likely by May
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Guyanese are likely to go to the polls for General and Regional elections by May next year, according to political analysts.
President Donald Ramotar on Saturday announced that he will be announcing in January the date for elections.
Former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Foreign Trade Minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey said that Ramotar would likely set a date in May for the holding of elections.
He opined that this announcement would likely be made in February. In support of his proposition, Dr Jeffrey said he did not believe that the President would want to interfere with the 2015 Mashramani or Easter celebrations.
According to him, Ramotar in November moved to prorogue the Parliament due to the timing of the NoConfidence Motion which the Alliance For Change (AFC) had intended to move against his Government. He opined that the passing of the No-Confidence Motion
by the joint parliamentary Opposition would have plunged the country into elections mode, possibly disrupting the Christmas celebrations.
Asked whether he endorses the President’s decision to announce his intention to call elections in 2015, Dr Jeffrey said “there is no point in going back to Parliament”.
It is clear that the PPP/C, AFC and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) are unwilling to strike a compromise; hence moving to elections is the next best option.
The President had suspended Parliament on November 10, after the combined Opposition threatened to proceed with a NoConfidence Motion against the ruling Administration at the first post-recess sitting of the National Assembly. He pointed out that his action was aimed at the perseveration of the life of the 10th Parliament, while giving the parties the opportunity to engage in talks on matters that failed to gain adequate parliamentary consideration.
From the onset, the AFC stated its unwillingness to engage in any talks. Nevertheless, President Ramotar wrote Opposition Leader David Granger inviting him to dialogue, however, Granger responded in a brief letter dated December 2, refusing to have any discussions.
“My Administration more than justified its resort to prorogation… During this time, the Guyanese people were exposed to an Opposition that rejected dialogue… I had to conceive that my objectives for prorogation were unlikely to be achieved. It logically followed that other options to prorogation be considered,” the President stated.
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) also offered its commendation to the President, although noting that it would have been happier had he set a specific date. “The announcement has removed some of the uncertainties regarding the period of prorogation as some general time frames were
provided,” PSC said in a statement on Monday.
The PSC signalled its disappointment over the lack of interest exuded by the politicians to engage in dialogue.
“The commitment by all political parties to prematurely end the life of the 10th Parliament by having early elections is not a positive move in achieving the inclusionary democracy envisioned in our Constitution.”
The PSC said political
parties in Guyana should be reminded that elections are not the totality of democracy.
“We would like to see our leaders engaging each other in a spirit of negotiation and compromise for the benefit of the people they serve. We hope that these principles will be espoused in the 11th Parliament,” PSC said.
Last Thursday, the PSC in a lengthy proposal called on President Ramotar to reconvene Parliament before
December 31. Additionally, it was recommended that the NoConfidence Motion against the Government be shelved, allowing for a month of moratorium during which critical issues would be dealt with.
During the period of moratorium, the PSC said commissions such as the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) should be placed into operation, in addition to the setting of a date for the longawaited Local Government Elections.
These proposals in the form of a letter were sent to President Ramotar, the Opposition Leader and Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan.
But Leader of the Opposition David Granger rejected the proposal, saying that many of the issues highlighted by the Commission were placed on the table for months if not years but to no avail.
Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) said the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) should be more proactive in the execution of its duties, especially in matters involving Police brutality.
Referencing a recent matter in which fisherman Asif Rahim Khartoon allegedly died at the hands of ranks of the Leonora Police Station, the GHRA expressed disappointment that the case may have hit rock bottom simply because the wife of the deceased is unable to identify the perpetrators.
In a recent interview, PCA Director, former Chief Justice Cecil Kennard signalled his disappointment that Khartoon’s reputed wife, Soorsattie Chandrapaul, was unwilling to attend an ID parade of the Police officers.
“What is disturbing is that the wife has failed to go to the identification parade; she has to identify the men who allegedly beat her husband,” the former Chief Justice was quoted as saying.
Khartoon, of West Coast Demerara, was arrested following reports that he had assaulted his wife. According to the human rights organisation, the wife’s reluctance to attend the ID parade is
understandable.
“Apart from the reason she has provided, namely, it was dark and she didn’t get a good view of the Police, she may also suspect she is being drawn into a set-up,” the GHRA opined.
According to Chandrapaul, her husband complained bitterly about being beaten while in Police custody.
Nevertheless, the GHRA said the impression being created was that charges cannot be laid without Chandrapaul’s cooperation, although the fatal injuries appear to have been inflicted in Leonora Police Station, when she was not present.
Reassurance
“The other question to be explained is why the Leonora Police Station itself cannot very quickly determine, as an internal matter, who the members of the patrol were on the night in question and who were on duty at the station.
“Chandrapaul has lost her husband to the violent behaviour of the Guyana Police Force and, therefore, should not be asked to endanger her life and that of her family, by identifying the perpetrators.
“The posture of the PCA suggests little appreciation
for its own role as supposedly a public defender against Police abuse.
"Since Mrs Chandrapaul’s evidence is clearly valuable, what steps has the PCA considered to reassure her? Has the PCA, for example, offered to accompany Mrs Chandrapaul to the ID parade? Has the PCA given any thought to warning all members of the Police line-up that any attempt at retaliation against the Chandrapaul family will be dealt with severely?”
According to the GHRA, the PCA should put the puzzle together between brutality and location.
The organisation added that the Leonora Police Station is attracting notoriety for incidents of savage brutality, as it referenced the public outcry and millions of dollars awarded in damages to a 16-year-old boy whose genitals were set ablaze in that station in 2009.
More recent cases involved a group of suspects who were cruelly beaten to extract confessions over the death of a businessman, the human rights organisation added.
Monday, December 8, 2014
The leadership slot of any coalition between the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) will not be automatically filled, as leaders of both parties must go to the table for negotiation.
APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon said the issue of leadership of any possible coalition would have to be “vigorously negotiated” between the parties of the political Opposition.
Harmon was responding to questions on whether he was prepared to be led by AFC’s leader Khemraj Ramjattan, who on Saturday announced that his party was prepared to form an alliance with APNU, but it must be the one to lead.
The leader of the sevenseat minority parliamentary Opposition party, during his speech at his party’s biennial conference, told supporters that if the party’s proposal becomes a reality, it must be at the helm of the leadership. He had said that while the party remained open to discussions on a broad national alliance to govern the affairs of the country, it must be understood that the AFC will not be taking the backseat in any such union.
While APNU Leader David Granger has scoffed at the idea of Ramjattan and the AFC leading the coalition, the party’s General Secretary said there was more to mull than just the issue of leadership.
Harmon told Guyana Times that as a nation, Guyanese need to see the true representation of the
proposal by the AFC.
He said that proposal represented a willingness on the part of the smaller Opposition party to work together with APNU to rid the country of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/Civic) Government. He said the most important element to be considered in all of this was the willingness of the AFC to work towards this objective. That, he stressed was most welcome.
Remarkable APNU’s Vice Chairman, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine expressed similar sentiments. He said the fact that the AFC could “concoct” such an idea was remarkable and such a move was a positive one by the party. He said an attempt to build a democratic coalition is nothing new for
ies.
Granger on Sunday had described the proposal by Ramjattan to lead any coalition of “progressive forces” to contest next year’s gen-
Guyana, as such was sought by the PPP back in the1950s with the People’s National Congress (PNC).
According to Roopnaraine, the details of the leadership of any such coalition have to be left for the deliberation period between the two political bod-
eral elections as premature. However, he related that Ramjattan’s proposal was welcomed, positing that he was looking forward to the fruition of the possibility of talks.
He, however, explained that while APNU was look-
ing forward to the possibility of the coalition, such declarations by Ramjattan on the leadership are too hasty.
According to Granger, it would be through dialogue that the political factions would be able to reasonably determine which party would be at the helm.
He contended that those factions “haven’t even sat down to speak about the composition of any alliance or leadership”, adding that it was “premature to speak about the leadership of any coalition”.
Observers have said that the minority Opposition party’s proposal was presumptuous given that it trailed APNU by some distance in terms of electoral support.
“It’s a bit presumptuous for them to want to lead a group with a party that has over 20 seats comparing to their seven,” a former Member of Parliament commented. Since the beginning of the 10th Parliament, the AFC has sought to portray itself as the better of the two parties and even managed to secure the Speakership.
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
We conclude our series of Editorials on the Opposition’s charge of Guyana being a “failed state”. In these last four criteria within the Fund for Peace’s “Political Factors” - considered along with the economic and social ones - one has to evaluate the assessment in light of the preceding treatments, since they are mostly outcomes of the latter.
We first examine whether there has been a “Deterioration of Public Services”. This has to, by definition, be done in a comparative manner to the previous PNC regime. Because of the twin factors of the politicisation of the Public Service and the immiseration of the entire country during that era, the performance of this institution had deteriorated to very abysmal levels. It would not have taken much to improve on them.
A more pertinent question is whether the Public Service could have performed better - and the answer is also an unequivocal “yes”. The challenge, however, goes back to the historical fact that this institution is staffed generally by Opposition supporters.
In this ethnically divided society, this presents a quandary to the PPP/C regime. For instance, even though it reversed a “retrenchment” programme initiated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that had the PNC fire over 2000 persons, the PPP/C Government was still lambasted for “ethnic cleansing” when it moved to rationalise some positions.
“Public Service” in Guyana, therefore, has been delivered within a stressful tension-filled atmosphere between the political directorate and the Public Servants and the latter have had their “loyalties” constantly tested.
In this context, we can then examine the second remaining criteria: the “Security Apparatus Operating as a ‘State within a State’.” In Guyana, the security apparatus, dubbed the “Disciplined Forces” were formed and maintained with one purpose: to maintain the PNC regime. The dictator Forbes Burnham once told his Officer Corps of the Army that they had to be personally loyal to him - and as far as any other Government, that would be up to them.
After the PNC regime was removed by “free and fair” elections, even though the Disciplined Forces might have supported the PNC (as proven by the votes in the early elections in which the army votes were counted separately), there was no open rebellion against the PPP/C regime.
However, while they did operate independently, the Disciplined Forces did not operate outside of civilian control and were not “a state within a state”. In the 2011 elections, the nexus between the PNC and the Disciplined Forces could be discerned when both the immediate past Commissioner of Police and the Army Chief of Staff, marched in a PNC election protest. The former has now become a PNC MP.
The third political criterion is whether there is or has been a “Criminalisation and/or Delegitimisation of the State.” There have been persistent claims by the Opposition of this occurring in Guyana.
But the charges have been set within a chicken and egg scenario, where the Opposition launched a “slow fyaah; mo a fyaah” strategy that involved mass violent street protests and arson, segueing into armed gangs holed up in an Opposition controlled village.
They launched violent attacks against the state and in the tit for tat that ensued, the Government, not confident of the armed forces’ loyalty, evidently in at least one instance, allowed an armed criminal gang to defend the state against certain anarchy.
During this time, the Opposition also claimed that the fourth criteria prevailed: “Suspension or Arbitrary Application of Law; Widespread Human Rights Abuses.” Whatever might have been the merits or demerits of those charges - and the Government has refuted them - it has to be conceded by even the critics, that such a situation does not prevail in the present.
All in all, while the operations of the Guyanese state are still being threatened by the Opposition, one cannot claim credibly that Guyana is a “fragile” state. And certainly not a “failed” one.
I believed the AFC would remain independent; I was rudely awakened
Dear Editor,
It is a fact of life that many times we learn from the mistakes we make, and that can be quite costly, or sometimes we get cost-free benefits by learning from the mistakes of others. Politically, I have learned my lessons the hard way. I am fortunate that I can still make amends.
In 2005, when I became a member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), my wife had warned me that I should not be carried away with this façade of dignity and respectability that the AFC leaders are peddling, and that these people are there for their personal aggrandisement and vendetta.
However, I supported the AFC and she supported the PPP/C. Then in 2011, I decided that it was time for me to go public. I wanted Utpoia in a hurry! I chaired several rallies, vociferously spoke at various public meetings and campaigned vigorously for the AFC. I truly believed that the AFC would bring about the change we needed to jump-start this nation.
I believed that the AFC would remain independent and would mend the decaying moral fabric of this nation by exhibiting high moral values and non-corrupt practices. I was rudely awakening just after the 2011 General Elections.
With the AFC just gaining a vitally important one seat in the 2011 General Elections, the true colours of the AFC leaders began to rapidly emerge.
Khemraj Ramjattan told me that if the AFC had won there would have been “murderation for positions”.
It was not only about cronyism and corruption, but brazen misappropriation and mismanagement of donations and shameless rigging of elections both at the National Convention and at the regional level.
The unaudited financial statements circulated at the 2012 AFC Convention provide documentary evidence of this.
Dr Veerasammy Ramayya, the great moralist, herbalist and spiritualist, was not authorised to spend monies, he
provided no vouchers or receipts, and yet he barefacedly made a claim for reimbursement of $4.5 million!
This was the beginning of my political travesty. I had committed the cardinal sin of exposing corruption within the AFC. An inquiry found Dr Ramayya guilty, but the leadership pushed the findings under the rug instead of reprimanding him in some way.
A press release by the AFC Leader claimed that it was all about “miscommunication and misunderstanding”.
From thenceforth I began to expose the cronyism and corruption which have an upward trajectory straight up to the leadership of the AFC.
But what hurt me the most was that the AFC leadership failed to keep their promises to members and supporters. They began to barefacedly support the PNC in and out of Parliament in destroying economic and social development of this nation.
They have formed a de-facto coalition with APNU and had formed a parliamentary dictatorship and they have joined in protests which saw atrocities being meted out to Indians at Linden and Agricola.
As I continued to express my disappointment with the corrupt practices and broken promises of the AFC leadership, I was unceremoniously expelled from the AFC. This is AFC-style democracy. I then recalled Ramjattan’s quote about “let a thousand flowers bloom…” when he was expelled from the PPP/C.
What a hypocrite! But I have no regret, I became a “Majortiy of One”, but my country is now suffering because of my costly mistake.
I will not go into further details since I have written exhaustively on these. But I now want to look at the second aspect of the remark I made in my opening statement.
I thought that a truly intelligent person would have learned cost-free from my personal experience within the AFC. But alas, Professor Daizal Samad feels that he could at least mould the AFC through “imagination,
intelligence and integrity”, although “simple decency” can do the job.
I assume that despite the fact that he had read my letters in the press, he is of the opinion that he can make a difference in getting the AFC to make a right turn. Maybe he will understand that the newness he perceives in the AFC was just a figment of an intelligent imagination in an overdrive and that the integrity he saw in the AFC leadership was due to induced hallucination.
He will also get to understand that the AFC will never be voted into power and that the only service that they are capable of is service to themselves - filling their pockets with donations monies and at the same time sadistically enjoying the ruin of this great country.
The good Professor will get to realise that those in leadership positions in the AFC are not capable of being completely honest and dignified in deeds and words and that they are not capable of being free from political corruption.
However, I do feel that Professor Samad being a perceptive and intelligent person will soon see through this façade of integrity, dignity and feigned moral values.
He will understand that the only service that he can give is to aid the PNC to regain power so that the “oppressive and crude… and difficult times” he mentioned in the KN on June 12, 2011) concerning the PNC era, will return and once again good people will be killed, his and our friends will beaten, robbed, sexually molested and raped. I humbly ask that people learn from my costly mistake – those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
The Professor had said then that, “It wasn’t a thing I wanted to be a part of”, referring to the PNC dictatorship days. Is the Professor serious? Was it simply the truth? Only time will tell!
Haseef Yusuf AFC Councillor Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne)
Dear Editor,
This is in response to your news reports on the proposal from the Private Sector Commission on resolving the parliamentary prorogue, the statement from the President on dissolving the assembly, and APNU’s response to President Ramotar’s address.
Based on conversations I had with people within Guyana, including critics of the Government, people are disappointed as well as pleased with President Ramotar’s announcement that he would dissolve the assembly in the new year.
They are disappointed with the failure of the parties to resolve their differences and return to parliament to continue their work for which they were hired (elected).
But since the parties cannot compromise on a way forward, the people are pleased that the President has decided to act on the demands of the Opposition to dissolve the Parliament and face the electorate. It is also wise not to announce the date for an election now so as not to cast a spell of gloom over the holidays.
The church, business community, and the population must be applauded for putting pressure on the political parties to meet and work out their differences. But these noble efforts have all failed to get the politicians to listen to rational views on the political state of affairs.
The parties display stubbornness with each wanting its own way or the highway. Each of the parties is pulling in its own direction looking out for its own interest rather than for the interest of the nation leading to contradictory positions.
For example, APNU said
it wanted Local Government Elections. President Ramotar said he was looking at a date for second quarter of the year. This was followed by a contradiction when APNU said it would also support the NoConfidence Motion to end the life of Parliament thereby annulling any date for local elections.
This was followed by a prorogue. Virtually every democratic nation allows for a prorogue of its legislature. So it is not an illegal or dictatorial act and it would have been foolhardy of him not to take evasive action to protect his Government.
The political parties (the two Opposition parties, in particular as noted by the business community) have rejected calls for compromise and mediation to come together in the interests of the nation. The President tried to nudge the Opposition to join him for talks to end the prorogue.
His letter of invitation was turned down. The Opposition was adamant in its position it would not talk with Ramotar unless he reconvenes Parliament and face the No-Confidence Motion – never heard of such a position before in any part of the globe.
In Grenada, for example, Parliament was prorogued in 2012. After the six months period, the PM recalled parliament and immediately dissolved it and held election.
In other countries where prorogue was invoked, in Canada, for example, Parliament was reconvened and the Government did not face a no confidence motion. What is the point of reconvening parliament if the assembly is going to be dissolved via a No-Confidence Motion? That is idiotic.
Which leader would allow himself to go to the slaughter house if the constitution allows him a different path that permits temporary survival?
Ramotar said he invoked the prorogue as a last resort to save the life of the Parliament that had not even completed three years of a five-year term. He said he wanted a cooling off period hoping the Opposition would reconsider its action to end the life of the Parliament.
The Opposition said they don’t want to talk. The business community (through the PSC) intervened and tried to meet the goals of all three parties by forcing them to come to the table.
APNU wants local elections and it was in the PSC proposal to be held in 2015. PPP did not want to dissolve the assembly and the PSC offered it breathing space for some time before a no confidence motion would even be considered.
AFC wants general elections and PSC said it can always reintroduce its NoConfidence Motion in partnership with APNU after some time that would lead to elections. But the two opposition parties insisted the parliament meet and the President debate the no confidence motion.
Clearly, no one wanted to budge and so the only way out of resolving the impasse is general elections. After less than a month of reasoning with the opposition and failing to come to a resolution, the President wisely announced the parliament would be dissolved.
Conversations with colleagues in the US and Canada suggest the President should have dissolved the assembly from the inception instead of proroguing. It was felt that
High school is a very fast paced time in our lives
Dear Editor,
To all my fellow teenagers and also those old folks who are young t heart. I would like to highlight a very prominent issue in high school life, popularity.
What is popularity? You tell me? Well it’s just a state of mind in my opinion! High school is a very fast paced time in our lives. It is where we are at our reckless state, but it is also a stage that determines the outcome of our future.
Being king or queen of the high school hallways might seem cool in your teen, but it doesn’t bode well for our social status later in life, a new study suggests.
Teens who try to act older that their age might gain popularity early on, but are more likely to have problems with drugs and alcohol, and engage in serious criminal behaviour by their early 20s.
It is that while so-called cool teen behaviour might
have been linked to early popularity, overtime, these teens undergo a substantial amount of peer pressure, resulting in them expressing more extreme behaviours to try to appear cool. This results in juvenile delinquency.
Studies show that at 13, those who have exhibited “pseudo-mature behaviors” – a catchall term for behaviours that seem to boot perceived popularity, were rated as more popular by their peers through displays of romantic behaviours, deviant acts or by associating themselves with physically attractive friends.
As years went on, those antics did not correlate to an increase in popularity. In fact, just the opposite handed! The pseudo-mature behavior evolved into larger problems and the status of the once cool person dropped.
The adolescent who become popular due to pseudo-mature behaviour, to gain
at the end of the day, the assembly would still have had to be dissolved because the opposition wanted to end its life and there was nothing Ramotar could do to save it except through the prorogue.
Clearly, Ramotar was not comfortable with the prorogue. (He could have waited for another five months before announcing a dissolution of parliament). And so was almost half of the nation in a poll I conducted.
Ramotar did right in announcing he would end it. People applauded the President for at least trying to get the opposition to hold their hand and to rethink their position to end the life of the assembly.
People I conversed with in North America, Trinidad and Guyana support the President’s announcement to dissolve the assembly and go to the polls. They also feel the President did right not to announce a date for the election now because it would cast a gloom over the end of year holidays.
The Opposition’s insistence that the President announce a date now would disrupt the Christmas spirit. I would prefer elections at the earliest perhaps ending of March (but GECOM may not be ready).
Many people (from the business community) I spoke with in Guyana say it would be better if the date is announced after Mashramani so as not to disrupt celebrations that buoy the economy. Had the President decided to enforce the prorogue through May as allowed by the Forbes Burnham Constitution, elections would be held much later in the year.
Vishnu Bisram
Dear Editor, As Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) meet in Havana, Cuba this
Week, hopes are increasing for the embargo initiated by the US Government in January 1962 will be lifted so that trading between Cuba and the outside world will commence and moreso Americans will be free to travel to the communist state without any restriction.
Caricom Heads are looking at ways and means to strengthen co-operation in multi-lateral trade. The Fidel Castro regime signed an agreement in 2002 with three big states in Caricom – Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Barbados – which broke the protocol and signed the accord for trade and economic agreement.
The protocol calls for a confab every three years and December 9 is the 12th anniversary. In fact December 8 is called Cuban/Caricom Day.
Several recognized newspapers in the US are calling on the US Government to remove the embargo on Cuba. There are signs of the removal since the Organization of American States (OAS) at its 39th summit in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in June 2009 lifted the trade embargo.
Hilary Clinton who was the Secretary of State at the time was at the conference when the decision was taken. She made it clear at that conference that the United States will not remove the embargo until there are fair and free elections in Cuba and US detainees are released.
Despite travel restrictions on US citizens, more than 90,000 of Americans visited Cuba last year - the most in 52 years. It seems as if the US
is now in favour with people to people cultural exchanges. Moreover Cuba is included in the global climate change programme and efforts are being made to include the communist island in the UN Post 2015 Development Agenda. Despite its limited economic resources, the communist island has one of the best medical facilities and has trained thousands of doctors free of cost from other Caribbean islands and the wider world.
On the other hand, Cubans are not happy with the travel and economic restrictions imposed on them and they continue to flee their homeland for the United States in their quest for a better way of life. Reports state that the number of Cubans fleeing has doubled during the past year. Meanwhile, there area scores of Cubans who are detained in the United States for spying and there are a few Americans who have been detained in Havana. One of them is 65-year-old Government contractor Alan P Gross, who has been arrested since 2009 on espionage charges. The US Government is calling for his release, but the Cubans are not prepared to do so until the US releases at least three of their detainees.
A release from the Cuban Foreign Ministry stated that Caricom Chairman Gaston Brown, who is also Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Caricom Secretary General Irwin La Rocque and Cuban President Raul Castro will address the confab.
The OAS and Caricom have issued calls on the US government to lift the 52-year-old ban.
Oscar Ramjeet
peer status may gradually need to shift for example from minor forms of delinquency to more serious acts of criminal behavior to impress even a subset of older peers.
This will eventually result in becoming a convict. Teens that became popular by hanging out with pretty people are shown never to work to develop a meaningful relationship.
Teenagers hear me out! Never try to alter your unique personalities for anyone else. Be who you really are! Popularity is like snow white’s poison apple. On the outside it’s beautiful and enticing, but as you partake of it the consequences are fatal.
Do you reader want your future to be tainted with broken marriages, drug abuse, etc? I should think not! For those who are writing exams, Work hard! And good luck!
Andrea Balkissoon
The Senegalese Health Minister announced on Monday that six treatment centres would be established to strengthen safeguards against the Ebola outbreak.
Awa Marie Coll-Seck added that 50 quarantine centres would be opened for suspected Ebola patients in the West African country.
On November 10, Senegal reopened its border with Guinea, which has been hard hit by a deadly Ebola outbreak, and resumed flights to Ebola-stricken Liberia and Sierra Leone, Senegalese President Macky Sall said.
Senegal shut down its borders with Guinea in August.
Meanwhile, the preventative diseases department in Guinea said in a statement that 728 persons suspected to have Ebola have been discharged from hospital since December 2013.
The number of cases has decreased recently and they can overcome the epidemic within three months, Sakoba Keita, head of the preventative diseases department in Guinea’s Ministry of Health said.
tect and respond to an Ebola exposure
The evolving Ebola outbreak highlights the considerable risk of cases being imported into unaffected countries. With adequate levels of preparation, however, such introductions of the disease can be contained before they develop into large outbreaks.
The success of Nigeria and Senegal in halting the transmission of Ebola
At least 2199 of these deaths were registered in Guinea, where the current Ebola outbreak was first recorded.
So far, 6928 people have died from Ebola and more than 17,000 have been infected, according to the World Health Organisation’s latest report.
Preparedness of countries to rapidly de-
highlights the critical importance of preparedness. Key factors in preventing the spread of Ebola in both countries included strong political leadership, early detection and response, public awareness campaigns, and strong support from partner organisations.
Following the consultative meeting between the World Health Organisation
(WHO) and Partners on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Preparedness and Readiness held in Brazzaville from October 8 to 10, 2014, WHO, in collaboration with the UN and other partners, is accelerating the deployment of international preparedness teams (PSTs) to ensure immediate Ebola outbreak response capacity and help unaffected countries build on their existing preparedness work and planning. The PSTs are formed with national and international implementing partners and networks such as the International Associations of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI), the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), and national public health authorities such as the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and Public Health England. Ebola preparedness efforts follow the capacity building recommendations of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and are supported by UNMEER.
The initial focus of support by WHO and partners is on highest priority countries – Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Mali and Senegal – followed by high priority countries – Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Togo. The criteria used to prioritise countries include geographical proximity to affected countries, trade and migration patterns, and strength of health systems.
WHO is also expanding preparedness efforts to other countries in Africa and in all regions. WHO’s immediate preparedness efforts are channelled into two streams: preparedness missions and country visits; and the provision of guidance and tools.
(Excerpts from World Bulletin and WHO)
BY LESLIE CRAWFORD
See each child as an individual
It’s tempting to tell your children that you love them equally, but the truth is, children don’t want to hear that you love them all the same. “They want to know you love them uniquely, not equally,” says Adele Faber, co-author of the landmark book Siblings Without Rivalry
“I knew one mother who would tell her girls, ‘You’re my three little bears. I love you all the same.’ But that didn’t satisfy any of them,” Faber says. Instead, a parent might say something like, “You are my only Amy. In the whole, wide world there is no one like you. No one else has your thoughts, your feelings, your way of doing things. I’m so lucky you were born to me.”
The idea is to help each child feel valued as an individual. Another way to do this is to be specific in your praise: “You buttoned your shirt all by yourself.” “You cleared your plate without my asking.” “You made your sister feel good when you shared your muffin.”
Also, be careful not to compare, says Faber. Nothing breeds resentment like piling on praise at the expense of another child. To wit, “Why can’t you dress the way your sister does? She always looks so neat,” or, “Your baby sister has better table manners than you, and you’re almost six!”
Even complimentary comparisons risk stirring up hostility among your children. Your intentions may be good when you tell your toddler,
“You’re such a big boy dressing yourself, not like the baby.” But the result is that your older child may get so invested in outperforming his sibling that he’ll feel threatened when your baby grows into a toddler who can dress herself.
Also try to avoid pigeonholing your children into certain roles, such as the brain, the beauty, the energetic one, the calm one, the nice one, the difficult one. Growing children need to experiment with multiple roles. And you risk ensuring that the Troublemaker becomes forever just that and resents the Artist, or whichever sibling whose role he yearns to try.
Don’t short-change your older child
A newborn can be allabsorbing, but try to carve out bits of time when you can be alone with your firstborn.
“We’re stretched to the limit, but it’s important to find time alone with the older sibling,” says sibling expert and author Marian Borden – even if it’s just a few minutes at bedtime or taking the time to really listen when he’s talking to you.
“So much about sibling rivalry is about attention,” adds Borden. Letting your firstborn know he hasn’t been displaced and still has a special bond with you can head off a great deal of resentment.
Think about how to help your older child not feel left out when you’re caring for the baby. If you’re about to nurse, you might say, “I have to feed the baby now. Do you want me to read to you or do you want to rest?” Basically, you’re letting your child know you’re thinking of his needs, too. And don’t forget to put your older child first from time to time. Once in a while, when the baby is crying, instead of saying, “The baby is making a fuss, hold on,” Faber recommends saying, “Hold on, baby. I have to tie Charlie’s shoe. This big boy is going to nursery school.” The baby can wait a few more minutes and your older child will see that sometimes he’s your top priority.
Embrace conflict, don’t squelch it
No matter what you do, some sibling conflict is an inevitable fact of family life when you have more than one child. To expect your children to love and support each other 100 percent of the time places unrealistic expectations on both you and them. And in fact, you shouldn’t try to squelch the fighting. Even though this sounds counterintuitive, embrace it. “What’s wonderful about sibling conflict is that it’s an opportunity,” says sibling expert Faber. “It offers a rich training ground for skills they will need to live in the world now and in all their future relationships.” (www.babycenter.com)
China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the Chinese contractor for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project Monday said it had signed a US$30 million deal in Trinidad for the construction of the MovieTowne complex on the East Coast of Demerara at Turkeyen.
CHEC T&T Ltd on Monday signed a contract in Port of Spain, Trinidad, for the construction of MovieTowne Guyana, a release from the firm said.
CHEC said the US$30 million agreement, between it and Derek Chin, Chairman of MovieTowne Cineplex, includes the construction of entertainment facilities, restaurants, and commercial space.
The project is expected to be completed in 18 months.
CHEC, a Chinese construction and engineering company with offices located in Trinidad, is no stranger to Guyana, as the company has been contracted for the CJIA runway extension project, which is expected to be completed in 2017. In the Caribbean and Latin American Region, CHEC has been awarded several signature pro-
jects including the Port of Balboa & Container Terminal in Panama 2002; the Manzanillo Container Terminal in Mexico 2011, and most recently, in 2014 the North Abaco Port Project in the Bahamas.
CHEC said in the release that it was a full service pro-
vider in the large-scale construction business for more than 30 years.
This leading engineering company specialises in the areas of marine engineering, dredging, land reclamation, and in the construction of roads, bridges, airports and railways. As such, the
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Sunday graduated its second female paratrooper at the headquarters of the 31 Special Forces Squadron at Base Camp Stephenson.
Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips extended hearty congratulations to Lance Corporal (LCPL) Indrani Lyte on her achievement.
LCPL Lyte was among 17 soldiers who successfully completed the Grade Three Special Forces and the Basic Paratrooper’s courses.
LCPL Lyte, who hails from the Finance Department, said that she has always wanted to experience what she saw the paratroopers doing and she purposed that she would gain the necessary training.
“This is a dream come through for me,” she said, adding that “it was my peers who provided support and encouragement. I encourage any female who wants to become a paratrooper to go for it. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I intend to keep on learning and growing in this field.”
In his welcome and congratulatory remarks, Brigadier Phillips explained that they are now not just soldiers trained in
Indrani Lyte receives her certificate from Chief-of-Staff,
a specialised field, but are now brothers and sisters in the Force’s family of paratroopers.
“This is a Special Unit,” he said, adding that “your training is specialised and is geared toward special missions. I urge you to read on the history of paratrooping the world over. You will find that paratrooping is not only used to deliver men into combat or other operational zones. It is not only relevant in
war time but also in times of peace. Paratrooping is used to facilitate relief work when supplies, food, medicines and equipment need to be provided in disaster zones and situations.”
“The Special Forces has an important role and will continue to exist. So too will training in this area. I am pleased to see soldiers from other units other than the Infantry and Special Forces graduating today. This is the future thrust for training of paratroopers in the GDF,” he said.
The Chief-of-Staff, himself, a Brazilian-trained paratrooper, was joined by Commander of Base Camp Stephenson Wilbert Lee and Commander of the First Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Fitzroy Warde, both also paratroopers, in welcoming the new paratroopers into the family, and awarding them their new badges and certificates.
company has received more than 160 awards for a number of projects including the design and construction of two of the three longest sea crossing bridges in the world: the Hangzhou Bay Bridge (36 kilometres long) and the Shanghai Donghai Bridge (32.5km long], both in China. The company was also presented with the prestigious Jamaica Institute of Engineers Project of the Year award in 2013 and in 2014 for the completion of Westmorland Bridge and the first leg of the North South Highway in Jamaica.
Aman died Monday evening when two boats collided at Karatabo, Essequibo River, the Government Information Agency (GINA) has reported.
According to GINA at approximately 19:00h at Karatabo in the Essequibo River, two motor vessels collided, resulting in the death of one passenger.
One of the vessels was captained by Lloyd Apple, 54 years, while the other was being operated by Pamela Persaud, 34 years who had her uncle, Anthony Williams
in the vessel. Williams succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the collision.
At present Apple is in custody at the Bartica Police station while Pamela Persaud is hospitalised at the Bartica hospital. Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn said boat operators are not adhering to safety procedures in the night as they are operating without lights, which is against the rules. The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is investigating the incident.
BY JOMO PAUL
A45-year-old man is dead and another nursing a gunshot wound to the torso after several gunmen stormed Sterling Products Limited at Providence East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Monday evening.
Dead is Clifford Steve Stuart, a Security Guard employed with Edward Beharry Security Firm, attached to Sterling Products Limited. Stuart reportedly died on the spot after the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately.
Indian national Mario Gohill, a Chemist employed
with the company was also shot during the barrage of gunfire and was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre after the gunmen had made good their escape.
Guyana Times understands that approximately 18:45h on Monday evening, about 10 men, all of whom
were armed with high powered rifles stormed the compound through the front gate.
Another employee said the men were cramped in their vehicle.
The men made their way into the building through the main entrance, shooting Gohill in the process.
One employee explained to Guyana Times that the entire ordeal happened within minutes. He said after he saw the men coming with guns, he took refuge at the back of the building.
During this time, he heard several gunshots but was unaware that two of his colleagues were hit.
When asked about the getaway vehicle, another employee said the entire ordeal happened so fast that he did not get to record the make and model, but noted that it was “a dark coloured” car.
He too said the men
were packed in the vehicle.
When Guyana Times arrived at the scene at 19:30h, the area was cordoned off as Police combed through the scene for evidence. About an hour later, relatives of Stuart arrived and rushed into the compound, only to confirm their worst fears.
This newspaper understands that Stuart was working with the company for close to 16 years while Gohill is a relatively new employee.
Sterling Products Limited Chief Executive Officer Ramsay Ali told media operatives that his initial investigations were unable to confirm whether any cash was taken from the facility, and if it was, what was the amount.
“To the best of our knowledge, we don’t know that anything was taken,” Ali said.
He also confirmed that
Stuart was relieved of his firearm when the gunmen stormed the facility, but was not able to say what kind of gun was taken from the man.
He related that the men attempted to make their way upstairs where the cashiers were located, but their plan was somehow thwarted.
Ali related that the Guyana Police Force is in possession of security footage from the facility and is expected to be reviewing it as a part of their investigations.
This publication was subsequently informed that the Police were in pursuit of a car that was believed to have been carrying the gunmen.
However, this information was not confirmed and it is unknown whether the Police were able to apprehend the bandits.
Winston Felix was placed on $800,000 bail after his Attorney Rabindra Rooplall made a successful bail application which took precedence over the prosecution’s objections on the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
The 59-year-old truck driver made his first appearance before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, on Monday morning.
It was alleged that on November 28 at Agricola Public Road, Greater Georgetown, he drove motor lorry GKK 8663 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of 62-year-old Fatima Jamal.
The man who resides at Windsor Forest Railway Embankment, West Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge. His lawyer made a successful bail application noting that his
client had no previous matters and does not possess any travel document, making his least a flight risk. Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones objected to bail citing the nature, gravity and the penalty attached to that offence, further adding that
the defendant may be a flight risk if bail is granted and that an address was not provided to the Police; however the objections were overruled.
It is alleged that on the day in question, at around 07:15h, Jamal of Lot 101
Caesar Street, Agricola, was walking on a pedestrian crossing near Agricola, when the vehicle struck her. Reports indicated that the woman had just finished her janitorial duties at the Alpha Hotel on Agricola Public Road and was crossing the road on her way home.
According to her daughter, Amani Jamal, her mother was hit by a speeding truck whose driver appeared to have lost control. Her mother was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public spirited citizens. Jamal was unresponsive in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. She sustained broken limbs and several abrasions about her body and later succumbed to her injuries.
Felix was placed on $800,000 bail and is slated to return to court on January 6, 2015, before Magistrate Dylon Bess.
...and a nonentity shall lead them!!
Now that Prezzie's declared that elections are in the offing...the scramble to be "Leadah" of the Opposition has exploded into the open. Again! After coyly denying what was obvious to all and sundry from the very beginning, Ramjattan's finally confessed he'd like to get into bed with Granger.
He's doing it in fine Guyanese style. They've been living together since 2011, and made a bunch of kids since - Linden, Agricola and AML/CFT Bill (aka, "Bill") etched... and they've now decided to make it official.
But like the Tradewinds crooned so long ago, the fight's all about who's gonna be "pon top"!! So what else is new?? But even before we get to that (un)blessed union, folks had to state whether they have any objections. And up popped Aubrey Norton's hand. You remember Norton?? The fella who was rigged out of his shot at the PNC's leadership. He shot straight from the hip.
He didn't object to Ramjattan saying he's a better leader that Granger...but then that's not saying much, is it?? When it comes to "leadership", Granger has all the charisma of boiled cabbage. Green...but stinks!! Norton's already said all he has to say about Granger: he's now thinking about his "constituency". He suggested if Ramjattan's serious about getting rid of the PPP/C, why would he want to hitch up with Granger and the PNC??
Now imagine a fella who wanted to lead the PNC saying this!! Reminds this Eyewitness of that quip by Groucho Marx: "I wouldn't belong to a club that'd have ME as a member!!!" He feels Ramjattan would be giving the death blow to the PPP/C if the AFC were to go it alone as the "Indian" party under his and Nagamootoo's leadership. They'd siphon off PPP/C's votes and with PNC/APNU holding their constituency firm, the AFC can tell their new bed mates, "Slip in the back Jack!!"
Well, you got to hand it to Norton for being honest. But he's fighting a losing battle. It's like dealing with those sad fellas huddling in the closet. They know it’s their nature to do what they want to do...just can't help it. But societal pressures force them to live the lies they had to construct. Ramjattan's hatred for his old nemeses in the PPP/C (that's how he sees them) trumps everything for him. He always knew he'd have to get into bed with the PNC if he wanted to really hurt them. But he agonised, "What would people say??"
Sorry Norton. He finally gonna let his true nature out of the closet!!! AFC- PNC it is!!
It's very clear Carl Greenidge's constitutionally incapable of composing a short letter to the press. We're leaving speculations on possible "compensatory" mechanisms at work to those more psychologically inclined. Anyhow Greenidge weighed in (boy did he WEIGH in!!!) with a 2500 missive in which he told us more than we ever wanted to know about his experience in "negotiations".
He telegraphed his possession (or lack thereof) of that skill by his praise of Burnham's "negotiation" to nationalise ALCAN bauxite!! Some negotiation!!! Burnham made us shell out above market price for the facility and placed us in debt for decades - then left the marketing of the bauxite to the (apartheid) South African firm of Philips Brothers! He couldn't even arrange a proper transfer of the workers, contributions in the RILA pension funds - and tear gassed them when they protested!
About his own negotiations "skills" Greenidge mentioned the EPA he signed with the EU!!! Even Norman Girvan, Clive Thomas and every progressive WI economist had to support Bharat Jagdeo for bitch-slapping Greenidge for facilitating that rape!!
Top Cop Seelall and his "A" Division Commander Hicken have been showing a human face to policing in the midst of a horrible PR year. They must be encouraged to reach out positively to more "troubled" communities.
‘Don’t walk around with too much
By Royden James
– PSC warns shoppers
By Jomo Paul
Once again the holidays are here and the question of security during shopping, or while at home is one of the major concerns rummaging through the minds of Guyanese.
According to Police statistics, over the past years crime has shown large spikes during the last month of the year. Despite the Guyana Police Force’s announcement of a “rigid” security plan for the holidays, concerns still linger within the business community and general public.
Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Persaud, in an invited comment, said that Guyanese should now look to stay away from the conventional use of liquid cash when shopping. The business chief explained that Guyana should catch up to the modern world and increase the use of debit cards that are issued to bank account holders.
Persaud told the Guyana Times that in addition to the heightened use of debit and credit cards, shoppers should also “be more vigilant when shopping and moving around”.
The PSC Chairman said that people should also be wary of whom they share delicate business and information with, since this can be used as a means of singling out a target. Further, he recommended that in addition to heightened security, persons and businesses employ the use of security firms to make cash deposits at local banking institutions.
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Clinton Williams, similarly called for a minimal use of cash during the holiday season.
He noted that Guyana has a primarily cash driven marketplace, but that should change not only for security purposes but to enhance the traceability of purchases.
Williams explained to the Guyana Times that it was time that Guyanese look to alternative spending methods instead of liquid cash, given the fact that the rest of the world has now moved ahead with these methods.
He too called for greater vigilance on the part of the populace and heightened presence of the Guyana Police Force.
Public support
Similarly Captain Gerry Gouveia made it clear that vigilance and a Police presence were two of the major elements of mitigating crime during this period.
He said it was also important for the citizenry to be “ready to support the Police in the fight against crime”.
ood For The Poor (FFTP) Guyana Incorporated has embarked on a new Christmas food drive, which is intended to share love and joy, by providing hampers to 250 needy families in depressed areas across the country.
A Division (Georgetown) Commander Clifton Hicken had said that to ensure adequate policing of the city, it will be divided into five sectors. Each will be supervised by a Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent assisted by a Cadet Officer and an adequate number of ranks.
Section one will cover the area bound by to the North – the Seawall, the South – Hadfield Street, East – Camp Street and West –Demerara River, comprising primarily the commercial sector. Section two is bound by Hadfield Street (North); Punt Trench Dam (South); Camp Street (East) and the Demerara River (West). It contains many hardware stores, lumber yards, hotels and municipal markets. This area will be covered by vehicle patrols, as well ranks on foot.
Sector three is bound by the Seawall (North); Croal Street (South); Vlissengen Road (East) and Camp Street (West).
Section four’s boundaries are North – South Road; South – Princes Street; East – Vlissengen Road and West – Camp Street/Russell Street. The sectors will be policed by vehicular patrols.
Sector five caters for the area demarcated by Seawall Road to the North, Princes Street to the South, Sheriff Street to the East and Mandela Avenue and Vlissengen Road to the West.
Ranks who will be policing the areas on foot will be working on a four-hour shift to prevent them from being overworked. Foot patrols will be done according to the following shifts: 06:00h to 10:00h, 09:00h to 13:00h, 12:00h to 16:00h, and 15:00h to 20:00h daily. During the period December 22 to 24, and 29 to 31, the foot patrol times will be adjusted to accommodate late shopping.
Meanwhile, motorcycle and vehicular patrols will be done on a 24-hour basis on 12hour shifts. Emphasis will also be placed on noise nuisance and public crime tips will be disseminated by the Force.
Food collection bins have already been placed at several locations across Georgetown including Ashmin’s Trading, High Street; Bonny’s Supermarket, Church Street; and Budget Supermarket, Sheriff Street, as well as the FFTP’s Complex at Festival City, North Ruimveldt.
According to FFTP Chief Executive Officer Kent Vincent, the organisation always remembers the needy around this time, as everyone needs to be happy during the Christmas season and feel the Christmas spirit.
Vincent noted that the organisation was looking to spread the Christmas cheer in other regions of the country and as such, was seeking monetary donations to complete more hampers.
“We want to put a smile on most of the needy persons’ faces in our country, as we have always been doing in the past. We cannot do this on our own so we are seeking help from the general public whether the business commu-
nities or individuals; we need to make this happen,” Vincent added.
Thus far, a number of businesses have lent their support towards the initiative, which is being spearheaded by the FFTP’s Donor Relations Department.
According to the CEO, Beepats, Edward Beharry, and the National Milling Company of Guyana Incorporated (NAMILCO) have always been major supporters of the FFTP and have always been willing to support them when embarking on food drives.
Recipients of some of the hampers,
residents of Tiger Bay, Georgetown, expressed their gratitude to the FFTP for remembering them in their time of need.
“I am more than happy that Food For The Poor took the time out and made this donation to us; life in this community is not easy, especially as a single parent and I wish more organisations could see this and also help us,’’ one Tiger Bay resident told Guyana Times.
The Christmas food drive is expected to run until the final week of Christmas.
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is now accusing President Donald Ramotar of “deception,” saying that his decision to call elections in 2015 is an attempt to by-pass the reconvening of Parliament.
On Saturday, President Ramotar announced his intention to dissolve the 10th Parliament, paving the way for General and Regional Elections before the presentation of the 2015 National Budget in April.
With the prorogation of Parliament on November 10, President Ramotar had hoped to engage in tripartite discussions with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) with the hope of salvaging the life of the 10th Parliament, but to no avail.
The Opposition has refused to engage in dialogue “under duress”, saying that the Parliament must first be reconvened.
Although the President is being applauded by sections of society for this bold step, the GTUC is accusing him of having a hidden agenda.
“What President Ramotar has done by saying to the nation that there will be elections next year must be seen as a deceptive act to remove the pressure
on him to lift the prorogation,” GTUC said on Sunday.
The Union said the President’s initial decision to prorogue Parliament in light of a No-Confidence Motion against his Government should be seen as a clear disregard for the Constitution of Guyana.
“The offer for elections does not absolve the President from the violation of the spirit and intent of the Constitution in his application of prorogation Article 70 (1). GTUC urged the citizens to up their activism and have the President reconvene the National Assembly.”
The GTUC said citizens should be concerned that the nation’s highest democratic organ and decision-making forum remains dysfunctional since November 10. “For us as citizens to resign ourselves that elections will be called when the Constitution is being violated is to abrogate our sovereignty (Article 9), our responsibility to ensure Government operates by respecting laws and our rights.”
The Union added that the opportunity to govern the nation was a privilege not a right hence the citizenry should ensure President Ramotar respects this.
On Friday, the GTUC had said that
the failure of civil society to hold elected officials accountable is among principal problems that hinder good governance.
According to the GTUC, the consequences of these have led to runaway corruption, violation of laws and transgression of rights, which are ignored, masked or encouraged by the culture of dominance that has been allowed to reign supreme.
“While the GTUC sees the Executive’s position that dialogue be the pre-condition to reconvene Parliament a violation of the spirit and intent of the Constitution, it nonetheless ought to be considered in light of accepting that everyone has a right to their opinion and must be given a hearing.”
The GTUC made its position clear, however, that elections have never and will never solve our problems. “The people have to solve their problems and fashion a culture for good governance and these require vigilance or activism and holding elected and Government officials accountable to laws and regulations established to protect and safeguard the nation and all its people.”
According to the trade union, this is a principal feature present in progressive societies and must be given a chance to work in Guyana.
Several residents of Providence and Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara on Monday protested in front of the Office of the President, demanding higher compensation for losses they suffered during the recent flooding of the East Bank Demerara (EBD) communities.
Subsequent to the breach of the koker in Peter’s Hall, residents suffered millions in losses as the floodwater swept in their homes and destroyed their hard-earned valuables.
The protestors were calling for $31 million instead of the promised $11 million, noting that $11 million cannot even begin to compensate their losses.
However, speaking with Guyana Times, Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker clearly stated that the residents were not offered compensation, but flood relief and assistance.
Whittaker explained that in order for the residents to get “compensation”, they would have to provide proof that they did indeed loose a particular item worth a particular amount, and it was lost owed to a particular nature.
“You can only get compensation if you can prove that you endured these losses,” he said.
He further stated that
“You can’t come to us and say you lost $200,000 in fowl and you want compensation for that,” he added. Nevertheless, due to the unfortunate incident, the Government granted flood relief and assistance to the residents of the affected areas.
The Minister related that subsequent to the flood, he met with the Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Four to discuss a solution to the problem.
Whittaker told Guyana Times that a meeting was convened between the REO and some members of the community affected by the flood.
The Minister said they then went to the Cabinet, and $11 million was approved as flood relief for the
communities.
However, Whittaker noted that the $11 million was not meant for monetary assistance, but to be materialistic items that the households may need.
Guyana Times had visited Peter’s Hall a few weeks after the flood and the residents were quite upset about the situation as they
believed the $11 million was going to be monetary compensation and it was quite inadequate to reimburse their losses.
“After two months, they say they want a mattress or two, so what happen to the last two months we de sleeping on the floor? We had to buy back. We don’t have any proof really to show them because we get rid and get rid and get rid so we ain’t got the proof,” Mohammed Ali, a Peters Hall resident said.
Many other residents complained of losses in electrical equipments, furniture, groceries, memorable and sentimental items, among others.
A father in the village described the residents of the community as “poor”, noting that the flood left them “broke” and in debts as they scrape to get back the articles that were damaged due to the flood.
Along time now, when Rum Jhaat was lil Jhaat, he had tell de people wheh he grow up in Number 47 Village that he like to be first in every ting whah he do. Rum Jhaat mudda and fadda had know that and all he neighbours in de village had know that long before he coulda put on he own bukta.
So every time dem lil boys and lil gyurls used to line up to go in dem class in school, lil Jhaat used to wanna be in front. Every time it had a line any where, and in dem Peen-See days it used to have a lotta lines, lil Jhaat had to be in front.
At least lil Jhaat had tell every body de truth. Some body seh that is de only truth whah he ever tell when he was lil Jhaat. Now that lil Jhaat grow up big and turn Rum Jhaat, he still stay de same way – never tellin de truth and always wanna be first in every ting.
Indeed, Rum Jhaat was first to get vex when he didn’t get to be Pee-P-P Prezzi. Then he was first to get kick out from de Pee-P-P ahead of Nagga Man and de other rummie Rumkarran. Just before he get kick out from de Pee-P-P, he was de first to run to de Embassy.
Rum Jhaat is de first to collect de outtaway money whah does come fuh de KFC party, fuh which he still can’t give account. Is no wonder he was de first to con every body at de Con-Vention.
He even seh he wanna be first in fronta Green Jah and in fronta de whole of de Pee-n-See fuh de elections. And now he also want some body to getta good whip to crack pun he back.
Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Is now every body realise that Rum Jhaat don’t really like to be in front. He just like a lotta people behind he, and one of dem must have a whip. A good whip!
Safiyyah Sookram, 14, of Schoonard, West Bank Demerara was reunited with her family on Sunday morning after being missing for an entire week.
According to her father, Shazad Sookram, Safiyyah returned home on Sunday morning, but apparently not on her own will.
The father was overjoyed that his daughter returned home, but did not disclose how she was found.
Sookram had told Guyana Times that he does not want his daughter’s “life story” in the papers, noting that she was only a child.
Reports indicated that Safiyyah was in the habit of
Safiyyah Sookram
running away from home. The father was thankful to the public and everyone who assisted in the search for his daughter.
Abusinessman was shot dead and his wife was relieved of her jewellery during at robbery at their business place at Mango Landing, Essequibo River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on Monday morning.
According to reports, the robbery occurred about 01:30h. The dead man was identified as Liden Mc
Almont, 50, of Annandale, East Coast Demerara.
According to information received, three men armed with a gun and knives entered the couple’s business place at Mango Landing and held them up.
Maureen Mc Almont, the man’s wife reportedly begged the men to spare their lives and encouraged them to take what they wanted and leave.
The businessman, who has been operating his grocery shop for the past 10 years at the location, put up a fight during which he was reportedly shot at least twice.
The men then relieved the woman of a few finger rings, a chain and other pieces of jewellery before escaping.
Persons in the area re-
portedly ran to assist the couple after hearing the gunshot. The businessman was still breathing and was rushed to the Mahdia Hospital, but succumbed on his way to the medical facility. The Police have launched an investigation into the shooting incident. Guyana Times understands that the perpetrators are teenagers.
Caricom Chairman Gaston Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, called on the United States President and Congress to end its embargo of Cuba now.
Prime Minister Browne was speaking at the opening ceremony of the fifth Caricom-Cuba Summit in Havana, Cuba on Monday. He said that Caricom’s solidarity with Cuba was manifested by the region’s repeated calls “in every council in every part of the world” for an end to the embargo.
The Caricom Chairman took the opportunity to express profound appreciation to the host for its role in the fight against Ebola disease.”
Cuban doctors, nurses and technicians have not only put their lives at risk to save lives in West Africa; they have saved lives around the world by helping to contain and control the spread of Ebola. They deserve our deep respect, our great gratitude and our enduring thanks,” he stated.
The Prime Minister said trade between the two sides had grown, but was mindful of the challenges that existed for expansion.
He referred to the work being done on a protocol to widen the existing trade and development agreement and stated he had no doubt that a mutually satisfactory result would be achieved.
Prime Minister Browne said a practical machinery had to be established to expand trade and investment.
“Central to such machinery is effective and affordable transportation for the movement of goods and people between our countries. In this connection, I call on this Summit meeting to place high priority on creating mechanisms to move goods, services and passengers throughout our countries.
"I am convinced that if
Cuba and Caricom countries can jointly build a transportation network, all our economies will benefit,” he added.
He pointed to the advantages particularly in the field of tourism which such a network could bring.
“If Cuba and Caricom countries can establish the air transportation links and a network of collaboration between our hotels, multidestination tourism – that offers the distinctiveness of our culturally-rich countries – could be a winner for all of us,” he said.
The Caricom Chairman suggested that Caricom and Cuba share their knowledge and experience in sports, particular athletics.
He jokingly stated “that if we teach Cubans to play cricket, we might produce a Caribbean cricket team that would restore West Indian cricket to the heights it once majestically enjoyed”.
Prime Minister Browne said that areas for cooperation between Caricom and Cuba existed at a broad level and it was up to “us to be creative and ingenious in the ways in which we bolster each other”.
Unison
“On matters such as climate change and global warming; on financial services and the dictates of the countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development; on the marginalisation of our concerns by the G20, we should be coordinating our positions and acting in unison.
"We may not be able to stand up to them alone, but they cannot ignore us if we stand up together, the Prime Minister said.
Meanwhile, Cuban President Army General Raul Castro Ruz told Caricom Leaders that despite his country’s economic difficulties, “we will honour our pledge to cooperate and share our modest achievements with our sister nations in the Caribbean”.
He said that as small island states and developing nations, the countries were facing the challenge of surviving and making progress in a world shaken by a number of crises.
The President cited the global economic, financial, food and energy sectors as well as deadly diseases and war.
He reiterated Cuba’s “unwavering decision” to support “under any circumstances” the right of small and vulnerable countries to
be accorded special and different treatment in terms of access to trade and investments.
President Castro said the challenges of the 21st Century were forcing “us to unite in order to face together the effects of climate change and natural disasters and to coordinate our approach to the post-2015 Development Agenda”.
He noted particularly the need “to tackle together the domination mechanisms imposed by the unfair international financial system”.
In alluding to the effects of climate change, he revealed that Cuba had conducted studies of dangers, vulnerabilities and risks and was already implementing a macro-project named Coastal Dangers and Vulnerabilities 2050-2100.
He offered to share the experience with Caricom as it included projects on the condition of coastal dunes and mangroves as well as evaluation of the beaches, coastal settlements and infrastructure.
The President said Caricom and Cuba shared
a common history of colonialism, slavery and struggles for freedom, independence and development. That, he said, was the melting pot where “our cultures have merged”.
He recalled a statement by his predecessor and brother Fidel Castro at the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the then four independent countries of the Community: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
The former President had said at that time that the four leaders in 1972 had probably realised that their decision was paving the way for the foreign policy of Caricom which stood on the pillars of independence, courage and concerted action.
The United States Embassy has officially announced the appointment of Christopher M Cushing as the Mission Director for United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Eastern and Southern Caribbean.
Cushing, who has been on the job since October 21, is based in Bridgetown, Barbados, the Embassy said in a release. Most recently, Cushing served as USAID Mission Director in Ecuador from August 2013 to September 2014. Prior to this, he served as the Director of the Strategy, Budget and Programme Office for USAID’s Latin American and the Caribbean Bureau (LAC) programmes, subsequent to serving as Deputy Director of LAC’s Regional Sustainable Development Office, which comprised tech-
nical and sectoral staff. He was also strategy team leader for Latin America and the Caribbean Strategy, Budget and Programme Office and a
Supervisory Programme Officer in Panama and Honduras. Prior to joining USAID, Cushing served in Peace Corps staff in Paraguay and Costa Rica as Training Coordinator and in Slovakia and the Baltics as Programme and Training Officer.
The Embassy said it also takes this opportunity to inform of the name change of the USAID office from USAID Barbados and Eastern Caribbean to USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean. The name change now more appropriately reflects the countries in which USAID assistance programmes are implemented, including the Southern Caribbean countries of Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and where US Embassies with which USAID coordinates are also present.
Ateenager is now nursing a gunshot wound to the groin following an attempted robbery on Sunday evening, two houses away from his Garnett Street, Georgetown home.
Bharat Kellawan, 17, of Lot 63 Garnett Street, Campbellville, took self discharge from the Georgetown Public Hospital. He is said to be resting at home in a stable conditions.
According to information received, the teenager was on his way home after checking his mother’s business on Sherriff Street when he was confronted by two masked men.
The teenager reportedly
put up a fight during which one of the men discharged a round, hitting Kellawan in the groin.
The two men upon hearing the gunshot made good their escape. The injured teen managed to make his way home and related what happened to his father who was in the yard at the time.
Speaking with Guyana Times, Dhannarine Kellawan related that he was in the yard with a friend when his son left home to check on a business that his mother runs on Sherriff Street. He said after a while, he saw his son running into the yard shouting for “Daddy”.
The Police were contacted and a report was made, but the angry father lashed out at the Police, claiming that a proper report is yet to taken. He stated, “Let somebody de dead, would a see how fast the Police would a come do their job.”
The teenager, he stated is at home and is out of danger. The Police have since launched an investigation into the shooting incident.
As he looked closer, he saw blood dripping from his son’s leg and frantically enquired where the blood was coming from. The father stated that his son collapsed and he was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted.
Ameeting to discuss the development of a complete online registry among 12 Member States participating in the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) is being held in St Lucia from December 8 to 10.
The three-day meeting, which was convened by the Caricom Secretariat, is funded by the European Union under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) as part of the CSME and Economic Integration Programme, the Caricom Secretariat said in a release. Registrars of companies
across the region are considering the proposal for the harmonisation of online registries in the CSME participating Member States. This harmonisation would be facilitated by the web interface and interoperability of the respective systems allowing users access to information from participating Member States.
The objective of the initiative is for interested parties to be able to register businesses/companies online across Member States thereby increasing crossborder economic activity. The other issues that are
down for discussion are the software and hardware requirements of the systems to be installed as well as training for data entry operators and other relevant users in the registries.
The beneficiary Member States under the project are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Alfa XP Europe Limited is the company undertaking the consultancy. The meeting ends on Thursday.
Guyana’s National Reparations Committee is acknowledging the call of Caricom Reparations Commission Chairman, Professor Hilary Beckles for more youth involvement in the reparations movement.
The Reparations Committee is currently working on engaging a few young minds to be a part of the reparations movement. Thus, the mobilisation of youth has been ongoing for some months in the committee’s efforts to have a youth component established this week.
Guyana’s National Reparations Committee Chairman Eric Phillips told
derrepresented if steps are not taken to shore up representation.
Also, a more youth oriented-committee in Guyana will keep the reparations movement informed about the needs and thoughts of young people, and be able to give effective representation of the younger generation.
Professor Beckles had reached out to youths in the Caribbean while at Kingston College (KC) in Jamaica, insisting that youths need to be more active and more vocal.
“This subject is going to go forward and we are going to have justice only when young people step up and play their role.”
Guyana Times that youths are part of the committee, but the numbers are not what they would like them to be.
Thus, the committee has seen it fit to open its mind to the modes of communication that are exploited by young people like twitter, Facebook and other youth appealing media.
Phillips told this publication that the race for a youth branch of the Reparations Committee is due to Professor Beckles’ call, but also due to the fact that the Reparations Youth Conference will be held by Caricom in 2015, and Guyana will be vastly un-
Dimitri Nicholson of Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG) said he has willingly taken up the mantle.
Aside from the Executive Director of Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG), Nicholson is the youth representative in Guyana’s National Reparations Committee.
Both positions fittingly complement the other as Nicholson has been given the task to mobilise youths for the National Reparations Youth Committee.
He said he is able to reach a number of youths and has been able to educate them on the topic while getting a general gist of what his peers may be thinking.
The Executive Director said “many Guyanese youths are supporting” the initiative and have been quite open in highlighting the need for more information.
Information is disbursed through emails and other sources and youths have indicated being quite “appreciative of the move Caricom has taken as a region”.
When asked about the youths who do not agree with reparations, he said persons, young or old, would not disagree with the campaign if they are not aware of how much the history of slavery has affected behaviours today, and the negative way of life that most blacks have come to associate with their culture.
He said he is currently interviewing a number of young people officially and unofficially to ensure their commitment and ability to contribute to the movement.
Nicholson noted that it is sad, but factual that many young people commit themselves to a number of activities and organisations, but are unable to dedicate themselves to the goals of the organisation.
Thus, interviews have been conducted with a number of persons to gauge their level of interest in reparations.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has reported that 90 per cent of the minibuses that ply the Georgetown/University of Guyana (UG) route carry bins.
The Ministry’s Personal Assistant Parmanand Persaud told Guyana Times that some investigations were done by members of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Litter Unit regarding the dumping of litter around Regent Street, between Hinck Street and Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown.
He stated that the investigations have led to a number of sessions with the drivers plying the Georgetown/ UG route, sensitising them about the Litter Enforcement Regulations Act.
A number of UG students had expressed their delight in the drivers abiding by the
anti-littering measures by having receptacles in their minibuses.
University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS)
President Joshua Griffith said the idea of receptacles in minibuses was a good initiative, and was quite glad that the UG drivers have embraced the regulations.
He said the buses at the university are always leading the way in such new ideas, particularly, if it ensures passengers’ satisfaction.
University of Guyana International Affairs Association (UGIAA) President Tristanna Gouveia remarked that having bins in vehicles was not a bad idea.
However, she is a bit perturbed about the inconvenience it poses sometimes to passengers, noting that the smell is at times discomforting to passengers.
Minibus Union President
Eon Andrews said more attention should be given to where the receptacles should be placed since they can be a hindrance to passengers if they are placed behind the driver’s seat.
The Litter Prevention Regulations Act which was passed in 2011 provides for heavy fines for persons found guilty of littering and jail time for chronic offenders. Regarding other routes, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said that it had contacted the Minibus Drivers Association’s President on the matter, emphasising the importance of receptacles being placed in the vehicles. However, there does not seem to be much response to this from drivers of routes 44, 45 or 50, though Litter Wardens had also engaged a few drivers of the route 45 minibuses.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) monthly Food Price Index was stable in November, as vegetable oil and grain prices inched up and offset ongoing declines in dairy prices.
The Food Price Index averaged 192.6 points, marking the third consecutive month of stability. The Index now stands 13 points, 6.4 per cent below its level in November 2013. “The Index appears to have bottomed out with higher probabilities for a rise in its value in coming months” said Abdolreza Abbassian, Senior Economist at FAO.
After some volatile movements in recent years, FAO’s Food Price Index, a trade-weighted index that tracks prices of five major food commodities on international markets, is now around its level of August 2010. The Index aggregates sub-indices for prices of cereals, meat, dairy products, vegetable oils, and sugar.
The FAO Dairy Price Index declined 3.4 per cent from October and 29 per cent from a year earlier to average 178.1 points in November, reflecting increased export availability of dairy products along with slower imports to large markets such as China and the Russian Federation.
Sugar Price Index
The Sugar Price Index dropped 3.2 per cent from October to average 230 points in November, about eight per
cent below its level a year earlier. The recent decline came as rain in Brazil’s main sugar producing region alleviated concerns about a prolonged drought in the world’s largest sugar exporter.
Cereal prices rose significantly for the first time since March as growing conditions for the just-sown wheat crop in the northern hemisphere appear less than ideal. However, rice prices weakened as newly-harvested supplies arrived to market. The Cereal Price Index averaged 183 points in November, up 2.6 per cent from October, but down 5.8 per cent from a year earlier.
The Vegetable Oil Price Index also rose, increasing 0.7 per cent to 164.9
points – still almost 17 per cent below its level a year earlier – due to lowerthan-anticipated global production of sunflower oil and some slowdown of palm oil production in Malaysia and Indonesia. However, soy oil prices were weak, dampening the sub-index’s rise. Meat prices were stable in November, although beef and most other types of meats are at historic highs. The Meat Price Index averaged 210.4 points, in line with its revised value for October while marking a 13.3 per cent increase from November 2013. Mutton and lamb prices moved moderately higher during the month.
Berbicians turned out in their numbers to experience the ultimate wedding packages offered under one roof at the Berbice Expo. The inaugural event hosted by businessman Ryan Alexander provided potential married couples with the opportunity to get inspiration and information from the best in the business, on the invitation to the honeymoon.
The exhibitors included wedding planners, hotels, caterers, florists, photographers, beauty salons, jewellery stores, makeup artists, wedding attire vendors, decorators, furnishings provid-
ers and venue providers.
Guyana Tourism Authority Director Indranauth Haralsingh praised the Businessman for taking the initiative to host the event of such magnitude in Berbice. He said the expo was an important one which allowed persons the opportunity to showcase their businesses and consumers the chance to get all that they need for their big day.
Domestic tourism
“This is a good way of bringing businesses together and showing them, yes, there is someone out there who can pull all of these
services together to promote a wedding expo. These events are also good for domestic tourism because it does bring persons from their house – leisure, recreation .I feel if there are more events, we will be happy to work along with people like Ryan and others in Berbice to bring higher and better quality events.”
He added that the GTA will make the event an annual one in its calendar of events for tourism. Haralsingh also recommended the next expo be a two-day event with some live entertainment added.
“The organiser has promised to make it an annual event, so we would put it on our calendar event for tour-
After almost three weeks in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital, Devon Howell, 20, of Lot 87 Da Silva Street, Kitty, Georgetown, who was accidently shot to the neck, has succumbed to his injuries on Monday.
Howell was shot to the neck by a rank of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the shooting happened at the latter’s apartment, at Dandrade Street, Kitty, Georgetown.
The bullet, according to reports, struck the man in the neck and exited. He has since been admitted in an unconscious state in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).
A relative of the dead man told Guyana Times that the young electrician was in and out of consciousness ever since he was admitted to the medical facility.
She said reports about the actual incident remains sketchy and her family is frustrated.
The young woman went on to say that the shooter is well known to her family, which makes the matter even more complicated.
His mother, who was still in a state of shock, was too distraught to speak, claiming that her son has gone to rest.
On the day of the incident, Alison Howell said she was at work when she received a call about 18:10h informing her that the young man was shot. Without hesitation, she rushed to the medical institution where she saw her son in an unresponsive state. His heart rate, she added had started to decrease. He was taken into theatre where he underwent a successful surgery. The woman was later in-
formed that they had removed him and he was in the ICU.
She recalled her son leaving home to lime with a few of his regular friends. The mother later leant that the GDF rank was cleaning his weapon when it accidentally went off.
“It was not like they had an argument and then the gun went off… it had to be that someone was either playing with the gun or something… I don’t buy in that the soldier was cleaning the weapon,” she stated.
Her son, she added has a promising life ahead and she is hoping for the best, but upon learning of his demise, she was speechless.
Guyana Times understands that the Police are continuing their investigations and a possible murder charge appears to be hanging over the head of the GDF rank.
ism and we will work with him to make it more of an event that can really attract persons. We know that the problem here is Berbice so people don’t want to come out in the heat of the day, so maybe of the next time around, it be best if we have it on a Saturday and Sunday starting from five and as
a pull factor add some entertainment on stage along with the opportunity for couples to come and get a firsthand look of the services , for when they are ready to tie the knot, they can choose from among the vendors and suppliers available here.”
Patrons also benefited from special discounts of-
fered by companies.
Alexander, who is also the owner of Party Plus, said the idea to host the event was conceived after numerous calls from customers about wedding and party supplies.
“We run a party business and we have seen tremendous response in terms of services as it pertains to wedding, parties, anniversaries, reunion, christening. The world has been evolving; Guyana has been evolving: services that are being demanded in North America, there is also high demand in Guyana. Because of that and the opportunities that are available, we decided to have the Berbice Wedding Expo so that persons can know about the services and the individuals to offer their services throughout Berbice. We have had persons from as far as Suriname seeking wedding services.”
Alexander said, as of tomorrow, his team will start working to make the next Berbice Wedding Expo bigger and better.
Days after being set on fire, allegedly by his employer, a saw operator succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Saturday last. The dead man has been identified as David Campbell, 38, of GAC Old Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara.
The father of two sustained third degree burns about the body after his employer, who is now in hiding, set him alight at 14 Miles Mabura, Upper Demerara River 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 others 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 their refusal 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.
The employer, who also resides in Timehri was believed to be 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 while Campbell was trapped in his hammock, which was partially in the air.
According to reports received, the Police have visited the home of the dead man’s employer, but there was no sign of him. 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.
He said the man initially gave them $10,000 to purchase alcohol, but when it was finished, he offered them another set of money to buy more, but they refused.
The man, who has a few scratches on the body, stated that they retired to bed, but before doing so, he saw the “Boss man” with a fivegallon pale of gasoline. The man, who is thankful to be alive, said from all indica-
tions, the boss man wanted to kill all of them.
“Like he de want we get drunk and we would a sleep way… and then he would a set the place on fire… I de smelling the gasoline but nah tek it for nothing, so I lay down… I then see the fire on the camp and I holler for the other boys and we run out.”
After reaching out, they then realised that Campbell was in the camp and was screaming.
“He drag and drag he self out, but by then, he de done get bad burn.”
The father of two was rushed to the McKenzie Hospital where he was treated and referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
The survivor said his employer’s relatives did not want the matter to reach the Police and asked them to keep their mouths shut.
“They de want it look like de man de drunk and set the place on fire,” another of the survivors said.
Campbell has been working with the family for the past three years. He leaves to mourn his two daughters and other relatives.
Last month, Jamaica reported a major shortage in blood donation due a Chikungunya (ChikV), outbreak on the island.
National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) acting Director Veronica Taylor was quoted as saying the crisis was as a result of donors being turned away because they were infected with the virus. She revealed the agency was in a desperate need of 12,000 units of blood and all unaffected citizens were asked to be cooperative and donate blood.
In TT experts say to date, the virus was not a threat despite reports of increased cases. Last month, Dr Adelle Chin said there were more ChikV cases in the country than what was being reported. Chin has been commissioned by the Health Ministry to deal with international health regulations and the protocol of entry to TT considering the threat of Ebola. She said there were more than the reported 3500 suspected cases in the country. And this was so because many people have been doing self- treatments rather
than seeking medical assistance.
But according to Dr Nordet Carrera, Director of NBTS Trinidad, there have been no reports suggesting any significant change in the number of donations in connection with the increase of ChikV cases in the country. She added though it was theoretically possible to transmit the virus through donations as the virus remains present for several days in the blood stream. Transfusion transmission of ChikV had not been documented. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Indians on the PeruBrazil border say they continue to receive death threats from loggers after the murder of four local chiefs in a remote forest region overrun by illegal felling.
The September slaying of Ashaninka leader Edwin Chota and three of his companions followed rising deforestation rates in the Amazon last year, and has deepened concerns that loggers will target tribes as they become more active opponents.
The tensions highlight the lawlessness of one of the world’s most bio diverse borders, long a flashpoint for competing visions of development and conservation.
Relatives and friends have been mourning the death of Alexander Mora, one of the 43 Mexican students who went missing on September 26 after clashing with Police in the town of Iguala.
Forensic experts confirmed on Saturday that charred remains found in a river near Iguala were those of Mora. Tests continue on more remains found at the same location and other places.
The case has triggered mass protests against corruption and collusion between the authorities and drug gangs. Friends and neighbours filed into the modest home of Alexander Mora’s family to pay their respects before an altar adorned with candles, photos and a football shirt belonging to the dead student.
On Saturday, the family of Mora had been told that forensic tests suggested a bone fragment found in a stream near the town of Cocula belonged to Alexander.
Experts from a laboratory at the
University of Innsbruck in Austria said DNA recovered from the bone had been matched to that taken from relatives of the student.
Alexander’s brother Omar said the family was struggling to take in the news.
“We can’t believe this is happening to us. We can’t believe it and in truth it is very traumatising, all of what we are going through,” he told the Associated Press news agency. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Caribbean leaders urged the United States to lift its 54-year-old “senseless” embargo against Communistruled Cuba on Sunday as they convened in Havana for a regional summit.
The summit – bringing together the 15 Caricom member states and Cuba – aims to increase trade and cooperation within the group and with Cuba. “We continue to stand with Cuba on the United States embargo against Cuba,” said Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who chairs Caricom.
“I call on President (Barack) Obama to lift that senseless, that senseless embargo now,” he added at a welcoming ceremony at the
airport. A leaders’ summit takes place on Monday, preceded by talks between foreign ministers Sunday.
The meeting, along with Cuba’s invitation to the Summit of the Americas in Panama in April, signals “the full integration of Cuba into the Western Hemisphere,” said Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Minister Winston Dookeran.
The United States and Cuba have lacked full diplomatic relations since 1961. In 1962, Washington imposed an economic embargo on the island, the only Communist-run country in the Americas.
The United States, which is also invited to the April summit, said it was not worried about Cuba’s participation. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
In recent years, Indians in the borderlands have clashed with outsiders seeking timber, oil, gold and control of drug trafficking routes to Brazil, where the soccer World Cup fuelled demand for Peruvian cocaine.
Campaign group Global Witness says the violence questions Peru’s commitment to protect its carbonrich forests and grant land rights to native communities.
Peru, which is hosting UN climate change talks through this week, is holding three loggers in connection with the murders. But the arrests have not slowed rampant illegal logging in the border area, nor put an end to the kind of harass-
ment that preceded Chota’s death, villagers say.
“There have been even more threats,” Ashaninka leader Reyder Sebastian said by phone from the border region. Loggers warn villagers to stay quiet or face the same fate as Chota, using radio or shouting across rivers, said Sebastian. He has received a barrage of death threats on his cellphone since replacing Chota as a local leader, he added. Peru said Police posted near the border after the murders would help ensure protection, and promised to send additional staff and resources soon. Brazil’s federal police also sent troops to the region temporarily. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Six prisoners released by the US from the Guantanamo Bay detention centre have arrived in Uruguay as free men. Earlier this year, Uruguay said it had agreed to received the men - four Syrians, a Tunisian and a Palestinian – as a humanitarian gesture.
The six men were detained 12 years ago for alleged ties with al-Qaeda but never charged. President Jose Mujica said they had been subjected to “an atrocious kidnapping”.
The Pentagon identified the released detainees as Abu Wael Dhiab, Ali Husain Shaaban, Ahmed Adnan Ajuri, and Abdelahdi Faraj,
from Syria; Mohammed Abdullah Taha Mattan, Palestinian; Adel bin Muhammad El Ouerghi, from Tunisia.
A lawyer for 43-year-old Abu Wael Dhiab said his client was grateful to the South American nation for taking him. “He thinks that this is home,” Cori Crider, lawyer from human rights group Reprieve, told the AP news agency.
“At the moment of course his main focus is on just getting well, to get well and also of course he wants to see his wife and his kids again.” Dhiab had been on a hunger strike in Guantanamo in protest against his detention. (Excerpt from BBC News)
The Trinidad and Tobago Government has defended its decision to spend TT$2.6 million to charter a plane to deport 15 illegal Ghana nationals saying that it was difficult to get visas for the men to travel back to their country through commercial flights.
The Ghanaians were deported following a marathon 12-hour court case on Saturday by lawyers to prevent their deportation. National Security Minister Gary Griffith told the Trinidad Express newspaper that there were 100,000 illegal immigrants here, whom he said were draining the country’s resources. He also accused some of them of being involved in criminal activities.
“The matter has to be
dealt with and we cannot bury our heads in the sand. What was done was done within the law,’’ said Griffith, adding that the deportees can re-apply to be regularised.
Attorney General Anand Ramlogan denied that the coalition People’s Partnership Government was engaged in a witch hunt against immigrants.
“The rule of law has pre-
vailed and the process was followed. A historic emergency session of the High Court and Court of the Appeal was necessary to avoid any further delay and unwarranted expenditure that can surpass two million dollars,” he said.
“This is not a witch hunt, we are asking persons to come forward and we are providing them with the opportunity to be regularised,” said Ramlogan, who also said that some of the illegal immigrants had a track record related to criminal activities.
“Our intelligence suggests that there are many dimensions to this problem, including links to the gangs, drugs, arms and other crimes that have plagued our society.”
Syria has called for United Nations sanctions against Israel over alleged air strikes on Syrian soil, including one on Damascus’ main international airport.
There was no threat of retaliation, but the Syrian Foreign Ministry said on Monday it had asked UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon, and the Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel, describing Sunday’s alleged attack as “a heinous crime against Syria’s sovereignty”.
Israel has said it will not allow “sophisticated weapons” to fall into the hands of its enemies.
It has refused to confirm or deny the reports of the attack, but its forces have previously targeted weapons allegedly destined for Lebanon’s armed Shia group Hezbollah, an ally of Syria.
The Syrian army said air strikes by “the Israeli enemy” targeted two areas near Damascus, including Damascus international air-
port, which is used by both civilian and military aircraft.
It said the attack caused damage but that nobody was hurt.
“This direct aggression by Israel was carried out to help the terrorists in Syria,” the Syrian army said, using the Bashar al-
Assad Government’s collective term to describe peaceful opponents, armed rebels and self-declared jihadists fighting in Syria.
The Syrian and Iranian Foreign Ministers, speaking jointly in Tehran on Monday, described the latest developments as an act of aggression.
British businessman
Shrien Dewani has been cleared of murdering his wife during their South Africa honeymoon, after the judge threw out the case.
Judge Jeanette Traverso said the evidence presented by the prosecution fell “far below the threshold” of what a reasonable court could convict on.
She said the evidence of the prosecution’s main witness was “riddled with contradictions”.
Anni’s family said they had been failed by the justice system.
Announcing her ruling, the judge said the only rea-
son not to grant the application would be in the hope that Dewani would implicate himself if he gave evidence.
But to do so would be a “manifest misdirection”, she said.
Dewani, from Bristol, was extradited to South Africa this year to face trial accused of planning the murder of his wife in November 2010.
He listened intently as key evidence against him was criticised by the Judge as she gave her ruling over almost three hours.
Dewani, 34, went straight down to the cells to prepare for his release, fol-
lowing the decision, as his family embraced. It is believed he left the court, without making a comment, through a side entrance.
Mrs Dewani’s family, who had said it would be a “nightmare” if the trial did not continue, immediately left the court room.
They bowed their heads amid shouting from the public gallery.
Speaking outside the Western Cape High Court, Mrs Dewani’s sister Ami Denborg said: “Today we feel as a family that the justice system has failed us and we are deeply disappointed. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Walid Muallem, Syria’s Foreign Minister, who is in the Iranian capital to take part in a two-day conference on violence and extremism, also accused Israel of trying to compensate for losses incurred by rebels in Syria at the hands of the Syrian army.
At least 23 people have been killed, many of them in central Philippines, after Typhoon Hagupit hit, Red Cross officials say.
Richard Gordon, Chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross, told Al Jazeera on Monday that most of the fatalities were from the province of Eastern Samar.
“We hope it [death toll] won’t go up anymore, but the reality is it may likely still go up.”
Earlier reports suggested that only three people had died after the typhoon struck, forcing more than a million into shelters.
Floods-damaged shanties and ripped-off tin roofs were a common sight across the region on Monday, as Hagupit headed towards Manila.
The typhoon, which made landfall in Eastern Samar late on Saturday, has weakened considerably and was moving slowly, dumping heavy rain.
Al Jazeera’s Andrew Thomas, reporting from the city of Batangas, said the rainfall could trigger landslides and flash floods. He reported that most Government offices, schools and private businesses in Manila remained shut.
Traumatised by the death and destruction from Typhoon Haiyan last year, more than a million people fled to more than 1000 emergency shelters and safer grounds as Hagupit approached.
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said more than 3000 residents of a shantytown on the edge of Manila Bay had been evacuated due to possible storm surges. Metropolitan Manila has a population of more than 12 million people.
Two people, including a baby girl, died of hypothermia in central Iloilo province on Saturday at the height of the typhoon, disaster-response agency chief Alexander Pama told a news conference. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Ahuge fire has destroyed an apartment building under construction in central Los Angeles, shutting two major cross-city freeways.
More than 250 firefighters tackled the overnight blaze in the downtown area, which was brought under control early on Monday.
There were no reports of injuries, and it is not thought anyone was in the seven-storey building at the time.
The fire could be seen from miles away, but no cause has been identified.
“It’s a large building, about a block long.
The Indian capital, New Delhi, has banned the taxi-booking service Uber after a woman accused one of its drivers of raping her.
Satish Mathur, a transport official of Delhi Government, made the announcement on Monday as the suspect appeared in a New Delhi court.
The court ordered Shiv Kumar Yadav, 32, held for three days for Police questioning over allegations that he raped the 25-year-old finance-company employee after being hired to ferry her home from a dinner engagement on Friday night.
The court also ordered Yadav’s mobile phone confiscated, according to Press Trust of India.
Uber had been gaining popularity in India, especially among young, urban workers who use its smartphone app to connect with and pay for lo -
cal drivers. Travis Kalanick, the CEO of San Francisco-based Uber, said the company would do “everything to bring
the perpetrator to justice and to support the victim and her family in her recovery”.
He also sought to deflect some of the blame on to officials, saying Uber would work with the Government to establish clear background checks that are “currently absent in their commercial transportation licensing programmes”.
It was not immediately clear if Uber itself performed any background check, nor was it clear whether Yadav would even have been flagged.
Police told Press Trust of India they were working to verify Yadav’s claims that he had been acquitted of rape charges in 2011, after spending seven months in jail.
PTI did not give any further details or name the Police source.
The whole building is a total loss. The fire did spread into two neighbouring buildings,” said Fire Department spokesman David Ortiz.
Sections on the 110 and 101 freeways remained closed on Monday morning.
All Jazeera reported that the blaze spread quickly through the building and officials warned there was a risk of building scaffolding falling into the roadway even after the fire was contained.
The fire was so big that responding firefighters could feel the heat from the flames from their fire station, a city information of-
ficer told AFP.
Two adjacent office towers were also damaged by the extreme heat. Flames spread to the buildings but were extinguished, officials said.
A second fire a short drive away also caused severe damage to a building housing apartments and commercial spaces that were under renovation. Both fires were brought under control after several hours.
More than 350 firefighters – a quarter of the city’s firefighting force – battled the blazes, the fire department’s Ortiz told AFP. (Excerpts from BBC News and Al Jazeera)
Amaid in Uganda who was secretly filmed beating and kicking a toddler has pleaded guilty to torture.
Jolly Tumuhirwe, 22, was charged in court with the torture of a girl of 18 months. A video of the assault caused outrage when it was posted online.
The child’s father, Eric Kamanzi, had installed a camera in his home after noticing his daughter was bruised and limping.
Ms Tumuhirwe asked
the court, the parents and Ugandans to forgive her.
The graphic footage, which was taken from a camera hidden in the corner of the living room, shows Ms Tumuhirwe hitting the child when she resists feeding and then throwing her to the floor, beating her with a torch before stepping on her and kicking her.
The footage of the abuse, which was not shown in court on Monday, has been seen or shared thousands of times on social media. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Nirvana Singh – Shopkeeper
“Elections will affect we a lot because every election we does got to close up and go home. It gon dampen we Christmas because when them people come out to protest or whatever, nobody nah want stay, so we got to close up and go home.”
Motiram Sudesh – Father
“It’s during the Christmas time and I think elections should be after Christmas because remember Christmas gon be a busy time for everybody so election and the Christmas gonna be kinda complicated for everybody.”
Roy Joseph “Christmas and elections wouldn’t go good. The businessmen will suffer. Elections always have skirmishes and complications.”
Denise Collie – Mother “Christmas won’t be affected because Christ is not of elections, nor politics, just of God. Nothing will be wrong, life will go on.”
Elizabeth Springer –Businesswoman
“I think they should leave elections for next year, let us have the festive season and then we’ll talk about that in January, February; because when they have these things, customers don’t come out to shop, they’re scared.”
Narine Singh – Vendor
“You can’t keep elections now, because there’s a lot of looting gon happen and it gon make Christmas bad. Elections should keep until around next year September time.”
Quincy Fields – Taxi driver
“I don’t think it is wise to keep elections around Christmas time, because it is the time of the year where a lot of money circulating, business doing and it could hamper the businesses and the economy as well. We have a lot of foreigners coming in as well so it would place a setback for the country so to speak. And secondly, it’s the time we celebrate Christ’s birthday and nobody wants to know on your birthday there’s this kind of event, you want love and unity and sharing. So elections gonna just bring a halt to the whole season, so to speak.”
Boysi Persaud
“Elections are something very important to the people around, so I think they should grant the election for this time. I feel like there may be certain disturbances, but I don’t think it will affect Christmas a lot. I think people look forward to celebrate the Christmas, but I don’t think the elections will hamper anything.”
Paul Cook –Businessman
“It doesn’t bother me one bit. Christmas will come and go either way. I don’t see how elections will affect my Christmas so if they keep elections then, not my problem.”
Dwayne Johnson – Vendor
“Well, I don’t know. I just hope they reconvene Parliament and everybody come together and be as one. I just want the best for this Christmas. If elections call now, it won’t affect Christmas because everybody got their own thing to do, so it won’t affect Christmas. Certain people will be affected, yes, but certain people wouldn’t be.”
“Calling elections would just punish everybody. The business will suffer because the economy will drop; people will go into elections mode, people will be sceptical about spending money because they don’t know what is happening next.”
Carma Persaud –Taxi driver
“You see Christmas is about happiness and joy; and elections, when elections come around, is sheer corruption and complications so I prefer Christmas because Christmas is joy, you know.”
Kimberly Munroe – Student
“I prefer Christmas. Election is a lot of warring and it will take away from Christmas. Christmas is about love and peace and going by your neighbour to eat cake and lighting up the tree and having fun and elections will ruin that.”
President Donald Ramotar underscored the important role Cuba is playing in the development of the Region as he addressed the Fifth Summit between CARICOM and Cuba held in Havana on Monday. President Ramotar expressed his sincere appreciation to His Excellency Raul Castro Ruz, President of the Republic of Cuba for the remarkable contribution which Cuba has been making to the development of the Region in the area of medicine, engineering and the other fields critical for social and economic progress.
In this regard, he wasted no time in applauding President Castro on his Government’s decision to increase the numbers of scholarships for graduate and postgraduate studies, saying that the country’s commitment to the region cannot go unnoticed.
President Ramotar said that the strong foundation of cooperation had indeed justified the decision taken forty two years ago to establish relations with Cuba – a decision which was the culmination of other related actions, in particular the role of the people of British Guiana as it was then, in breaking the block-
ade to trade with Cuba.
In this regard, President Ramotar recalled the constant advocacy of former President Cheddi Jagan during those times to engage with Cuba and to contribute to the building of the foundation of the relationship with the Caribbean and Cuba.
The President also paid tribute to the brave and valuable role which Cuba played in the liberation struggle of the African countries.
Touching on future areas of cooperation, he said that the existing relationship allows the countries of CARICOM and Cuba
to build more regional research centres that would allow them to make independent discoveries in science and technology.
While much work has been done in the social field, another area of collaboration was that of agriculture. Alluding to the food import bill of the countries of the Caribbean Community being approximately four billion dollars, Ramotar said it was necessary to pursue the initiative put by Former President Bharrat Jagdeo to enhance food security.
Energy cooperation was also another area proposed by President Ramotar in
which CARICOM and Cuba could cooperate towards affordable energy for development.
President Ramotar assured President Castro that Guyana was happy to cooperate with Cuba and the rest of the Member States of the Caribbean Community in the setting up in Guyana of the Regional Centre for the Treatment of Physical Disabilities.
Acknowledging the importance to enhance the trading relations among the countries of CARICOM and Cuba, he committed to working with the rest of CARICOM and Cuba for
the signing and early implementation of the Second Additional Protocol to the Agreement for Trade and Economic Cooperation. Noting that the sugar industry plays a central role in the history of the countries of the Caribbean and recalling Cuba’s offer to assist the countries of CARICOM in this sector, President Ramotar recognized the vast experience of Cuba in the development of its sugar industry and its successful innovations; in this regard he offered Guyana’s willingness to benefit from Cuba’s expertise in the development of Guyana’s sugar industry.
A28-year-old US Virgin Islands (USVI) national Tanasha LeSleming was sentenced to five years imprisonment and fined $49,396,400 for trafficking in narcotics.
LeSleming, who was unrepresented, appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday morning.
It was alleged that on December 5, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), LeSleming had 18.295 kilograms of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.
The unrepresented man pleaded guilty to the offence without hesitation, but noted that he had some monies (US$300 and G$6000) which he wanted to hand over to the American envoy to Guyana who was present in court, a requested that was granted by the Magistrate.
It was reported that the US citizen was about to board a Dynamic Airways Flight for the John F Kennedy International Airport when he was intercepted with the cocaine concealed in baking powder and custard powder. On the day in question,
around 09:35h, ranks of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) were on duty patrol at the Airport when they stopped the accused after a strange image emerged when his suitcases were scanned. The ranks then opened a suitcase and conducted a search in the presence of LeSleming. They found the cocaine in seven packages of Champion Baking Powder and five packages of custard powder.
The accused was then shown the cocaine and was taken, along with his suitcases to the station, where the illicit substance was weighed in his presence.
Twelve Nepalese nationals were on Monday afternoon remanded to prison by Magistrate Ann McLennan for departing Guyana without the consent of an immigration officer.
They all pleaded not guilty separately to the charge, which stated that on November 15 at Charity, Essequibo, they departed Guyana without the consent of an immigration officer.
Swearing to the information and translating from Nepalese to English and vice versa was Dilik Murjani.
The court heard that the men entered Guyana legally through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), but departed through Charity via the Essequibo River and were arrested in Venezuela for not being in possession of a visa; hence, the unrepresented men were deported
back to Guyana. When they had entered Guyana, some were granted a two-week stay, while the others were granted three weeks.
The Police Prosecutor, Dinero Jones objected to bail, stating that the men are not of Guyanese origin and may be flight risks.
The men will remain on remand until December 11 when they will make their second court appearance.
The Government of the Republic of Guyana and the Government of the Republic of Fiji on Monday formally established diplomatic relations with the signing of a Communiqué in New York by Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador George Talbot, and the Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, Ambassador Peter Thomson.
By signing the
Communiqué both States have agreed for their diplomatic relations to be guided by the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and international law particularly on equality among States, respect for national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, and respect for international treaties.
The Government of Guyana’s decision to estab-
Hello readers! Last week we looked at the impacts of natural disasters on Guyana, and assessed those impacts on the geophysical, economic and social facets of the environment. This week, we will focus on how to be prepared should a disaster ever hit. Are you prepared? Do you have a plan for you and your family? In the event of something catastrophic, how would you and your family get to a safe place? How will you contact each other if separated? How would you get back to each other? These are some of the questions you should be asking yourself, some of which we will be answered in today’s article.
haven. Yes, I said two kits – this is so since a disaster can strike at any time and place, where and when we least expect it to. These kits should contain items like basic house- hold non perisha -
Having a disaster preparedness plan is always important. You should be familiar with it before the disaster, and ready to act on it in case the unthinkable happens. The key is to learn, think and act!
* Identify a safe place in each room if possible –Somewhere easily assessable for all member but yet still safe as possible.
* Practice home education evacuation drills with family members – this is good to do, not just with household members but with neighbours and other members of the community.
lish diplomatic relations with Fiji was taken after democratic elections were held in Fiji on September 17, 2014 following a period of military rule and Fiji’s subsequent readmission into the Commonwealth. The decision is also in keeping with the foreign policy of the Government of Guyana to develop relations with those Member States of the international community with which it shares mutual interests and values.
One of the main determinants of a disaster’s level of impact, whether it is loss of lives or threat to health, is the lack of preparedness by people. People in most instances fail or fall short of having at least a simple disaster preparedness plan in such an event.
Step 1
The first step of preparedness for any disaster is to be aware*. Be aware of what you are dealing with in terms of the hazards and risks that you and family members may likely be exposed to. It is also important to know the magnitude of what you are dealing with, so keep an eye on the local news and other media updates. This is important since you can get information on the magnitude of the event, affected areas, if your area is at risk and where to go in the event of an evacuation.
Step 2
Have at least two disaster preparedness kits –one in your home and one in the car or any other safe
ble food stuffs, pet food (for persons with pets), a can opener, bottled water, basic medical supplies, a source of lighting, such as a torch light, candles or a battery powered lamp, extra batteries, waterproof matches, portable radio, and a small change of clothing for you and your family. Personal documents like passports, birth certificates, proper-
* Take a first aid course like CPR –it is important to know first aid so that you can be of help to yourself or others who may be injured in the event of a disaster. The chances of someone recovering more easily, or even surviving an accident or injury can be greatly improved if someone immediately uses first aid knowledge to assist them. One of the key things to remember is NEVER PANIC, practise makes perfect, rehearse and make monthly practice drill sessions, make checks on kits and items to ensure it is always ready to use and in good keeping.
Following these few steps will not only get you ready for a disaster and
ty deeds, insurance policies and any other document deemed important to you should also be included in the kit. A very important point to note is that your supply kits should be a water proofed container like plastic, to prevent water damage and this will absorb less moisture during storage. Don’t forget to keep your eyes and ears on the news.
help guide through that time of need but it might possibly save your life.
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown; or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.
ARIES (March 21April 19)
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
(May 21June 20)
CANCER
Attending professional meetings or functions will enable you to sharpen your people skills and interact with your superiors. Career advancement is likely if you show how responsible and forthright you can be.
This is not a good time to deal with Government agencies or institutions. Your loved ones will have a lot to say if you invest in something without consulting them first.
Stand your ground. Trying to please everyone will not help you get ahead. You shouldn’t feel guilty about concentrating on your own priorities. Do what’s best for you
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)
CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
PISCES
(Feb. 20March 20)
You’ll get along better with new acquaintances than you will with relatives today. Take this opportunity to cultivate friendships that are beneficial and bring you joy. Be attentive and mindful.
Uphold any commitment you’ve made to your employer, peers or family. Don’t allow your emotions to overshadow what needs to be done. Do whatever it takes to avoid discord.
Financial gains are apparent. Look at your plans and go over every detail. Once you are satisfied with your strategy, you should present and promote what you have to offer.
A friend asking for personal advice is likely to blame you for meddling if you make suggestions. Don’t get involved or take sides if you want to avoid looking guilty.
You should stay active and in control if you want to take part in something special. New beginnings may tempt you, but they will end up being disappointments. Don’t take criticism or negative remarks to heart. Overreacting or becoming incensed about someone else’s opinions will turn out to be a waste of time. Do your own thing and don’t look back. Spend time with your mate or close family or friends. Your generosity will not go unnoticed, and your charisma will draw everyone to your side. Romance is in the stars.
Consider your options. Assess your talents and focus on endeavours that would make good use of your skills. A part-time job will help pay additional end-of-year expenses.
You can find interesting and compatible companions if you attend events or community activities. Involve yourself with a cause you care about in order to expand your circle of friends.
WICB PCL 4-Day tournament…
Campbell and David Bernard Jr were the backbone in Jamaica’s run chase
Jamaica Franchise required just half-hour on the final morning on Monday to trounce Leeward Islands Hurricanes by four wickets and log their third victory of the new WICB Professional Cricket League.
Resuming on 160 for four and needing a mere 35 runs for victory, the hosts lost both overnight batsmen before reaching their target off the first ball of the sixth over of the day, sent down by parttime bowler Devon Thomas.
Nikita Miller, on five not out, and wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr, unbeaten on one, were at the crease when victory was achieved.
Opener John Campbell added just five runs to his overnight 63 and extended his fifth wicket stand with David Bernard Jr to 89, before becoming the first of two wickets for leg-spinner Colin Hamer, who finished with two for 30.
At 185 for five, Jamaica were never in danger but Bernard, who began the day on 33, completed his 27th First-Class half-century – exactly 50 – before also perish
ing with five runs required for victory.
He faced 97 balls, in 126 minutes and counted four fours.
The defeat was the fourth on the trot for the luckless Hurricanes who collected just three points from their outing, while Jamaica grabbed 16, to move to 50 points overall.
Leewards will remain rooted to the bottom of the standings on ten points.
In the other game, Barbados Pride defeated Windward Islands Volcanoes by 11 runs on the final day. Scores in the match: Barbados Pride 352-9 declared and 128; Windward Islands Volcanoes 274 and 195.
Leewards 1st Innings 103
Jamaica 1st innings 222
Leewards 2nd Innings 313 Jamaica franchise 2nd Innings (target: 195) (overnight 160 for four)
S Thomas lbw b Louis 9
JD Campbell c Richardson b Hamer 68 H Miller c wkp Hamilton b Tonge 3
A McCarthy c Liburd b Tonge
(6 wkts, 55.1 overs) 195 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-12, 3-23, 4-95, 5-184, 6-190 Bowling: Tonge 11-4-37-2, Louis 9-0-24-1, Peters 100-43-1, Cornwall 13-1-43-0, Liburd 1-0-8-0, Hamer 9-130-2, Thomas 2.1-1-5-0
Richard Haniff emerged winner of the annual Grand Coastal Hotel Medal Play golf tournament on Saturday at Lusignan Golf Course.
Haniff shot a net 63 and also turned in the best gross of 83, playing off a 20 handicap.
Patanjalee ‘Pur’ Persaud finished second
with a net score 67, playing off a 24 handicap. The third spot went to Sam Harry, who shot a net 73 playing off a 12 handicap. Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud was Nearest-tothe-Pin.
General Manager of Grand Coastal, Kevin Daby was on hand to congratulate the winners, and at the same time, ex -
pressed Grand Coastal’s pleasure in supporting the Lusignan Golf Club and golf in general.
Club President David Mohamad thanked Grand Coastal for sponsoring the tournament for another year. He noticed that the friendly, but keen rivalry the golfers exhibited continues to augur well for the sport in Guyana. He made special note of his pleasure at the debut of 12 and 13-yearold Lakshana and Sachin Ramroop, and welcomed the involvement of more such youthful players in the game of golf.
Tnever thought it would be this easy.
In rapid fashion and without a single vote against or even an abstention, the International Olympic Committee on Monday overwhelmingly approved its president’s 40-point reform package -- the biggest shake-up of the organization in decades.
“Even in my wildest dreams I would not have expected this,” Bach said after the delegates unanimously backed his plans for a more affordable bidding system, creation of an Olympic television channel and a more flexible sports program. “That it would go this way was a very, very positive surprise.”
Bach moved decisively since his election in September 2013 to put his stamp on the presidency and rally support for his “Olympic Agenda 2020” reforms, marking the most sweeping changes since the Salt Lake City bid scandal
in 1999.
A vote scheduled to take place over 1½ days was wrapped up in just one day. The only thing that didn’t pass unanimously was a suggestion for a coffee break.
“I hope in 20 years I can look back to this day with satisfaction and happiness and maybe a little bit of relief,” Bach said.
Among other measures approved was the rewording of the IOC’s non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation -- a move that followed the controversy over Russia’s law against gay “propaganda” ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
The IOC abolished the cap of 28 sports for the Summer Games to move to an “events-based” system that would allow new competitions to come in, while keeping to about 10,500 athletes and 310 medal events.
Host cities will also be allowed to propose the inclusion of one or more additional events for their games.
The new rules clear the way for Tokyo organizers to request that baseball and softball be included in the 2020 Games. Both sports, dropped after the 2008 Beijing Games, are highly popular in Japan.
“Today, there is excitement circulating around the baseball and softball world and there is great hope that our athletes will now have a real opportunity ... to play for their country, aiming to win an Olympic gold medal,” said Riccardo Fraccari, president of the World Baseball Softball Confederation.
Other sports like squash and karate are also hopeful of joining the Tokyo program. In addition, new disciplines and events within existing sports could also be considered. Some events may need to be dropped to make room for new ones.
“This is a major breakthrough,” senior Canadian member Dick Pound said. “We were at a dead-end situation with 28 sports. This provides the flexibility we need.”
The new bidding process, meanwhile, is aimed at making the system cheaper and more flexible to attract future candidates -- including the option of holding events outside the host city or country.
The votes came at a time when many countries have been scared off by the costs of hosting the Olympics, including the reported $51 billion associated with the Sochi Games. Several cities withdrew from the bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympics, leaving only Beijing and Almaty, Kazakhstan, in the running.
The new system makes the process more of an “invitation” and allows prospective candidates to discuss their plans in advance with the IOC to tailor games to their own needs.
In the most radical change, the reforms open the door to possible joint bids by cities, neighboring countries or regions. (ESPN)
Pakistan v New Zealand, 1st ODI, Dubai…
Half-centuries from Haris Sohail and an unexpectedly restrained Shahid Afridi revived a floundering chase as Pakistan won a thrilling first ODI by three wickets. New Zealand, having hauled themselves out of a mire of their own thanks to a century from Ross Taylor, were running away with the game at the three-quarter mark, but Haris and Afridi snatched it away with breathtaking coolness. Haris finished on an unbeaten 85, to go with 10 tight overs of left-arm spin earlier in the day.
When Afridi walked in to bat, Pakistan were six down, and needed 123 off 122 balls. The left-handed Haris was batting on 34, and had played a couple of lovely lofted drives against the spinners in a fighting innings that seemed destined to go down as a small positive in a big defeat. That’s all it would have been if Afridi had made a typically harebrained 15 or 20 at the other end.
But Afridi knuckled down, and brought out his first slog only 21 balls into his innings. By then, he had picked up boundaries with a screaming drive over extra cover and a crafty dab behind the wicket, but had otherwise simply knocked the ball around for ones and twos. That first slog produced a thick edge to the third man boundary. The next slog came when he was on 30. He swung and missed and the ball was wide of off stump.
Feeding off a senior partner who was batting like one, Haris grew in confidence and reached his half-century with a glance off his hips. The runs kept flowing, and the decades rolled away from the equation. When Pakistan needed 40 off 30, Haris smacked James Neesham over midoff. With 27 required from 19, Afridi launched Kyle Mills over long-on. Taylor kept New Zealand in the game, running out Afridi with a direct hit when 13 were still required, but Wahab Riaz kept his cool at No. 8 to see Pakistan home with three balls remaining. Pakistan had left out Umar Akmal, and the lack of urgency in their newlook top six - among whom Younis Khan boasted the highest strike rate, 75.33was shown up as they began their chase of 247. Never the most confident chasers, Pakistan lacked thrust at the top of the order, particularly with Sarfraz Ahmed batting at No. 7. The runs came at a trickle, and scoreboard pressure produced wickets. By the 18th over,
they were 52 for 4. Misbah-ul-Haq and Haris then added 34 in 48 balls - which was relatively brisk going, considering the pace of the innings till then - before Vettori sent back Misbah with a blinding one-handed grab at mid-on.
Sarfraz sparkled with positivity during his brief stint at the crease, his strokes finding hitherto unexplored parts of the ground and causing the team management, possibly, to wonder if his inventiveness would have been better served up the or-
der. When he holed out to long-on in the 31st over, Pakistan were 124 for 5 and it looked like the game was up.
Sent in to bat, New Zealand had been in a similar situation - 111 for 5 in the 29th over - before Taylor rallied the lowerorder to steer them to 246. Taylor last played an ODI back in January against India, but showed no signs of having been away, extending his form from that series to complete his third hundred on the bounce in the format. (Cricinfo)
New Zealand innings (50 overs
maximum)
AP Devcich c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 26
DG Brownlie c Ahmed Shehzad b Mohammad Irfan 14
KS Williamson* c †Sarfraz
Ahmed b Mohammad Irfan 10
LRPL Taylor not out 105
TWM Latham run out (Younis Khan/†Sarfraz Ahmed) 13
JDS Neesham lbw b Shahid Afridi 1
L Ronchi† c Younis Khan b Mohammad Irfan 23
DL Vettori b Wahab Riaz 27
NL McCullum not out 13
Extras (b-1, lb-4, w-8, nb-1) 14
Total (7 wickets; 50 overs) 246
Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Brownlie, 5.5 ov), 2-44 (Williamson, 9.6 ov), 3-63 (Devcich, 14.3 ov), 4-99 (Latham, 24.4 ov), 5-111 (Neesham, 28.1 ov), 6-155 (Ronchi, 37.4 ov), 7-213 (Vettori, 45.4 ov)
Bowling: Umar Gul 9-0-49-0, Mohammad Irfan 10-1-57-3 (3-w), Wahab Riaz 10-0-51-2 (1-nb, 1-w), Haris Sohail 10-039-0 (3-w), Shahid Afridi 10-136-1 (1-w), Asad Shafiq 1-0-9-0
Barbados Pride held their nerves to pull off a nail-biting 11run victory over Windward Islands Volcanoes and post their second straight win in the WICB Professional Cricket League here Monday.
Staring at defeat with the Windwards on 191 for seven in pursuit of 207 for victory, Barbados grabbed three wickets in the space of eight balls to turn the game on its head at Arnos Vale, as the hosts were dismissed for 195.
Dwayne Smith, whose medium pace has been pivotal for Barbados this season, once again led the attack with three for 30 while off-spinners Ashley Nurse (2-34) and Roston Chase (237), along with seamer and captain Carlos Brathwaite
(2-36), all picked up two wickets.
The experienced Andre Fletcher, batting at number four, top-scored with 65 not out – an innings which spanned 189 minutes,162 balls and contained eight fours.
When the hosts crashed from a comfortable position of 95 for two to 134 for seven, Fletcher came to their rescue in a 57-run, eighth wicket stand with Alston Bobb which threatened to take the game away from Barbados.
Bobb, better known for his left-arm spin, scored 26 off 57 balls with four fours but was one of two wickets to fall to Chase in the space of three deliveries.
In the very next over, Smith trapped last man Kenroy Peters lbw off the
first ball the batsman faced, to spark jubilant celebrations by the visiting players. Earlier, Barbados were bowled out in their second innings for 128, after resuming the final day of the fourth round encounter on 93 for five.
Smith cracked four fours in a run-a-ball 21 but the last five wickets fell for 35 runs, with Omar Phillips unavailable after having returned home with a head injury sustained in the first innings.
Off-spinner Shane Shillingford picked up five for 46 while seamers Peters (2-25) and Mervin Mathew (2-27), claimed two wickets apiece.
The Windwards went in chase of their target, with Keddy Lesporis and first innings century-maker Johnson Charles posting an intelligent 58 for the first wicket.
Lesporis made a busy 45 off just 53 balls with four fours while Charles struck a four and a six in 25 off 48 deliveries.
Brathwaite got the breakthrough in the final over before lunch when he had Charles caught by Jonathan Carter at gully, as the Windwards reached the interval at 58 for one.
Afterward, Lesporis carried the innings, adding 20 for the second wicket with Sunil Ambris (8) but Barbados hit back, removing Ambris and Lesporis in the space of 17 runs, as the Windwards began to slip.
Five wickets in all tumbled for 39 runs to leave the hosts in a muddle until Fletcher and Bobb attempted their heroics but in vain.
“TPakistan innings (target: 247 runs from 50 overs)
Mohammad Hafeez b Mills 6
Ahmed Shehzad lbw b Vettori 28
Asad Shafiq c Devcich b Neesham 5
Younis Khan c Brownlie b Vettori 4
Haris Sohail not out 85
Misbah-ul-Haq* c Vettori b Neesham 13
Sarfraz Ahmed† c Milne b McCullum 26
Shahid Afridi run out (Taylor) 61
Wahab Riaz not out 9
Extras (lb-1, w-12) 13
Total (7 wickets; 49.3 overs) 250
Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Mohammad Hafeez, 4.5 ov), 2-40 (Asad Shafiq, 11.4 ov), 3-40 (Ahmed Shehzad, 12.5 ov), 4-52 (Younis Khan, 17.2 ov), 5-86 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 25.2 ov), 6-124 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 30.2 ov), 7-234 (Shahid Afridi, 47.5 ov)
Bowling: KD Mills 10-2-541, AF Milne 10-0-42-0 (1-w), DL Vettori 10-0-40-2, JDS Neesham 9.3-0-62-2 (6w), NL McCullum 8-0-35-1, AP Devcich 2-0-16-0 (1-w)
hank God”. That was the WhatsApp message posted by Omar Phillips, the Barbados and West Indies opener, once he had regained consciousness at the Milton Kato Memorial Hospital, in Kingstown in St Vincent.
Last Friday, just before lunch during the first day’s play between Barbados and Windward Islands (in the fourth round of the WICB Professional League), Phillips, standing at the non-striker’s end, was hit on the back of his helmet from powerful drive from his batting partner Shai Hope. Moments later Philips was lying unconscious. He was rushed to the hospital.
Considering the incident had come in the immediate wake of Phillip Hughes’ death, there was naturally a lot of concern. But doctors, having carried out tests and scans, declared Phillips was safe and had suffered concussion.
“It has been a difficult situation for me in terms of having a seen a cricketer die of a similar injury.”
Phillips told ESPNCricnfo. “So that had been kind of
quence of events once he lost consciousness. Till late on Friday, Phillips was not even aware how long he
ber what happened after I got struck. All I remember pital. At that time I kept thinking about the whole Phil Hughes stuff. And I was kind of scared because you never know with a head injury how serious it could
The scans came out clear and Phillips was “a lot more relieved” even if he was far away from “fully back being
my normal self”. As he woke up in the hospital Phillips still had blurred vision and saw two doctors over him. He admitted he was rattled. “I didn’t understand really what was going on at the moment.”
But Phillips is thankful
to Barbados physiotherapist Jacqui King, who was constantly talking to him and trying to help him relax. “She kept in the moment. She kept by my side. Kept telling me: ‘it’s going to be all right. Gonna be all right’. She actually got me through it because if I was on my own I probably would have panicked.”
Back in Barbados his family was on the edge. “It was a difficult time for my family. A lot of people were calling the house. They had also seen the Phil Hughes situation, so my family was trying to call me but they could not get through me because I did not have my phone with me while the scans were being done.”
This is not the first time Phillips was hit on the head. Five years ago, in a first division match in the domestic league in Barbados, he got a “nasty blow” on the front of the helmet while fielding at short leg after the batsman pulled a short delivery straight into him. But Phillips stood up immediately and never was bothered. (Cricinfo)
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Three of the quarter-final matches ended in penalty shootouts on Sunday evening when action in the Georgetown leg of the Guinness Greatest in the Streets competition continued at Demerara Park.
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Only two goals were scored in regulation time during the four games, with three of the matches being taken to the limit. Sparta Boss was the only team to win in regulation time, notching up a 2-0 success over Albouystown B in the final game of the evening.
The consistent Devon Millington opened the scor-
ing in the second minute of play, before Sheldon Shepherd doubled the advantage three minutes later.
By virtue of the victory, Sparta Boss has joined North Ruimveldt, Festival City Warriors and Leopold Street, who all won via penalty kicks, in the semi-finals of the competition.
The other games all end-
ed nil-all, forcing penalty kicks to determine the outcome.
Leopold Street won 4-3 against West Front Road, Festival City Warriors won 2-1 against Cross Street and North Ruimveldt needed just a solitary strike to get past Globe Yard.
The Georgetown leg is the first of several inter-
zone competitions to be held countrywide in the coming months. The top teams of those inter-zone tournaments will then progress to the national playoff, with the overall champion moving forward to represent Guyana in the Guinness Caribbean Street Challenge in 2015.
The young players of Mae’s Under-12 collectively proved their worth in mini-tennis during the Guyana Tennis Association’s 2014 Christmas Inter-school Tennis 10s competition held on Sunday at New Guyana School.
Mae’s Under-12 won the coveted trophy of Best School for their participation in numbers and overall performance, while Adelicia Andries of West Ruimveldt won a new Wilson racquet donated by the Charlotte Street Wesleyan Church for Most Outstanding Player.
The Boy’s winner trophy was won by Armani Wachira of Georgetown International Academy, while the Boy’s runner-up prize was taken by Nathan Wills of Green Acres. The Girl’s winner was Ashanti Persaud from Mae’s Under-12 and Girl’s runnerup Sunnah Sealy of Redeemer Primary.
The competition format was round-robin with 78 matches played by a total of 19 girls and 11 boys drawn from 11 schools. The schools that participated were: Mae’s Under-12, Georgetown International Academy, Green Acres, Lowe’s Academy, West Ruimveldt Primary, New Guyana School, Redeemer Primary, Marian Academy, St. Gabriel’s Primary, Stella Maris Primary and North Georgetown Primary.
The Tournament Coordinator and Coach,
Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan, in her closing remarks, lamented the lower than normal overall turnout, but was pleased with the relatively high number of girls which is greatly needed for the sport in the Caribbean region.
To this end, the International Tennis Federation has declared the first half of 2015 as a special period for Girl’s tennis and encourages its member organisations to ensure that more girls participate in the sport, which in turn, increases the level and quality of their game.
Overseas-based Assistant Coordinator, William Spangler, who is the 5th
Grade Teacher and Tennis
Coach of the Georgetown International Academy, has travelled to several different countries as a 5th Grade teacher.
He was impressed by the activity and the interest shown by the young players. He gave a charge to his own school to keep playing and improving while enjoying the game.
GTA President Grace McCalman reminded parents that sport is critical to a child’s development. “The sacrifice must be made to ensure that children are able to reach their maximum potential while enjoying the many benefits of tennis which has
great potential for fostering discipline” she said. She thanked the management of New Guyana School for providing their tennis facilities to host the event for the second time this year. She also expressed gratitude to the newest executive members, specifically Scheherazade Khan and William Spangler for their presence and enthusiasm. Children whose talent was exposed through this competition are recommended for tennis coaching at clubs towards being inducted into the national tennis squad from which players are selected to represent Guyana regionally.
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) countrywide cricket outreach programme continued in Berbice at the weekend with President of the Board, Drubahadur, donating a complete cricket gear kit to Skeldon Estate Cricket Club at the Port Mourant Cricket Club ground.
Drubahadur thanked
Linden Murray, Community Development Officer at the Skeldon Estate, for accepting his invitation and coming out to receive the gear. He noted that Skeldon and the Upper Corentyne areas continue to produce young talented players for Guyana, and it is only fair that the GCB assist the clubs to groom these players. He
added that Berbice has many clubs and the GCB is trying to assist as many of them as possible.
The President stated that the members of the GCB are happy with the performance of the various national teams this year, and they are committed towards working with cricket clubs across the country to
discover and nurture new young talents along with those that are already in the system. He reminded all present at the ground, that members of the Board visit the county often to find out about the challenges and concerns of cricket clubs.
Drubahadur also thanked the Government of Guyana, GuySuCo and the Port Mourant Cricket Club President, Vickram Seebarran, for the wonderful development that has taken place at the Port Mourant Cricket Club ground.
He asked Murray to make sure the players at Skeldon make full use of the gear and cherish them. He added that the GCB will continue to assist them with the hope that the club continues to show interest in developing players.
Murray lauded the GCB President for recognising that the Skeldon Estate Cricket Club needed equipment. He assured Drubahadur that he would ensure that the cricketers make maximum use of the gear and care them. He added that he is looking forward to such assistance in the future which would go a long way in strengthening the programme of the club.
Lord Coe has described claims of systematic doping in Russian athletics as “damaging”.
Sebastien Coe, a candidate for the presidency of the International Association of Athletics Federations, called for independent testing to help tackle the issue of drugs in the sport.
The Russian Athletics Federation called the allegations by German TV “lies” .
“There is a disproportionate amount of reputational damage being caused by a small number of countries,” Coe said.
“This is not endemic across the world of athletics.”
Speaking to BBC sports editor Dan Roan, he added: “I really do feel that independent testing at arm’s length from the federation is the way forward.
“Independent testing and sanctioning would take some of the pressure off member federations and cut through any potential for conflict. We have to get this right.”
“We recognise that this is not simply about athletes - that fair play is not something rooted simply on the field of play.”
The documentary featured a series of claims
from a former Russian AntiDoping Agency official, who accused the organisation of covering up positive tests in different sports on a routine basis.
The IAAF is looking into further doping allegations made in a second German TV documentary on Sunday.
“If there are questions that are answered, and guilt is proven, then we have to be absolutely as tough as we possibly can be,” Coe added.
“We have to make people realise we are very, very serious about maintaining clean track and field.” (BBC
Following the successful completion of the 2014 Stag Beer sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Senior League, the top four clubs were recently presented with their cash awards and trophies by Sean Abel, Assistant Brand Manager, Stag Beer.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Public Relations Officer of Ansa
McAl Trading, Darshanie Yussuf, thanked the EBFA for allowing her company to continue the rich partnership with football on the East Bank.
“We at Ansa McAl are very pleased to have been supportive of this tournament, which was a success. We followed it from start to finish and are even more pleased since two of the young players from two
teams were able to represent Guyana’s Under-17 team in the Caribbean competition,” she highlighted.
Yussuf noted that this kind of returns is heartening and assured them that they are on the right track. She also commended the winning teams and the runners-up for the commitment they displayed over the duration of the two-round competition.
“It is as a result of your hard work and discipline that we are here today, having completed a successful competition that you made possible. You played hard and well and deserve the rewards that you are receiving here today,” Yussuf said.
Also offering remarks were Abel and EBFA President Wayne Francois, who expressed gratitude
to Ansa McAl on behalf of the association. Managing Director Beverley Harper, Marketing Manager Troy Cadogan and Stag Beer Brand Manager John Maikoo were all praised for their support.
Abel also congratulated the top teams, as well as the other clubs that made up the tournament.
He reminded that his company has over the years invested in the development of Guyana’s sportsmen and women so it was easy to get back on board with the association, noting that they are pleased with the way things went and would have no hesitation in supporting next year.
Grove Hi Tech emerged as champions, losing a single game out of 14 (13 wins) to end with 39 points; they won the top prize of $300,000. Agricola Red Triangle, returning to competitive football after many years, ended as second best, losing two of their games, winning nine and drawing two to accumulate 29 points; they received $150,000.
Third place went to Soesdyke Falcons ($100,000), who ended with 27 points from nine wins and five losses, while
Timehri Panthers copped the fourth place ($75,000) with 24 points from eight wins and five losses. The top four also received trophies.
Grove’s Captain, Domini Garnett, was the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Highest Goalscorer with 21 goals, followed by Agricola’s Gordon Grant (15), Kuru Kururu Warriors’ Cordel Johnson (11), while there were eight apiece for Collis Messiah of Timehri and National Under-17 Joel Dick of Grove.
Copping the Best Goalkeeper accolade was Grove’s Michael Matthews. His team accounted for 57 goals while letting in 15 for a positive goal difference of 42.
A total of 114 goals were scored in the first round, while 100 rocked the nets in the second round for an overall tally of 214. Grove accounted for 27 percent of the goals scored, Soesdyke Falcons 17 percent, Agricola Red Triangle 14 percent, Timehri Panthers and Kuru Kururu Warriors 13 percent each, Herstelling Raiders 6 percent and 5 percent each for Mocha Champs and Diamond United.
tuesday, december 9, 2014
Hosein (64) was joined by and Nicholas Pooran (47) and the latter then delayed the inevitable for some time, but with Hosein’s dismissal, Rayad Emrit (1) and Marlon Richards (4) subsequently fell cheaply.
Bishoo (3-82), Ronsford Beaton (2-24) and Raymond Reifer (1-25) were the other successful bowlers for the Jaguars, who remain on top of the points table with 57 points. Skipper Vishual Singh was adjudged Man-
of-the-Match for his maiden hundred in the first innings.
The Regional Four-day will be played on a home and away basis over 10 rounds. However, the tournament will resumes on February 6.
The WICB Professional
Guyana Jaguars 1st innings 492-8 declared T&T Red Force 1st innings 198
T&T Red Force 2nd innings
Lendl Simmons b R Beaton 10
Evin Lewis c and b R Reifer 03
Yannick Ottley c R Reifer b R Beaton 0 Yannic Cariah c A Bramble b V Permaul 26
Jason Mohammed c V Singh b
For the past eight years, the Vickram Seubarran-managed Universal DVD Store and Universal Solutions have hosted a T20 Festival to coincide with their anniversary celebrations, doing so with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and the first division clubs in the Ancient County.
This year, Seubarran, who heads the Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC), will for the ninth anniversary celebrations host a two-day T20 Festival on December 14 and 21 at the PMCC and Albion Community Centre grounds respectively, from 09:00 hours each day.
Rayad Emrit* c R Reifer b V Permaul 01
Marlon Richards not out 04
Extras: (2-b 3-lb 9-nb) 14
Total: (all out; 75 overs) 234 all out
Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-12, 3-14, 4-50, 5-80, 6-102, 7-176, 8-191, 9-208, 10-234
Bowling: Ronsford Beaton
10-1-24-2, Raymond Reifer 7-1-25-1, Veerasammy
Permaul 29-12-1-4, Christopher Barnwell 2-011- 0, Narsingh Deonarine 10-2-36-0, Devendra Bishoo 17-4-82-3
Cricket League comprises the Regional Four-day tournament and the NAGICO Super50 Tournament, which will be played in January 2015.
The four teams, who will all be branded with Universal outfits, have been named and they are Berbice Titans, Universal Solutions Tigers, Universal President’s XI and Universal Warriors and were drawn from all 10 first division clubs in Berbice.
Players such as discarded national middle-order batsman Rajiv Ivan, the vast improving Kandasammy Surujnarine, Raun Johnson, Gudakesh Motie and Eugene LaFleur will suit up for the Titans, who will be led by Devendra Thakurdeen.
Lloydel Lewis will be at the helm of the Universal President’s XI and have within his line-up, Arthley Bailey, Sharaz Ramcharran, Sherwin Murray and Krisendat Ramoo to call on for support. Anthony D’Andrade will turn to the likes of Seon Hetmyer,
PGL Memorial basketball tournament...
The fourth team in Universal Warriors can be considered the strongest one on paper, as it includes players of the calibre of skipper Royston Crandon, Dimitri Cameron, Balchand Baldeo and Yogindra Harrinarine. The champion team is guaranteed $200,000, while the runner-up will pocket $100,000. The teams placing third and fourth will not walk away empty handed, as Seubarran will be rewarding them with $50,000 each for their efforts. Apart from the cricket, side attractions such as Granny Ivelaw and her dancing girls, musical entertainment, trampoline and bouncy castles will be available to keep the spectators, who are expected to throng the venues, active even as the players themselves entertain on the field. Admission to both venues is free.
– Nets rally past Sonics
By TreisTon Joseph
Punctuated by a monstrous Tyrone Hamid dunk, the Dynas Ravens routed the Bounty Colts 85-68 to reach the final of the Phillip George Legacy (PGL) Memorial Basketball tournament on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The Colts looked like early favourites as their inside-out game paid dividends, helping them to a slim half-time lead of 35-34.
Deviating from that strategy to start the third quarter, Colts started to brick threes, while the Ravens started to run the basketball as well as using crisp passing to out outscore the Colts 30-13 in the period to finish the third quarter up by 16.
The Colts cut the lead to 10 points with back-to-back threes from Nikkoloi Smith and Dave Causeway, but would fail to ignite any serious run to cut the lead to single digits.
In the final minute of the game, Hamid would add insult to injury with a devastating baseline tomahawk dunk to end the game.
Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai ended with a game-
Some of the action during the Nets, Sonics game from
high 22 points to lead Ravens, while Ryan Gullen, Jermaine Slater, Marlon Rodrigues and Hamid ended with 13, 12, 11 and nine points respectively to cap off an all-round team effort.
In the second semi-final of the evening, the Republic Bank Nets overpowered the Pepsi Sonics 75-61.
The high speed game saw Mortimer Williams slashing to the rim for a team-high 20 points to lead the Nets to victory.
Trevor Smith’s threepoint barrage in the final period would prove futile as the guard scored five threes in
the period to notch up 15 of his game-high 25 points in the final stanza.
Antwan Austin was the next highest scorer for the Nets with 11 points, while Collis Pluck had ?11 points for the Sonics in the loss.
Meanwhile, in third division action, Colts topped Plaisance Guardians 63-55 to reach the final.
Leonard Primo scored a team-high 16 points, while Errol Dryden had 12 points in the eight-point win for the Colts.
Colwin Nurse was the game’s highest scorer with 21 points, while Kelvin Yorrick
had 17 points in the loss for the Guardians. The Eagles took advantage of the University of Guyana to win the encounter 73-55 to move onto the final of the tournament.
Kevin Higgins had a teamhigh 15 points, while Lyndon Wilson, Travis Belgrave and Kheon Evans scored 11, 11 and 10 points respectively to help the Eagles blow out the tertiary institution.
Quincy Easton was the top scorer for UG with 19 points, while Dwight McKinnon and Sherlan Gillis scored 13 and 10 points respectively in a losing effort.
The Guyana Jaguars crushed hosts
Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by an innings and 60 runs with more than a session to spare on the final day on Monday in round four of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League Four-day competition at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain.
The hosts, who resumed in the dire position of 58-4 in their second innings, still 236 runs behind the Jaguars first innings lead, were bowled out for 234, midway through the second session.
The Jaguars thoroughly deserved their comprehensive victory after skittling the Red Force for 198 in their first innings on Friday’s first day. They replied with a massive 492 for eight declared, to hold a huge 294 runs lead.
Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul was the pick of the Jaguars bowlers in the second innings, finishing with 4-51, carrying his tournament tally to 33.
Overnight batsmen Yannick Cariah and Daniel St Clair added a further 22 runs before Permaul made inroads with the wickets of both batsmen in quick succession.
Permaul kept a tidy line and length and was rewarded for the plan. He first had Cariah smartly caught at short-leg for 26 before St Clair, who was guilty of playing a loose shot, top edged and was caught for 25.
Akeal Hosein and Imran Khan, the two new batsmen, overcame a shaky period to add an unbroken stand on 46 runs for the seventh wicket at lunch. At the break, Hosein was unbeaten on 47 and Khan on 12, as the hosts added 87 runs in the morning session.
The pair doused the Jaguars mood and stretched their partnership to 74 during which Hosein reach his fifty.
However, leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo supplied a crucial breakthrough, removing Khan for 24.
Godfrey Stoby copped the overall title of Mr Flex Night when the event came off on Sunday evening at the National Cultural Centre, as over 50 athletes took to the stage in one of the most exciting bodybuilding shows in recent times.
Stoby, who earlier in the night won the Under-176 pounds division, joined Zalim Bacchus, Marlon Bennett, Sylvan Gardner and Alex Hamilton in the battle for the Overall title.
As it turned out, Stoby emerged the Overall champion, leaving Bennett to settle for second and Hamilton third.
Bennett had earlier won the Under-154 class ahead of Mahendra Singh and Clifton Graham, while Hamilton
was the champion of the Over-176 lbs category, winning ahead of Raymond Stevens and Chris Miller.
Bacchus took top honours in the Under-143, beating off the challenge of Singh and Graham, while Gardner was the only athlete in the Under-165 lbs.
On the distaff side, Alisha Fortune continues to dominate proceedings in the bodybuilding arena, copping the Miss Best Legs competition. She won ahead of Fiona Spencer and Suella Shepherd.
Shepherd returned to win the Miss Bikini (Tall Class) ahead of Vanity Boyce and Marise Jordan, while Shawnell Warner took the Miss Bikini (Short Class) ahead of Spencer and Sonia Cummings.
