was “bold and brave in relation to its tending of freedom and liberties at the judicial level”. Ramjattan added that the decision was consistent with what was happening in more profound democracies.

Government officially paid $500,000 to Television Guyana Inc (TVG), as successor to VCT after the sale to QAII, for damages after it was sued for breaching the company’s fundamental rights to a radio broadcast licence. The cheque was paid in March 2013, originally to TVG, which had purchased all of the properties and assets of VCT.

A decision was taken by Dr Ramroop to pay the monies over to Vieira as the final obligations and commitment to him following the sale of VCT and all related properties. Vieira received the cheque and promptly cashed it.

As successor to all rights of VCT, Dr Ramroop received the radio licence consequent to the judgment. With the judgment also breaking the radio monopoly, other radio licences have been issued.

Lall has revealed via his own newspaper another possible motive for his vendetta. On one occasion, Lall confessed that he had also applied for television and radio licences. But with Lall’s “sketchy past”, as revealed by the US Embassy, it would be virtually impossible for him to pass the ‘fitness’ test to secure a broadcasting licence.

Is this the real reason for Lall’s vendetta?

surfer drops in on a large wave at

gained popularity with big wave

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Mike Persaud’s letter contains blatant inaccuracies, misinformation

Dear Editor,

I read with great dismay, a letter appearing in the KN December 10, under the headline, "Anil Nandlall and his role in fraudulent powers of attorney”, written by Mike Persaud.

Allow me to state from the outset, I hold no brief for Mr Nandlall or his conduct in either private practice or while holding the office of Attorney General. I am sure that he can adequately defend himself and set the facts straight, with respect to his involvement in the said matters.

The letter aforesaid contains certain blatant inaccuracies and misinformation, regarding my Chambers, which I am under a duty to clarify.

In or around August, 2010, I was approached in my Chambers by a person who identified himself to me as “Mike Persaud” and who indicated that he had legal issues pertaining to land in Leguan and he was desirous of retaining me for that purpose.

At that time, Sase Gunraj, Attorney-at-Law, was my junior in Chambers and we both attended to the issues related by M Persaud.

M Persaud presented certain documents to us and instructed us that he

believed that a Power of Attorney purportedly executed by his late father was forged by his brother, Narine Persaud.

After obtaining additional instructions from M Persaud, Mr Gunraj and I advised him that an action can be commenced based on the fraud claimed.

M Persaud specifically instructed that he was not minded to be the Plaintiff in that action, but opted for his brother, Harry Persaud, to be so named. H Persaud had not accompanied M Persaud to our Chambers at that time.

On September 14, 2010, High Court Action numbered 405-W of 2010 was commenced by H Persaud against N Persaud. On the said date, an Ex-Parte Application for Injunction by Way of Affidavit was filed in the said matter, seeking certain injunctive reliefs.

On September 21, 2010, acting Chief Justice Ian Chang granted the injunctions sought. Thereafter, a sealed and certified copy of the proceedings, along with a copy of the Order of Court, aforesaid, was served on the Defendant N Persaud, via courier.

On November 10, 2010, the matter was heard once more before Mr Chang, who

made the injunctions interlocutory.

A Statement of Claim was filed in the said matter on September 29, 2010. A Certificate of NonAppearance was applied for and same was obtained on December 8, 2010. A Request for Hearing in Bail Court was filed on December 15, 2010.

The matter was fixed for hearing in Bail Court on February 28, 2011, where Gino Persaud, Attorneyat-Law, entered an appearance for and on behalf of N Persaud, and sought leave to file a Defence.

On October 14, 2011, a Statement of Defence was eventually filed for and on behalf of N Persaud by G Persaud, after a delay of over seven months.

On October 17, 2011, Justice William Ramlall, sitting in Bail Court, ordered that the matter take its normal course. Since then, we have been awaiting a date for hearing.

Mr Gunraj is no longer in my Chambers, but we have maintained a close working relationship and are in contact almost on a daily basis.

After signing the initial documents at our office, several efforts were made to contact H Persaud, without success. On the few occasions that he responded, he

made promises to visit our Chambers, but never did.

M Persaud paid a paltry sum as a retainer, as he claimed that he did not cater for legal expenses on his trip and that he will send the balance of the fees upon his return to the US. As far as I am aware, no payment on legal fees was made until a few months ago, when he came and paid another small sum.

Despite not being fully paid, every necessary legal step that had to be taken in respect of the matters aforesaid was done, in a timely manner. As far as I am aware, Mr Gunraj was not retained by M Persaud, or anyone else to apply for injunctions in September 2014, as stated by in the letter.

It would be interesting to see the injunction referred to by Mike Persaud in his letter, purportedly granted by Mr Chang.

I hope that this clarifies the situation and if M Persaud is still of the opinion that my conduct and that of Mr Gunraj was not above board, he can make the complaints at the appropriate forum, and not seek a trial in the Court of public opinion.

Bibi Safora Shadick Attorney-at-Law

Seeking Cuban help for GuySuCo

Dear Editor,

I was most surprised to read a recent report indicating that President Donald Ramotar is “seeking sugar help from Cuba”.

Our sugar industry has certainly been see-sawing from its British colonialcapitalist inception, through the “Bitter Sugar” syndrome as depicted by our dear Dr Cheddi Jagan, to the pre-Independence “Sweetening of Bitter Sugar”, as was scholarly researched and eruditely described by Prof Clement Seecharran, to the post-Independence nationalization projecting “ownership and operation by the people of Guyana”, as emblazoned at the entrance to all units of GuySuCo but under full control by our politicians.

Nationalization, predictably, but alas unfortunately led to a steep decline in the fortunes of the industry until our politicians wisely decided to invite the British

to return in a management capacity as per the BookerTate arrangement.

Then, from virtual extinction, the industry was resuscitated through a process of objective management by Booker-Tate. However, the ‘curse’ soon returned in the form of full control and management by our politicians.

And now, in the reported words of President Ramotar: “The local sugar industry has seen slumping production in recent years and is struggling to attain a modest target for 2014. It also has major problems with its flagship Skeldon factory which is now a huge drain on GuySuCo.”

It must be recalled that our politicians have already flirted with the Chinese, the South Africans, and the Indians with a view to reversing the aforesaid trend. This obviously begs the question whether the Cubans will succeed where

the others have failed.

Is anyone prepared to wager on a turnaround under the current ‘hit-and-miss’ or ‘shooting-in-the-dark’ approaches by our politicians?

When will our politicians ever realize that nowhere in the world has any industry been successfully run by politicians. The history of our sugar industry has proven beyond any doubt that politicians must allow professional managers to manage the industry.

Why can’t we take a leaf from the books of companies like our own very successfully run local DDL and Banks DIH which are blessed by the absence of political interferences.

The de-politicization if not de-nationalization of our sugar industry is long overdue.

Nowrang Persaud

New York Guyana Medical and Humanitarian Mission in community development

Dear Editor,

On every trip to Guyana by the New York Guyana Medical and Humanitarian Mission (NYGM), it is customary that members visit Mahaica since its Vice President Holly Persaud is originally from Chelsea, Mahaica.

While the activities at the Mahaica market are fascinating enough, what is even more compelling to NYGM members is the poor state of the Market Bridge across the Mahaica River, which is being used heavily by pedestrians, including the multilateral school children and vehicular traffic.

The taxi operators also use the Bridge to transport passengers. It's at the Mahaica Bridge where fishermen bring their catch for sale. In short, it’s around the Bridge, to a large extent, that the local economy

GPL submitted proposals to re-negotiate terms and conditions of labour agreements

Dear Editor,

We refer to a letter on December 10, headlined, “GPL has disappointed its workers once again”, and wish to set the record straight.

Let us begin with the incontrovertible facts (pardon the redundancy, but it is intended to emphasize).

Guyana Power & Light Inc (GPL) has two separate and distinct collective labour agreements: one with the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), and the other with Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).

NAACIE represents nonmanagerial staff, whilst GPSU represents managerial staff. These are two distinct and separate categories of staff, each with its own level of responsibility and accountability.

The collective labour agreements expired since December 2003. GPL has submitted proposals to both Unions to re-negotiate the terms and conditions of the

agreements and invited the parties to enter negotiations, but neither Union appears inclined to do so.

Indeed, between October 2013 and August 2014, GPL has written to NAACIE and GPSU 12 times inviting them to commence negotiations, including negotiations for wages and salaries. Both Unions refused to attend meetings.

The Unions have proposed to enter into joint negotiations with GPL. They have proffered not a single valid or commonsense argument in support of their argument. GPL has rejected the proposal based on the following:

1. GPL has distinct and separate Collective Bargaining Agreements with each of the two Unions;

2. Each Union has distinct certificates of recognition as sole bargaining agents for different categories of workers at GPL;

3. GPL has in the past negotiated separately with the two Unions and there is nothing in the existing Collective Labour Agreements with the

Unions, or in law, to require GPL to agree to joint negotiations;

4. GPL has considered the arguments put forward by the Unions in their demand for joint negotiations and finds them to be without substance or merit. Nonmanagerial and Management Staff negotiating jointly for salaries and wages will likely engender conflicts of interest.

On October 30, GPL received a notice of ultimatum from both Unions giving the company one month’s notice that they will take the necessary actions they see fit, if the company does not agree to joint negotiations to take place between the two unions and GPL.

Following the ultimatum, the Ministry of Labour intervened, as a conciliator. Two meetings were held at the Ministry and both Unions and GPL presented their respective arguments. The Chief Labour Officer declared the matter deadlocked.

GPL once again pleaded with the Unions and invited

them, yet again, on December 9 to commence negotiations. Kenneth Joseph, General Secretary of NAACIE, agreed verbally that his Union will commence negotiations on December 9.

Lo and behold, representatives of GPSU turned up at the meeting. This was contrary to the letter, spirit and understanding of our letter of invitation to NAACIE and the verbal telephone conversation between our Human Resources Director Balgobin Parsaud and Mr Joseph.

We expressed our continued desire to start negotiations, but that GPSU representatives would not be permitted to be present during the negotiations. NAACIE refused and left.

We reiterate our call to enter separate negotiations with NAACIE and GPSU and will strongly encourage them to participate early so that our staff can be paid in time for the holidays.

Management of GPL

revolves. NYGM members fear that a major accident is waiting to happen if repairs are not done quickly.

Under the leadership of its Vice President, NYGM utilized an acceptable and democratic method, that is, it carried out a petition drive for the Government to repair the Bridge. What's important though is that the petition drive which secured approximately 500 signatures also signaled a mobilization process by the residents. It provided them with hope that some action would be taken.

During one of NYGM’s visits to the Mahaica market, as expected, most of the market vendors and shoppers complained about the state of the Bridge. As usual they pointed out that the Bridge offers ready access to the Mahaica market.

The residents informed NYGM that they would really like for the old Bridge to be repaired and asked NYGM to see how they could draw greater Government attention to the urgent need for repairs to the Bridge

Ms Persaud informed the residents that she was instrumental in getting a local TV programme to report on the poor condition of the old Bridge and to highlight the dire need for its rehabilitation. She also advised the residents that this concern was discussed with various Government ministers, as well as with President Ramoutar during a meeting with him.

It should be noted that there is hardly any major business activity in the vicinity of the railroad (new) Bridge on the main road that connects Georgetown to Rosignol. That Bridge cannot meet the needs of the vendors and shoppers. It’s the old Bridge which is strategically located at the heart of the local economy that satisfies their needs.

When NYGM leadership visited Guyana in 2014 to conduct their annual programme, they were informed that a decision was made to award a contract for the rehabilitation of the old Mahaica Bridge.

That was indeed good news. But there was better news to come. Last week, NYGM learned from a top Government source that a contract has been awarded for the old Bridge rehabilitation and that work would soon begin.

This is a great moment, especially for the residents of Mahaica. Not only would their economic situation improve, but also their faith in the Government.

Though NYGM's primary role is medical and humanitarian in nature, it is not indifferent to community issues. If NYGM can assist in any little way to improve neighborhoods, it will try to walk on that path.

For example, in June 2014, NYGM under the guidance of its Ms Persaud, took another community initiative. It launched a “Sign” project in collaboration with Canals Polder Neighborhood Democratic Council.

At each of the major neighborhoods in the Canals Polder, a metal sign, bearing the name of that neighborhood, was installed. Each sign also carries an appropriate and uplifting quote designed to motivate villagers. Twenty signs were installed; 12 in Canal Number 1 and 8 in Canal Number 2. The NDC Chairman Ricky Bipath expressed his deep gratitude to NYGM President Dr Tara Singh and Ms Persaud for their vision, thoughtfulness and caring.

NYGM will continue to work with Government, Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), Not-forProfit Organizations (NGOs) and others to improve the quality of life of Guyanese and to build dreams that they could realize.

NYGM urges other NGOs, as well as Guyanese, to join in this crusade for their homeland. NYGM’s next medical and humanitarian mission to Guyana will be in June 2015.

Vishnu Bisram

Page Foundation

Ebola: Mapping the outbreak

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa was first reported in March 2014, and has rapidly become the deadliest occurrence of the disease since its discovery in 1976.

In fact, the current epidemic sweeping across the region has now killed more than all other known Ebola outbreaks combined.

Up to November 23, 5689 people had been reported as having died from the disease in six countries; Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, the United States and Mali.

The total number of reported cases is in excess of 15,000.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) admits the figures are underestimates, given the difficulty collecting the data. The WHO has declared the outbreaks in Nigeria and Senegal officially over, as there have been no new cases reported since September 5.

Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), which employs thousands of staff across West Africa battling the disease, confirmed this week that Liberia has seen a significant reduction in the number of new Ebola cases.

Liberia, the worst-hit country of the Ebola outbreak with more than 3000 deaths, reported that two-thirds of the 696 beds in the country’s treatment centres were empty.

MSF warned that the disease could “flare up” again, pointing to Guinea, where the number of cases is rising again despite two significant lulls. Cases are also still on the rise in Sierra Leone.

How not to catch Ebola

Don’t touch

into the eye, for example, could let the virus in.

Similarly, the mucous membranes of the mouth and inside of the nose are vulnerable areas, as is broken skin.

Laundry

One of the most shocking symptoms of Ebola is bleeding. Patients can bleed from the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and rectum. Diarrhoea and vomit may also be tainted with blood.

A big infection risk is cleaning up. Any laundry or other clinical waste should be incinerated. Any medical equipment that needs to be kept should be decontaminated.

Without adequate sterilisation, virus transmission can continue and amplify.

Minute droplets on a surface that hasn’t been adequately cleaned could, in theory, pose a risk. And it’s unclear how long the virus could sit there and remain a threat. Flu viruses and other germs can live two hours or longer on hard environmental surfaces like tables, doorknobs, and desks.

Red Alert: Helping children deal with embarrassment

BY TAMEKIA REECE

Want to make a five or six-year-old blush? Tell him he’s handsome. Introduce him to your boss. Point out how pretty his new friend is. Yep, it’s actually that easy.

Although embarrassment doesn’t peak until the tween years, those self-conscious emotions occur at ages five and six too, says Eleonora Villegas-Reimers, PhD, Associate Professor of elementary education at Wheelock College, in Boston. “Children this age are focused on fitting in and on how they look in the eyes of their peers, so being different in any way can cause discomfort,” she explains. What’s more, school comes with new rules and tasks. Some childrens are ashamed when they make a mistake.

child wants to be thought of as gassy?

Cover your eyes

If an infected droplet does get on to your skin, it can be washed away immediately with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

The eyes are a different matter. A spray of droplets from a sneeze directly

Ebola is spread by direct contact with contaminated body fluids. Blood, vomit and saliva can all carry and spread the deadly virus. The relatives of sick patients and the healthcare workers who care for them are at highest risk of infection, but anyone who comes into close proximity potentially puts themselves at risk. For that reason, contact should only be for essential medical care and always under the full protection of the right clothing. The virus can’t breach protective gear, such as gloves, mask/face shield, a full body suit and tough rubber wellington boots, but too few have access to state-of-the-art kit.

The nurse who recently became infected while caring for two Ebola patients in Spain had twice gone into the room where one of the patients was being treated – to be directly involved in his care and to disinfect the room after his death. Both times she was wearing protective clothing.

Condoms

Generally, once someone recovers from Ebola and they have the all-clear, they can no longer spread the virus.

But according to the World Health Organisation Ebola can be found in semen for seven weeks and some studies suggest it can be present for up to three months.

For this reason, doctors say that people who recover from Ebola should abstain from sex or use condoms for three months. (BBC News)

While feeling embarrassed can be a positive sign (it indicates the development of personal standards), a child needs to learn how to cope. Let us help you guide your red-cheeked child back into the comfort zone.

The skin I’m in

A few years ago, your child probably was a bit of an exhibitionist – he didn’t mind running around without a shirt or showing off his cool big-children underwear. But now he’s become more private. And then there are those annoying bodily functions. What was once funny (think: boogers or passing gas), can now ruin a kindergartner’s life! Okay, not really, but what

Children this age already know that boys and girls have different parts, but now they start paying more attention to other body differences, like height, weight, and the shape and size of eyes, noses, and ears, says Erik A Fisher, PhD, a Psychologist and the author of The Art of Empowered Parenting: The Manual You Wish Your Kids Came With “These comparisons are normal, but if a child sees he’s different in some way – maybe he’s overweight, wears glasses, or his nose is bigger than his friends’ – he may feel self-conscious about it,” says Dr Fisher. Blush buster: To help your children understand that everyone’s body is unique, read It’s Okay to Be Different, by Todd Parr, or I Like Me! by Nancy Carlson. “Drive home the point that his body belongs to him and he has the right to privacy,” says Kurt Klinepeter, MD, Associate Professor of developmental and behavioural paediatrics at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centre, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Allow him to close the door when changing clothes and never pressure him to physically interact with someone he doesn’t want to (uh, Aunt Kathy and her sloppy kisses). As for bodily functions, keep it simple. Dr Klinepeter suggests you explain that everyone passes gas, belches, and has the stomach grumbles at times, but if he says excuse me and doesn’t make a big deal of it, chances are others won’t either.

All eyes on me

When you introduce your daughter to your coworkers, what happens? She looks at the floor, hides behind you, or blurts out something wacky. Being the centre of attention is uncomfortable for many children because they don’t know what to do or say in the situation and they worry they’ll mess up somehow, says Dr Villegas-Reimers. Blush buster: Give her a heads-up. “Let her know you’ll be introducing her to some people and that they’re excited about meeting her,” Dr Villegas-Reimers says. You can also brainstorm together about things she can do or say so she doesn’t feel flustered – showing them her favourite toy or a picture she drew, for example. If she’s re-ally shy, tell the others beforehand so they don’t overwhelm her. Also practice what to do when you run into friends unexpectedly. It could be as simple as looking up and saying, “It’s nice to meet you,” and then waiting patiently (no whispering “Can we go now, Mom?”) while you talk. (Parents.com)

to be continued

City Hall split on removal of street vendors

Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green and acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba are at odds over the removal of street vendors who have come out in their numbers to cash in on the spike in sales for the Christmas holidays.

Green has contended that Sooba cannot remove vendors who vend along the pavements in and around the city. Green was at the time speaking at a press conference held at his office at the City Council on Thursday.

In a recent interview with

Guyana Times, Sooba had said she would be working closely with Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker to remove persons who vend illegally around the city.

Sooba made the call against the backdrop that the Christmas season is fast approaching and persons will be putting up structures, adding to the existing ones on the pavements.

The acting Town Clerk contended that the crowd will stop the free flow of traffic which can result in serious accidents. On the other hand, Green noted that the reason for the traffic build up is as a result of poor planning.

He said persons can vend all across Georgetown without disrupting traffic if there are proper strategies in place.

“The problem is not the vendors taking up space,

the problem is poor planning with management, and when I say management, I am referring to Carol Sooba and the Local Government Minister,” Green said.

The Mayor added that he made every effort to have talks with Sooba on the issue, but to no avail.

“Sooba continues to fail to carry out works of the Council and we cannot stand this anymore, even when you try to engage her in talks to show her what to do or which way to go, she will not listen,” Green claimed.

When asked about what other measures could be put in place other than removing persons, Green said that is up to Sooba and the Minister to decide that.

He said persons have the right to vend while it is Sooba’s, and by extension, the Minister’s duty to make sure that spots are provided for persons to vend, park, walk and carry out their day to day activities.

Fibre-optic Cable Project suspended since last year − Project Manager

The Fibre-optic cable project has been suspended since last year November, according to Project Manager Alexei Ramotar who spoke with Guyana Times via a telephone on Thursday.

Ramotar revealed this bit of information when asked for a comment on the present negotiations ongoing for renovations to the project.

He reiterated that prior to the suspension of the project, two foreign companies, one from Venezuela and the other Trinidad and Tobago were brought to Guyana to examine the project. Subsequently, in February 2013, reports on their findings were submitted and hence the project suspension.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon during his post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday said he is involved in discussions for renovations and corrections of defects in the Fibre-optic Cable Project. Further, Dr Luncheon assured that the project is still standing.

Dr Luncheon said discussions are being held with a local firm as well as another in a neighbouring country to conclude the rehabilitation of the existing cable that spans from Lethem, Rupununi, Region Nine to Castellani House in Georgetown, Region Four.

Construction and renovations on the cable are expected to cost approximately $1 billion, Dr Luncheon added. Ramotar said he only became aware of the negotiations when he read of it in the press. He said repairs to the cable are not a difficult task. He added that the last he

knew, a way forward in the project was being sought after following the findings of the reports presented by the foreign companies.

When asked if he is still involved in the project Ramotar said, “I am not sure a suspended project can still have a Project Manager.” He explained that he is not sure if he will be involved in the operations of the project when it is resumed.

He added that as Project Manager, he did what was necessary to ensure the success of the project. “We did what we had to do, we did testing, and we brought in experts and then made the decision to suspend it.”

Dr. Luncheon explained that in 2011/2012, it was recognised that contractors were not meeting the requirements to develop and unfold the project. As such, he took the initiative to get involved in discussions to remedy the situation.

Further, Dr. Luncheon assured that the project is still standing. “You say the proj-

ect was scrapped. I am doubtful whether the definitiveness of your statements actually accords with the status of the project right now,” Dr Luncheon said in a response to a question posed at the news conference.

The Project which started four years ago has missed a series of deadlines for completion. However, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds earlier this year stated that some delays in the completion of the project stemmed from difficulty of procuring piles, adverse weather conditions, and the provision of electrical access to the sites.

After a few local contractors were awarded contracts to work on various sections of the Fibre-optic cable, sections of the cable became damaged due to poor handling. Hinds had revealed that the E-Government Project unit had aimed for an April 2014 completion date.

Ramotar told this publication that E-Governance is presently not a part of the project. In January 2012, the WiMax and EVDO networks were changed to an LTE-Advanced network. This change allowed for a lower cost core network and the savings were used to move from 30 WiMax/EVDO sites to 54 LTE-Advanced sites. This was expected to provide better high-speed coverage in heavily populated areas such as Linden, New Amsterdam, Georgetown, Anna Regina, and Port Mourant/Albion.

The information Communication Technology Project is a part of the Government’s quest to modernise the nation’s technological front.

Sterling Products invasion, murder: Shot Chemist recalls ordeal; three remain in custody Funny business...

Mario Gohill, the Chemist at Sterling Product Limited who was shot in the left leg during an attempted robbery at the company on Monday last remains a patient at the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital in a stable condition.

The incident has left 45-year-old Security Guard, Wilfred Steward of Graham’s Hall, East Coast Demerara dead. Crime Chief Leslie James during a telephone interview on Thursday said the three men are still in Police custody and are assisting with investigations.

He nevertheless confirmed that the Police are looking for another person

who might be of interest.

Gohill, who is an Indian national, in a telephone interview told Guyana Times what he recalled on the horrific night when the bandits invaded the compound with high profile weapons.

He explained that he and another colleague were in the laboratory when they were confronted by a lone gunman. Prior to that, he recalled hearing some commotion in the yard, but was unaware that a robbery was in progress.

He said the bandit who confronted them was wearing a mask and dressed in black. The bandit, he recalled stuck his colleague to the head while demanding cash. Out of fear for his life, the man handed over his bag which contained an undisclosed sum of money.

Both him and his colleague remain quite, but for some strange reason, Gohill recounted that the bandit dropped the bag and discharged a round, hitting him to the left leg before leaving the room.

After some time, the injured man stated that he felt a burning sensation followed by immense pain and subsequently, he fell to the ground.

At that time, he thought the he was no more. “I

couldn’t feel my legs, I was so weak,” he related. He then slipped in an unconscious state, but upon recovering, he remembered visiting the Providence Police Station and then the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was treated.

He was later transferred to the Georgetown Hospital, but after sometime time there, he was taken to the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital where he remains to date. He said the pain is intermittent but is grateful to God to be alive.

The Chemist is relatively new to the company and thought that with the strict security measures in place, an incident of the nature could never happen.

He is dumb-founded and

is still wondering how the security system was breached on the fatal night.

“I don’t know what prompted the men to attack the company but I am grateful to be alive,” he said.

While he is recovering from the physical wounds, the scars from that night, Gohill noted that he will forever remember the incident.

On Monday last about 18:45h, 10 men, all of whom were armed with high powered rifles, stormed the compound of Sterling Products Limited, through the front gate. But, according to a release from the Guyana Police Force, there were only three gunmen.

The Police said too that Stewart was relieved of a .32 revolver with six rounds. Police say the men were able to locate a safe in the building, but were unable to open it and decided to leave empty-handed.

Up to Wednesday, a senior Police rank told Guyana Times that they were searching for a convicted criminal who they believe is the mastermind behind the “not so well planned out” robbery.

The official added that the man was recently released from prison after being charged with several counts of robbery under arms.

Thieves raid Henrietta home, escape with cash

Thieves Wednesday night broke into the home of a Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) women, charting off a shoulder bag containing ATM and Identification Cards and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The victim, Radika Indarpaul, a Clerk at the Region Two Administration Office, said when she woke up on Thursday morning,

she noticed louver panes from her front window missing.

Indarpaul said when she went to investigate; she noticed the door opened and her shoulder bag missing.

“The thieves removed the louvers window pane, push their hands and unbolted the door,” the Clerk said, noting that her house was not ransacked and her mother and her two daughters were asleep.

The matter was reported to the Anna Regina Police Station and the Police have since launched an investigation into the matter. Residents are calling for an increase in Police patrol in the area.

Only recently, two employees attached to Sunshine Snacks were robbed at gun point by two masked bandits at Adventure Village, also on the Essequibo Coast.

The employees visited the Essequibo Coast to conduct business when they were beaten and robbed by the masked men, one of whom was armed with a cutlass and the other with a gun.

According to information received, the employees were heading to the Supenaam Stelling around 02:00h on Sunday morning when they were attacked and robbed.

The bandits took away $700,000 in cash and $800,000 in cheques, two cell phones and the keys to the canter truck from the employees. The employees were stopped by the robbers who ordered them to leave the vehicle.

The driver of the truck was reluctant to leave, but did when the bandit started to “cuff” him in the head. The bandits then demanded all the cash and cheque before making good their escape. Both employees received a sound trashing from the bandits and had to seek medical attention. The matter was reported to the Suddie Police Station, and to date, no one has been arrested.

Police are continuing their investigations.

Eyew tness

E...by Mook Lall

ver since NICIL announced back in 2010 that through its Atlantic Hotel Inc SPV it was bringing in a Marriott to Guyana through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) route, the MuckrakerKN and its owner launched a vicious and sustained attack to derail the project. The objections flew fast and furious.

Guyana couldn’t sustain a five-star, internationally branded hotel with 160 rooms. It didn’t need another hotel - even a “no star” one - period. We couldn’t even fill the present rooms we had. They’d be too “pricey”. The casino that’d be part of the “entertainment complex” was going to exclude Guyanese. And that Jagdeo was only building the Marriott to “destroy the Pegasus” next door - because it was owned by a financier of the AFC!!

When President Ramotar pointed out that the business class Guyana’s trying to attract in the oil, gold and manufacturing industries demand top class, branded amenities, the Muckraker mocked him mercilessly. What the Mook didn’t want to admit however, is the real reason for “bad mouthing” the Marriott was that it was the brainchild of then President Jagdeo. It’s been as clear as day for the longest while that the Mook is so consumed with hatred for Jagdeo that he’s gone “bassidy”. Or, as the Americans would say “absolutely, stark raving bonkers”!! A further proof of this latter, sick condition is the recent announcement by the Mook that he’d told Finance Minister Ashni Singh the he, Mook Lall, would like to be a minority shareholder in the Marriott!!!

Can you believe it???!! Now a fella who’s sold shallot, smuggled bodies - and god-knows-what-else - across US borders doesn’t shell out his money unless he sees a “sure thing”. If the Mook’s willing to invest in the Marriott, you can bet your bottom dollar that “there’s gold in Marriott”!!!

And now he’s complained Ashni’s locking him out of a “good thing” and keeping it for his buddies. (You won’t be surprised that somewhere in the the Mook’s ramblings, the name of Jagdeo had to crop up, are you??)

But dear readers, this is the end game for all “smart flies”: they’re stuck fast in some bovine’s backside. The Mook’s desperate with the US doling out visas to every Tom, Dick and Harillall (and their wives and pickneys!). The “backtrack market” has collapsed worse than the stock market in 1929!!!

But don’t expect him to eat humble pie and apologise to Jagdeo for bringing in the Marriott. The hate’s also consumed is conscience.

...from Vieira

Tony Vieira keeps popping up like the bad penny he is. He was pulled up by the PPP/C for the disinformation campaign on the radio frequency allocation process he embarked on as part of the propaganda wing of the PNC.

We understand the fella’s got to repay the PNC for allowing him (and fellow traveller Rex McKay) to have a monopoly on TV broadcasting, back in the day. Can you imagine the amount of money the wanker raked in then?? But does he have to lie so much??

The wanker’s claiming that RGI wasn’t “granted” a licence from the Courts. Of course a Court doesn’t “grant” licences - but it can ORDER that refusal for the licence be rescinded! As the Chairman of QA (the parent company of RGI) said, “We purchased VCT and all its operations in June 2009. This included its rights to a radio licence, for which it had applied since 1993.

“The Appellate Court in October 2009 directed the NFMU “to consider and determine VCT’s application for a radio broadcast licence.”

Which part of this Vieira doesn’t understand??

...and being down and out

Vieira says the US$1 million he got for VCT isn’t a “hefty sum”. The poor fellow “proves” his point by whining that he’s forced to rent a home in Prashad Nagar! Imagine that!! Pass a hat around in Plastic City.

Guyana urges int’l community to honour pledges to developing countries

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has once again called on members of the global community to honour a commitment they made under the global partnership for development for developing countries.

The Finance Minister said to date, the international community has failed to make adequate provisions to accomplish the promise it made to developing countries close to four decades ago, that they were going to channel 0.7 per cent of their gross domestic product to the development of these countries to assist in the realisation of Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Number Eight.

The United Nation’s MDG Number Eight seeks to, among other things to develop further an open and non-discriminatory trading and financial system, address the special needs of landlocked developing countries and Small Island States, deal comprehensively with debt problems of developing countries and in cooperation with the private sector, make available benefits of new technologies, especially information and communication.

“There is a precursor to MDG Eight; that is the UN General Assembly Resolution in which the developed world committed to achieving an official development target,” Dr Singh said.

That UN Assembly Resolution was intended to be achieved within the first decade, the Finance Minister related; however, the world is some three decades late and “it is not a positive reflection of us a global community”.

The General Assembly is the main deliberative,

policymaking and representative organ of the UN, which makes decisions on important issues, such as peace and security, admission of new members and budgetary matters.

Dr Singh said so far only five developed countries have demonstrated an interest in this commitment, although they themselves are experiencing a major economic landslide. According to him, they must be saluted.

Global public good

“They do so recognising the global public good, that is, poverty eradication and development. If we recognised that poverty reduction and social development as articulated by that resolution four decades ago, then as a global community we have an obligation to take the necessary action to achieve that global good.”

He continued: “I would say that in addition to recommitting this Government’s commitment to achieving the MDGs, I will also call on the global community to acknowledge the underachievement of MDG Eight.”

The Minister said much focus is placed on the suc-

cess and achievement and non-achievement of MDGs One through Seven. He said he is of the firm belief that the “architects” of the MDGs are of the view that global partnership is key to the achievement of all the MDGs.

“It is difficult for me in my mind to understand that the other goals are achieved in the absence of MDG Eight. It would be remiss not to mention the underachievement of MDG Eight,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Singh who was speaking at the MDG acceleration framework and campaign to improve maternal health, said the framework represents the latest manifestation of Government’s unswerving support to the achievement of the MDGs in Guyana.

“I wish to assure you that Government remains committed to the achievement of all the MDGs. We will continue to make investments that are necessary to ensure that we continue to develop and the further achievement of these MDGs.”

The Minister said that Government has already invested significantly in the national budget for the accomplishment of the MDGs. He reminded that the social sector over the last year has benefitted from 20 per cent of the national budget and “it is therefore no accident that we have been able to achieve so many of the key MDGs”.

He cited Guyana’s last MDG report in 2011 which documented Guyana’s success in moving towards the achievement

“I am pleased that we are at the point today where all of Guyana’s MDGs are likely to be met,” Dr Singh said.

Developed countries not forthcoming on emission pledge – Natural

Resources Minister

Five years after Copenhagen, pledges by developed countries to reduce emissions to ensure 1.5 or less than two degrees warming are still to materialise.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud made this comment during his address at the Opening Day of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Lima, Peru recently.

“We meet this year within the context of efforts to ensure a sufficiently ambitious and binding global agreement in Paris next year. We also gather amidst increasingly compelling scientific evidence that climate change is the most urgent global threat we face,” Persaud said.

The Natural Resources and Environment Minister pointed out that for small islands and low-lying coastal states, such aspects as the recent confirmation that average global temperatures and sea levels are rising faster than predicted, spell disaster if left unchecked.

In Guyana, with 90 per cent of the population living on a coastal strip that lies at or below sea level, the risk is particularly acute.

“For my country, with most of our population and infrastructure below sea level, our very survival is threatened by these increasingly negative impacts. It is imperative that adaptation be inscribed as an important element, and that the requisite resources be provided to help vulnerable countries safeguard themselves as they seek to grow sustainably and develop a green economy,” he said.

Minister Persaud added that it is a matter of urgency that significant progress be made toward an ambitious agreement.

“For us, that agreement

must be legally-binding, with flexibility for Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It must also be structured to reflect the elements of the Bali Action Plan, with parity between mitigation and adaptation.”

Further, the recent announcements of China, the United States and the European Union for enhancing mitigation ambition, were welcomed by Minister Persaud. In this regard, he maintained that in the global fight against climate change, historical polluters must take the lead with economy-wide emission reduction commitments, and that historical responsibility should provide the basis of their contributions.

Science-driven Accordingly, nationally determined contributions must focus on mitigation primarily, while allowing for linkages with adaptation and finance. The contributions must be science-driven and assessed in a multilateral rules-based system.

They must also ensure that the aggregate level of mitigation ambition should be 1.5 or well below two degrees Celsius and sufficient to ensure the livelihood of the most vulnerable. As

such, he stated that Guyana is committed to contributing to global mitigation efforts.

“I am pleased to announce, in this regard, that the Government of Guyana has decided to ratify the Doha Amendment of the Kyoto Protocol, and will shortly deposit its instrument of acceptance.”

Guyana has demonstrated a high-level of political commitment to fulfilling its role in the global climate change solution.

“Even before the Copenhagen Conference of Parties (CoP), Guyana adopted a Low Carbon Development Strategy which aims to conserve and sustainably manage our forests in an effort to reduce global carbon emissions and at the same time attract resources to foster growth and development along a low carbon emissions path,” the Minister said.

The agreement between Guyana and Norway launched one of the first national-scale REDD+ initiatives in the world. If forest countries are to reconcile the world’s needs for forests to be kept intact with their own need to develop, then the challenge is to make national development and sustainable use of forests complementary, not competing objectives. For this to happen, the right economic incentives need to be in place and to ensure there are economically viable alternatives.

Meanwhile, Minister Persaud called on all partners to bring the elements together and to inspire and scale up actions that can lead to a low carbon future.

“Let us together pursue bold action and outcomes which will provide substantive elements and a clear timeline necessary to make a truly meaningful and ambitious global agreement a reality in Paris in December 2015,” he urged.

Vigil held in memory of Jaden Mars

By Svetlana MarShall

Scores on Wednesday held a vigil in front of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) calling for justice for the mother of four-yearold Jaden Mars, who died at the hospital while being treated for biting his tongue.

Mars succumbed on December 10, 2013. A postmortem examination performed on the remains of the four-year-old proved that he died from a blockage of the main artery of the lung, or one of its branches by a substance that had travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream (pulmonary embolism).

It has since been alleged that the action of the medical workers who attended to the child at the time was the sole cause of his death.

To mark the first year anniversary, a Candle Light Vigil was held in front of the emergency entrance of the public hospital. The event, which attracted a small crowd, sent a strong message to local healthcare providers that change must come.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Natalie Caseley claimed that Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud; and Health Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Leslie Cadogan would have accepted that “negligence” had lent to the death of her son.

But despite acknowledging this fact, the health officials had reportedly indicated to the grieving mother that the Ministry cannot take disciplinary actions against the defaulters.

The Health Minister; however, had told Guyana Times that the report submitted by the Expert Committee contained strict instructions on disciplinary actions to be taken against the three doctors and one nurse that were found to be responsible for the death of the toddler.

G-Pee-Hell and G-Tea-an-Tea sharin poles

De truth finally come to light. Is only now people finally understand why dem gettin so mucha problems wid dem lights and why dem gettin so mucha problems wid dem phones. Is every day blackout deh some where. And is every day some body phone stop wukkin some where.

And de phone problems ain’t got nutten to do wid dem bogus cell phones whah dem cell phone companies sellin, like that one pun Sherriff Street. Neither de light problems ain’t got nutten to do wid dem cheap lights whah sellin out pun de pave in Regent Street.

It had to tek two big companies to admit that dem gotta big problem before de Guyanese people coulda know whah really goin on. Wish dem politicians could be like that. Dem two companies tekka long time, but at least dem finally admit whah Gee-Come ain’t wanna admit. And that is, that dem just ain’t ready yet, as old people does seh.

If Gee-Come could come straight wid de people and admit that dem ain’t ready fuh de people vote, de Prezzi woulda prorogue Cabinet instead of Parliament. And every body woulda be happy because Cabinet doin more damage than Parliament.

But Gee-Come ain’t stay like G-Pee-Hell and G-Tea-anTea. Indeed, dem two been tryin hard fuh a long time to stand up straight and come straight wid dem customers. But at least dem finally come straight that dem both got pole problems at de same time.

That is why Dindhaal gon be usin R-Kay pole when de light pole own ain’t wukkin, and R-Kay gon be usin Dindhaal pole when de phone pole ain’t wukkin. Both of dem gon have to mark dem own poles well to mek sure one don’t thief de other one pole.

Hopefully none of de poles gon get too mucha overload and fall down, because that is a common ting nowadays with a lotta people poles, like de paper man.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, at least Rum Jhaat and Nagga Man claim that dem ready fuh de big poll!

But according to Caseley, only the nurse was sent on administrative leave while the doctors have remained on the job. To Caseley, this is unjust. She believes that the three doctors and one nurse should be reprimanded for their reckless behaviour, which led to the death of an innocent child.

“This institution is messing with my brains, I think they would have paralysed the part of my brain, sometimes I am so emotionless…

since my son died, I didn’t even went to see where they laid him to rest because when I watched at his corpse at the hospital I said to him, I said ‘Jaden mommy love you, but God love you more, but I am not going to stop fighting until I get justice for you’”.

Caseley added: “I promised myself, I am not going to see where they buried my son until I get justice, when I go there is to let him know that we won.”

“I want the doctors and I want all the other health workers to understand that there is a system in place that if you do something wrong, then you will be held accountable for your actions.”

Additionally, through her Attorney Nigel Hughes, Caseley is seeking compensation to the tune of $40 million from the hospital for the pain and suffering that have been caused, due to the death of her son.

She said individuals, particularly mothers who would have suffered at the hands of doctors and nurses within the public health system continue to contact her to express not only their sympathy, but frustration over the poor quality of healthcare service being provided.

“I intent to keep fighting, I don’t know what I’ll do next but what I do know is that I will keep fighting until I get justice and closure, until I can see change in the institution.”

Though not determined to take “bread out of their mouth”, the mother said those responsible must be held accountable, and their licenses should be revoked and should serve possible jail time.

Scotiabank spreads Christmas cheer in Georgetown

Christmas is surely here in Guyana and Scotiabank is doing their part in spreading the Christmas cheer. On Wednesday even-

ing, several institutions throughout Georgetown, including the New Nazareth

Unfair trading a challenge for small business

– says Small Business Bureau

Small business own-

ers worldwide face numerous challenges, and to some extent, they always will, with the advent of globalisation and free trade economies.

Small businesses in Guyana are at a definite disadvantage, especially when competing with foreign companies due to the various challenges they face here in Guyana.

According to the Small Business Bureau (SBB), one of the most common complaints from small businesses (or Micro and Small Enterprises [MSE]), is that of unfair trade practices of some Caribbean countries in implementing non-tariff barriers.

Non-tariff barrier is a form of restrictive trade where barriers to trade are set up and take a form other than a tariff (tax). They can include quotas, levies, embargoes and sanctions, among other restrictions.

Considering Caricom is supposed to allow for a freemarket economy, observers find the non-tariff barriers practice utterly unreasonable.

Nevertheless, the SBB noted that they are currently making efforts to address this issue.

“We have had consultations with Caricom Secretariat where affected businesses were advice to submit reports of occurrences of unfair trade practices that prevent their exports from entering specific countries.”

On that note, businesses are urged to submit such reports to the relevant authorities.

Another major challenge small businesses face is access to financing.

This has been reiterated countless times, and only recently by winner of Scotiabank’s Business Plan Competition Lestor Woolward.

“As entrepreneurs, it is very difficult to get funding. Guyana is not the creditbased country, so it is very difficult.”

The SBB said financial

institutions are still being rigid in their lending requirements, even with the interjection of a collateral guarantee and interest rate subsidies by the bureau.

According to the SBB, they have agreements with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and Republic Bank which allow for interest rate reductions and collateral guarantees for MSEs to be able to acquire financing.

“Nine applicants have benefited from the six per cent interest rate facility, while 16 applications are pending approval from the bank’s end. Hundreds of applications continue to be evaluated on a daily basis, for referral to the commercial banks.”

According to reports, the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) has indicated that there was increase in the amount of loans disbursed in 2013 compared to 2012. This indicates that efforts are not in vain.

“These measures indicate great potential for the sector, especially if MSEs tap into the available resources and exploit existing and potential business opportunities.”

The SBB noted that such ventures can start small and then progress and develop into a long-term profitable business enterprise.

Needless to say, there are many more challenges MSEs in Guyana endure.

Another major challenge which, according to the SBB, is recognised as a national issue is the high cost of electricity.

The SBB noted that the cost of production is very high and it is attributable to the high cost of electricity.

Nevertheless, the SBB said they are doing their role in addressing this concern.

“The SBB has communicated to Legislators the importance of reducing the cost of production for local manufacturers.”

The organisation invites anyone to visit them for professional advice.

Anyone interested in ac-

Home, the Ptolemy Reid Rehab Centre, St Ann’s Orphanage, Joshua House and St Vincent de Paul were visited by Scotiabank staffers, who were determined to share the joy of Christmas.

The crowd, consisting of both children and adults, assembled in front of the bank’s Carmichael Street branch where they began their harmonious singing of popular Christmas carols.

The parade took to the streets and headed to the New Nazareth Home where the staffers delivered their first treat for the evening.

back to the community in which we serve and the caroling that we do give us the opportunity to bring these persons who don’t have the privileges that we have…

them. We love doing it.”

Scotiabank has been holding the event for the past several years.

This year, toys were donated to the children of St

cessing training on how to turn an idea into an invention; register a business, assess modes of financing, among any other related concerns, can visit the bureau.

Representative of the home Juliet Singh was delighted and expressed sincere gratitude for the kind gesture as she wished the entire nation a Happy Christmas.

Scotiabank representative Ameila Yearwood said the bank enjoys making Christmas memorable.

“We always like to give

some of them don’t have families. We’re hoping we can bring that Christmas spirit in these homes for

32 Cuban doctors join health sector

Thirty-two Cuban doctors on Wednesday were formally welcomed to practice medicine here under the Guyana/ Cuba Programme.

The doctors will join some 170 others currently working in the various regions in Guyana, fulfilling their mandate of improving services in the local health sector.

The doctors were oriented at a ceremony at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown on Wednesday.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran told the Cuban medical practitioners that both Guyana and Cuba have enjoyed decades of friendship, and their stint here is testimony of the fruitful relations.

Minister Ramsaran said the Cuban doctors are spread across Guyana in areas most in need of medical assistance such as Suddie, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Mahaicony, Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica);

Diamond and Leonora, Region Three (Essequibo Island-West Demerara) and Port Mourant, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Diagnostic centres have been established in these areas.

Though there has been a decrease in the number of Cuban doctors at these centres, the Minister said Guyanese doctors who have completed training abroad have returned and have been filling the shortage.

Speaking about the Cuba, Guyana medical programme, the Minister said development in this area flourished following a landmark agreement in 2006 between then Cuban President Fidel Castro and former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Since then, Cuban doctors have been placed at a number of remote locations including Kamarang and Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Minister Ramsaran indicated that local doctors who graduated from Cuba have spoken about some chal-

lenges in adapting to the local health system.

He said in a bid to correct this problem, these final year students are now completing their training in Guyana.

Cuban Ambassador to Guyana Julio C Gonzalez

internationally.

He said President Ramotar has lauded Cuba for its work in the region as well as well as its contribution in West Africa in combating the deadly Ebola virus which has thus far killed thousands of persons, including medical professionals.

Addressing the Cuban doctors directly, Ambassador Marchante said both Guyana and Cuba enjoy a healthy relation, and together they have a responsibility to ensure that “those big agreements that our leaders, our people have achieved… are honoured”.

He said there are three specific areas that the doctors should attend to when carrying out their duties; namely, assistance to the people of Guyana in the ar-

Marchante praised President Donald Ramotar for his continued support and public appreciation of Cuba locally, regionally and

eas of knowledge and skill, the delivery of service to enhance the country’s health sector and continuous research.

Family of three homeless after 'candle' fire

Afamily of three is counting their losses and contemplating where they will be seeking shelter for the holidays after a fire, suspected to have been caused by a lighted candle completely razed their two-storey home in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

The blaze started in a room in the upper flat of the home and quickly engulfed the entire building, consuming all the appliances.

Guyana Times understands that the fire started sometime around 19:00h on Wednesday evening. According to reports, it may have started as a result of an unattended candle.

This publication was told that the candle was left in a room of the house and subsequently fell on the bed,

Dr Mohamed: Sickle Cell victims can live longer – if early detection is made

Sickle Cell is a lifelong disease that has no cure and creates a number of new ailments in sufferers due to the fragility of their immune system.

Dr Pheona Mohamed said these additional ailments can be avoided if the disease is detected early.

Dr Mohamed, who is attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) made the remarks during a presentation on Sickle Cell at the recent annual Medical Scientific Conference.

Addressing a sizable gathering of health professionals, Dr Mohamed presented a study done by Dr Sanjay Veersammy and others which found that only adults are tested for the disease. She further said that about 69 per cent have been tested.

starting the blaze. The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, explained that she was on her verandah when she saw a “red light” coming from the “back bedroom”.

“I run and call me husband and I tell he look we neighbour house on fire,” the woman related.

She said that efforts by her and her husband to extinguish the blaze proved futile.

It was noted that despite the fire tender arrived within minutes after being summoned, it was too late to save the home and firefighters had to focus on saving the nearby buildings.

No member of the destroyed home was available for comment.

Sickle Cell is a chronic disease, meaning that it cannot be cured and cannot be temporarily avoided; it can only be alleviated.

It is a disorder of the blood caused by inherited abnormal haemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein within the red blood cells).

The abnormal hemoglobin causes distorted (sickled) red blood cells. The sickled red blood cells are fragile and prone to rupture. When the number of red blood cells decreases from rupture, anemia is the result.

The irregular sickled cells are quite frightening to a victim as it can also block blood vessels, greatly damaging tissues and organs.

It is due to this symptom of the disease that a host of infections and other ailments attack Sickle Cell sufferers, Dr Mohamed said, emphasising that ear-

ly treatment is needed to prevent a worsening of the problem.

Thus, the doctor reiterated that “early intervention can improve on the mortality” of persons with the Sickle Cell disease.

One victim Latoya Marshall told Guyana Times that she was quite fortunate to have been diagnosed with the disease at the early age of nine months.

At this age, she was showing signs of having swollen joints and experiencing extreme pain.

Marshall said she is fortunate as her mother is a nurse, pointing out that the treatment she receives is prompt and very helpful.

But interestingly, both Marshall’s mother and father have the Sickle Cell disease.

It was largely her mother’s knowledge about the disease that Marshall was diagnosed at an early stage and was able to receive relevant treatment.

According to Marshall, had this not been the case, most of her tissues or organs, most likely would have been damaged to some extent.

The treatment that contributed to her having a relatively normal life include steady saline for the pains, antibiotic for her fragile immune system and being aware of the changes of her body.

Marshall said at one point, her spleen was removed as it was swelling and could have caused her undue harm if kept.

In her presentation at the medical conference, Dr Mohamed indicated that treatments such as hydroxorea and other vaccinations can be used on infants who are three months old, to reduce the impact of the disease on the body’s immune system.

On this point, Dr Mohamed advised that babies three months old should be tested for the disease (haemoglobin S for an abnormality).

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran told this publication that the Ministry is looking at screening infants to ensure early detection, to avoid a strain on the nation’s healthcare system.

“Moses no errand boy” – AFC MP

By Jomo Paul

n the face of stern crit-

Iicisms against Vice Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Moses Nagamootoo by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), AFC Member of Parliament Trevor Williams claims the party (PPP/C) may be running scared of Nagamootoo.

Williams in a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Thursday evening related that it is very likely that given Nagamootoo’s influence, the PPP/C may be afraid that he will be able to take away a lot of PPP/C core supporters. It was noted that although Nagamootoo only defected from the PPP/C to the AFC a few months prior to the last elections, he was able to put a significant dent in the PPP/ C’s Region Six support base.

“Imagine what he would accomplish now that he has had three years working on the ground with those people,” said Williams in the interview. He said because of this fact, the PPP/C is only left with the option to “castigate and malign” the AFC Vice Chairman and Presidential hopeful.

The PPP/C had said the AFC was using Nagamootoo as an “errand boy” in its campaign to steal PPP/C voters. According to a release from the PPP/C, “Nagamootoo is highly unpopular within his

party and would never be elected as the Presidential Candidate for the AFC were he to stand for such a high office at a convention of the AFC”.

The release went on to say that Nagamootoo and AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan “have conspired against upholding the pathway to elect the presidential and prime ministerial candidate of the AFC at their Biennial Convention and have instead opted for the same pathway they had once openly rejected”. The party said too that because of the lack of support for Nagamootoo, the AFC’s strategy follows that of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

According to the PPP/C, this strategy is “to set up Nagamootoo to go for PPP/C votes knowing that Nigel Hughes is more popular with-

in the AFC, but who will not succeed in wooing PPP/C voters. The strategy, therefore, is to set up Nagamootoo as the errand boy to woo PPP/C voters and then later to use him as the delivery boy to deliver whatever paltry votes the AFC may win to APNU with the hope of increasing the joint Opposition’s votes at the upcoming elections.”

But Williams during the interview was very dismissive of the position adopted by the PPP/C, contending that it was “presumptuous.” According to the AFC Youth Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) the ruling party lacks a candidate of Nagamootoo’s “calibre”, hence its resort to attacking his character.

Both Nagamootoo and AFC’s Leader Khemraj Ramjattan have been unavailable to respond to the statement made by the PPP/C party.

While the party has held no elections for the appointment of its prime ministerial and presidential candidates, it is expected that Nagamootoo and AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes will fill those positions respectively. Both Nagamootoo and Hughes have received public endorsement from AFC’s Leadership and several of its members. At the party’s recently held National Conference, delegates rallied to the chants of Nagamootoo for President and Hughes for Prime Minister.

B Division Police bring early Christmas cheer to Berbicians

Police in Berbice on Saturday distributed food hampers to 20 persons, including elderly residents of New Amsterdam and retired members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a show of appreciation as they continue the fight against crime. The hampers were handed out by Senior Superintendent Marlon Chapman. The Deputy Commander of the Division extended best wishes to those who served the Force well and were now enjoying their retirement. Along with them were other residents identified by the Angoy’s

Avenue Safe Neighbourhood Council, as citizens who have been working with the Police in making the community safer.

At a simple ceremony on Saturday in the office of the Commander, Chapman said the Police are not only about solving crimes and going after criminals. “We look into the welfare and interest of persons. We know that we can’t give you all that you need, but we hope that in some way we will be able to help,” the Senior Superintendent said. He noted that if there were persons who are in need of assistance, the

Division will see how best it would be able to assist. In wishing all a crime free Christmas, Chapman said it was his hope that as the Police reach out to the community, it will be able to foster better relationships between the two groups.

The Angoy’s Avenue Safe Neighbourhood Council plays a pivotal role in linking the two groups. Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph said he hopes that the Police and the Angoy’s Avenue Safe Neighbourhood Council can continue their good relationship.

Meanwhile, officers and ranks of B Division (West Coast Berbice/Lower and Upper Corentyne), Number Three Sub Division (West Berbice) Fort Wellington Police Station on Wednesday distributed hampers to elderly persons throughout the community. The occasion saw 12 persons receiving hampers that will be beneficial to them during the season. Hampers were distributed by Magistrate Rondell Weaver, Deputy Superintendent Terrence Paul, Deputy Superintendent Linden Isles, Assistant Superintendent Alistair Roberts, Assistant Superintendent Harvey John and Assistant Superintendent Budhnarine Persaud.

Guyana, TT to give update on Agricultural lands initiative

The Agriculture Ministers of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Leslie Ramsammy and Devant Maharaj will today disclose the progress made since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of agriculture lands in Guyana.

The Trinidadian team, led by Minister Maharaj arrived in Guyana earlier this week to accelerate discussions on the MoU. The TT Agriculture Minister is being accompanied by approximately 12 investors who have signalled their interest to engage in large scale agricultural activities here.

Representatives from Trini Guy Foods, Sigma Group Limited, Deloitte and Touche, Caribbean Chemicals, Two Brother Corporation, Ricon Limited and Saver’s Foods Incorporation Limited are investors that will be present at the meeting. Thus far, the investors have indicated their interests in the harvesting of fruits, yams, sweet potato, cassava, sweet corn, rice, ginger and soybean.

Last year, the Trinidadian Food Production Ministry expressed an interest in

utilising 10,000 acres of land in Guyana for the purpose of sustainable food production. Guyana’s Government had signalled its willingness to provide 1000 acres during the initial stage, had the MoU evolved into an agreement.

The MoU addresses programmes and activities, core areas of cooperation, monitoring and coordinating mechanism, mutual responsibility, commitments and settlements, rights and obligations and scope for termination.

Recognising that global food security remains a major problem across the world due to rising food prices amid declining food

production levels and climate change, the parties had signed the agreement in their quest to reduce their respective country’s food import bill. For Trinidad, this plan is in keeping with its National Food Production Action Plan 2012-2015. The MoU provides guidance for the development, promotion and strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the countries through the development of joint ventures and activities that will contribute significantly to promotion of food security but it does not impose action targets for either Guyana or Trinidad.

GECOM to cut short new round of registration – says APNU

By Jomo Paul

As Guyana continues to hold its breath in anticipation of a date for General and Regional Elections from the President, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) on Thursday met with officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to ventilate some of the coalition’s concerns.

Emanating from the nearly two-hour long, high level meeting on Thursday, it was related that GECOM’s Seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration would see an earlier deadline than expected, however, that earlier date was not announced. In November, GECOM had announced that it would be commencing the Seventh Cycle of Registration as it sought to sanitise the Official List of Electors (OLE) on December 1, and that the new registration period will run until February 21, 2015.

However, after the lengthy meeting between Leader of the Opposition David Granger, Co-Chair Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Elections Campaign Manager Winston Felix and Chief Scrutineer Amna Ally, it was pointed out that the registration date may soon change. The Chief Scrutineer in response to questions posed by reporters said “It is definite that at some point shortly, the 7th cycle of Continuous Registration will be truncated.”

According to Ally, the Commission promised that

there will be a “straight running of the elections process” on polling day. It was noted too that several other concerns with respect to polling day were raised by the APNU and “quite encouraging” answers were provided by the Commission to the politicians. Ally, who also serves as Chief Whip of the APNU, related that with respect to the use of Work Permits during the elections, a “complete” answer was provided, however, this may be discussed at a later date.

According to reports, in the first week of the Continuous Registration cycle, there were over 1000 applications for new registrants, and transfers among others processed by GECOM.

According to news reports, GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally has already stated that the Commission may agree to cut the life of the Seventh Cycle Of Continuous Registration short and begin election preparations as long as it is “clear” that elections are going to be held in 2015.

Meanwhile, Co-Chair of the APNU, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine told media operatives outside of GECOM’s High Street Office that, the coalition had a “full” exchange with the Elections Commission.”

He too contended that the answers to questions raised by APNU were “encouraging”, noting that GECOM is still to get its full complement of election’s day staff. According to APNU’s General

Vincent Alexander retires as UG Registrar

Vincent Alexander, Registrar of the University of Guyana (UG), announced his retirement from the institution Thursday evening during an awards ceremony at the university’s Turkeyen campus.

“On December 1, I advised the community that I was giving way, in terms of registrar activities, to the Deputy Registrar…” Mr. Alexander disclosed in his opening remarks at the event. However, he noted that he will complete all outstanding and ongoing ac-

tivities, such as the Annual Award Ceremony, before his departure after 36 years of serving the University. Alexander was appoint-

ed Registrar of UG in 2009 with effect from April 1. He joined the academic staff of the University of Guyana in 1988 as Research-Fellow/ Lecturer in the Institute of Development Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences. He served as Dean of the faculty from 1993 to 1994. In 1994 Mr. Alexander was appointed the first Deputy Registrar of UG. Alexander expressed that he is delighted to carry on the tradition of the Registrar chairing the awards ceremony and charged his colleagues to give of their best.

GT&T, GPL working out pact for pole sharing

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) are negotiating a tenancy agreement for the phone company to use the latter’s poles to hang its cables.

given by the author that the company has sought to use GPL’s pole infrastructure without charge. The fact is that unlike the other companies which are seeking access to GPL’s poles, GT&T has a considerable amount of poles across Guyana.”

Secretary, one of the main reasons for the meeting was to ensure that the party would not be blindsided by any announcement of elections by the Executive.

He said we have “Taken this step to ensure that we are satisfied with the arrangements that are made by GECOM. Because we are not going to be hurried… we are not going to ambushed by statements made by the President or Doctor Luncheon… so we came here to hear it from the horse’s mouth” said Joseph Harmon.

After three years of political gridlock, President Donald Ramotar has taken a decision to dissolve the 10th Parliament, paving the way for General and Regional Elections early next year. President Donald Ramotar announced that General and Regional Elections will be held early in 2015, however he did not provide an exact date for polls.

He made this announcement at a press briefing at State House, on Saturday last, noting that after hosting a series of consultations, he decided “we will go to elections”. President Ramotar said that there is a possibility that elections will be held before the 2015 budget presentation, expected to be done in April. The President had suspended Parliament on November 10, after the combined Opposition threatened to proceed with a No-Confidence Motion against the ruling Administration at the first post-recess sitting of the National Assembly.

GT&T in a statement said that it has noted the article which speaks to GPL’s annual losses on the use of its poles by third parties.

“GT&T wishes to correct the misleading impression

According to GT&T, consequently, over the years the two utilities have enjoyed a symbiotic relationship, whereby each utilises the other’s poles under a “Pole-Sharing Agreement”.

Within recent times, however, with the surge in demand for pole space occasioned by the roll-out of cable TV and other services, GPL has understandably expressed a preference for pole tenancy agreements with companies wishing to make connections to its poles. Currently, negotiations of a pole tenancy agreement between GT&T and GPL are well advanced and should be concluded shortly.

Logger arraigned for worker’s murder

Forty-five-year-old Rajesh Roopnarine of Reid’s Avenue, Alliance, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, was arraigned for the murder of 38-year-old David Campbell when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday.

Roopnarine was not required to plea to the indictable charge which stated that on December 6 at 14 Miles, Mabura, Upper Demerara River, he murdered Campbell.

The man was represented by Attorney Peter Hugh who noted that his client has no prior brushes with the law.

Campbell sustained third degree burns about the body after his employer, Roopnarine who was in hiding, allegedly set him alight at 14 Miles, Mabura, on November 30. According to information received, the owner of the logging concession reportedly went berserk and set the camp on fire while Campbell and three other employees were asleep. The three other men – Jason Persaud, Etwaroo

Karran and Tyron Campbell – managed to escape without injuries.

Guyana Times understands that the incident stemmed from the refusal of the workers to remove a tractor as was instructed by their employer. The men reportedly refused to remove the vehicle, claiming that they were tired after a hard day’s work.

Information received indicated that Roopnarine was consuming alcohol at the time and while the men were asleep, he reported dowsed

the camp with gasoline and set it alight. The three survivors managed to escape since they were on the ground but Campbell was trapped in his hammock, which was partially in the air.

According to reports received, the Police visited the home of the dead man’s employer, but there was no sign of him there. One of the survivors recalled that on the night of the incident, the “boss man” started to drink at the camp and invited the four men to join him.

The injured father of two was rushed to the McKenzie Hospital where he was treated and referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The survivor said his employer’s relatives did not want the matter to reach the Police and asked them to keep their mouths shut. Campbell has been working with the family for the past three years and leaves to mourn his two daughters and other relatives while Roopnarine was remanded and the matter stands adjourned until December 17 at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Father on bail for assaulting daughter

Forty-six-year-old

Raymond John was placed on $20,000 bail after he was arraigned on an unlawful assault charge when he appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The unrepresented man pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on December 9, at 263 Independence Boulevard, Georgetown, he unlawfully assaulted Virtual Complainant (VC) Angelica John so as to

cause her actual bodily harm.

The court heard that the defendant, who is unemployed, resides at the above mentioned address and that the VC is his daughter. Facts on this matter were not read in court and the Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones had no objections to bail.

The Magistrate then placed the defendant on a bond to keep the peace and $20,000 bail. The matter is set for December 15 before the presiding Magistrate in Court 11.

Nepalese nationals fined $30,000 each for illegal departure

Twelve Nepalese who were recently remanded to prison for departing Guyana without presenting themselves to an immigration officer were fined $30,000 each after changing their not guilty plea to guilty, on Thursday afternoon when the appeared again at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge against Nebrew Sherpa, Shankar Shapota, Benod Jeshe, Prakesh AdiKhan, Tengi Sherpa, Tengi Cherping, Seetang Goorung, Danraj Timsena, Villey Pouden, Kunjab Guruaging, Cunja Goorung and Prakesh Nipali stated that on November 15, at Charity, Essequibo, they departed Guyana without presenting themselves to an immigration officer.

The men first appeared

before Magistrate Ann McLennan on December 8 and pleaded not guilty to the charge through their interpreter, Dilik Murjani.

During the men’s first appearance, Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones told the court that the defendants entered Guyana legally through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara and some of them were granted two weeks stay in Guyana, while others were granted three weeks. Jones then cited his bail objection stating the fact that the defendants are not Guyanese nationals and may be possible flight risks.

On Thursday afternoon, the defendants change their pleas, accepting the offence against them. Attorney Mark Conway told the court that his clients are all victims of human trafficking.

He explained that since November 15 they were arrested in Venezuela and placed in prison. The defence counsel requested that the court be lenient with the Nepalese nationals, since they suffered abuse and accepted their offence without wasting the court’s time.

Taking the lawyer’s defence into consideration, the men were given two weeks to pay the fine and will remain in Police custody until they reach the nearest deportation port.

The court heard that they departed Guyana from Charity and were arrested in Venezuela for not being in possession of a Venezuelan visa and were deported back to Guyana.

Seaman to spend 18 months in jail for stealing handbag

Arshid Ali,26, of Lot 192 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment after being arraigned on a larceny charge.

Ali, who is a seaman, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Annette Singh on Thursday morning.

The charge read that on December 10, at Water Street, Stabroek, Georgetown, he stole a bag valued $6000 which contained $22,000 cash and a cellphone valued $7000 – totaling a sum of $35,000 which belonged to the Virtual Complainant (VC) Hazel Limerick.

According to the facts of the case, on the day in question at around 06:30h at the bazaar section, Limerick placed her hand bag in her

stall containing the items mentioned above. The defendant snatched the purse and made good his escape.

However, he was caught on Leopold Street, Georgetown and was taken at

the Brickdam Police Station where further investigations were carried out and he was later arrested and charge.

The Magistrate then asked the defendant whether he wished to say anything in relation to the facts read by the prosecution. It was then he blurted out “I pleaded guilty because she (Limerick) told me to!” He stated that he was searching through the bin and found the bag when Limerick saw him and begun claiming the bag. However, he noted that at that time he was searching the bin and found the bag, the VC was nowhere to be seen.

After listening to the evidence given on the matter, Magistrate Singh laid down her ruling, giving Ali 18 months in prison for the offence committed.

Big things are happening on the West Side this Christmas season and its getting better as we count down to Christmas day. Already, a massive chutney show is planned for the Tuschen Community Centre ground on Boxing Night, featuring some of the best in the local industry and a guest artiste from Trinidad and Tobago.

Come December 20, Westsiderz Entertainment will be hosting its biggest pre Christmas party at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara. Called ‘Christmas Crankup’, the event will be held at the Canon’s Wash Bay and will be ‘maddd’.

There will be several deejays and selectors to spin the kind of music that will give patrons the best time of their live as the nation prepares to celebrate Christmas. The

event will set the tone for the most festive holiday in the world.

Music will be provided by Big Life Sound System.

The entertainment group will use the opportunity to give back to its fans and supporters who have been with them throughout the years.

Patrons will receive free T-shirts, caps, compact discs, and many other giveaways. Also, patrons will have a chance to win tickets for its Boxing Night ‘Chutney Celebration 2’. Santa will also be there to take photographs and distribute presents to children in the community. There will also be Bar B Que and Fish Fry on sale. The event is sponsored by Stag Beer and powered by Westsiderz Entertainment.

It’s that time of the year when we see parties and more parties being held to suit everyone’s taste, making the holiday season one to remember. This time

around, RJ Films out of India will be hosting three big concerts commencing this evening. The concert theme is ‘Bollywood Xmas’ and will

feature several artistes from India who have been on the scene for a very long time. They are known play back singers for popular yesteryear and present Indian movies. The lists of artiste include Kumar, Sangeeta and Sharin.

The local acts will include Mystic, Shakti String Orchestra, the Ishara Dancers and Daks Generation Band.

The Bollywood Xmas shows are slated for the Port Mourant ground, Corentyne this evening; Everest Club ground on Saturday, December 13; and at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground on Sunday, December 14. General admission to the event cost $2000; VIP tickets cost $10,000 and VVIP tickets cost $20,000. Lighting and sound are provided by Crown Vibes International. It is an event for the entire family. Special prizes will be given out to seniors and children under the age of 10 years old.

In less than 13 days, the world will be celebrating Christmas but for sure, Guyana will be celebrating in an entirely different way and so is 704 Lounge, at Lot 1 Albert and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown. The 704 Lounge is becoming one of the hottest places to party and has been promoting events in their newly opened lounge that has captured the facination of the partying populace.

This Christmas, the entity has planned several events that will definitely put you in the festive season and celebrate in a big way as we wind down to the end of 2014 and welcome 2015.

The party kicks off this evening with “Soca Santa” — a concept party that will

be see patrons getting their groves on with the best in soca music mixed by Santa himself. Decked out in red and white, Deejay Tallest and Deejay Adam will undoubtedly put you in the party mood. Entrance to the venue cost $2000 but ladies will be admitted free.

The party continues on Wednesday, December 17 with “Eye Candy” which will see live performances by the leader of Trinidad and Tobago’s Hottest Crossover band, Karma. Yes, Ravi B will be in the house and patrons can expect a usually high energy performance from the versatile singer. With tunes upon tunes, he will also be mixing and mingling. Women will be admitted free all night while the

men will pay $2000. The event is sponsored by Top Branz Distributor, Extra Stout, Pegasus and Corona Beer.

On Friday, December 19, ladies mark that date down on your calendar since dancehall super star Tanya Stephens will be performing inside of the 704 Lounge. Also known for her sexy performances, Stephens will without a doubt bring the element of tease for the male patrons. Admission to this event will also cost $2000 but this time the ladies will not be admitted free.

Patrons can also look out for several other parties during the season including the Lounge’s grand Old Year’s Night Bacchanal.

at the National Park on December 21

Dancehall and soca lovers can be prepared for a night of high quality performances in the most talked about event to end 2014. Titled “Soca meets dancehall,” the event is set for the National Park Tarmac on December 21.

The event will feature King of Dancehall, the one and only Jamaican superstar, Beenie Man who has tunes upon tunes to set the place on fire. He is no stranger to Guyana since he has performed at the Guyana National Stadium, the Georgetown Cricket Club ground and other venues that were packed to capacity. This will be his last show in Guyana for 2014 and patrons can expect a very energetic

performance as usual.

He will be joined by a group of soca artistes who will definitely tear the place down. These include Trinidad and Tobago’s Lil Rick and 5 Star Akil – both artistes

have performed in Guyana several times before. The locals slated to perform on the same stage are reigning Carib Soca Monarch, Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson, two-time Carib Soca Monarch, Jumo “Rubber waist” Primo and Calvin Burnett.

The vibes are expected to be “madddd vibes” since it will be the first event to have this mixture genre of music booming through the speakers of Slingerz Family and Crown Vibes. There will be a number of deejays passing through including Deejay Puffy, Deejay Gully Rass, Deejay Akelio, Deejay Face and Deejay Green Downs.

Also in attendance will be the X Factor Dancers.

Santa is making his final rounds to determine who is on the naughty or nice lists as Christmas draws closer, but this year, an entertainment group has volunteered to help him make the right de cisions. Like last rear, Pulse Entertainment hosted a concept party called “Naughty or Nice”, and this year it is expected to be bigger and better.

The highly anticipated concept party is set for 704 Lounge, Lamaha and Albert Streets, Alberttown, Georgetown on Saturday evening. The event will be off the hook, with special appearance by Santa Claus and his helpers who will be distributing gifts.

Get your kiss under the mistletoe and Santa will be there to take pictures and spread Christmas joy while you take your holly jolly shots from the Pulse fantasy girls.

The party just won’t be a party without the best deejays and selectors in the house making sure the atmosphere is just right. Deejay Ryan out of Pulse Entertainment and Selector Diamond out of Fusion International will definitely set the dance floor on fire.

For the guys, you could be the nice guy this Christmas and purchase a ticket and get to take your naughty partner in absolutely free. Tickets cost $2000 and since it’s Christmas, every ticket pur chased will admit two persons into the venue.

Tickets are available at Glamour Designs, Movietown DVD Club and 704 Lounge.

Adding zest to the evening, patrons can reserve any premium bottle liquor at the minimum price of $25,000 and a group of four will be admitted ABSOLUTELY FREE! Reservations must be made by today.

Naughty or Nice is sponsored by Faxe-Beer For Real Men, Gizmos and Gadgets, Glamour Designer Brands and is powered by Pulse Entertainment.

arents are urged to deck the children out in their best ‘dandies’ and bring them out in their numbers to have a rollicking time with Santa Claus when he comes to the Parika Play ground on Saturday evening.

The Mora Neighbourhood Democratic Council in collaboration with the West Coast Demerara business community will be hosting the much anticipated Parika Christmas Tree Light Up and gift sharing event, an initiative that is created with families in mind.

Music will be supplied by Slingerz Family. Parents are urged to attend with their children since Santa Claus will be ready and waiting to take photos with them.

The children will be enticed with fantastic giveaways all evening as Santa and the promoters spread joy at Christmas.

Normalisation Committee thinking ahead to 2015

B y T reis T on J oseph

The FIFA appointed Normalisation Committee tasked with the mandate to develop Guyana’s football will aim to put their plans into place as soon as the New Year begins.

Speaking at a press conference earlier in the week, Chairman of the Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling revealed the direction the committee will go in when the New Year breaks.

“Next year we will have a comprehensive holistic plan and vision as to where we want to take football in Guyana and not just for the year but we intend to structure a strategic plan for the next three top four years so that the executive coming in can follow that plan,” Urling highlighted.

In addition, to the committee’s plan for the 2015 year, Urling revealed that they are hoping to hire a Technical Director (TD) by the year’s end.

Further, Urling noted that the committee has been receiving applications for the position from as far as Canada, had to have the TD position as part of the formal structure of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

“It was to formalise the position, it’s a new start under the Normalisation Committee and that is why we took the position advertise the post and who goes forward will be the official TD… it is one of the requirements from FIFA,” Urling stated.

Urling also noted that the 2015 year will see the reactivation of the Golden Jaguars squad in an effort to start the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup.

However, the process to reactivating the squad will only come once both a

coach and a manager are in place.

“The reactivation of the national squad will begin once a coach and manager are procured, once players meet the requirements of FIFA they will be eligible to play for the national team whether local or overseas and we will not limit that.

“Once the coach and manager believe that player can fill the required roles they will be eligible to play,” Urling mentioned.

Meanwhile, the 2015 year will see more stringent guidelines being put in place with regard to the hosting of tournaments.

“Tournaments going forward will have to be sanctioned by the GFF, if individuals or organisations choose not to then our referees and our officials will not participate and if we have to apply sanctions then we will do that but the order going forward is to ensure that everyone respects the statutes of FIFA,” Urling stressed.

With a number of tournaments being played during the Christmas season, all eyes will be on the progress of the Normalisation Committee when 2015 starts.

New champions emerge out of Kayo and ‘Tallo’ football tournament

Milerock emerged as the champions in the under 13 final of the Kayo’s Academy and Rickland ‘Tallo’ Hutson fourth Football Fiesta youth challenge competition, held last Saturday at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Milerock defeat-

ed Uitvlugt in the final where Milerock’s George Stephens was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) while his coach Errol Dainty was the best Coach.

Meanwhile 12 teams contested the under -16 tournament as Uitvlugt triumphed with a 1-0 victory

over Net Rockers.

Uitvlugt’s Terrence Accra won the MVP in the under- 16 category while Jesse Marshall of Retrieve Lions and Uitvlugt’s Keiron Duke jointly won the highest goal scorer award in the competition.

Trophies and medals were given to the winners and runners-ups while the MVP winners collected pedal cycles.

The female West Demerara Queens football team which gave a good account of themselves during the championship will be rewarded with a trophy and medals from the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation.

Root's century leads England to victory

Joe Root’s third ODI century of the year helped England to a five-wicket victory in Pallekele and maintained their hopes of winning the series against Sri Lanka.

Root came to the crease after the loss of two early wickets and with his side facing a familiar nemesis: a trial by spin on a dry pitch. But he exuded calm and skill, provided deft touches and powerful blows, and ran like a whippet between the wickets.

In partnership with the equally impressive James Taylor, he made light of a testing total and took England to victory with five balls to spare. It was

the highest successful runchase in an ODI on the ground.

Sri Lanka still lead 3-2 with two games to play but England will take great confidence from this side as they look towards the World Cup. Not only did they keep their nerve in spin-friendly conditions in which they have little pedigree, but the chase was built upon the performances of young players with many years in front of them.

Taylor, with his second half-century in succession, and Root, with an unbeaten 104, added 104 for the third-wicket. Whereas, in the past, England’s creasebound batsmen have be-

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka innings (50 overs maximum)

TM Dilshan b Jordan 35

MDKJ Perera c Jordan b Finn 0

KC Sangakkara† c Root

b Woakes 91

DPMD Jayawardene c Jordan

b Woakes 2

AD Mathews* c Woakes b Jordan 40

HDRL Thirimanne lbw

b Tredwell 8

BMAJ Mendis c & b Woakes 12

NLTC Perera c Root b Woakes 27

SMSM Senanayake b Woakes 0

KTGD Prasad not out 5

BAW Mendis b Woakes 0

Extras: (b 2, lb 2, w 15) 19

Total: (all out; 49 overs) 239

Fall of wickets 1-3 (MDKJ

Perera, 0.3 ov), 2-54 (Dilshan, 9.4 ov), 3-59 (Jayawardene, 10.5 ov), 4-144 (Mathews, 33.6 ov), 5-173 (Thirimanne, 40.2 ov), 6-199 (Sangakkara, 44.2 ov), 7-202 (BMAJ Mendis, 44.6 ov), 8-212 (Senanayake, 46.5 ov), 9-238 (NLTC Perera, 48.4 ov), 10239 (BAW Mendis, 48.6 ov)

Bowling : ST Finn 6-0-28-1,

CR Woakes 8-0-47-6, MM Ali

10-0-50-0, CJ Jordan 10-0-562, JC Tredwell 10-2-33-1, JE Root 5-0-21-0

England innings (target: 240 runs from 50 overs)

AN Cook* lbw b Senanayake 20 MM Ali b Senanayake 4

JWA Taylor c BAW Mendis

b NLTC Perera 68

JE Root not out 104

RS Bopara c Thirimanne

b Dilshan 28

EJG Morgan c NLTC Perera

b BAW Mendis 5

JC Buttler† not out 2

Extras: (lb 6, w 2, nb 1) 9

Total: (5 wickets; 49.1 overs) 240

Did not batCR Woakes, CJ Jordan, JC Tredwell, ST Finn Fall of wickets 1-12 (Ali, 1.4 ov), 2-35 (Cook, 7.6 ov), 3-139 (Taylor, 28.5 ov), 4-225 (Bopara, 47.4 ov), 5-238 (Morgan, 48.6 ov)

Bowling: TM Dilshan 9.1-0-451, SMSM Senanayake 10-0-352, AD Mathews 4-0-14-0, KTGD Prasad 4-0-24-0, BMAJ Mendis 7-0-41-0, BAW Mendis 9-049-1, NLTC Perera 6-0-26-1

come bogged down against spin, Taylor and Root were prepared to skip down the pitch and disrupt the bowlers’ lengths, rotating the strike well and punishing the poor ball when appropriate.

Taylor led the way. Wonderfully fleet of foot and far more willing to come down that pitch than many of his England colleagues, his ability to find gaps and push for singles rendered it impossible for Sri Lanka to build pressure.

And, given any fault in length or width, he showed the power and skill to punish the ball. Tillakaratne Dilshan was driven for six

over long-on when the bowler offered flight and, when the inevitable quicker delivery came, Taylor scooped it down to fine-leg for four. They may have kissed a few frogs on the way to finding a new ODI No. 3 - Taylor is the ninth man tried in the position since the departure of Jonathan Trott - but it seems England have finally found their prince.

Though his departure - pulling straight to deep backward square leg - provided some hope for Sri Lanka, a sensible and unhurried partnership of 86 in 18.5 overs between Root and Ravi Bopara all but ended the contest. (Cricinfo)

Trophy Stall tennis tournament…

The Ramdyhans are women’s doubles champions

Shelly Daly Ramdyhan and Nicola Ramdyhan

captured this year’s women’s doubles in the Trophy Stall tennis tournament held over the weekend.

The Ramdyhan team defeated Aretta Dey and Afruica Gentle 6-3 and 6-4 to win the title.

Earlier in the evening, the Ramdyhan team had to go through the up and coming duo of Denise Barrington and Kizzy Richmond at 6-3 and 6-2.

Meanwhile the crowd witnessed the upset of veteran Godfrey Squires and Jason Andrews by the hands of Khalif Gobin and William Spangler in the quarterfinal of the men’s doubles held earlier this week.

Both double partnerships were newly formed for the tournament but with

powerful serves by Gobin and technical volleying by Spangler the team clenched victory at 6-4 and 6-3. However, Gobin and Spangler had to forfeit the semifinal due to personal

commitments of Spangler.

In the other semifinal, Leyland Leacock and Nicolas Fenty easily defeated Daniel Lopes and Phillip Squires 6-3 and 6-1 to secure their spot in the final.

The Novice players wrapped up their final round robin matches with first timers Sachin Puri and Daniel Razick being crowned the winners, while Philbert Clarke and Diana Bharat taking runner up positions.

In the Men’s over-35 category, Godfrey Lowden and Omar Persaud defeated Bo Arbogast and Albert Razick at 7-6 and 6-4.

The mixed doubles will conclude tonight at Le Resouevnir from 18:30h as Aretta Dey and Orande Dainty will be teaming up to challenge Leyland Leacock and Afruica Gentle.

Button, Alonso to represent McLaren in 2015

Alonso.

Jenson Button’s Formula 1 career will continue into a 16th season following McLaren’s decision to retain him alongside new signing Fernando Alonso.

McLaren finally announced their line-up on Thursday after taking weeks to decide whether to keep Button, 34, or 2014 teammate Kevin Magnussen, 22.

“I am very pleased to have been invited to do my bit,” said Button. “In fact, I am absolutely raring to go.”

Dane Magnussen remains with McLaren as test and reserve driver.

“Fernando and Jenson have started a combined total of precisely 500 grands prix between them - a mighty aggregate - and have won 47 of them,” said McLaren chairman Ron Dennis.

“I can safely say, there-

fore, that we now have by an order of magnitude the best driver line-up of any current Formula 1 team.”

Double world champion Alonso, 33, was signed weeks ago after being persuaded to leave Ferrari.

The Spaniard’s capture is a big coup for McLaren, but they are unlikely to challenge world champions Mercedes in 2015.

The Surrey-based outfit are starting a new engine partnership with Honda, with whom they won four consecutive titles between 1988 and 1991, but to expect a sustained title bid in 2015 is overly optimistic.

“I am joining this project with enormous enthusiasm and determination, knowing that it may require some time to achieve the results we are aiming for, which is no problem for me,” said

GSCL Inc President’s Cup… Tournament bowls off on Saturday –

battling for $180,000 winner-take-all

Action in the President’s Cup Open and Over-40 big ball competition is set to bowl off on Saturday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Ogle Community Centre grounds respectively.

The inaugural event will be organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc.

At DCC, the teams who have entered to compete in the Over-40 category will be doing battle while the

Open teams will journey to Ogle and battle for supremacy, with the finals set for the DCC ground on Sunday from 10:00hrs.

At DCC on Saturday, Regal Masters will take on Savage on pitch number one, even as Fishermen XI will go up against Mike’s Wellman on pitch number two, with the second set of matches commencing at 13:00hrs and will see the losers meeting on pitch number one, while the winners battle it out on pitch

number two.

At Ogle, Regal will take on Speedboat in the first game, followed by SPR Enterprise going up against Farm XI in the second contest, with the winners meeting in the finals the following day at DCC.

The upcoming GSCL Inc. President’s Cup will have a winner take all first place prize of $180,000 and it follows on the heels of the entity’s Republic and Independence Cups that was hosted earlier this year.

WADA to investigate allegations of German TV documentaries

The World Anti-Doping Agency is to investigate allegations made in a series of German TV documentaries.

Wada said they had reached the decision after “careful review” of the foot-

age.

It was claimed a top British athlete escaped investigation after athletics’ governing body, the IAAF, chose not to look at 150 suspicious blood samples.

“The allegations require

close scrutiny,” said Wada president Sir Craig Reedie.

German broadcaster ARD reported claims from an anonymous member of the IAAF’s medical commission that there was no targeted testing of athletes who had returned abnormal blood samples between 2006 and 2008.

As well as three unnamed British athletes, including one well-known figure, it is alleged that many of the samples involved were from Russian competitors with athletes from Kenya, Germany, Spain and Morocco also implicated.

The Russian Athletics Federation has threatened legal action against ARD, rejecting its allegations as “lies”. (BBC Sport)

Two IAAF officials resign from posts after doping allegations

THe said he had received a number of “really tempting” offers but revealed McLaren had contacted him more than a year ago and asked him to return to the team he left at the end of 2007.

Magnussen, who made his F1 debut in 2014, had appeared favourite to get the drive alongside Alonso, but a late change of heart swung the decision back in Button’s favour.

Button’s new contract is said by insiders to be for one year with a further year as an option.

The Englishman, world champion in 2009, had admitted being unhappy about the delay but wanted to remain in F1 and test himself against Alonso, who is regarded by many as the best all-round driver in the world. (BBC Sport)

wo IAAF officials, including the son of president Lamine Diack, have stepped down from their posts.

It comes after Germany’s ARD broadcast documentaries alleging that IAAF officials covered up systematic doping.

Massata Papa Diack, a marketing consultant for athletics’ governing body, has joined Valentin Balakhnichev, the IAAF’s treasurer, in stepping down.

The IAAF was unable to confirm reports that its legal adviser Habib Cisse had also quit.

The IAAF said Massata Papa Diack wrote to the organisation to confirm he will suspend his activities until the organisation’s ethics committee had completed its investigation into the allegations.

The documentaries alleged that doping in Russian

athletics was rife and that Balakhnichev was implicated. Balakhnichev, Russia’s athletics chief, dismissed the allegations as “a pack of lies”.

He told the Tass news agency he had stepped down voluntarily from his IAAF role, adding that he planned to return at “the end of the investigation into this doping scandal”.

The IAAF released a short statement to say it “appreci-

ates the gesture” made by Balakhnichev.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has also launched an investigation into the claims, in which an unnamed top British athlete has also been implicated.

The BBC has not independently verified the documentary’s allegations and is awaiting responses from athletes targeted in the programme. (BBC Sport)

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Kholi leads India fight back with fluent century

On Test captaincy debut, on the ground where he had scored his maiden Test century, Virat Kohli made his seventh hundred to lead India's reply to Australia's 7 for 517 declared. India would have been in a better position had M Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane pushed on after reaching half-centuries on the easy-paced Adelaide pitch.

They would have still been in a reasonably solid position had Kohli not taken on a Mitchell Johnson short ball and top-edged a pull to long leg with four overs left in the day. Kohli departed for 115, leaving 119 as his highest Test score, with a corresponding ODI mark of 183.

Barring the opening stand of 30, the next four partnerships were all 70plus, Kohli the common factor in three of them. Kohli came into Adelaide having tallied 134 runs in ten Test innings in England.

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He ducked into a Johnson bouncer first ball, hit flush on the front of the helmet. There was concern among the Australians, most particularly Johnson, visibly strained about the blow with Phillip Hughes' death on his mind. Kohli steadied himself and won every crucial moment against Australia's premier fast bowler from thereon, till his downfall.

Three balls after the hit, he strode forward to drive Johnson down the ground for three. First ball from Johnson after lunch, he leaned on the front foot to drive through extra cover for four. First delivery from Johnson with the second new ball. Same result. Three balls later, he punched off the back foot. Same result. Johnson went for 90 in 16 overs leading up to Kohli's depature.

Australia's fast bowlers were not able to get much more out of the easy-paced Adelaide pitch than India's

attack had, apart from the occasional Johnson lifters. They pitched it up often, but there was little conventional or reverse swing, and Kohli helped himself to some emphatic drives and clips. He came through a period of discomfort against the offspinner Nathan Lyon to milk him for runs off the back foot.

Two of his middle-order colleagues, Pujara and Rahane, succumbed to the offspinner. Lyon gained considerably more assistance than legspinner Karn Sharma had managed. Pujara and Kohli were troubled by Lyon's control and testing length and line outside off stump. Vijay had countered the offspinner by stepping out and lofting a couple of sixes, but the middle order, hesitant to leave the crease or go right back, was tied down in the second session.

Wary of the turn and bounce with short leg in wait, Pujara was tentatively half-forward on 73 when one kicked, hit his thigh and slipped between his legs to roll on to the stumps.

Rahane had a rather nervy start but he rode his luck to hit ten fours in his 62, displaying his strength off the back foot against both spin and pace. He was beaten a few times by Johnson, just cleared mid-on off Lyon and almost top-edged Peter Siddle to deep square leg. A sharp turner from Lyon threw him in enough doubt to play a similar length next ball off the back foot, but it bounced so much it took the top of the handle and popped to slip.

Vijay's fall was down to a short, sharp burst from Johnson at the stroke of lunch. Johnson worked Vijay over with a few bouncers, hitting the opener on the shoulder with one of them. Vijay, pushed back in the crease, feathered a pitched-up delivery to the wicketkeeper on 53.

SCOREBOARD

Both Vijay and Pujara had looked good for plenty more after Shikhar Dhawan's exit for a quick 25. Vijay was cautious initially, his first runs coming off his 19th delivery through a misfield, and his first boundary taking 46 balls. He left safely, as he had done for long periods in England.

Pujara was assured against the quicks right from the moment he came in. Harris and especially Siddle strayed into the pads often and Pujara picked them for boundaries. He also drove superbly through the covers. Despite all their starts and managing one more fifty-plus score than Australia did, India had one hundred to show against the hosts' three, all of them bigger than Kohli's score.

Rohit Sharma, who has had a difficult time in away Tests, looked in fine touch during his unbeaten 33, and Wriddhiman Saha survived a bouncer barrage from Johnson, but India were still playing catch-up with a deficit of 148. (Cricinfo)

Black Sharks devour Rose Hall Jammers in Banks Classic Basketball opener

Black Sharks of Fyrish made easy work of Rose Hall Jammers when the Banks DIH Classic basketball tournament tipped off on Wednesday at the Area ‘H’ Court in Rose Hall Town.

The game which eventually turned out to be a one sided affair saw the home team going down to the Black Sharks 23-33 in a low scoring affair.

After a half time lead of 17-13, the Black Sharks opened up their fins, holding the Jammers just six points in entire the second half.

Leading the way for the Black Sharks was Royston Crandon with nine points, Saydren Fortune with eight points and Rael Franklyn with six points.

Lattay Scott had a tough game for the Jammers scoring nine points while Edmond Wiggins had seven points.

President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds was on hand to witness the bounce off of the tournament which continues on Saturday when Smythfield Rockers take on

New Amsterdam Warriors at the Vryman’s Ervin Court in New Amsterdam.

On Sunday Canje Knights will travel to Fyrish to take on the Black Sharks.

Wednesday’s game was the first time the timing clock which was presented to the Berbice Basketball Association (BFA) by the GABF was used in a game in Berbice.

The tournament will bring together the top six teams in Berbice playing in a round robin format divided into two groups.

Group ‘A; has Fyrish

Black Sharks, Rose Hall Jammers and Canje Knights while group ‘B’ will consists of Smythfield Rockers, Ithaca Hardliners of West Berbice and New Amsterdam Warriors. According to Hinds the tournament will be used to decide which Berbice teams make it to the ‘Road to Mecca’.

Hinds also plans to use the tournament to provide training for officials. The first set of training will be done on Saturday and will be for time keepers. (Andrew Carmichael)

Team Toney confident ahead of "Respect the Game" basketball match

he much antici-

Tpated ‘Respect the Game’ charity basketball event is building to be and entertaining game on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Speaking with organiser and captain of Team Toney, Sports

Toney noted that all systems are in place for the event.

The event will be aimed at raising funds for charitable organisations in Guyana as well as returning respect to the game of basketball.

Toney in an invited comment noted his team’s confidence level, “We are very confident, I think we pos-

sess some of the best players Guyana has to offer at every position and although it’s about having fun it started as a competitive challenge,” the award winning journalist told Guyana Times Sport.

Further, Toney shared that his celebrities are primed and ready for the game, “Everybody will hold their own, everybody wants to go there and play and have fun even the females,

they are all very optimistic about winning,” he mentioned.

Toney’s team will feature former National point guard and captain Lugard Mohan, former Junior National and proprietor of Wind Jammer International Hotel Carey Griffith, Pernell Cummings (Courts Guyana Marketing Manager), Ronald Grogan (Canada), Robert Adelson (US Embassy Public Affairs Officer) and Joel Simpson (Founder-Director SASOD).

Ravens’ star forward Akeem ‘The Dream’ Kanhai and guard Dominic ‘The logo Kid’ Vincente along with Colts scoring guard Shelroy Thomas, Pacesetters’ sharpshooter Stephan Gillis, Colts

big-man Shane Webster, Randy Richardson and Kester Gomes will be a few of the top first division players lacing up their sneaks for Team Toney.

Ravens’ head coach Darcel Harris who has arguably been Guyana’s best coach over the last two years will be the head coach for Team Toney in an evening that is anticipated to be one of the biggest basketball event of the year.

In the supporting games, the Diplomatic Corps is set to clash with Star Computers and the University of Guyana goes head-to-head with Qualfon.

GTTA set to host "Clash of the Champions"

The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) will host the Clash of the Champions Seniors/juniors table tennis tournament on December 21 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The tournament will be sponsored by two former national junior players Jonathan Sankar and Orin Hickerson and is expected to feature seniors and 18 years and under players. Over 75 players are expected to participate in the tournament.

Sankar is optimistic about the tournament, noting that it specifically targets the seniors, “we will build the seniors into better competitors, we got a lot of seniors playing and to bring them together in competition is quite pivotal to moving and advancing the

sport,” he stated.

Orin Hickerson noted that the tournament is beneficial to grooming the 18 years and under of the nation, and is pleased to have this opportunity to partner with Sankar, “we want to be able to play our role in terms of not only developing table tennis talent but also enhancing and fostering those values that would make players better students and better citizens of Guyana,” he stressed.

Players expected to participate are Kyle Edghill, Elishaba Johnson, Miguel Wong, Sheldon Atherly (Bartica), Stephan Sankar (Berbice), Shemar Britton, Jamaal Duff, Kevon Corbin, Bryton Murray (Berbice), Joshua Lalbachan (Berbice), Christopher Franklin, Joel Alleyne, Paul Meusa,

Maersk Guyana Inaugural Golf Tourney on this Saturday

Local golfers will have another chance to compete against each other on Saturday in the inaugural Maersk Guyana sponsor Medal Play Tournament to be stage at Guyana’s lone golf course at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

The Danish company Maersk, considered the largest container shipping company in the world, is pleased to sponsor the club’s final tournament for year.

Club President David

Mohamad expressed his delight, on the part of the Lusignan Golf Course, at having this global shipping conglomerate on board.

He noted that Maersk sponsorship is a significant and positive influence on the growth and development of the sport.

“Golf has risen in Guyana and it’s the support of business entities that has led to such expansion and allows us to make so much improvement at the Lusignan Golf Club,” he said.

Muneshwar’s Shipping

Champions’ League…

of 45-47 Water Street, Georgetown, the local agents for Maersk, advised that the inaugural sponsorship has a lovely flavour in the tradition of Christmas in Guyana.

In addition to the first to fifth Best Gross and Nearest to the Pin prizes which will be awarded, , there will be 30 other gifts to be won by the players.

Maersk operates in over 135 countries and has over 25,000 employees and over 600 vessels in the Shipping Line alone.

Chelsea finish strong in group stage

Jonathan Sankar, Warren Hacksaw, Orin Hickerson, Brad & Brandon Belle (Bartica),Gibran Sarfaraz (Berbice) Jody-Ann Blake, Natalie Cummings, Akeicia Nedd, Chelsea Edghill, Pricilla Greaves, Kristie Lopes, Selenas Jackman, Davonna Bess and Angeli Persaud (Berbice).

The GTTA will coordinate tournament fixtures; provide umpires, tables and balls among other resources to host the tournament, which is aimed at: fostering camaraderie among students, promoting/creating a healthy lifestyle through sport, opportunity to participate in recreational activities and promoting the basic objectives of the GTTA that is to have more players actively participate in the sport.

Chelsea rounded off their Champions’ League group stage with a fourth victory and denied Sporting Lisbon qualification for the knockout stages.

Cesc Fabregas put the home side ahead early on with a penalty after Filipe Luis had been fouled by Ricardo Esgaio.

Andre Schurrle doubled the lead soon after with a low right-foot strike.

Sporting pulled a goal back in the second half through Jonathan Silva, before John Mikel Obi tapped in from a Fabregas free-kick to secure the win.

With Chelsea already guaranteed qualification as group winners, Jose Mourinho made six changes to the side which lost 2-1 against Newcastle on Saturday, resting the likes of Willian, John Terry and

Eden Hazard.

However, he named a strong side with Nemanja Matic returning to midfield following suspension and goalkeeper Petr Cech captain in his third Champions League appearance of the season.

Among the substitutes was England Under-19 midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 18, who made his club debut replacing Fabregas in the closing stages.

Sporting - who began the night in second place in Group G and needing a draw to progress to the last 16 - were without on-loan Manchester United winger Nani, due to a thigh injury.

It wasn’t long before Chelsea took the lead from Fabregas’ penalty.

Filipe Luis was clumsily brought down just inside the area by Sporting right-back Esgaio and Fabregas slotted

the ball down the middle past goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Chelsea doubled their advantage as Schurrle collected a square ball from Matic 20 yards out, his driving rightfoot strike finding the bottom left-hand corner of Patricio’s goal. Sporting gave themselves a lifeline moments after the interval when Silva’s neat chest down and rightfoot shot beat Cech low to his right from inside the penalty area. But the home side’s twogoal advantage was restored when Mikel got on the end of a Fabregas free-kick as Sporting failed to clear the ball across goal.

Sporting missed out on a place in the last 16 by a point after Schalke - managed by Champions League-winning Chelsea coach Roberto Di Matteo - won 1-0 away at Slovenian side Maribor. (BBC Sport)

Windies looking solid with batting ahead of South Africa Test

Marlon Samuels was the major beneficiary on an almost full day of batting for the touring West Indians in Benoni. Their line-up enjoyed all but 6.2 overs of the day at the crease and Samuels and opener Devon Smith used the time to fill their boots ahead of the Test series.

The pair had shared in a stand of 182 on the first day, with Samuels reaching a century and both picked up where they left off. Smith reached his ton early in the morning session and the milestones see-sawed between him and Samuels after that with the partnership prospering. Samuels got to 150, then Smith 150 and finally, Samuels’ 200 while the Invitation bowlers toiled.

A labour-intensive day seemed to take its toll on Beuran Hendricks, who left the field after dislocating his finger, a concern because he was using the game to make a comeback from a stress fracture. Kleinveldt com-

pleted Hendricks’ over but the left-armer later returned and was bowling without problems. Kleinveldt was also returning from injury and bowled three overs few-

er than Hendricks. However, he was more expensive than he had been on day one on a surface which had flattened out. He did not add to his overnight wicket tally either.

Dwayne Smith retires from First-Class cricket

Dthemselves. It was a pleasure to play for Barbados in First-Class cricket, but all good things come to an end,” Smith posted on his Instagram account.

Smith, known for his quick-fire knocks in the abridged versions of the game, made his debut for Barbados in First-Class cricket back in 2001 and went onto aggregate 3,852 runs at an average of 28.74. He also snared 138 wickets with his medium-pacers.

Smith made his Test debut against South Africa at Cape Town in 2004. He had a sparkling debut, notching up a century against the likes of Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Jacques Kallis and Andre Nel.

Instead, it was mediumpacer Aviwe Mgijima who turned the screws and leftarm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi who claimed the most wickets, including that of Shivnarine Chanderpaul for a second-ball duck. However, none of the bowlers could get rid of either Samuels or Smith. Both retired, Smith before reaching 200, to give the rest of the line-up some batting time.

Denesh Ramdin made the most of it and spent 23 minutes short of three hours at the crease scoring 48 but neither of Jermaine Blackwood or Assad Fudadin were among the runs. The West Indians were bowled out for 508 for a lead of 383.

The Invitation side made a better fist of facing the new ball albeit for not more than half-an-hour.

Gihahn Cloete and Dominic Hendricks survived until bad light stopped play. With only one day left in the match, the West Indians will hope to

SCOREBOARD

West Indians 1st innings

KC Brathwaite lbw

b Kleinveldt 12

DS Smith retired out 174

LR Johnson c van Zyl

b Kleinveldt 0 MN Samuels retired out 203

S Chanderpaul c Kleinveldt

b Shamsi 0

J Blackwood c Kleinveldt

b BE Hendricks 4

D Ramdin*† not out 48

AB Fudadin c †Cloete

b Mgijima 10

CAK Walton b Mgijima 12

JO Holder lbw b Shamsi 0

SS Cottrell lbw b Shamsi 1

Extras: (b 13, lb 16, w 3, nb 12) 44

Total: (all out; 115.1 overs; 518 mins) 508

Did not bat:JE Taylor, SJ Benn, KAJ Roach, DM Bravo, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Brathwaite, 11.3 ov), 2-35 (Johnson, 11.6 ov), 3-395

(Samuels, 70.6 ov), 4-395 (Chanderpaul, 71.2 ov), 5-416 (Blackwood, 80.5 ov), 6-443 (Smith, 92.6 ov), 7-469 (Fudadin, 104.3 ov), 8-499 (Walton, 112.6 ov), 9-502 (Holder, 113.6 ov), 10508 (Cottrell, 115.1 ov)

Bowling: BE Hendricks 18.46-65-1, DM Dupavillon 14-2-56-0, RJ Engelbrecht 19-2-87-0, RK Kleinveldt 15.22-69-2, T Shamsi 26.1-4-1063, A Mgijima 17-2-49-2, DA Hendricks 5-0-47-0

South African Invitation XI 2nd innings GL Cloete† not out 9 DA Hendricks* not out 8 Extras: 0

Total:(0 wickets; 6.2 overs) 17

To bat:S van Zyl, KD Petersen, MJ Nqolo, C Fortuin, M Mosehle, A Mgijima, T Shamsi, DM Dupavillon, RK Kleinveldt, RJ Engelbrecht, BE Hendricks Bowling: JE Taylor 3.2-0-90, SS Cottrell 3-1-8-0

Anil Beharry to contest BCB Presidency –

First Vice President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Anil Beharry on Thursday has announced to contest for the BCB Presidency at the board’s next elections.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that Beharry, a vicepresident since 2013, is gearing up to battle President of the Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC), businessman Vicram Suebarran, at the board’s elections set for December 28.

Incumbent President Keith Foster cannot seek reelection since his two years; three term period expire at the end of the year.

president.

wayne Smith, West Indies’ and Barbados all-rounder, has retired from First-Class cricket. Smith though, will be available for selection to play for the West Indies in the shorter versions of the game. Smith on his part, said that he retired from FirstClass cricket, as he wanted the promising cricketers coming through the ranks to be given a chance to showcase their wares for Barbados.

“It’s sad to leave, but I guess it’s time to give the youngsters a chance to prove

However, he went on to play 10 Tests for the West Indies. He never managed to cross fifty after his debut ton and picked only 7 wickets. The last time he represented the West Indies in a Test match was at Napier in March 2006. (Nation News)

According to the BCB’s constitution, the three associations; West Berbice, Berbice River and Upper Corentyne are entitled to four votes each, while the 14 clubs affiliated with the BCB are entitled to two votes each.

Those clubs entitled to voting rights are: Ki;donnan, Whim, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sport Club, Albion, Chesney, Rose Hall Community Centre, Young Warriors, Bermine, Police, Mental, Mount Sinai and Blairmont.

Meanwhile, Beharry believe that he has the support of majority of the association and clubs to be the next

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, the experienced cricket administrator explained that he finally deciding to run for the post following public call from several persons in the cricket fraternity. The elections is billed for the board’s Charlotte Street, Head Office from 10:00 hrs. (Rajiv Bisnauth)