Guyana Times Daily - December 3, 2014

Granger formally spurns dialogue with Ramotar

APNU’s Christmas prorogation protests

Granger formally spurns dialogue with Ramotar

Leader of the Opposition, David Granger has formally rejected an invitation to have dialogue with President Donald Ramotar on the way forward following the prorogation of Parliament.

In his response, Granger said to the President that the Opposition was not willing to engage in dialogue with the Executive outside of the National Assembly.

Granger made the announcement on Tuesday outside the Office of the President on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, during A Partnership for National Unity’s weekly anti-prorogation protests. The Opposition Leader told reporters: “A Partnership for National Unity will not be prepared to enter into the dialogue that the President proposed until Parliament is reconvened. So he now has an answer and our answer is quite clear; there will be no dialogue until and unless Parliament is reconvened.”

Granger maintained that

it was quite reasonable to refuse to engage the President, given the fact that a minority government suspended a majority-controlled National Assembly. “We are still prepared to talk once Parliament reconvenes. What happens in Parliament is another matter,” said Granger.

APNU ready for polls

Granger made it clear that should the President name a date for elections, the APNU coalition was ready to go to the polls. “If he wants election, let us proceed; let him hear how angry the people are at what has happened under his administration for the last three years,” the Opposition Leader said. While the APNU has been taking to the streets every Tuesday for the past couple of months, one of the parties within the coalition has said that there needed to be a stronger presence. The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has complained that the protest actions are not seeing the support that it

should have. The party also argued that there was need for a definitive game plan on the part of the APNU in its anti-prorogation campaign.

But Granger was insistent that the party had a game plan. When questioned by the Guyana Times about the “game plan”, the APNU leader remarked “we have a definite game plan”, but “we will not disclose that game plan to the Guyana Times”. According to the Opposition Leader, the current protest actions are being conducted in the interests of the entire coalition and not in accordance with the whims of any single par-

Speed kills! Police reiterate

As motor vehicular accidents continue, in most cases resulting in lives being lost, the Guyana Police Force has charged at least 456 traffic offenders for the past week, with the most frequent offence being speeding.

Of the offences committed, 327 cases were for speeding which continues to be a major concern for the Police Force, since most of the fatal accidents were as a result of this.

Twenty-seven persons were charged for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 38 were in breach of their road service licence with respect to loud music systems.

Twenty-one offenders were arraigned for dangerous driving, while six were charged for careless driving and 24 cases were filed for failure to wear seat belts.

Eleven of the 456 persons charged were arrested for using mobile phones while driving and eight motorcyclists were charged for not wearing safety helmets. Four persons were charged for soliciting passengers.

Cognisant of this, the Guyana Police Force wishes to appeal to all road users to allow good sense and judgment to prevail and to watch out for each other, in order that our roads may be used in

a safer manner. The Guyana Police Force continues to place enforcement of the laws alongside education in its efforts to ensure road safety.

For November, 16 persons were killed, making it the second deadliest month for road users. Based on reports by the Police, August was the deadliest month of the year, with 22 deaths in 21 days. It was reported that there were 11 road deaths in January; eight in February; nine in March; eight each in April and May; 13 in June; 10 in July; 22 in August; 12 each in September and October, and 16 between November 1 and November 27.

ty. “We will continue to act in accordance with the best interests of the entire partnership. We are conducting a series of orderly and lawful protests to bring pressure to bear on the PPP/C [People’s Progressive Party/ Civic] Administration and we feel that, that is working and once we feel that there is going to be success in our efforts we will continue these efforts,” said Granger.

WPA Leader, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine told reporters that the party still thinks the protest actions are inadequate. He told reporters during the protest that “we wanted to see something more robust”, adding that “we would like to see for instance, action in the villages”.

Roopnaraine explained

that thus far all of the protest actions have been centred in Georgetown, but there was ample need and opportunity for there to be action in the villages. When asked about the game plan, Roopnaraine flat out stated that the WPA has not seen any definite plan of action from the APNU. He said “that is something that we continue to believe is required”, adding that there was need for the activities to be upped in order to get any mindful response from the government. “The AFC [Alliance For Change], the Opposition’s junior partner that initiated the NoConfidence Motion which precipitated the prorogation move by the Government to thwart the vote for early elections, has been so far conspic-

uously absent from the firing line, except for a guest appearance at the APNU rally of November 14. Momentum is being lost and reaction to the Government’s derailing of the No-Confidence Motion appears to be protest in slow motion,” said the WPA in a release over the weekend. The WPA is of the view that there was need for a more “vigorous campaign by the Opposition against the prolongation of the proroguing of Parliament”.

But PPP/C says that this call for vigorous campaigning is being seen as inciting violence on the part of the WPA. At a press conference on Monday, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee said the party was not unmindful of the “inciting of violence by the WPA”.

Rohee said that by calling for intensified protest action, the WPA was “desperately trying to ride on the back of the APNU in an effort not to become obsolete”. According to Rohee, it would seem that the WPA has learnt nothing from its past “reckless and adventuristic” behaviour that caused it to fade into the political background over time.

Bandits flee with $3M from BV Post Office

As pensioners lined up to collect their monthly stipend at the Beterverwagting Post Office, East Coast Demerara, bandits invaded the one-storey building and carted off more than $3 million in Old Age Pension money.

According to information reaching the Guyana Times, the incident occurred about 09:50h on Tuesday morning. Commander of the C Division (East Coast Demerara), Christopher Griffith, said based on reports received, there were two perpetrators; however, only one went into the building and carried out the brazen daylight robbery while the other waited in a white AT 192 motor car.

This newspaper was told that the gunman entered the building through the side door and broke into the office where the female Postmaster was with the money. Guyana Times understands that the Postmaster was the only staff in the building at the time, with approximately 25 persons waiting to collect their pension money.

The Postmaster was busy attending to the pensioners when the man broke the glass door and entered the office area behind the counter. Another report stated that there was apparently another gunman in the building who was keeping an eye on the customers, who were mostly pensioners, and on the look-out simultaneously.

This publication was further told that the bandit went behind the counter, held the Postmaster at gunpoint and relieved her of the cash. Both men then en-

tered the car parked outside, which drove off.

Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), Telesha Whyte, could not say whether the money taken was all the money that the Post Office had at the time, noting that the Corporation’s security officers are currently investigating the events.

Whyte also could not say whether all the money at the Post Office was taken; however, she noted that the Corporation’s auditors are currently conducting investigations alongside the Police. When Guyana Times visited the scene, the Post Office was locked and the staff, along with investigators, was inside.

Many pensioners who were trickling in to uplift their monies were told to return today to collect their pension. Over the past few months, there has been a spate of robberies at Post Offices across the country, particularly around the time

pensions are paid.

Only in September, gunmen attacked and robbed staff at the Post Office at Carmichael and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown. Based on information received, the armed men approached the security guard and struck him with an object.

The gunmen then went into the building where they held the staff up and relieve them of approximately $4 million before making good their escape. The stolen cash was money to be used for the payment of Old Age Pension. Then back in June, a lone gunman also carted off some $1.3 million from the Campbellville Post Office, after he posed as a customer. The bandit subsequently pulled out a firearm, kicked down the door which gave him access to the area where the money was being kept. He took possession of the money and subsequently escaped on a waiting motorcycle nearby.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

Glenn Lall joined by another 'dirty dozen'

...as remigrant scam probe widens

ust about 15 other persons are now on the radar of the Auditor General and Guyana Revenue Authority as officials continue, the audit of the Remigrant Scheme which has been abused by many to import luxury vehicles and other items.

This was confirmed by the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority Khurshid Sattaur who told Guyana Times on Monday that the Auditor General was in charge of the probe. According to media reports from the years 2010 to 2014, approximately 15 to 20 persons are under investigation after an initial probe by the audit office. This means that these persons could soon find themselves with a similar fate as that of Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall who along with his wife and a remigrant couple, are currently before the courts charged with tax fraud.

It is being alleged by the tax body that the defendants collectively defrauded the state of over $100 million in revenue payable to the GRA for the importation of two Lexus LX 570 luxury vehicles. Lall and his wife, Bhena, the owner of Bhena’s Footwear, were on October 13 arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’

Courts on multiple tax evasion charges. They were also slapped with two counts of aiding and abetting in a conspiracy to defraud the Government of due taxes.

Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge had blasted the manner in which the overall administration of the remigrant scheme and the tax regime as a whole operates. The former Finance Minister under the Peoples National Congress (PNC) regime told Guyana Times that several issues needed to be addressed at the level of the administration. Greenidge explained to this publication that those issues currently affecting the effective administration of the scheme range from Value Added Tax (VAT) to the Excise Tax.

“The administration of the scheme clearly needs attention,” emphasised Greenidge, who went on to indicate that attention also

needs to be given to the entire tax regime in Guyana. Referring to several issues raised with respect to the administration of duty-free concessions over the past period of months, Greenidge pointed out that “fiscal concessions in general” are in dire need of reform. Greenidge said the Government should take steps to “set taxes at more reasonable rates, so that more people will pay them”. He reasoned that if taxes were lower people would not resort to all forms of illegal activities in dire attempts to cheat the system. Statistics from the Foreign Affairs Ministry show that since the launching of the programme back in 2010, some 1411 persons have benefited from it. The remigrant programme initiative seeks to create a framework for overseasbased Guyanese to come back and make meaningful contributions to their birthplace.

Dental Nurse remanded for manslaughter

Kelly Sandiford, 35, of Lot 153 Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden, and Lot 370 Wismar Park, Linden, was refused bail on a manslaughter charge, when she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLenn, on Monday morning.

The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that between November 16 and 17 at Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden; she unlawfully killed 20-year-old Todah Richards.

Sandiford was represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson who requested bail for his client stating that it is a bailable offence. The defence counsel

pleaded with the court, adding that his client does not pose a

flight risk since she possesses no travel documents and is willing to go to the Police station until the completion of the matter.

Counsel said that Sandiford has been working as a dental technician at the One Mile Health Centre for three years.

Meanwhile, Police Prosecutor Michael Grant cited the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence as the objection grounds to the bail application.

The prosecution facts revealed that the Sandiford was Richard’s godmother and she was offered to live with the accused woman. However, the court heard that on several occasions both parties were involved in arguments.

It is alleged that Sandiford tied Richard to a bed at around 20:00h and retired to bed. At around 02:00h, Sandiford woke and made checks on Richards where she noticed her lying motionlessly. It was then she raised an alarm. Police were summoned to the scene and a belt was tied to her neck and she had laceration. Richards was subsequently rushed to the hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival. Further investigations were carried out and Sandiford was charged.

The prosecutor’s objection was upheld and the matter was transferred to Linden Magistrate’s Court for December 9.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Opportunistic politics

Politics in Guyana is hardly a boring affair, as the manoeuvrings in matters when it comes to gaining public support, more particularly of late, have been a spectacle of much intrigue.

By now, even the most disinterested citizens of the Republic are aware that the combined Opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) are trying to rid the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government from office.

Both Opposition parties claim that the PPP/C which has been in power for more than 22 years has become corrupt, has lost touch with the people and are piloting the country on a path to a downward spiral.

The AFC, with the support of the APNU, has since tabled a No-Confidence Motion against the PPP/C Government, which was halted by President Donald Ramotar, who moved to prorogue Parliament, with the hope of dissipating the tension, and opening an avenue for dialogue.

The large majority of Guyanese, who are weary of the political wrangling over the past three years under the new parliamentary dispensation, would have hoped that in the interest of peace and taking the country forward, at least the Opposition would not have said a flat no to dialogue.

Interestingly, the Opposition has contended that the Ramotar-led Administration has closed the door to dialogue by proroguing Parliament.

But on closer examination, this assertion seems to hardly have any merit as the Opposition has become known as entities which embraced the word dialogue but are alien to constructive concomitant action.

A case in point is the state of the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, which was the subject of dialogue but no patriotic action.

The Anti-Money Laundering Bill is just one of a plethora of examples.

Perhaps, it is therefore not surprising that the combined Opposition has chosen not to engage in dialogue, even though it is a matter paramount to the interest of the country, as they saw an opportunity to take their parochial posture to the next level.

What they will gain from closing the doors to dialogue is anyone’s guess but it is clear that it is not doing anything positive for the country, more particularly when it comes to inspiring hope among ordinary Guyanese.

This sort of action is quite odd from the AFC and APNU, which no doubt both see themselves as being capable of being in Government and doing a better job in raising the social and economic standards of the country.

But the issue at hand is more than a no to dialogue with the Government as from all indications, it also points to a resounding no among certain Opposition personalities when it come to representing a common position against the Government.

The no-show of AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo, both former PPP/C Executives at the APNU Square of the Revolution rally on November 14 is a telling example yet.

Surprisingly, or not so surprisingly, the two soon after accused the PPP/C of stroking racial tension, a call that was presumably based on a report carried in this newspaper on the small minority party losing ground in Berbice.

Wild accusations from the AFC have not been anything new, but the facts are clear as day that both Ramjattan and Nagamootoo deliberated shunned the APNU rally in a bid to preserve their ethnic support in Berbice.

If the coalition has not read between the lines as yet, by now it is no secret that the AFC is contended in practicing an inflexible and opportunistic brand of politics.

It seems to be telling APNU that if the action of the coalition benefits them, they will give verbal support, and no action will be forthcoming, but we are prepared to profit from your fault, which is important for our growth and development.

Even in APNU, there seems to be some division on dialogue with the President, and these are the people projecting themselves as being capable of leading this dear land to higher heights.

The President saved Guyana from the ultimate ‘cuss down’

Mr Editor, I fully support the President’s decision to prorogue the 10th Parliament. With this action by the President, all respectful adults and more importantly our children were spared from the ultimate ‘cuss down’ on November 10.

If you recall the attitude of the 33 Opposition members, week after week in Parliament, then you would surely agree with me that Guyana was saved from what would have been the Caribbean’s biggest shouting match.

My view is strongly supported by the fact that every time there is a sitting of the House, Members of Parliament on the Opposition side tend to use the opportunity to launch personal verbal attacks on Ministers of Government and Members of Parliament of the ruling PPP/C Government.

This type of behavior is a far cry from what is ex-

pected of persons elected to represent the best interests of our country.

I challenge the members of the Opposition to show me how this type of behavior benefits any of their constituents. These personal attacks are sometimes so distasteful that they would sometimes provoke a rebuke from the Speaker of the House.

One would recall when Raphael Trotman was elected Speaker of the House, Prime Minister Samual Hinds requested that the House get on with the people’s business in the 10th Parliament.

Sadly, after three years, Government was rejected in every move to get parliamentary approval to continue its developmental agenda for the benefit of all stakeholders.

For me, the lowest point as a spectator in the House must have been when mention was made of an ailment suffered by the Director of Sport. This

was to me a huge display of insensitivity and a lack of professionalism and tact by the Opposition MP that made a most distasteful attempt at heckling.

His Excellency acted in the most fitting way with this prorogation of the 10th Parliament. He has saved our children from about two weeks of exposure to some of the most rotten rants by so-called leaders.

I have no reason to doubt also that all nasty rhetoric which would have come from this debate would have been in the full view of our children. And of course this would have been all due to the one sided, unbalanced and sensationalized reporting of the “Green Press”.

One only needs to look at the unedited recordings of every past sitting and see what transpired. The behavior of some Opposition MPs made the Sophia Bus Park look like a church in comparison. It

was very easy to mistake the Parliament with the ‘Fish Market’.

This type of display must never be allowed to continue. Our elected officials must see Election Day as the day their job application is approved or not, by the populace. They must never forget the fact that they were not elected to the House to execute personal vendetta or malice.

They are servants of the people, so we need to see them act to fulfill their constitutional responsibility. Guyana’s people have entrusted them with a mandate to do all that is collectively possible to improve their communities, better their living standards, and to ensure the prosperous and peaceful coexistence of all Guyanese.

Guyana is waiting for action in this direction.

Respectfully Ossie Rodgers

The Ombudsman did not investigate NBS

Dear Editor, It is alarming that certain newspapers based on their interpretation of the Ombudsman’s Report are alleging that New Building Society (NBS) is implicated and blameworthy over the dismissal of Maurice Arjoon and other former employees.

The Ombudsman, in response, has categorically stated that he did

not investigate NBS and its Board or any of its Directors.

Any further insinuation by any of the media houses or organizations that the NBS has been wanting by the Ombudsman over the dismissal of its former employees will no doubt be met with a firm direct response, including seeking legal redress.

There is a current matter in the Court involving the dismissal of one of those employees and the NBS, and we can only hope that newspapers and organizations observe the subjudice rule.

It is basically unprincipled for anyone to comment on such matters or to interfere with an independent and impartial hearing

of such matter. We reiterate that the Ombudsman had publically stated that NBS was not investigated by him and he did not pronounce on the dismissal of these former employees.

Submitted by, Chief Executive Office/ Director/ Secretary, NBS

These are the people who want to rule over us

Dear Editor,

Opposition Leader David Granger recently defended the lawyer and PNC Member of Parliament James Bond in his shady defense of a convicted drug baron. His comment could not have come at a worse time, because here we have a political leader validating the illegal actions of a member of his party.

But this did not come as a surprise to the right thinking people out there. This is a predictable behavior pattern of a party which wines and dines with thugs and glories in thug like activities.

There is a long painful history of the PNC’s deep seated involvement in perverting the course of justice. So, the story where a drug baron was given a slap on the wrist is just one of them.

There is no one, even if you are mentally challenged, who would not have seen through the schemes of this case. An Opposition lawyer piloting a case before a facilitating magistrate. The facts are clear, the facilitating magistrate did just what “his comrade” lawyer directed and freed the accused.

This is very clear evidence, and may I add the judiciary is infested with them, of a broken justice system that goes about making these politi-

cally biased, morally corrupt decisions. Oftentimes litigants are perplexed as to the strange outcome of seemingly straightforward cases.

Nigel Hughes is another case in point when he was accused of jury tampering and subverting the course of justice. He too was guilty of this yet, he practices in our courts. PNC members, whether past or present, are doing dastardly things and getting away with them.

Granger is known to have been in close association with that teen convict who was later killed by a licensed firearm holder – it tells the story. Granger cannot deny that because the youngster’s is Facebook page revealed the association.

Another despicable character of that party, Winston Felix, is known to have been close to convicted drug baron Roger Khan, whilst he was Commissioner of Police. He is now a senior member of that party and a Member of Parliament also – all damning evidence of a party that is morally bankrupt.

Past PNC Opposition Leader Desmond Hoyte honoured convicted killer and notorious bandit Linden ‘Blackie’ London, by holding a public funeral for him then desecrated the

flag of Guyana when he draped his coffin with it.

It is very clear from the few cases cited - and there are countless othersthat this party is in support of and facilitates thugs and subversive activity. It shows a pattern of behaviour of this sinister party and the people of this country are taking note of these things.

When you can exhibit such violence against the people of this country, what do you think would be the result at the next general elections? I mean do they honestly believe the people of this country would be so naive to vote for them? I am saying does the leader of the Opposition think that we are just a silly bunch of imbeciles?

Honestly, I believe he does think so, but he is mistaken and the results of the next elections would prove beyond the shadow of a doubt what the people have been observing. They have been watching with keen interest and making careful assessment of the whole scenario unfolding before them.

So if Granger thinks the people have fallen on their heads, he needs to think again.

Sincerely,

Neil Adams

GRA remains focused on revenue collection

Dear Editor,

Once again I am forced to write defending the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) concerning the misinformation and attempt to distort my comments regarding auditing the owner of the beleaguered aircraft, on which in excess of US$600,000 was found on board, carried in the column of the political commentary of Mr Golsarran.

Let me put in perspective my comments made which Mr. Goolsarran referred to, and which he choose to make such a major issue out of, devoting his entire column in attacking me.

While I am no stranger to such senseless attacks, as the GRA and myself, as the CG, had been under attack by the owner of the Kaieteur news only recently for simply conducting an activity that is well within our mandate, I am reluctantly responding; and in doing so, I am sure as day follows night, will elicit a response

from this political activist.

The GRA as you know also embarked on court action by filing criminal charges against the owner of the Kaieteur News and this matter is still engaging the attention of the court.

During the time of conducting its investigation leading to the charges being filed, there were various attacks by the said newspaper that would appear to have been well orchestrated to destroy the image and credibility of the GRA and tarnish me, and most likely than not, scare me into not pursuing my functions for which I have a legal authority to perform.

It was inevitable therefore, that there was some amount of damage done which would appear to have affected the collection of revenues of the state.

It is against this background that I displayed to the media my disgust for attempting to bring me back

again in the fray and quite appropriately informed the journalist who called me, that I want to be focused on repairing the damage that was caused by the negative reporting, relentlessly carried in the newspaper and well supported by my critics, of which Mr Goolsarran is obviously in that category.

This I explained was more important at this point in time than to be dragged into conducting a public trial of the tax affairs of someone who the USA already has under its radar, which by no means excuses from what its mandate permits.

It should be noted that the Government of Guyana has a treaty for sharing information with the USA, so whatever activities the USA Tax Authorities conduct on the individual who was alleged to be the pilot of the aircraft would benefit the GRA no doubt, if and when the GRA chooses to investigate this high profile indi-

Questions for Freddie Kissoon

Dear Editor,

I read in a letter by written by Frederick (Freddie) Kissoon dated December 1, under the headline, “What did Ramphal think about local politics and Cuba?” in which Mr Kissoon posed several questions to Sir Shridath Ramphal.

I have observed over the years the tendency of Freddie Kissoon to pose probing questions to hundreds of public figures as well as private individuals. His strategy has been to call on the public to ignore and chastise these persons when they refuse to supply an-

swers to his enquiries. From where he assumes this roving moral authority to pose these questions I am unaware. But, that has been his undoubted modus operandi.

In his letter, he wrote, “I went to Canada to do my doctorate….” I would like to pose the following questions to Mr Kissoon: Do you have a doctorate? If you do, why don’t you use it, since vanity and self-acclamation are some of your known attributes? If you do not have a doctorate, explain to the public why? Is it true that you were expelled from

a University in Canada and, if so, what were the reasons for your expulsion?

Freddie remarks in the said letter that he is a “betting person”. I bet he will either refuse to answer these questions or will find some way to avoid answering them. In either case, as he would have done, I invite the Guyanese public to ignore him.

There are no greater sins to have afflicted the human kind like hypocrisy and pretention.

Yours faithfully, Abdul Jamal Khan

Guyanese voters will make wise decisions when election comes

Dear Editor, Election fever is once again in the air and many pretenders will masquerade on the stage and strut their stuff, making promises to the electorate.

The AFC is caught in a dilemma. They desperately want power (at all costs), but they know that an electoral alliance with APNU is dangerous and can spell the death knell for them.

These cunning politicians know very well that their dwindling support group will not accept an alliance with APNU because of historical reasons.

APNU’s main component, the PNC/R, represents everything that the AFC supporters hate, that is, years of oppression under Forbes Burnham with victimization, Swiss bank accounts, banning of vital food items, poor auditing of the national Treasury (hope Annand Goolsarran is reading this), witch hunting and killing of perceived critics, abusing of Indian women during national service, and many, many more.

vidual.

I reiterate that my current focus is steering the GRA to remain on course with revenue collection for 2014 that Mr Goolsarran is raising issues over. He mischievously and deliberately left these pertinent facts out of his article, obviously to provoke friction.

Shame on you Mr Goolsarran!

Khurshid Sattaur Commissioner General, GRA

However, AFC knows that it cannot win the election on its own. A look at the AFC leaders also presents a conundrum. Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan are bent on practising revenge politics for what they perceive to be the denial by the PPP/C (especially Naga) of what they felt should have been theirs.

If these men assume office, they will be engaged in a witch hunt (something Dr Cheddi Jagan did not do when he won free and fair elections in 1992), which will

put this country in a disastrous situation that it cannot afford.

Nagas and Ramjattan are also inexperienced in handling conflict resolution situations which abound in Guyanese politics. In addition, the supporters of APNU are not yet ready to embrace an East Indian presidential candidate.

This leaves us the other Berbician who has been disparaging to the former President Bharrat Jagdeo. This individual butchers the English Language and is not fit for a high office. He needs to spend some more time learning grammar.

Then there is Nigel Hughes. He destroyed his credibility with his controversial handling of the Lusignan murder trial when he failed to disclose his relationship with the head foreman. This is a massive mistake which a learned politician like Hughes should not have made.

Hughes also compromised his integrity with double standards in the Amalia Falls Hydro-Electric project. The fact that Hughes bashed Indians (who got their jobs with the necessary qualifications) in the Jagdeo/ Freddie Kissoon libel case makes him a liability to the AFC taking into consideration who the main AFC voters are.

Imagine Kissoon considers this man one of his favourite Guyanese politicians! Guyanese voters are wise and they will make the wise decision when election comes

Sincerely, Rakesh Singh

Page Foundation

It was one unsafe burial that ended up leading directly to Sierra Leone’s explosion of Ebola cases in the summer.

The country’s first diagnosed case, when a pregnant woman was admitted to a hospital in the Kenema district following a miscarriage on May 24, infected no-one else. Identifying the source of her infection, however, illustrates how the virus entered the country.

The woman had attended the recent funeral of a wellknown traditional healer. The healer had treated Ebola patients flocking to seek her care across the border from Guinea’s Gueckedou region, before dying herself.

Health teams working in the region identified a further 13 women who caught the virus attending the same burial, starting a chain re-

action of infections, deaths and more funerals.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “quick investiga-

Ebola deaths”.

From there Ebola spread to Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown where overcrowded living conditions and fluid population movements helped it to spiral further out of control.

A tragic footnote at the end of the study produced by doctors and scientists tracing the outbreak into Sierra Leone highlights the ultimate price some health workers have paid.

Five of the report’s co-authors, including Sierra Leone’s leading physician spearheading the fight against haemorrhag-

tions by local health authorities suggested that participation in that funeral could be linked to as many as 365

ic illnesses in West Africa, contracted Ebola and died before the report was published. (Excerpt from BBC News)

By Thomas FiFFer

6. Remember that children are vulnerable. We often forget this, because they’re so resilient. They cry, and then they stop crying. The next minute, or the next hour, their mood has changed, and everything is back to normal, at least on the surface. But if they’re integrating painful experience, it’s changing them, and if they’re denying it because it’s too painful to process, they’re looking at a crisis down the road and years, even a lifetime, of therapy. Children don’t necessarily tell you when their feelings about you have changed, when you have lost their respect or endangered their love for you. They may not even be consciously aware of their own breaking points, but they have them, as we all do, so handle with care if you want them to stay whole.

Guilt and shame are the sledgehammer and chainsaw in the parenting toolbox – one hits children over the head, while the other cuts them to the core.

7. Avoid using guilt and shame as consequences. Don’t whine about your hurt feelings if your child doesn’t want to bake cookies or go to the ball game with you. Don’t spout about how embarrassed you – or Aunt Mildred – will be if they fail biology or don’t make the tennis team. And don’t threaten horrors –such as a life of poverty – if

your child’s grades don’t improve. This type of behaviour is incendiary and utterly unhelpful. It saps your child’s confidence and makes him or her dependent on you or others for approval. Instead, help them understand their choices and the real consequences of their actions.

8. Don’t smother and infantilise; encourage self-sufficiency. We love doing things for our chil-

9. Master and model healthy conflict resolution with your partner. A toxic, dysfunctional dynamic with your partner will both

dren to make their lives easier and to help them succeed, and it’s our job to set up a good life for them. But there’s a difference between providing assistance and enabling helplessness, between setting the table and putting the food out and cutting it up and feeding it to your child. Don’t allow your need to feel needed – which may have roots in your own childhood – to interfere with your child’s need to become self-reliant and independent. And don’t hover, because ultimately you’re giving your child the message that he or she can’t make it without your help.

impact your child’s ability to function in adult relationships and drive him or her away from your home. It creates a double-bind: the child grows up vowing not to have the relationship they see you having and at the same time lacking the tools to avoid it. If your own relationship is volatile or worse, violent, get help. This not only creates a safer environment for your children but also models the importance of solving problems instead of ignoring them or sweeping them under the rug.

10. Practice self-care I’ve always believed that many of our worst parenting moments occur when we’re tired, stressed, sick, distracted or for whatever reasons, internally ragged. Taking good care of yourself – maintaining good eating habits, exercising regularly, getting out (hire that sitter), and making time to do things you enjoy makes you healthier both physically and psychologically and gives you more energy to deal with your children. It also prevents you from resenting your kids for the sacrifices you make for them. And resentment is the precursor to contempt.

There are many different parenting styles, and in the absence of the instruction manual, we each find our own way. The advice here is intended to identify behaviours that are and aren’t beneficial to children and conducive to developing a healthy relationship with them once they become adults. (Yahoo! News)

Gobind Ganga sworn in

...as new Central Bank Governor

President Donald Ramotar swore in Dr Gobind Ganga as the Governor of the Bank of Guyana on Tuesday, and the new Deputy Governor received his letter of appointment.

This appointment comes seven months after Dr Ganga was appointed as the Acting Governor on May 8 following the passing of then Governor Lawrence Williams.

As he handed over the letter of appointment to Dr Ganga, the President urged him to execute his

mandate professionally.

Addressing the press at the Office of the President shortly after being sworn in, Dr Ganga pledged to propel the business of the bank. According to him, major emphasis will continue to be placed on the sustainability of the country’s economy.

“I will ensure that there is a very efficient payment system in place and a payment system that we all can be proud of … We will also ensure that the economy remains robust, because we are also a part of

the economy, but obviously that will need the cooperation and assistance of a number of players in the sector,” he stated.

Dr Ganga, who has a doctorate in Economics, has been working at the Bank of Guyana for 19 years. In 1995, he was appointed Director of the Research Department before taking up the position of Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank in 2003. In June 2005, he was appointed Deputy Governor.

Dr Ganga has a wealth of central banking expe-

rience. He has written and published many articles on a wide variety of economic issues, including Monetary Policy and Macroeconomics.

Additionally, he served as an Economics lecturer at the University of West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica; an adjunct professor at the Consortium Graduate School at Mona; and a Senior Researcher/ Senior Lecturer at the

University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.

With Dr Ganga being appointed Governor, Leslie Glen has been promoted to the post of Deputy Governor. He received his letter of appointment from Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh.

Glen has been employed at the Bank of Guyana for 34 years. His career at the financial institution commenced in 1980 as an econ-

omist. By 1984, he was promoted to the position of senior economist within the Bank before several other promotions. Notably, from the period 1995-2005, he served as the Director of Operations before being appointed Banking Manager, a position he held until Tuesday.

The relatives and friends of Dr Ganga and Glen were present at the swearing-in ceremony.

wednesdAY, december 3, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Leonora station killing: OPR wraps up probe into fisherman’s death

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has completed its probe into the death of fisherman, Asif Rahim Khatoon in the Leonora Police Station lock-ups and the file has now been sent to the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) for his review and advice.

The 37-year-old fisherman was reportedly beaten by Police ranks while in custody at the Leonora Police Station after he was arrested for assaulting his reputed wife. He subsequently died while at his home at Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara. His reputed wife, Sursattie Chandrapaul and other family members had protested at the Leonora Police Station and the office of the Police Commissioner, at Eve Leary, Georgetown. The Commissioner met the relatives and assured them the no stone will be left unturned and promises that a speedy investigation will be done into the alleged Police brutality.

A post-mortem (PM) examination performed on the body of Khatoon proved that he died as a result of multiple injured to his neck and body. According to the PM report, the father of four suffered a broken jaw and a rupture ligament in his throat. The autopsy which was performed by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh also revealed that Khatoon received severe injuries to his chest which resulted in a massive blood clot in his body.

Khatoon was arrested by the Police on Saturday, November 22 following investigations into a report that he had allegedly assaulted his reputed wife. During efforts to arrest him, the Police claimed that he resist-

ed but was eventually subdued and taken to the Leonora Police Station. At the station, he made no complaints against the arresting ranks.

While at the Leonora Police Station, Khatoon was kept on the bench handcuffed to another man in custody whom Police said Khatoon had alleged assaulted him.

He was subsequently taken to the Parika Police Station where he was kept in the lockups. He was charged with assault and brought to the Leonora Police Station on Monday, November 24, to attend the Magistrate’s Court. While at Leonora, his reputed wife reported that Khatoon was allegedly beaten by the Police, and as a consequence, he was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was referred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was seen by a doctor.

Khatoon was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he took self-discharge and went home. He died moments later.

Husband granted bail for allegedly assaulting wife

ALodge resident was placed on $10,000 bail for the offence of assault, which he allegedly committed against his reputed wife when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Patrick David was accused of cuffing the Virtual Complainant (VC) Shamaine Smith several times to her face on November 30 at their residence, Lot 79 Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown, but he denied committing the offence.

Bail was objected to by the prosecution citing that he may interfere with the VC since she has no other place to live during the course of the trial and that she is fearful of her life.

However, the Magistrate

granted bail to David, who was also bonded to keep the peace until the end of the trial.

Young adult remanded for stealing 'cellphone from neighbour'

Nineteen-year-old

Jevon Roberts of

Lot 19 Section B, Patterson, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown was remanded to prison after being arraigned for a simple larceny charge.

Roberts appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’

Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday morning.

It was alleged that on November 29, at Main and Sussex Streets, Alboystown, Georgetown, he stole from the dwelling house of Ramkumar Doorjan, a cellular phone valued $75,000 that belonged to Doorjan.

The Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied by Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones after Roberts entered a plea of not guilty. There were no facts read on the matter however the court heard that the defendant was Doorjan’s neighbour at the time of the incident. Prosecutor Jones objected to bail noting that Roberts did not give the Police the Turkeyen address, adding that the defendant has no fixed place of abode. He further noted that he may be a possible flight risk.

Roberts was remanded to prison and is said to make his second court appearance before Magistrate Dylon Bess on December 16.

Eyew tness

Descent into...

W...vacuity by Opposition

e’ve some serious issues being aired in Guyana right now...some that’ll shape the trajectory of our democratic transition for years. Yes...we’re still in “transition” as far as “democracy” is concerned. You didn’t think a country sloughs off the structural deformities a 28-year dictatorship imposes just like that, did you??

In fact, the Opposition’s intransigence in insisting that “it’s their way of the highway” to a legally elected Government, is a direct outcome of that dictatorial rule. Dictators, by definition, “dictate”. Anyhow, one of the present burning issues has to do with how far can the media go in destroying people’s reputations and livelihoods before the authorities should say “enough is enough”.

More specifically, we have the case of one newspaper - the Muckraking Kaieteur News - abusing all the tenets of journalism to get at persons they define as their “enemies”. For instance, they’ve conducted the vilest vendetta against former President Jagdeo and anyone with the slightest association with him - for years. All the while hiding under the cover of “freedom of the press”. Now some may say what about the libel laws???

Well, we all know the answer to that, don’t we?? As someone pointed out a few days ago, the Muckraker has to be the most sued newspaper in the Western Hemispherein addition to issuing apologies for “misstatements” daily! Didn’t do a thing...and in the meantime, as with most ordinary folks who find it easier believe negativities about folks - the damage has been done.

So up comes the young Attorney General, who has a friend at the Muckraker. Or so he thinks. And in the course of a most candid telephone conversation imaginable (they say a fella’s a “friend” when you can tell him anything and everything??) he cautions the “friend” that folks who’re maligned by his paper - not having a paper of their own to respond - might get so incensed that they’ll take to violence.

And guess what?? The owner, Mook Lall, who’s intercepted the entire conversation screams that he’s being THREATENED by the AG’s caution!!! Fella called a press conference and shed a river of tears about how fearful he is!

Same fella who’s already killed at least ONE person in cold blood - is terrified of the big, bad AG!! Now let’s get real folks...Is there anyone out there who REALLY thinks the AG wasn’t just telling his friend what MIGHT happen if his boss doesn’t ease up on destroying people’s reputations?? And, quite obviously under the influence, exaggerating for effect??

While the AG was certainly indiscreet and uncouth, surely that’s not enough to declare him a gangsta from the hood!!

...dementia by Lalloo

Well, one seasoned Attorney, who’s a bit of a nonconformist, actually - but certainly not a part of the AG’s outfit - decided that the answer to the above question was an unequivocal “NO!!” And being the lawyer he is, he offered legal precedents and all to show that in addition to no ordinary Guyanese possibly construing the AG’s utterances as a “threat”, this was also so in the most expansive legal sense!

So it goes without saying that out of the woodwork would crawl Lalloo “Suspenders” Ram - fresh out of law school at the age of 70 (?) - disputing his betters once again. The senior lawyer had cited a case from 1938 - but somehow Lalloo declared that this was from 184 years ago...from Feudal England!! You’d think a fella who was a bookkeeper all his life would’ve been able to subtract 1938 from 2014, no??!!! And that feudalism ended 300 years ago.

But while Lalloo might’ve fallen asleep when “criminal threats” were taught, surely he would remember that if a precedent wasn’t subsequently vitiated it remains valid, even if it was handed down along with the Magna Carta. And in case Lalloo is wondering, THAT was promulgated back in Feudal times!!

wednesday, december 3, 2014

Winners of GuyExpo booth competition awarded

Winners of the GuyExpo best booth competition were awarded at a simple ceremony held on Monday at the National Exhibition Site, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Winners were judged in four categories: micro, small, medium, and large. The booths were judged based on creativity, imagination, originality, staff enthusiasm, neatness and presentation and adherence to the competition rules.

Winning the award for the micro category was Saltro Trading, while the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc copped the award for the best small booth; the National

Communications Network (NCN) won the medium booth award and E-Networks won the large category.

Presenting the awards was the Marketing Manager of GuyExpo, Indranauth Haralsingh. Singh noted that the objective was to encourage excellence in exhibiting and to make sure the booths were properly constructed and designed.

He said the focus was placed heavily on raising the bar on booth designs, presentation and interactivity. “If all of the booths at GuyExpo 2014 were designed like yours and had a buzz of staff enthusiasm, visitors from both local and overseas, then

with no doubt I can say, persons leave with a positive and rewarding experience. You have worked hard, your booth stood out, thank you for making GuyExpo 2014 a success.” Singh stated.

Standing out

He pointed out that this year’s exhibition saw some 266 booths comprising both local and international exhibitors. Against this backdrop, the four booths awarded were the ones that stood out above the rest. “To make it this far, you had to put in some extra work; to make it this far you had to get an objective and you did so proudly by standing out among over

600 graduate from IDCE programme

More than 600 students last Saturday graduated from the University of Guyanarun Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) programme.

The graduation was held at the Turkeyen Campus, Greater Georgetown. The graduates were drawn from the faculties of Social Sciences, Education and Humanities, Health Sciences among others.

Delivering the feature address, Justice Dawn Gregory charged the graduates to serve Guyana with dignity. Quoting Oprah Winfrey, Gregory said: “I know that you all might have a little anxiety now and hesitation about leaving the comfort of college and putting those ... credentials to the test. But no matter what challenges or setbacks or disappointments you may encounter along the way, you will find true success and happiness if you have only one goal, there

really is only one, and that is this: to fulfil the highest, most truthful expression of yourself as a human being.”

She underscored that the graduates should always be full of energy and ready to serve, noting that one’s attitude will determine how far one goes in life. “This is one of the most, if not the most, important days in the lives of some of you, and so I take this opportunity to congratulate you and say ‘well done, you have made it’,” she declared.

Acting IDCE Director Winifred James-Kippins, in her message, noted that the students’ achievement needed to be cherished and nurtured, noting that it was nothing but hard work and dedication that got them to this stage. “This is not the end of your journey, but a new beginning. You have new assignments before you now, applying the knowledge, skills and attitude in your existing careers, in your personal lives or in the devel-

200 booths,” the Marketing Manager underscored.

He added that the winning booths are proof of a good event, which helped to create a lasting impression and provide excellent visibility for exhibitors visiting Guyana for the first time.

Meanwhile, GuyExpo Co-Chairman Derrick Cummings said that all businesses should come on board and be a part of GuyExpo, as he highlighted that it will be a good way for persons to market their business, noting that the trade fair attracts tens of thousand of persons to the four-day exhibition. Cummings also disclosed that the Organising Committee is looking to embark on a new initiative to transform the Sophia Exhibition Site every Sunday afternoon with cultural and other familyfriendly activities. He said GuyExpo, over the years, has evolved from being just a trade fair to an activity which provides entertainment and educates persons.

He further added that the committee is looking for avenues to expand the staging of the next edition of GuyExpo, noting that it was one of the Caribbean’s largest activities and brings Caricom member states together. GuyExpo 2014 was held from October 2 to 5 under the theme “Transformation: Partnering for a better Guyana”.

Scotiabank named local Bank of the Year

Scotiabank was recently named the Bank of the Year in Guyana by The Banker magazine, a Financial Times publication. This is the fifth time the Bank has been recognised by the publication.

“We are proud of this award, because it is a reflection of the hard work of our employees and their focus on providing sound financial advice and good service to our customers,” the Bank’s Guyana Country Manager, Amanda St Aubyn, said in a release from the company. “Scotiabank has had a presence in Guyana for more than 45 years and we’re proud to be known for our customer service and for delivering superior results for our shareholders.”

The Bank was also named Bank of the Year in Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Banker selects winners based on their ability to deliver shareholder returns and gain strategic advantage. The magazine is the world’s longest run-

ning international banking magazine, recognised as a leading source of information on finance and investment around the globe.

Scotiabank’s Caribbean operations have been recognised with numerous awards this year for their strength and stability as well as products, services and community work, including: Bank of The Year in the Caribbean from LatinFinance; World’s Best Consumer Internet Bank in 21 countries across the Caribbean, including Guyana, by Global Finance along with regional recognition in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean; and Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/ AIDS Awards for Business Excellence Community Investment Award.

This year, Scotiabank was also named one of the World’s Best Multinational Workplaces by the Great Place to Work® Institute.

The Bank has been part of the Caribbean since 1889 with operations in 21 countries.

Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada’s most international bank. Through its team of more than 86,000 employees, Scotiabank and its affiliates offer a broad range of products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management, corporate and investment banking to over 21 million customers. With assets of US$792 billion (as at July 31, 2014), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York (BNS) Exchanges.

opment of the better good of the society – whatever you do, do it well,” she charged the graduates.

The acting Director told the graduating class that to understand themselves is the greatest assignment in their lives, noting that many persons have a dream but do not know who they are or who they were meant to be, so they go after what they think is best for them and not what is best for them; hence, most times they will fail instead of succeed.

This year’s graduation ceremony saw 86 persons graduating from the Industrial Relations and Management class, 80 from Early Childhood Development, 78 from the Supervisory Management programme, while 121 persons graduated from the Introduction to Social Work programme and 200 persons graduated from the Mathematics, English and Business courses.

PPP/C pledges “unwavering” support for Amerindians

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has pledged its unwavering support to Amerindians even as it accuses the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) of reducing them to “second-class citizens” .

Speaking at his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Monday, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee wasted no time in lashing out at the PNCR and by extension the Opposition over what he described as its blatant disregard for the indigenous population.

Rohee said the PNCR, through the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has seen it fit to denounce moves by the General Register Office (GRO) to equip Amerindians within the hinterland with birth certificates.

According to him, the Opposition is attempting to disenfranchise the Amerindians; an attempt, he stressed, which must be condemned. He explained that the acquisition of a birth certificate is key for Guyanese to be registered on the list of electors. “This is a right that the PPP has always advocated in an effort to preserve the constitutional right of eligible Guyanese. With regards to Amerindians, our party has

fought for their right to be heard and for them to vote, like every other citizen,” he added.

Rohee said it must be recalled that it was the PPP/C that worked relentlessly to remove the stigma of Amerindians being called second-class citizens, something that was encouraged under the PNC Administration.

Best interests

He added that the PNC remains bent on marginalising the indigenous population, pointing out that it was the APNU with the support of the Alliance For Change (AFC) that voted down financial support for Amerindians during the consideration of the National Budget. The Opposition had used its majority in the National Assembly to disapprove the $1.1 billion budgeted for Amerindian Development. This move was viewed as highly outra-

geous and unconscionable.

Rohee warned that the PPP/C will never sit idly by while the Opposition attempts to dehumanise Guyanese, in particular Amerindians, through its irrational decisions on human and social development.

“PPP would never sit idly by and allow the PNC/ APNU to dehumanise and stigmatise any citizen. Amerindians must rest assure that the PPP would continue to work in the best interest of the Amerindian people.”

Though the indigenous population was “battered” under the PNC regime, Rohee said significant progress has been made over the years to raise the standard of living of the first people, a process that is still ongoing.

The General Secretary maintained that Amerindians have always been seen as hard-working Guyanese who have undoubtedly gained the respect of the PPP/C.

“I have tremendous respect for them and that respect is there because I grow up in a party that has always had tremendous respect for the indigenous people of this country,” he added.

Asked whether the PPP/C will seek to increase its rating within Amerindian Villages, Rohee responded in the affirmative, but emphasised that like any other party of Guyana, the PPP/C has always seen the votes of the Amerindians as critical. “We are not merely electioneering or campaigning among the Amerindians simply because of the critical role they are playing. We have won many of the regions, the Amerindian communities, based on the delivery of goods and services,” Rohee posited.

Agri lands MoU

The millennium revolutionary

Satiricus has always wondered who’d keep the revolutionary flag burning in the present age. As a student of history (albeit a “slow one”, he admitted, dejectedly) he admired Robespierre of the French Revolution, Washington of the American’s, L’Overture of the Haitian, Lenin of the Russian, Mao of the Chinese and Fidel of the Cuban.

But those were all past - even Fidel had one foot in the grave.

And while Satiricus knew that the forces of history rolled inexorably forward, he knew too that you could never tell who exactly would embody the new, revolutionary “geist” - the revolutionary spirit of the age. But cometh the hour; cometh the leader, no?? And so it was that when the great Leader of the Opposition, GrainJa, demanded “revolutionary action” to stop the dictatorship the Government was establishing, he just knew the hour had arrived.

After all, how dare the President announce that before the Opposition “bruk up” Parliament, they should maybe sit down and parley!!! So what if the word “Parliament” came from the word “parley” which meant “to talk”.

What an insult!! This was just like telling people to “go eat cake” when they complained they had no bread! This was the straw that broke the donkey’s back. Hadn’t the fiery GreenBridge reminded the Government who dared to want dialogue what’d happened to Charles 1?? Off with his head!!

The revolutionary GrainJa immediately called upon his people to storm the Bastille. Well...the pink OP did look like a fortress, no? He called upon his ally from the KFC to rally to his side. And this is where Satiricus just knew that the hour had arrived for “the revolutionary of the millennium” when he heard that great leader of the KFC, RumJhaat respond to GrainJa.

“Oh GrainJa... We have listened to your call. But we must tell you now that dis time na lang time. Times change and we must change. Look how me and Naga Man used to drink El Dorado Rum. Now we drink Bush Rum.

“Your tactics of storming the OP is outdated. Look what happened to Markus Benchcapus and Phillipus Bynosus. One is doing charity work and the other is a charity case. In this new millennium, there has to be new revolutionary action.

“And it is this: we will continue to bombard the Government with our hard-hitting press releases and comments in the press. And let this statement ring from every hilltop: the pen is now mightier than the sword!! You can quote me on that!!”

All the hairs on Satiricus’ arms stood up. “Horripilation” it was called and it signaled awe!

High-level TT team for four-day visit

Trinidad and Tobago’s Trade Mission in Guyana will convene next Wednesday with a high-level delegation to further discuss a proposal by this country to lease thousands of acres of land for agricultural production, including agro-processing, to investors from that Caribbean island.

The T&T delegation will be led by Trinidad and Tobago Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj and Trade, Industry and Investment Minister Vasant Bharath. They will be accompanied by approximately 12 investors in the field of agriculture. Guyana’s

Agriculture Ministry made this disclosure on Monday.

The visit is in keeping with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries last September for the leasing of lands in Guyana by private investors from Trinidad and Tobago for the pursuit of agricultural production, including agro-processing.

During the four-day visit, presentations will be made by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission and GOInvest. Additionally, there will be a presentation on the Jagdeo’s Initiative and the Santa Fe Investment

Project (Citrus Project). Representatives from Trini Guy Foods, Sigma Group Limited, Deloitte and Touche, Caribbean Chemicals, Two Brother Corporation, Ricon Limited, and Saver’s Foods Incorporated Limited will be present. Thus far, the investors have indicated that they have major interest in the harvesting of fruits, yams, sweet potato, cassava, sweet corn, rice, ginger and soybean.

The crops that will be cultivated will be finalised in addition to the areas of choice during this upcoming meeting.

PPP/C prodigal sons, daughters returning home – Rohee

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)

General Secretary Clement Rohee on Monday said the Alliance For Change’s support in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) is dwindling as supporters return to the PPP/C.

According to Rohee, the AFC has failed miserably in making good on promises made to its supporters; hence, the party is experiencing a serious case of “haemorrhage”. “To the PPP, this is a very pleasing sign though it’s upsetting to the AFC,” he said. As he continued to celebrate this apparent progress in regaining the support of Berbicians, the General Secretary told the press that Berbicians were never really supporters of the AFC.

“But it is not really their supporters, they are not AFC supporters, these are the prodigal sons and daughters of the PPP and we have been working with them,” he posited. As the General Secretary, Rohee said, “I have tried my best to be the good shepherd who has returned to the hilltops, the mountains and the valleys to speak to our sons and daughters who were misled.” Without any sense of uncertainty, he added, “the fact of the matter is that the AFC would never gain Government.”

He also responded to a host of questions posed during his weekly press conference at Freedom House on the pending wages increase for public servants. It was recently announced that public servants and members of the disciplined forces would receive a five per cent to eight per cent increase on their wages and salaries as of December 31, 2013, retroactive to January 1, 2014. The announcement received widespread criticisms, but Rohee said it was basically an issue of affordability.

“Once it is an increase by the Government, obviously the People’s Progressive Party would support it; this doesn’t mean to say that we are anti-working class. Everything has to do with the affordability. I am certain that if the Government could have afforded more through the Ministry of Finance, it would have given more.”

In response to criticisms made by Leader of the

Jialing opens branch, announces massive discounts

Automobile Power Products (APP), also known as Jailing, officially launched its Robb Street branch on Friday during a small ceremony at the location – 56 Robb Street, Bourda, Georgetown.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

Opposition, David Granger, Rohee said: “I believe anybody would be grateful for a small freck nowadays.”

It was then he turned his attention to the failed promises of the AFC. “The AFC went to Berbice and they campaigned in 2011 that they would increase sugar workers’ salary by 20 per cent, they neither got corn or husk,” he said.

It was also an occasion where he spared no effort in condemning the AFC over the use of “threatening and inflammatory language” against the PPP/C, but in particular the former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh.

“These statements come on the heels of similar threats by APNU [A Partnership for National Unity], which lends credence to the popularly held perception, that the AFC is taking its cue from its senior party in the Opposition, against the PPP and its Civic component.”

These threats, he emphasised, should not be taken lightly. He pointed to the days when the People’s National Congress, the major component of APNU, ruled by “dictatorship”.

“Such threats cannot be dismissed as hot air emanating from a desperate and power-hungry Opposition. Under the PNC regime, any indication of opposition, real or imagined, would have resulted in victimisation or in the case of Mr Walter Rodney, death.”

But he warned that the Party will not sit idly by and allow the Opposition to undo the great economic and social progressive made by the PPP/C Administration.

In celebration of this achievement, APP launched a discount promotion where all motorcycles at the Robb Street location will be available at a reduced cost.

“Customers can enjoy $10,000 to $15,000 off on all motorcycles at this location, even the brand new 250 Eagle motorcycle, which only arrived two days ago (now seven days ago), is available at a special reduced cost,” a release from the entity stated.

There is also a discount on the Haojue swish scooter – as much as $15,000 off.

“This deal is on only until year-end, so I’d like to en-

the Robb Street location was closed since the building at 217 Charlotte Street was established. However, it decided to re-open the location and stock it with top brands with the intention of providing variety to customers.

The new branch houses all Eagle models and Haojue motorcycles; BMX, Oscar and Cronus bicycles; and Gree air conditioning units.

Spare parts and accessories needed for these products are also in stock. The release stated that the company plans to extend the list of products it has available, so it is urging customers to look out for the new brands. The Robb Street branch was where Jialing initially started many years ago, and the company is excited to have re-opened the location: “It has a lot of meaning for our company.”

High-level TT team...

In March, the Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Food Production had called on investors to tap into agricultural opportunities in Guyana, but from all indications, the investors have been trickling in. The process only ended recently.

Last year, the Trinidadian Food Production Ministry expressed an interest in utilising 10,000 acres of land in Guyana for the purpose of sustainable food production. The Guyanese Government had signalled its willingness to provide 1000 acres during the initial stages had the MoU evolved into an agreement.

The MoU was signed by Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

courage the public to check out our newly opened Robb Street location and save in on some cash for the Christmas season.”

and Minister Maharaj on September 6, 2013 in Trinidad and Tobago. The MoU detailed programmes and activities, core areas of cooperation, monitoring and coordinating mechanisms, mutual responsibility, commitments and settlements, rights and obligations, and scope for termination.

Recognising that global food insecurity remains a major problem across the world due to rising food prices amid declining food production levels owing to climate change, the parties had signed the agreement in their quest to reduce their food import bills.

For Trinidad, this plan is in keeping with its National Food Production Action Plan

The company noted that

from page 10

2012-2015.

The MoU provides guidance for the development, promotion and strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the countries through the development of joint ventures and activities that will contribute significantly to the promotion of food security, but does not impose action targets for either Guyana or Trinidad.

“In the execution of such programmes, projects and activities, the parties will give consideration to developing capacity in sectors critical for food security and reducing the food import bill, including but not limited to small ruminant production; dairy, beef and poultry production; certified seeds (rice)

production; corn and soybean for animal feed; garlic; onion; legumes; coconuts; citrus; and aquaculture,” a section of the MoU stated.

But shortly after the MoU was signed, the Trinidad and Tobago Agriculture Society, United Farmers Association and the Trinidad and Tobago Cane Producers Association objected to it. It was contended that the agreement would not bring about a dent in T&T’s $4 billion food importation bill. Even farmers in Guyana had signalled their objection, but the Agriculture Ministry had said it was simply a misunderstanding, explaining that if brought into fruition easier access will be provided to both markets.

wednesdAY, december 3, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Sun and Sand knocks

KN’s twisted reports

Sun and Sand Mining Resources Inc said it will not participate in a “trial by the media” even as it expressed dismay over reports published by Kaieteur News.

In its November 30, 2014 Edition under the caption “Local partner takes Sun and Sand to court for US$38M”, Garfield Harte accused the mining company of failing to make good on a business agreement. In that article, Harte alleged that he brought Sun and Sand Inc to Guyana in 2012 with the intention of developing a mining agreement. Considering his ownership of three mining blocks in the Cuyuni Mining District each valued in excess of $168 million, Harte said he entered a Joint Venture Agreement with the Sun and Sand Mining Resources Inc in August 2012 with the

intention of pooling their resources.

According to Harte, to date he has upheld his side of the bargain, but the mining company has apparently abandoned the partnership; hence, his move to file a lawsuit totalling US$38 million or G$7.7 billion.

But, according to Sun and Sand Mining Resources Inc, Kaieteur News was biased in its reporting on the matter. “The rush to publication of the details of a civil claim brought by Mr Garfield Harte against the company does not take into account the fact that the company refutes the allegations…and is defending the claim in accordance with the rules of the High Court,” the India-based firm said in a press statement on Tuesday.

According to the company, the complete absence

of balanced reporting by Kaieteur News in this matter is unfortunate, allowing for suspicion to arise with regard to the agenda behind such reporting.

In defence of its apparent innocence in the matter, Sun and Sand Mining Resources Inc said it remained committed to the Joint Venture Agreement. It was pointed out that millions of US dollars in equipment was imported in keeping with the agreement.

According to the company, it was Harte who breached the contract.

“….The claims being made by Harte Holdings demonstrate that the relationship between the parties has broken down and this breakdown, together with other failures, constitute grounds for the termination of the contract.”

Alleged carjacking trio held by Police

Three men are now in Police custody assisting with investigations following the discovery of two cars that were hijacked during recent robberies. The Toyota AT 212 motor cars were hidden under tarpaulin at a rented residence at Hummingbird Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

A Police source told the Guyana Times that up to late Tuesday evening, Police were taking statements from the owners of the vehicles. He added that from all indications, the men in custody were part of a carjacking ring. He explained that one of the vehicles was partially stripped while the other was intact. The parts, the Police believe, are used to assemble another vehicle in the same yard. The Police were contacted by a woman who claimed that her car’s battery was stolen. She was at the time leaving home but after her car did not start, she popped the bonnet and found the battery was missing.

As the Police arrived on the scene, they went to a yard in the area where they found the two cars as well as the woman’s battery. The persons at the address were arrested and were taken to the Brickdam Police Station. In addition, the Police ranks conducted a search of the premises where they discovered 35 .32 bullets.

Meanwhile, the Police

stated that about 13:50h on Tuesday, ranks of a motorcycle anti-crime patrol conducted a search of a motor vehicle at Foulis, East Coast Demerara during which an unlicensed .32 semi-automatic pistol with one round was found. The three occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody to assist with investigations.

Prisoner jailed for 48 months, fined $75,600 for trafficking in narcotics

Thirty-one-year-old Brian Haywood of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment, along with a $75,600 fine for a trafficking in narcotics offence.

The shoe maker appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday.

The allegation against him read that on October 15 at the Camp Street Prison, Georgetown, he had in his possession a narcotic, that is to say 63 grams of cannabis

for the purpose of trafficking.

The court heard that on the day in question, at around 13:35h, the Police and prison officers conducted a search on the defendant. They found two white buckets placed in another bucket with the handles removed. They became suspicious and decided to search the defendant.

While conducting the search, they found a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems which was suspected to be cannabis. Haywood was shown the suspected canna-

bis and asked about it. The substance was taken to the Police station where it was weighed in his presence and he admitted to owning the narcotic.

Haywood told the court that he wishes not to waste its time and pleaded guilty to the said offence. Laying down sentencing, Magistrate McLennan noted the facts that he did not waste the court’s time and that he pleaded guilty to the offence.

Haywood was sentenced to 48 months with a fine attached in a sum of $75,600.

Man remanded on illegal firearm, ammo possession charges

Thirty-nine-year-old Lance Da Silva was remanded to prison for the illegal possession of a gun and matching ammunition, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before presiding Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Tuesday afternoon.

The court heard that on November 30 at Hunter Street and Yarrow Dam, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Da Silva was found with a 9mm Glock pistol with 10 live matching rounds in his

car that we was driving. Da Silva is not a licensed firearm holder.

After entering a not guilty plea, Da Silva’s lawyer informed the court that he borrowed the vehicle and had no knowledge of the gun and ammunition.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones informed the court that the car was stopped and subsequently searched by Police ranks.

The defendant was remanded and is slated to return to court on December 3.

Marriott owner roasts Kaieteur News “pawn” story

The owner of the US$58 million 127room Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown has slammed reports emanating from the Kaieteur News, which state that the state-of-the-art facility has lost its bid for funding from Republic Bank Limited (RBL) and has in turn resorted to trading in the hotel and State lands for some

US$29 million. Guyana’s Government had earlier this year sought to acquire US$27 million in financing from Republic Bank. Kaieteur News, in its report, said that that deal had fallen through. The hotel, in its release, said the Kaieteur News report “is once again inaccurate, devoid of fact and deliberately intended to mislead the pub-

Defence of $300M drug smuggler... APNU’s Bond:

“Can’t let morals” affect client’s case

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) legislator James Bond on Tuesday defended his defence of a convicted drug trafficker amid criticism that his action has contradicted the stance being taken by his party.

Bond has come under fire for helping free Leonardo Bacchus a confessed cocaine trafficker, who was granted a suspended sentence for attempting to traffic some $300 million in cocaine. Bond told Guyana Times that he was a lawyer and it was thus his job to defend his clients to the best of his ability no matter their alleged crime.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) last Thursday said APNU should practice what they preached with regard to the issue of drug trafficking. The party stated that Bond’s defending of the guilty Bacchus was quite disingenuous because though he was a lawyer, he was also a member of APNU and thus was representing the party in such a case as well.

However, retired Brigadier David Granger, Leader of APNU, indicated his support for the parliamentarian as he had not done anything untoward to harm the image of the party. He said that the parliamentarian had maintained the relevant code of conduct for a parliamentarian and an APNU member.

Even so, Brigadier Granger indicated that consideration will need to be given to the potential for conflict between APNU members’ private lives and their posi-

lic”.

tions’ in the coalition.

Bond, in a bid to defend his representation of Bacchus, told this publication that he was not the defending lawyer in the case initially. He explained that of the two original lawyers, one died and the other dropped the case for unknown reasons. He said he became Bacchus’ lawyer only a month ago when his family approached him to present the litigation on the contravention of the defendant’s constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

Fair trial

He asserted that even if he was the defendant’s initial lawyer, it should not affect his platform as a member of APNU and a parliamentarian, as a lawyer takes an oath upon admission into the Bar to defend his clients to the best of his ability.

Bond said if the charges changed or the defendant pleaded guilty, it did not affect that lawyer-client relationship, as the lawyer was still obligated to ensure his client was given a fair trial with a firm defence. This obligation lawyers have towards their client is codified within the Legal Practitioners Act, according to Attorney Bond.

The Oath in section 10 of the act states that “I, A.B., do swear (or solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm) that I will well and truly serve the people of Guyana according to the best of my learning and knowledge in the law, and I will truly counsel and advise them that retain me according to the best of my skill, and I will not defer, protract, or delay their causes willingly for lucre or hope of reward.” Bond said “I can’t let my religion, morals… affect my client’s case.”

The Attorney said that he will defend anyone charged with murder, manslaughter, robbery, drug possession or any other crime because they deserve a fair trial as everyone else. He said that he did not agree with his clients’ actions in quite a number of cases, but “the law rather a thousand men go free than one innocent man go to jail”. The attorney posited that the law condemns persons who are guilty, not those who are yet to be proven so.

“The Kaieteur News report has referred to the publication of mortgages in the Official Gazette of November 22nd, 2014, by Atlantic Hotel Inc to Republic Bank Ltd of Trinidad and Tobago, claiming this to be evidence that the financial arrangements by Republic Bank for the financing of the Marriott operated Hotel have fallen through and that AHI was ‘pawning off the hotel’”.

The report also claimed

that the published mortgages were for assets amounting to “US$29M slightly more than what was supposed to be sourced through Republic Bank”. The newspaper report also claimed that the publication of the mortgages is evidence of a ‘change of plans’ for the financing of the hotel.

Completely wrong

But the hotel, in response, said such information could not be farther

from the truth, since in the Official Gazette, a figure for the mortgages was not disclosed. “The amount named by the Kaieteur News is completely wrong,” the release said. The hotel said the publication of the mortgages provides evidence that the arrangement with RBL is being concluded, with the funding committed to by the bank. “The publication of these mortgages is consistent with standard procedures for the security of a loan agreement and is in line with the financial arrangements published in the feasibility studies for the construction of the hotel project,” the statement said.

It said the publication of the mortgages by AHI is consistent with the announcement made by AHI and RBL on May 24, 2014 of “the completion of the financial arrangements by Republic Bank for a syndicated borrowing of US$27M in debt financing for AHI… for the construction of the Marriott operated hotel and the

shell of an Entertainment Complex”.

The ownership of the Marriott hotel project, the assets of which total in excess of US$58 million, remains with AHI and the syndicated loan of US$27 million will be repaid from its operations.

“AHI has, on more than one occasion, pointed out that the conclusion of the Republic Bank financing is a requirement for the conclusion of the arrangements with the principal investors to acquire 67 per cent of the equity of AHI.”

The company has also described as “unfortunate and irresponsible” AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan reportedly taking pride over his efforts to discourage the commitment of international investors for this project. The proposed five-star Marriott Hotel is almost complete. It is hoped that on its completion, the hotel will be able to meet guests’ expectation.

Climate change impacts heat up UN talks in Lima

With 2014 on track to become the warmest year on record and time running short, more than 190 nations began talks on a new worldwide deal to limit greenhouse gas emissions and keep global warming from causing irreversible damage.

New targets for fossil fuel use were announced ahead of the climate conference by the US, the European Union and China, the first Asian nation to make such a pledge. This has injected optimism into negotiations that are supposed to climax in Paris next year with the adoption of a long-awaited climate pact.

But India, Russia, Japan and Australia have yet to commit to new limits; and scientists say much sharper emissions cuts are needed in coming decades to keep global warming within two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) of pre-industrial times, the overall goal of the UN talks. Global temperatures have already risen about 0.8 degrees Celsius (1.3 degrees Fahrenheit), and more heat-trapping gases are emitted every year.

Every degree of warming can cause long-lasting impacts, from melting ice caps and rising sea levels to the loss of species. “Human influence on the

Peru’s Environment Minister and new President of COP20, Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, talks during the opening ceremony of the Climate Change Conference in Lima, Peru, Monday, December 1. Delegates from more than 190 countries will meet in Lima for the next two weeks to work on drafts for a global climate deal that is supposed to be adopted next year in Paris

climate system is clear,” Rajendra Pachauri, who leads the UN’s panel of climate-change experts, told delegates at the opening session in Lima on Monday.

To have a decent chance of revers-

ing the warming trend before the planet hits the two-degree mark, the world needs to slash emissions by 40 per cent to 70 per cent by 2050 and to near-zero by the end of the century, according to the panel’s assessments. (Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

1033 child marriages in one year

There were 1033 child marriages reported in the year 2011. And while one out of three people say they know of a case of child abuse, only one in five people report it to authorities.

These are some of the figures given in a report of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) Caribbean Regional Support Team. The report’s findings, based on an October 2013 poll of 1176 people, were released to the media.

On child marriage, the study quoted the Central Statistical Office figures which stated there were 1033 teen marriages recorded during the census exercise in 2011.

Under current laws, children can be married with a parent’s consent before 18 (Marriage Act section 23). For Muslim marriages: the minimum age is 12 years old for girls, and age 16 for boys (Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act section 8). For Hindu marriages, the minimum age is 14 years old for girls and age 18 for boys (Hindu Marriage Act section 11(1)).

The UNAIDS study found that the majority of respondents – 67 per cent – oppose these laws. The survey found that 53 per cent of Muslims and 50 per cent of Hindus do not support these laws.

The UNAIDS study found that the majority of respondents – 67 per cent – oppose these laws. The survey found that 53 per cent of Muslims and 50 per cent of Hindus do not support these laws

US to donate J$45M for Police body cameras

The United States Government has committed US$400,000 (J$45.4 million) to purchase body cameras for the Jamaican Police, moving the long-anticipated project one step closer to reality.

Meanwhile, Minister of National Security Peter Bunting, who made the disclosure to The Gleaner recently, said Jamaica and the US have settled on specifications for the cameras and that the procurement process is already under way.

In the aftermath of the controversial Police killing of popular cook shop operator Nakia Jackson in downtown Kingston, on January 20, Bunting announced later that month that his Ministry would embark on a project that would see members of select units within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) wearing body cameras.

He promised then that

the project would be rolled out in the second half of this year.

Since the Minister’s announcement, KingAlarm Systems, one of the country’s leading private security companies, has spent more than J$25 million to outfit all its guards with body cameras while they are on duty, as well as to purchase the computer software required to monitor and store the images gathered and train staff.

However, during a recent interview with The Gleaner, Bunting shied away from giving another timeline when Jamaicans could see members of the JCF fitted with body cameras while they are on operations.

“They [US Government] are the ones procuring the cameras, so it is within their procurement process, so as you can appreciate, it’s out of my control,” he underscored. (Excerpt from Jamaica Gleaner)

Dozens of Haitian detainees escape from Saint Marc jail

Thirty-four detainees have escaped from a prison in the Haitian city of Saint Marc, 100km (60 miles) North of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The inmates crawled through a window after sawing through its metal bars.

Police said so far only four of the fugitives, all of whom were awaiting trial, had been captured.

All five guards on duty

at the time of the escape have been detained on suspicion of helping them flee, officials said. The jail break comes less than three months after more than 300 prisoners escaped from a prison in Croix-desBouquets, on the outskirts of the capital.

Haiti’s prisons are notoriously overcrowded and violent. Because of the slow pace of the country’s justice

system many people spend years in jail before their case comes to trial.

Haiti continues to struggle to recover from the devastating 2010 earthquake which left much of the country destroyed and crippled its official institutions. According to the World Bank, Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas and one of the poorest nations in the world. (BBC News)

St Lucia economy is on the rebound – PM Anthony

PRespondents were also asked about their perceptions of different types of child abuse. All three types – sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect – were considered to be problems in Trinidad and Tobago. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

On child abuse, the poll’s findings state, “One in four people has personal knowledge of recent child abuse.” Further, “While close to a third of respondents knew of a case of child sexual abuse or neglect in the last year, one in five reported knowledge of child physical abuse.”

New structure for former Netherlands Antilles under discussion

The Lower House in the Dutch Parliament started discussions on Monday on a possible new structure for Curacao, St Maarten and Aruba, with the parties involved indicating that the former Netherlands Antilles islands have to choose whether to tackle their problems of finances and corruption or opt for a commonwealth.

This initiative was prompted by a note from the Dutch parties VVD and the

SP; however, there is some controversy over the issue in the Dutch Parliament. During the consultation, the parties spoke about a new partnership in which the relationship with the Netherlands is equitable. In the case of a Commonwealth the islands are independent but have cooperation as a starting point.

Other parties, however, are opposed to this and believe that rules laid down in the Charter for the Kingdom

of the Netherlands must be followed. In other words, “the financial problems and corruption must be tackled without the islands reacting against Dutch involvement.”

“The Netherlands is responsible under the statute and must intervene sometimes,” said VVD MP André Bosman. Kingdom Relations Minister Ronald Plasterk was not present during Monday’s debate.

(Caribbean News Now)

rime Minister, Dr Kenny Anthony says the local economy is beginning to turn around and St Lucia should return to positive growth by the next financial year.

Anthony, addressing the conference of delegates of the ruling St lucia Labour Party (SLP) said there is no doubt that the one issue that transcends all other issues and “that is on the mind of every citi -

zen is the state of our economy.

“We inherited a broken economy from the UWP. Our job is to fix it,” Anthony said, telling supporters there is light at the end of the tunnel and “we are on the right track. We must persevere to the end”.

He said negative growth has now decelerated “and I believe that we will see a return to positive growth next financial year. “We have

bottomed out. Little green shoots of growth have begun to appear,” Anthony said, noting that the recovery is being led by the tourism sector.

“Today, we are experiencing stay over arrivals that are six per cent above the recorded figure for the same period last year. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we are set for a record year in tourism arrivals.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

LIAT fires two pilots for disregarding instructions

LIAT’s Chief Executive Officer David Evans has confirmed that the regional airline recently terminated two pilots charged with blatantly disregarding instructions from the company’s flight operations department and flying an aircraft to VC Bird International Airport just

hours before the recent passage of tropical storm Gonzalo.

Evans said: “This decision to terminate followed a full internal investigation of the incident during which the pilots were represented. “The Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) has repeatedly

called for LIAT’s management to take action against indiscipline and we are doing just that.

“The company is committed to improving its service delivery to the public and will continue to take appropriate action as required from time to time.” (Caribbean News Now)

Kenyan security chiefs replaced after massacre

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has replaced his Interior Minister and Police Chief following a massacre by Islamist group al-Shabab.

The President asked Kenyans to unite, and said: “We will not flinch in war against terrorists.”

Kenya’s Police Chief David Kimaiyo stood down, while Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku was dismissed. Earlier, al-Shabab killed 36 quarry workers in the north-eastern Mandera region near the Somali border.

The group attacked the workers around midnight on Monday while they were asleep in tents at the quar-

ry in Kormey, 15 kilometres (nine miles) from the town of Mandera. Non-Muslim workers were shot dead after being separated from the Muslims.

“This is a war against Kenya and Kenyans,” Kenyatta said on national TV on Monday. “It is a war that every one of us must fight.”

“The time has come for each and every one of us to decide and choose – are you on the side of an open, free, democratic Kenya... or do you stand with repressive, intolerant extremists?”

He said Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku had been fired, and he nominated an Opposition politician

and former army general, Joseph Nkaissery, as his replacement.

The President also announced that he had accepted Kimaiyo’s wish to retire.

Correspondents say both Kimaiyo and Lenku have been under pressure to resign amid growing concern over security in Kenya following a spate of attacks.

Al-Shabab said it carried out the attack, blaming the involvement of Kenyan forces in Somalia “and their ongoing atrocities therein, such as the recent air strikes on Muslims”.

The group put the number of those killed at 40, higher than official accounts. (Excerpt from BBC News)

India, France close to sealing US$15B aircraft deal

An Indian defence spokesman says India is close to finalising a deal to buy 126 Rafale fighter planes for about 12 billion euros (US$15 billion). It would be France’s first foreign sale of the combat-tested planes.

France and French manufacturer Dassault Aviation have been trying for years to

sell the jets abroad. French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is currently visiting India.

Defence spokesman Sitanshu Kar said on Tuesday that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar met his French counterpart on Monday.

Kar said the two Ministers discussed all de-

fence issues between the two countries and decided to resolve all outstanding issues, including Rafale, quickly.

A French defence official, who was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, also confirmed that the two Defence Ministers agreed to accelerate negotiations. (Times of India)

Lebanon detains Islamic State leader’s wife

Lebanese security forces have detained a wife and son of Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi near the border with Syria, the army says.

The pair, whose names were not given, were picked up by military intelligence after entering Lebanon 10 days ago.

The al-Safir newspaper reported that Baghdadi’s wife was being questioned at the Lebanese Defence Ministry.

In June, Baghdadi was named the leader of the “caliphate” created by IS in the parts of Syria and Iraq it controls.

Last month, the group denied reports that he had been killed or injured in an air strike by United Statesled forces near the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. It released an audio recording purportedly of Baghdadi in which he said the caliphate was expanding and called for “volcanoes of jihad” to erupt.

Around the world

Hong Kong protest leaders to “surrender”

The three original founders of Hong Kong’s “Occupy Central” protest movement have announced that they will “surrender” to Police while some other protesters started a hunger strike and called for a new wave of protests.

Occupy Central leaders have urged protesters in the Chinese-controlled city to retreat a day after activists clashed with Police and forced the temporary closure of a Government headquarters.

“As we prepare to surrender, we three urge the stu-

dents to retreat, to put down deep roots in the community and transform the movement,” said Occupy Central leader Benny Tai at a press conference on Tuesday.

He said the trio would surrender to Police today, in a commitment to the rule of law and “the principle of peace and love”.

“Surrendering is not an act of cowardice. It is the courage to act on a promise. To surrender is not to fail, it is a silent denunciation of a heartless Government,” Tai said.

He praised the bravery of frontline occupiers and crit-

icised the police as “out of control”, saying it was time for protesters to leave “this dangerous place”.

“The decision was surprising for many. It was a highly emotional press conference,” Al Jazeera’s Sarah Clarke, reporting from Hong Kong, said.

“The leaders say that they cannot guarantee the safety of the people who remain ... However, they say that they will respect the decision of the protesters who want to continue with protests and stay in central Hong Kong,” our correspondent added. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Israeli PM fires top ministers, setting stage for early elections

Israel’s Prime Minister has sacked two senior Cabinet Ministers from his divided Government and said he will call early elections.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Tuesday he had ordered the dismissals of Finance Minister Yair Lapid and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni.

“I will not tolerate any opposition in my Government,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office quoted him as saying. It said he would call for

dissolving the Parliament as soon as possible, to seek a “clear mandate” from the public to lead the nation.

Netanyahu planned a nationwide address later on Tuesday.

The current Government took office in early 2013 and has been riven by divisions.

The coalition Government has been divided over key issues in recent weeks, and Lapid and Livni have emerged as fierce critics of the Prime Minister.

Describing them as “a valuable catch”, al-Safir said that, in coordination with foreign intelligence services, the IS leader’s wife and son were detained at a border crossing near the town of Arsal while trying to enter Lebanon from Syria with forged papers.

They were currently being held for interrogation at the Defence Ministry’s headquarters in al-Yarza, in the hills overlooking Beirut, it added. (Excerpt from BBC News)

French lawmakers have voted 339 to 151 in favour of a symbolic motion to recognise Palestine as a state.

The National Assembly’s vote on Tuesday is likely to raise domestic political pressure on the French Government to be more active on the issue.

While the vote is nonbinding, Paris has in the past already made known that it plans to recognise a Palestinian nation “when the time comes”, arguing that a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict logically implies recognition of Palestine.

The vote will likely anger Israel further after similar resolutions were approved by British MPs on October 13 and Spanish MPs on November 18. Sweden also voted to recognise Palestine as a state on October 30.

“Israel believes that the vote in the National Assembly ... will reduce the possibility of achieving a deal between Israel and the Palestinians,” the Israeli Embassy in Paris said in a statement less than an hour after the motion was passed.

Al Jazeera’s Andrew

“The firing of Ministers is an act of cowardice and loss of control,’’ Lapid said after his dismissal.

“We are sad to see that the Prime Minister has chosen to act without consideration for the national interest and to drag Israel to unnecessary elections.’’ Netanyahu’s coalition, dominated by the rightwing, is split on a range of issues, including the 2015 budget, high living costs, policy towards the Palestinians and a Jewish nation-state bill that critics say discriminates against Israel’s Arab minority. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

French MPs recognise Palestine as state

Simmons, reporting from Jerusalem, said: “When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was asked about the motion, he said it would be a ‘grave mistake’.”

“Subdued anger is likely to be their response.”

The Palestinian leadership urged France to act on the parliamentary vote.

“We call on the French government to translate its

parliament’s vote into action,” Hanan Ashrawi, a senior leader in the Palestine Liberation Organisation, said in a statement.

Last week, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told MPs the United Nations Security Council was working on a resolution to relaunch and conclude peace talks. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

GPSU rejects wage increase for public servants ... strike action being mulled to join APNU’s protests

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has outright rejected what it described as the arbitrary imposition of five and eight per cent increases for public service workers and has made veiled threats to take its members to the streets, which could see them joining A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) in separate protest actions.

Deeming it an “insult” to public sector employees, GPSU President Patrick Yarde said Government’s decision to give the builders of the nation a mere five and eight per cent increase to their salaries is a slap in the face and will not be accepted.

He said however, that the Union may accept the eight per cent increase for every public sector worker as an interim payment until an agreement could be reached. Last week, the Office of the President (OP) announced that public service workers will receive a five per cent increase to their salaries ret-

roactive from January 2014.

In a release to the press, OP had declared that public servants and members of the Disciplined Forces earning above $50,000 monthly in wages and salaries as of December 31, 2013, were being granted an across the board increase of five per cent. “Those earning less than $50,000 monthly as at December 31, 2013, would be receiving eight per cent across the board increase.”

But Yarde, at a press conference on Tuesday said that the move by the Office of the President was an insult to the working class, pointing out that Government year after year continues to impose wages and salaries without collective agreements. “This executive conduct was displayed notwithstanding the fact that it was in conflict with the Constitution and laws of Guyana, legally binding collective agreements between the Government of Guyana and the GPSU which exist and is in force, as well as the ILO Conventions 87, 98 and 151 an obligated

to act in accordance with the requirements of conventions that are in force”, Yarde told reporters.

Yarde said that the union will give Government officials 48 hours to commence negotiations for wages and salaries increase for this year. He said he has already drafted a letter which was sent to the Head of State on Tuesday. Contained in that letter is the Union’s ultimatum.

“It ought to be clear that the President was kept abreast with what was going on. Apart from these official correspondences, whenever I meet with the President I have raised this concern with him, the last time being September 1 last. On each occasion, I was assured that his intentions were honourable”, Yarde related, continuing that the President ought to recognise that by virtue of that commitment, which was publicised, he had created a legitimate expectation to public sector workers and the law abiding pubic.

The letter to the Head of

State said the arbitrary increase imposed by his office flies in the face of his previously stated commitment to a process of collective bargaining to arrive at wages and salaries increase for public servants and is similar to a dictator’s treatment of the work force under him. “The Union sees the imposition as a breach of trust entitling us to express the view that we no longer have confidence in your Administration to give the public servants a fair deal”.

The letter also threatened that unless Government is prepared to honour its commitments and take action to reverse the “travesty”, the GPSU will have no other choice but to stand in defence of its rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Guyana as well as international treaties under which Guyana is obligated. Yarde alleged that the move by Government was concealed in a conspiracy against the working people. “I say this because we are again faced with an arbitrary imposition…”

Prior to 2014, Yarde recalled that Guyana’s Government for 13 consecutive years arbitrarily imposed wages and salaries on public sector workers. “It must be noted that also that during the 13 years of impositions of wages and salaries, most allowances that were conditions of service were not addressed, mainly travelling allowances which was last reviewed in 1995”, the GPSU President complained.

Yarde said Government is duty bound to respect and comply with the tenets articulated in every instrument. The “uncaring abuse and anti-working class conduct” he said has been very devastating to the public service workforce and their families relegating, the majority of them to poverty and degradation and having to prevail in an environment of misery.

Yarde said that several approaches were made to the Union by other stakeholders to purse a course of dialogue. Subsequent to those engagements, President Ramotar had also given a public commitment in January this year promising that he would cease impositions and negotiate. According to the Union President, this is yet to be seen.

“The arbitrary imposition of five to eight per cent is an insult and is therefore rejected. The Union is therefore making it quite clear that the Administration is incapable of rising to the challenge of labour”.

Govt to blank approval for Exec Jet Club flights … says Benn, as

BY VAhNu MANIkchAND

In light of Guyanese businessman Khemraj

Lall’s interception last week in Puerto Rico with US$620,000 in cash on board his private jet, the operations of his local executive air service, Exec Jet Club, has been halted. Government announced on Tuesday that it will not grant any approval for flights during this period of review.

This is according to Transport Minister Roberson Benn, at a press briefing on Tuesday evening. He stated that none of the company’s two Westwind 1 Jets is in Guyana presently nor has the Ministry been in contact with anyone from the company.

“The operations have ceased naturally, as far as I am aware. The other issues we will detail over the next days with respect to the activities after consultations with the law enforcement agencies, but the operations have naturally ceased,” Benn told reporters.

Nevertheless, the Minister stated that the Ministry will be reviewing all the issues relating to the operations of Exec Jet Club including the procedures of other internal agencies when dealing with the company. He further affirmed that as protocol entails, his Ministry will not be approving any flights for Exec Jet Club.

The Transport Minister went on to rubbish allegations of “certain courtesies” being extended to Lall and

operations

halted

his company, stating that persons with such information should make a report to the Ministry while it reviews the operations of the company. Additionally, Benn noted that the Ministry was also looking into the actions of a staff of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) who is at the supervisory level and is said to have a “moon-lighting” arrangement with the company at the gas station on the East Bank of Demerara that is owned by Lall.

Benn disclosed that Exec Jet Club has made 18 flights thus for the year. He explained that all of the flights had to be vetted by the Ministry beforehand and the procedural checks had to be made by the Immigration and Custom Officers at the airport. He further stated that

President Donald Ramotar has used the services of the company on three occasions: to go once to Antigua, St Vincent and to Brazil. “In all of those cases, it is much more economical, on time – in terms of connections to those places and on money – if you compare the use of Exec Jet Club LLC’s services compared to the normal operators,” he explained.

The Minister disclosed that while he was not privy to the financial information, he recalled being part of a discussion to get the President transported to Antigua within a limited timeframe and when checks were made, Exec Jet Club proved to be more economi-

cal both in terms of cost and time.

Special arrangements

Benn dispelled what he called “foolish notions” that there were special arrangements in place between the company and Government to facilitate these trips. “Any Guyanese with the means and the money could have gone to Exec Jet Club Limited Liabilities Company and access the services in like manner and their using the services would not have impugned their use of the service, or their character or their relationship between what is an arms-length operator.”

The Transport Minister outlined that Government wants services that operate with integrity and that has been the process thus far. On the issue of Lall being granted permission to construct

a hangar at the CJIA, Benn said at the time approval was given, Government was satisfied with the information it had about the company and Lall’s knowledge of the aviation sector.

In addition, Benn mentioned that Government also took into account that the Exec Jet Club is a United States-registered company and relied to some extent on due diligence done in that country.

“We were satisfied up to that point as to the bona fides, the representations, the licensing which was brought from the United States of America with respect to the company and the aircraft, that we had an upfront organisation to deal with.”

Back in August 2010, Lall had approached Government with a proposal of developing an ex-

ecutive aircraft service and in December the following year, the CJIA received an application for land to construct a hangar to facilitate an executive jet service and air ambulance service. In October 2012, Cabinet had approved the lease to construct the hangar which was scheduled to be fully completed by this year end.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the CJIA have pointed out that Exec Jet Club is not a club but a Limited Liability Company, while noting that the company was given approval on a per flight basis and not granted blanket approval to operate in to Guyana. A joint statement by the two entities states “… all of the flights operated in to and out of Guyana by Exec Jet are legal and the company is duly authorised to conduct

such flights by competent aeronautical authorities”.

The statement further detailed that all the company’s flights would have adhered to CJIA’s established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to operate in and out of Guyana. “These procedures require that the flights be processed on the International Apron and must be cleared by Customs, Immigrations, CANU [Customs AntiNarcotics Unit] and other law enforcement agencies. Checks with senior representatives of these agencies have confirmed that their SOPs were followed in every instance for all of Exec Jet Club flights.”

Additionally, the two organisations clarified that no instructions were given to the staff to waive the airport’s security procedures with regard to Exec Jet Club’s staff ingress and egress at the airport. The CJIA’s security supervisors have verified that at all times these checks were carried out as is customary for all operators accessing the restricted areas at the airport.

After spending more than one week in the Metropolitan Detention Centre at Puerto Rico, Lall successfully secured bail when he appeared in the Federico Degetau Federal Building, San Juan, on Monday. Lall was placed on US$100,000 bail and was given the green light to return to New Jersey on the condition that he did not visit Guyana by presiding Magistrate Marcos Lopez. (vahnu@guyanatimesgy.com)

BIT graduates 78 persons in Bartica

Seventy eight youths from Bartica, Region Seven graduated in several disciplines as part of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) programme.

The areas covered are: engineering; building construction; health services; information technology and home economics. Ten single parents also completed training in catering.

During the brief ceremony which was held at Leanna’s Kidde Park, Bartica, Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopaul congratulated the batch and urged them to continue to elevate themselves as they hold the key to the country’s future. The Minister also pointed out to the gathering that over the years government has been investing heavily in the development of its people through educational programmes.

He made reference to the fact that government has been supporting families through its uniform, school feeding, transportation and more recently its $10,000 education grant initiative, which have all contributed to a higher number of school children in the education system.

He added that Guyana has made primary education compulsory, but in order to end child labour it is important to make secondary education compulsory as

well. He also noted that “we believe for Guyana to develop, everybody has to play a part that is why the opportunity is given to everybody, all races in every possible

Growth in Caribbean will rebound to 2.2% in 2015 – ECLAC forecasts

Economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean will recover in 2015 and reach 2.2% on average, according to new estimates unveiled on Tuesday by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

According to the regional United Nations organization, this moderate rise will take place in the context of the global economy’s slow and heterogeneous recovery, with downward pressure on commodity prices and little dynamism in the region’s external demand as well as an increase in financial uncertainty.

The evolution of the global economy will have different impacts among countries and sub-regions in 2015, as it did throughout 2014. Central America plus Haiti and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean are expected to grow at a rate of 4.1%, South America at 1.8%, and the English-speaking Caribbean at 2.2%.

The countries leading the regional expansion next

year will be Panama, with an increase in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 7.0%, Bolivia (5.5%), Peru, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua (5.0%). In 2014, average regional growth was just 1.1%, marking the smallest expansion since 2009.

The region’s performance shows great heterogeneity among countries and subregions: Central America plus Haiti and the Spanishspeaking Caribbean grew 3.7%, South America 0.7%, and the English-speaking Caribbean 1.9%.

In fiscal terms, Latin America will register a slight increase in its deficit to 2.7% of GDP in 2014 from 2.4% in 2013, while the Caribbean will reduce its deficit to 3.9% in 2014 from 4.1% last year. In addition, the public debt of the region’s countries will remain at low and stable levels, averaging around 32% of GDP.

Meanwhile, accumulated regional inflation in the 12 months to October was 9.4% on average, with a very diverse performance among countries, and the

urban open unemployment rate will register a fresh decline to 6.0% from 6.2% the previous year, despite the weak job creation resulting from low economic growth. The deceleration in investment observed since 2011, and which showed a roughly 3.5% contraction during 2014, is an important factor in the decline of the GDP growth rate.

These figures were presented during a press conference at ECLAC’s headquarters in Santiago, Chile, by the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena, and are part of the annual report Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2014, which will be published soon. “To invigorate economic growth and stop deceleration in the global economy’s current context entails significant challenges for the region,” Alicia Bárcena said during the press conference. “Among these, it is necessary to revive domestic demand prioritizing the dynamic of investment.

area.”

Guyana’s BIT programme was hailed by Mexico and Colombia in 2013 as a model for youth training and reducing unem-

ployment. Also present at the graduation was Region Seven Chairman, Gordon Bradford who told the graduating class that this is the beginning of better things

to come. The chairman encouraged the graduates to further develop themselves, their region and their country as a whole. He also lauded the large number of parents who turned out in support of their children and noted that it is important for them to do so.

Vice Chairman of BIT, Nowrang Persaud in brief remarks noted that industrial training plays a huge part in today’s society as he encouraged the participants to continue to lift up themselves, and play a part in the economic development of their country.

The ceremony was also attended by Chief Executive Officer of BK International, Brain Tiwarie who along with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) provided equipment for the training of individuals in the area of heavy- duty machinery under the BIT programme. This year’s batch represents a three-fold increase over the number of persons trained in 2013 in the region under the programme. Overall about 3,000 persons graduated in 2013 from BIT programme. More than 8,000 people have accessed training under the programme.

New GMC gets computers to help in data collection

The work of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) to better collect and analyse production data of non-traditional agriculture crops in a timely manner received a timely boost as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Monday handed over four desktop computers to the entity.

The donation is part of the FAO/TCP project titled, “Support for the Enhancement of the National Agricultural Market Information System in Guyana” the ministry said in a release. Agriculture Ministry Dr. Leslie Ramsammy in delivering brief remarks reiterated the importance of such a programme noting that it will pave the way for the Ministry of Agriculture to have a more functional Market information system.

“This will ensure that that we readily have available appropriate price and volume data at local markets, market requirements and price data for export as well as crop forecast for local production among other,” he said.

Apart from the purchase of the five computers the US$121,000 project also saw the production Data Collection strategy for Nontraditional agriculture crops being finalized, the development of a training curriculum as well as training programs for extension officers, crop reporters and price collectors.

According to Dr. Ramsammy, the project will ensure that Guyana significantly contribute to the promotion of regional food security and contribute to alleviating one of the key binding constraints of the

Jagdeo Initiative which is the lack of market information.

Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Country Representative to Guyana Ms. Khadija Musa who also holds the portfolio as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative spoke of the importance in ensuring farmers readily access information as to what, when and how much of a particular crop to plant. This, she says, is necessary so as to better capitalize on the high prices and avoid gluts on the market.

The work done thus far, by the Ministry of Agriculture is essential in ensuring farmers having access to data…however, to further expand the current market information system to ensure.

TUESDAY'S WORD

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

Don’t let others take advantage of you. Deal with your own responsibilities first, and don’t feel like you have to take on someone else’s task without receiving credit or recognition. Be your own advocate and speak up.

A healthier lifestyle can be yours if you tackle it like any other project. Decide where you want to be, outline the steps to get there and take action.

Wise budgeting and selfdiscipline will help relieve stress. If money matters are preying on your mind, talk with someone who can shed some light on current moneysaving trends.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Be patient when helping elderly relatives. Health issues and changing times are challenging and fretful for everyone. Romance is looking good. Once your responsibilities are complete, celebrate with someone you love.

Don’t invest your hardearned cash in someone else’s future. Instant returns seldom occur as promised. Personal change will be possible with the support of a trusted ally. Believe in yourself.

Unexpected visitors or interruptions will throw your schedule off course. Don’t worry about sticking to your timetable. Use this time to entertain and enjoy the company of others.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Alterations to your appearance or image will bring renewed interest from a former partner. Be firm with anyone trying to dictate what you can and cannot do.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You may not be able to see the obvious solution to a problem. Step back and distance yourself from a dilemma until you gain clarity. Impulsive action will lead to a mistake you’ll regret.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

A posting regarding a professional financial gain will not live up to expectations or resemble what has been advertised. Abide by the rules and don’t try to cut corners.

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

Do something memorable for someone you think is special. Shake things up and make the alterations required to get out of a repetitive pattern. Once you take control, you will feel invigorated.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Consider gaining knowledge about something that interests you. If local schools don’t offer what you need at a convenient time or place, using an online education system may be the better route.

Prepare sufficiently for an interview. A geographic distance may not be as big an obstacle as you imagine. Don’t rule out broadening your search for a better position.

Celebrity squads for ‘Respect the Game’ charity basketball announced

On December 13, basketball fans will have a chance to see some of Guyana’s public figures and brand managers lace up their sneaks for a charity basketball game being dubbed “Respect the Game”.

The game slated to help bring fans back to the sport as well as generating funds to donate to various charities is expected to generate a few laughs as well as some top plays during the course of the game.

Captain of team Toney, Rawle Toney (Chronicle News Sport Journalist) and Captain of team Bond being led by Politician James Bond revealed their respective squads on Tuesday.

The celebrity members of team Toney will include; Courts Guyana Marketing Manager, Pernel Cummings, Proprietor of Wind Jammer International Hotel, Carey Griffith, US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Robert Adelson, Founder of SASOD Joel Simpson, Broadcaster Nerissa Pearson, Ronald Grogan out of Canada, Giftland’s Compton Bobb and FIBA referee Lugard Mohan.

GFA Banks Beer Cup starts Friday

– other association teams invited to join at KO stage

Sixteen affiliates of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) will begin the quest for top honours in the fourth annual Banks Beer Cup, set to kick off on Friday in the city.

round will earn the right to move forward.

He said the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Tucville and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) grounds are the venues earmarked for matches in the preliminary round.

The first division players of the team will include; Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai (Ravens), Dominic Vincente (Ravens), Shelroy Thomas (Colts), Stephan Gillis (Pacesetters), Shane Webster (Colts), Drumson McCually (Nets) and Kester Gomes. The Coach of the team will be Raven’s Darcel Harris.

Meanwhile on the opposite bend, team Bond’s celebrity makeup will include; Javed Ali (Chief Executive of the Slingerz Sound), Faizal Khan (Guyanese football aficionado), Malcolm ‘Mr. Wickedee’ Ferreira (radio host 94.1 Fm) and Nuriyyih Gerrard (radio host 94.1 Fm), Curtis ‘Casual’ Armstrong (radio host 98.1 Fm), Chad Ramsarup (Journalist), Edison Jefford (Sports Journalist), Christopher

Barnwell (Guyana and West Indies cricketer), Cardella Hamilton (model), Joel Browne, Herman Liverpool and Roger Yearwood (Attorney-at-Law).

The first division players will include; Ryan Gullen (Ravens), Royston Siland (Pacesetters), Jermaine Slater (Ravens) and the high-flying Tyrone Hamid (Ravens), Travis Burnett (Pacesetters), Rodwell Fortune (Ravens), Jarrell Allen (Berbice), Ryan Stephney (Ravens) and Chris Williams (Linden). The Coach of the team will be

Sonics’ Mark Agard.

Meanwhile, Giftland OfficeMax on Tuesday handed over sponsorship for the event, “We love this concept from this group as a means of respecting the game we all love,” Marketing Representative, Delroy Dash said of reason behind the sponsorship.

The night of action is expected to tip off from 19:00hs with a high school game before the University of Guyana takes on Qualfon before the featured game between Team Toney and Team Bond.

Taylor shocked by Australian whitewash

Top West Indies Women batter

Stafanie Taylor has described the team’s performance during their recent tour of Australia as poor.

The regional women, who led the new ICC Women’s Championship table ahead of the Australians heading into the tour, were whitewashed 4-0 by the hosts in both one-day and Twenty20 Internationals.

The loss in the onedayers also resulted in Australia overtaking the team after two rounds of the ICC Championship, which in addition to trophies and prize money, is a qualifier the England 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup.

“I’m not sure what happened, but it was not our

Stafanie Taylor

best performance. It waspoor,” said Taylor, who along with other members of the team returned to Caribbean last weekend.

The tour, which began

with the Twenty20s, saw the regional women going down by a close four wickets with an over and a ball remaining, and the second by a massive 86 runs.

The third game, which the regional side needed to win if they were to level the series, then saw the team going down to a three-wicket loss with a mere three balls remaining. With the series won, Australian then claimed the fourth game by four wickets.

The one-dayer, in the meanwhile, saw the West Indies going down by three wickets, 58 runs, eight wickets in the first three ICC Championship fixtures, before bowing out with a 148-run loss.

“They (Australia) were challenging,” explained Taylor, who finished as the West Indies third best batter on the tour.

“We had a couple of close games, but in the end we just couldn’t pull it off.”

Taylor made 195 runs from five games, nine less than 16-year-old sensation, Hayley Matthews.

Deandra Dottin with 215 from six matches was the top West Indian and finished third on the overall listing.

The top four teams from ICC Women’s Championship will progress to the World Cup with the bottom four set to compete in an ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in 2017.

(Jamaican Star)

The teams have been divided into four groups of four to contest a roundrobin format, with the top two from each group progressing to the knockout stage.

The organisers are currently in negotiations with three other associations- West Demerara, East Coast and Berbicewith the hope of attracting eight other clubs to make the knockout stage a Round of 16.

At the launch on Tuesday afternoon, attended by representatives of the participating clubs, officials of the GFA and Banks DIH Limited spoke glowingly of the partnership between the two entities and what the fans and players can expect during the tournament.

GFA President Vernon Burnett said the Banks Beer Cup has “grown to become a very successful and entertaining tournament, and we anticipate nothing different this year.” Burnett said they will be “going back to basics” this year, in terms of having only Georgetown affiliates compete at the group stages, but pointed out that invitations have been sent to other associations to join from the knockout round.

Tournament Coordinator Frank Parris said should they get less than the eight teams joining at the knockout stage, the third place finishers at the end of the preliminary

Banks Beer Brand Manager Brian Choo-Hen said the company is once again proud to partner with the GFA, noting that the tournament has been a success over the years, and he is urging players to give of their best.

Group A will comprise Alpha United, Northern Rangers, Police and Black Water, while Group B is Western Tigers, Fruta Conquerors, GFC and Houston Stars. Group C is made up of Riddim Squad, Camptown, Santos and Beacon, while Group D consists of Guyana Defence Force, Flamingo, Pele and Black Pearl.

A double-header will get the ball rolling on Friday at the GFC ground, Bourda, with Alpha United playing Black Water at 19:00 hours and Northern Rangers tackling Police at 21:00 hours.

The champion team will receive $3 million, while second to fourth will collect $1.5 million, $1 million and $500, 000 respectively. Individual prizes are at stake for the Most Valuable Player, highest goalscorer, best goalkeeper and most discipline team.

As has been the case over the years, the final will be played on New Year’s Day at a venue to be decided. The National Stadium is being considered for the championship game, the organisers noted.

Manchester UTD nab 4th straight win in Premier League Gerrard returns to spark Liverpool win

Manchester United continued their revival with a fourth successive win that strengthens their place in the Premier League top four.

The home side led when Marouane Fellaini headed in Ander Herrera’s left-wing cross at the far post.

Stoke equalised through Steven N’Zonzi’s low shot, but they slipped to a third straight loss when Juan Mata’s free-kick from the right sneaked in.

Stoke’s Mame Biram Diouf was twice denied an injury-time equaliser.

The 26-year-old Stoke forward, who had an undistinguished spell at Old Trafford earlier in his career, saw United keeper David De Gea claw out his header before emergency full-back Ashley Young cleared another effort off the line seconds later.

Diouf was left mystified by his failure to earn a point for the visitors, shaking his head in disbelief as he slowly trudged off the pitch at the final whistle.

A draw would have been harsh on United, who controlled the game throughout

NBA Roundup…

but had to rely on a piece of fortune for the winner.

Mata’s set-piece evaded every player waiting in the penalty area before finding the net, although teammate Marcos Rojo claimed he got the final touch with his head.

United boss Louis van Gaal will not be too bothered who scored. The Dutchman’s team continue to build momentum, despite failing to turn almost 65% of possession into more goals.

Skipper Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria were both missing from United’s squad through injuries sustained against Hull on Saturday.

And for long periods, the home side missed the pair’s attacking guile.

Stoke rarely looked like ending a dismal run of 11 successive Old Trafford defeats, though, until Diouf and substitute Marko Arnautovic went close in the final moments.

Old Trafford lost some of its famed ‘fear factor’ last season as United slumped to seven home Premier League defeats in a terrible first campaign following Sir Alex

Ferguson’s retirement.

That aura of invincibility appears to have returned under Van Gaal, whose team have taken 19 home points from a possible 21 since defeat by Swansea on the opening day.

Potters boss Mark Hughes indicated his side would not be afraid to “have a go” at United, but they rarely looked like carving open a makeshift home defence until stoppage time.

United controlled the tempo and deservedly led when Herrera was allowed too much time and space to pick out Fellaini, who outjumped Erik Pieters to powerfully nod in.

Hughes was furious with the space that his side allowed Herrera, but his demeanour changed when N’Zonzi calmly guided a 20yard shot past De Gea with Stoke’s first attempt on goal.

But then Mata’s intervention moved United within two points of secondplaced Manchester City, who travel to Sunderland on Wednesday, while 13thplaced Stoke remain four points above the relegation zone. (BBC Sport)

Spurs hand 76ers 17 straight loss to start season

Kawhi Leonard scored a game-high 26 points and had a crucial three-point play in the final minute to help the San Antonio Spurs defeat the winless 76ers 109-103, extending Philadelphia’s franchise-worst losing streak to start the season to 0-17.

The Spurs (13-4) played without stars Tim Duncan (rest) and Tony Parker (shoulder).

Even without the duo’s more than 31 points out of the lineup, San Antonio had little trouble dispatching Philadelphia. Aron Baynes scored 15 points and Manu Ginobili and Cory Joseph each added 14 for San Antonio, which won its eighth straight.

Leonard also had 10 rebounds while tying a careerhigh in points.

Michael Carter-Williams had 24 points and 11 rebounds and Alexey Shved chipped in 19 points for Philadelphia.

The 76ers also were short-handed, as leading scorer Tony Wroten (knee) missed his second straight game and rookie first-round pick Nerlens Noel (hip) sat after getting injured in Sunday’s practice.

Philadelphia became just the fourth team in league history to open a season with 17 losses, joining the 1998-99 Clippers (0-17), 1988-89 Heat (0-17) and the 2009-10 Nets (0-18). The 76ers can tie the Nets for the worst start in NBA history on Wednesday at Minnesota with a potential chance to break the record at home on Friday against Oklahoma City.

Steven Gerrard marked his Liverpool return by scoring as the Reds came from behind to win at bottom club Leicester.

The hosts led when Leonardo Ulloa’s shot hit the post, then bounced off the back of keeper Simon Mignolet’s head.

But Liverpool equalised as Adam Lallana netted after Rickie Lambert’s knock down, before Gerrard slotted in from a poor Wes Morgan clearance.

Morgan was sent off for a foul on Lambert, then Jordan Henderson sealed a deserved Reds win.

Former Nottingham Forest defender Morgan can have few complaints after wrestling the Liverpool striker to the floor soon after gifting Gerrard his goal.

The Liverpool skipper, who is mulling over a new contract offer, had been left out of the starting line-up for Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Stoke, raising speculation about his Anfield future.

But the 34-year-old looked refreshed and reinvigorated as he led his team to their first league away win since 19 October.

Brendan Rodgers’s side move up to eighth in the table, while Leicester remain bottom, two points from safety and without a win in nine top-flight games.

It started well for the Foxes thanks to Reds keeper Mignolet.

The Belgian’s form has been a talking point dur-

ing Liverpool’s disjointed start to the season and he did little to silence his critics at a sell-out King Power Stadium.

The 26-year-old was fortunate to escape after a casual clearance landed at the feet of Esteban Cambiasso. Luckily for him, the Argentina midfielder fired wastefully wide 25 yards in front of an open net.

Yet Liverpool were behind two minutes later, Ulloa’s shot from a tight angle hitting the post before deflecting in off the back of Mignolet’s head after Jamie Vardy’s initial shot had been cleared off the line by Martin Skrtel.

Fortunately for the Reds, Leicester’s defence was equally as bad.

The visitors were level as Lallana dispatched a left-foot half-volley low past Kasper Schmeichel’s left after Morgan, under pressure from Lambert, had inadvertently headed the ball into the former Southampton’s

player’s path.

There was little to choose between the sides before Gerrard fired home after Morgan’s poor clearance from Raheem Sterling’s cross gifted the midfielder his first goal since 27 September . Morgan was then shown a straight red card for wrestling Lambert to the floor. Leicester went close to equalising when Cambiasso’s goal-bound shot hit team-mate Vardy, before Gerrard had a penalty appeal turned down following a challenge from Schmeichel after being put clean through.

But Schmeichel’s error sealed the points, Gerrard again at the heart of it all.

The former England international’s low cross was deflected by the goalkeeper, Sterling latching onto the rebound and brilliantly back-heeling the ball into the path of Henderson to slot into an open goal. (BBC Sport)

Balotelli apologises for seemingly racist Instagram post

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has apologised for a post on social media which appeared to contain anti-Semitic and racist references.

Balotelli, 24, quickly deleted the post from his Instagram page of Nintendo computer game character Super Mario.

NUGGETS 103, JAZZ

101

Ty Lawson had 15 points and made a double-pump jumper to beat the shot clock with 29.6 seconds left that boosted Denver over Utah.

The game heated up after Arron Afflalo was ejected and the Jazz stormed back from a 22-point deficit to tie the game in the final minutes.

Lawson, who also had 12 assists, made the game-winner from the left wing between two Jazz defenders.

Gordon Hayward was blocked and Trey Burke missed a potential goahead 3-pointer on the other end before Darrell Arthur clinched the game with two free throws with 4.2 seconds remaining. Alec Burks dunk at the buzzer completing the scoring. (The Vancouver Sun)

Before his apology, the Italian had tweeted to deny the text of the post was offensive.

The Football Association has asked Balotelli for his observations and given him until 18:00 GMT on Friday to respond, while Liverpool say they will speak to the player.

A spokesman for antidiscrimination group Kick It Out told BBC Sport: “Kick It Out has been made aware of Mario Balotelli’s Instagram post by a Twitter user and has now forwarded it on to the FA to look into the matter.”

The picture posted had an image of Super Mario with the heading “Don’t be a racist!”

The text read: “Be like Mario, he’s an Italian plumber, created by Japanese people, who speaks English and looks like a Mexican.”

It finished: “He jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a Jew.”

Responding to criticism on Twitter, Balotelli tweeted: “My Mom is Jewish so all of you shut up please.”

He also described reposting the image as “my unlucky moment”.

However, he later wrote: “I apologise if I’ve offended anyone.

“The post was meant to be anti-racist with humour. I now understand that out of context it may have the opposite effect.

“Not all Mexicans have a moustache, not all black people jump high and not all Jewish people love money.

“I used a cartoon done by somebody else because it has Super Mario and I thought it was funny and not offensive.

Again, I’m sorry.”

A Liverpool spokesman told BBC Sport: “We are aware of the posting which has since been promptly deleted by the player. We will be speaking to the player about the issue.”

Jewish Leadership Council chief executive Simon Johnson, a former FA executive, said Balotelli should face action.

“We abhor all forms of racism, wherever it is found,” Johnson told the Daily Telegraph. “We call upon the FA to investigate this offensive social media post and to take action if appropriate if we are to succeed in kicking racism out of football.” Under the FA’s social media guidelines, the minimum ban for race-related breaches of rules is five games. (BBC Sport)

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wednesday, december 3, 2014

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Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has said it will be up to individual players whether they feel ready for the first Test, which begins in Adelaide next Tuesday, six days after Phillip Hughes is laid to rest in his home town of Macksville.

A reworked four-Test schedule for the AustraliaIndia series was released late on Monday night, with the Adelaide Test brought forward by three days and the Brisbane Test slotted in second. The fixture was developed in conjunction with the Australian Cricketers' Association and the BCCI.

Australia's players are expected to enter camp on Thursday - the day after Hughes' funeral - to begin preparations for the Adelaide Test. There is no question the match, at Hughes' adopted home ground, will be emotional for the Australians, and Sutherland said it would be up to each player to decide whether he felt ready to return to Test cricket so soon after farewelling Hughes.

"Absolutely up to the individual," Sutherland said. "Any player that is not comfortable or doesn't feel right, or there is medical advice to suggest that they're not quite right, then we will obviously understand that and I'm sure the broader public will understand that as well.

"Right now, there's a funeral tomorrow and let's understand that's going to be difficult enough as it is. There'll be a great temptation for people to speculate about who's going to play and how they're feeling. I'd just encourage everyone to

give the players their space and let them in their own way work through that.

"Understand that we and the ACA will be supporting them, and no one will think ill of anyone who feels uncomfortable about it. Test cricket is a different game. It's not just going out there and playing a game of sport for a couple of hours. You need to go out there and commit to five days. You need to front up day after day after day. It's a big step and it's not just an ordinary sporting match."

The Adelaide Test will be the first in a rigorous new schedule that effectively has the Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne matches all back-to-back, before a slightly longer break ahead of the Sydney Test in January. The new fixture means that Melbourne's Boxing Day Test is the only one to retain its original dates.

"There's nothing perfect about what we've come up [with] here but we appreciate everyone's support and understanding in these tragic and extraordinary circumstances," Sutherland said. "The schedule will inconvenience a lot of people. We understand that. But we very much hope that in light of these extraordinary circumstances that everyone can see the big picture."

The tight nature of the original schedule meant there was a very real chance the Brisbane Test could have been cancelled entirely - Sutherland said such a move "was close". However, he said at no stage did Cricket Australia feel under pressure from broadcasters to deliver the full four-Test series or wor-

ry about compensation if the Gabba Test did not go ahead.

"It's been remarkable to talk to our commercial partners," Sutherland said. "I've had conversations with chief executives of our commercial partners including broadcasters, who have said 'we completely understand the circumstances you are in, we should be the last ones you worry about, just get it done, do whatever you've got to do to work it through but don't feel any pressure from us'. I think that's been magnificent."

Several of Australia's players have returned to light training with their states over the past two days. Josh Hazlewood bowled in the nets in Sydney on Monday, while most of his New South Wales teammates kept to fitness training. Ryan Harris was bowling in the nets in Brisbane on Tuesday. The ACA and Cricket Australia will ensure all the players have access to support over the coming days, including counselling and sports psychologists.

Michael Clarke flew to Macksville on Monday morning and Sutherland was speaking at Sydney Airport on Tuesday morning, en route to the town himself. The funeral for Hughes will be held at 2pm on Macksville and will be broadcast live on Channel Nine, ABC News 24 TV, ABC Radio and Fairfax Radio.

India will be represented at the funeral by players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and M Vijay, team director Ravi Shastri, coach Duncan Fletcher and team manager Arshad Ayub. (Cricinfo)

NACRA Sevens Championships… Guyana ruggers set for high-intensity day in Mexico City

The physical and mental strength of Guyana’s male rugby players will be severely tested today when the South Americans play three games on day one of the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Sevens tournament in Mexico.

The Guyanese are looking to reclaim the title they won for an unprecedented six years in a row.

Apart from the anticipated fierce on-field rivalry, the Guyanese will also have to contend with the high altitude condition, which is a major factor touring teams must take into consideration when visiting Mexico.

Guyana, drawn in Group C, will first suit up against home team Mexico in the morning session, before coming up against the Cayman Islands and St Vincent and the Grenadines in the afternoon in Mexico City.

The tournament is a 12-nation event where the teams have been divided into three groups of four.

The top eight teams will make the cut for the second round and earn the right to play for the championship on Thursday, while the bottom four teams will go through to a round-robin Bowl competition.

Group A includes Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Curacao and Mexico B, while Group B is made up of Barbados, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands and St Lucia.

Guyana is aiming to re-

claim the title after a run of six consecutive victories.

Success in this competition will crown a remarkable year for rugby in Guyana, as the Land of Many Waters broke the jinx earlier this year by winning the NACRA 15s title after several dec-

Score's Even avenges defeat to claim $1M Prize

Score's Even fought off a stiff challenge from Guyana Cup Champion CP Got Even and Princess She’s Not to win the feature event of the ‘Champion of Champions’ one day horse race meet at the Rising Sun Turf Club at Arima Park, West Coast Berbice on Sunday.

At the halfway mark of the 1400 meter race the champion horse started to lengthen its strides and out of the third turn it bolted past its main rival, Princess She’s Not as the crowd went into a frenzy.

CP Got Even finished second while Princess She’s Not finished third ahead of Curfew Tower.

However, earlier in the race the animals were out in an even break as Score's Even fell behind the lead bunch of CP Got Even Princess She’s Not and Curfew Tower.

Score's Even would finally wake up the silenced crowd as the horse made its move from the half way mark. The win was the first for Guyana’s only ‘A’ class horse in three outings having been beaten by Princess She Not

and California Strike. Owenr Neisha Deroop later collected the Banks DIH trophy and the $1M first prize while Colin El Cock collected $500,000 for the second place. Meanwhile Just call Me Boss won the three year old race for West Indies and Guyana bred animals ahead of Unsettled, Release the Beast and Royal Empire in that order. The win was worth $400,000 and the Republic Bank trophy.

The E3 and lover event was won by Captain Crook

with Swing Easy, Good Will’ Boy and It’s My Turn finishing in that order. The race had a top prize on $400,000 and trophy.

The two year old event for Guyana born and West Indies bred animals was won by Midnight Blue of the Jagroop Stables with Settling Star and It’s My Choice bringing up the rear. $200,000 went to the winner.

The ‘I’ class event was won by Mary Ann with Easy To Win second and Party Time finishing ahead of Affinity.

The J3 class event was won by Royal Cash ahead of Swift Away and Royal Stallion.

The J1 and lower race which was contested in almost total darkness was taken by Good Going finishing ahead of Smarty Light and Sunday Silence. The win was worth $200,000.

The G3 event was taken by War Craft ahead of Silent night, Top of the Line and She’s So Special. Colin Ross received the champion jockey award. (Andrew Carmichael)

Squash Christmas tournament to serve off today

The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collaboration with its number one corporate sponsor Digicel will run off the annual Farfan& Mendes Junior Christmas Squash Tournament at the Georgetown Club squash courts, starting today. The tournament will run until December 7 as most of the country’s top junior players will be participating in this tournament.

Forty Five players have entered the tournament and have been separated into eight categories with players of equal skill level in each of the categories. A few of the players

will use this tournament as a warm up as they will be leaving Guyana shortly to participate in the Canadian and US Junior Squash Open tournaments scheduled to be held later this month.

with any particular pattern because teams would have seen us before and might be able to stop us, so we are looking to be more unorthodox with our play; I have a lot of confidence in these guys,” Henry had stated.

President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) also left the team with his final charge, “You are the best that Guyana has to offer and based on the experience and professionalism you possess, you should not have much of a problem except the weather and the altitude. Barring any acts of God, I expect you to bring home the title.”

ades of futile hunt.

Before the team’s departure from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) headquarters, Coach Theodore Henry highlighted that his team is looking to change their style of play.

“We are not looking to play

The team reads: Avery Anthony Corbin, Kevin Alwin McKenzie, Claudius Edward Butts, Leon Andre Greaves, Dwayne Andre Schroeder, Peabo Brenton Hamilton, Isiejah Tafari Allen, Patrick Anthony King, Theodore Orlando Theophilous Henry and Ronald Stanislaus Sherlock Mayers.

Clarke to be pallbearer at Hughes’ funeral today

Australia captain Michael Clarke will be one of the pallbearers at the funeral of Phillip Hughes on Wednesday.

Hughes died on Thursday aged 25 after being struck on the neck by a ball during a domestic cricket match.

The service, held at Hughes’s hometown of Macksville, will start at 03:00 GMT (14:00 AEDT) and will be attended by the Australian squad.

Cricket Australia (CA) said there was no pressure on players to play in next week’s rescheduled Test with India.

The four-match series should have begun in Brisbane on Thursday but will now start in Adelaide on 9 December, with Brisbane hosting the second Test on 17 December.

Fast bowler Ryan Harris said it would be tough to bowl in Adelaide but added the players were “thinking about” the funeral first and foremost.

“In the back of our mind is Tuesday and we have got to do what we can to try to prepare for that,” he said.

“This is tough for some boys and it is going to be tough for me. I will have to work it out when I get to

Adelaide and see how we all feel.”

CA chief executive James Sutherland said the squad would be given space to come to terms with the death of their team-mate.

“It’s absolutely up to the individual and any player who is not comfortable or doesn’t feel right, or there is medical advice that it is not quite right, we will obviously understand that,” he said.

Former Australia internationals Mark Taylor, Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Steve Waugh and Justin Langer, as well as New Zealand Test legend Sir Richard Hadlee, are among some of the cricketing names attending the funeral and have been asked to create a guard of honour.

Screens have been set up at Macksville High School, which Hughes attended, with space for 4,000 people to attend.

The local community has also been invited to take part in a public procession that will follow the hearse at the conclusion of the service.

Captain Clarke, who described Hughes as his “brother” in an emotional tribute to the batsman, will also pay tribute to Hughes during the funeral. (BBC Sport)

WICB PCL 4-Day tournament… Singh blames complacency for shock defeat

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Guyana Jaguars’ skipper Vishaul Singh has blamed complacency as the reason for his side’s shocking tworun loss to Barbados Pride in the third round of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League on Monday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

“We played three very good days of cricket up until that hour...but I’d say our batting was just a little bit complacent and we got hit and by the time we decided

the game was on it was too late,” Singh told this publication on Tuesday.

Chasing a meager 69 with more than two and half sessions available on the final day, Guyana Jaguars slipped to 10-4 then 57-7 before being rolled over for 66. The experienced all-rounder Dwayne Smith used his nagging medium-pacers to good effect, slicing through the hosts batting to finish career-best figures of 5-17.

Prior to that, Guyana Jaguars had dominated the match, scoring 261 and then dismissing the Bajans for 101 to enforce the follow-on. Barbados Pride made 228 in their second innings.

The defeat for the

Jaguars followed comprehensive victories over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and the Windward Islands Volcanoes, and despite the swift turnaround in fortunes, Singh still believes his side is in a strong position as leaders of the points table.

“The camp is still in good spirit you know. It’s one of those things that can happen to anyone on a given day, but we are still on top of the table and we have an entire season ahead of us,” the left-hander, who was leading Guyana for first time, reckoned.

Looking ahead to the fourth round encounter this weekend against hosts

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain, Singh refused to be despondent, but is rather optimistic of his side rebounding from the loss.

“Our chances are good. We are playing very good cricket as a team and we are backing ourselves against any opposition at any venue,” Singh concluded.

The Guyana Jaguars lead the points table after three rounds with 39, five more than Jamaica. Barbados Pride are on 27, followed by Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (23), Windward Islands Volcanoes (22) and the Leeward Islands Hurricanes (07).

Pelé out of intensive care, still hospitalised

Brazil legend Pelé has left intensive care as he continues to recover from a urinary infection.

The three-time World Cup winner was admitted to São Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital on 24 November.

A statement from the hospital said the 74-year-old “is doing well without medical complications”.

His kidney function will be assessed again on Wednesday but he is “lucid and eating well”, can walk around his room and is receiving “semi-intensive care”.

A World Cup winner in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pelé was initially discharged from hospital on 13 November after surgery to remove kidney

stones. Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, he scored a world-record 1,281 goals in 1,363 games during his 21-year career.

Guinness ‘Greatest in the Streets’, Georgetown leg…

Round of 16 action kicks off tonight at NCC

Following several nights of preliminary action among the various groups in the Georgetown leg, the Guinness Greatest in the Streets football competition will enter the Round of 16 this evening at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac.

The top two teams from each of the eight groups will look to stay alive when the knockout round swings into action with another large crowd anticipated to attend. The first game is set to get rolling at 19:00 hours and the action will conclude with game number eight starting at 22:30 hours.

Leopold Street will look

to get past Festival City Street Fighters, followed by a clash between Cross Street and West Back Road. Hope Street-Tiger Bay and North Ruimveldt will square off in game three, with West Front Road facing Island All Star immediately after.

Following a break for fans to refresh themselves and sway to some popular tracks, the action will restart at 21:00 hours with Albouystown A against Globe Yard, followed by Back Circle playing Albouystown B.

Alexander Village and Festival City Warriors will contest the penultimate

the 1970 tournament. (BBC Sport)

Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has congratulated Windward Islands opening batsman Devon Smith on his return to the West Indies team for the tour of South Africa.

Smith, who last played test cricket three years ago, was called-up as a replacement for veteran opener Chris Gayle who has been forced out of the side due to injury.

The Grenadian batsman has been in superb form already this season, amassing 334 runs at an average of 55 including a score of 145 to lead Windwards to victory over Leeward Islands in the third round of the WICB Professional Cricket League over the weekend.

“Devon’s talent is unquestionable, and his development is evident, as was most recently demonstrated in the Professional cricket League; therefore, he deserves to be included on the West Indies team,” declared Prime Minister Mitchell.

“We are very happy for,

and proud of him, as he continues to grow in the game. We look forward to the South Africa tour with increased excitement to see our boy in action.”

Smith, 33, will fly out to this week to join the West Indies squad which left the Caribbean on Sunday for London enroute to Johannesburg.

Smith will be joined by left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell who leaves the re-

game of the night, while Sparta

and Sophia

The winners from this evening will progress to the quarter-finals, which will be played sometime this week at a venue in the city. 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.

Smith congratulated by Grenadian Prime Minister

gion on Friday for South Africa.

Prime Minister Mitchell has also conveyed best wishes and a speedy recovery to Gayle who has struggled with injury in recent years and missed the recent ill-fated one-day tour of India as a result.

West Indies open their tour with a three-day practice game in Benoni starting December 10th. (Windies Cricket)

GFA Banks Beer Cup starts Friday

– other association teams invited to join at KO stage

Yaw, Hooper meet with Sport Minister after South American Youth success

By TreisTon Joseph

“The best moment was standing on the podium listening to the national anthem,” were the words of gold medalist and new South American Youth Championship 400 metres record holder Jason Yaw to the Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony at a courtesy call on Tuesday.

Yaw smashed the 400 metres record at the recently held championship not once but twice to completely dominate the event with a time of 46.79s to break the 12 year old record that stood at 47.46s while his club-mate Natricia Hooper bagged silver in her 400 metres for Guyana.

“It feels great and I’m looking forward to lowering my times next year,” Yaw continued as he expressed his joy of his historic feat.

Yaw and Hooper’s personal Coach Julian Edmonds, who was also the coach at the Championships held in Columbia over the weekend, expressed his joy for both Yaw and Hooper.

“I was happy for Guyana, for these young athletes… it was rewarding, Hooper had

some hiccups with the language barrier but she did really great for her first international event.

“This is the first time I have seen Jason run at his full potential and it was pleasing, the President of the Brazilian Federation came personally to congratulate him,” Edmonds highlighted.

Hooper on the other hand was a bit peeved that she did not win, “it felt great to get the silver, it was an eye opener to some of my weaknesses but I’m still a bit vexed that I didn’t win,” she noted. Anthony in his address to

the athletes highlighted that they were “proud” and challenged the athletes to remain “focus and discipline” towards their craft.

Further, Anthony noted that other athletes can use both Yaw and Hooper’s success as motivation, “athletes can learn from your story and apply it, people see all the success but they don’t understand the hardships behind it, we believe you guys can do it once you continue to work hard,” Anthony stressed.

In addition, Anthony revealed that because there are no technical personnel at the

Leonora Synthetic Track, the Ministry of Sport is a bit hesitant with allowing athletes to train on the surface.

However, Anthony indicated that they will have to look into the training f national teams on a “case by case basis” until the facility is open hopefully by the “third quarter” of the new year.

Vice President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Gavin Hope was particularly pleased with the success of both athletes and noted that Guyana “has the resources” to be successful.

Lara to represent WICB at Phillip Hughes funeral

The West Indies Cricket Board today advised that Brian Lara will represent the Board at the funeral of fallen Australian batsman Phil Hughes.

Lara who is currently in Australia, was asked by President Dave Cameron to represent the Board at the funeral after Hughes’ tragic passing last week while playing for South Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Lara readily agreed especially since it was logistically difficult for a WICB official to travel from the Caribbean to Australia in adequate time.

The WICB has sent its condolences to Hughes’ family, teammates and friends, Cricket Australia and the entire Australian cricketing fraternity and has asked Lara to convey same in person to Hughes’ parents and siblings.

The Board thanks Lara, the former West Indies Captain and world record holder, for his willingness to represent the WICB and the West Indies cricket fraternity at this time when the entire cricket world is in shock and a state of grief.

The players of the six WICB franchises participating in the Professional Cricket League Regional 4 Day Tournament, along with match officials wore black ribbons for the third round matches in memory of Hughes. The teams and officials also observed a minute’s silence before the start of the three third round PCL 4 Day matches. (WICB Release)