Guyana Times Daily - September 7, 2015

Kaieteur National Park disappearance: No sign of missing tourist

Sashing of Miss Indigenous Heritage contestants

Scores of teachers refused entry into CPCE over lack of Integrated Science

Police Force’s capacity down by 1500 – Top Cop

...1000 recruits on waiting list for training

Toucan Call Centre closure Region 10 Chairman urges swift investigation of similar incidents Consultations begin to transform Mahdia into a township

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, September 5 – 10:30h and Sunday, September 6 – 12:00h-13:30h.

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

September 5 – 09:30h-11:00h and Sunday, September 6 – 10:55h-12:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

High Tide: 09:25h and 21:46h reaching a maximum height of 2.30 metres at each scheduled high tide.

Low Tide: 02:52h and 15:16h reaching minimum heights of 0.78 metre and 0.98 metres respectively. Winds: East to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres per second.

As an apparent battle for power continues in the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition with more and more trouble brewing, a devastating breakup is possibly underway.

Recent developments including the possibility of contesting the Local Government Elections (LGE) as separate entities have only fuelled widespread speculation of an imminent split in the six-party coalition Government.

Conceding the existence of disputes within the coalition was Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who, during a public meeting in Whim on Saturday, conceded that only during the past few days, the coalition had succeeded in “working out their differences”.

Nagamootoo did not elaborate on the aforementioned “differences” nor did he divulge any details surrounding the “resolution” of those differences. Efforts to contact the Prime Minister on Sunday to clarify these lacunae proved futile.

In the wake of the stunning comments, political commentator Dr Henry Jeffrey questioned if the admission was just a political gesture to provide assurance to supporters of the coalition.

In spite of consistent denials by some members of the AFC, the parties have clearly been in breach of the much touted “Cummingsburg Accord”, notably in favour of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led APNU.

Specifically, contrary to the Accord, Nagamootoo does not chair Cabinet, nor is he in charge of domestic national affairs. In fact, the powers he was promised have all been diminished to oversight of the information sector of the state media – an authority he now has been accused of abusing. The Accord also stated that the Prime Minister would recommend ministerial appointments and provide organisational structures for Ministries – for the approv-

al of the President and the appointment of Heads of Agencies and non-constitutional commissions. It is apparent that he was never involved in none of these activities.

Aside from the violations of the Accord, Jeffrey believes that difficulties could be arising from various other areas – which may be greater contributing factors to a possible rift between the two political groupings.

“The difference people have been talking about is essentially the differences around the issue of the Cummingsburg Accord. People are saying that the Accord says one thing and that they have not carried out the Accord according to what was stated. Time has moved on that they are now in Government and they can overcome that. But they are political parties looking at the future. Therefore, there is always the possibility of other problems arising. The important thing is not the problem that has risen but the mechanism of solving these problems,” he said.

Already, both parties are contemplating the idea of contesting LGE as separate entities – a move which could, according to analysts, spell death for the coalition.

“If they see themselves as a group together in the long term, then they will go to these elections and contest together. However, if they do not, then they would be con-

testing the upcoming elections in the regions separately,” Jeffrey had told Guyana Times in a recent interview.

Moreover, the commentator was unsure that the coalition was doing enough to resolve the differences and if it were, it was doing an abysmal job of keeping the public informed of such critical matters.

“Mr Nagamootoo has said so, but I am not aware of any meetings they’ve had or any discussions they’ve had between the parties. He said so, but I am not certain what context he’s speaking…They say they resolved it, but they seem to be doing it in secret. It is possible that they would have done so…but then again, it might just be Moses saying so at Whim. So you don’t know really…They are not releasing information about these things. Ok, you had a meeting? Where was the meeting held? What came out? Because it’s their supporters that are concerned and they should say a meeting was held and put out a press conference,” he said, explaining that it was too confusing to form a rational assessment of the situation.

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran had also predicted danger ahead for the coalition given the violations of the Cummingsburg Accord and alleged internal pressure on President David Granger from the PNC arm of the alliance.

Ramkarran recognised that the Accord has been blatantly breached and if it were not addressed quickly and appropriately, the parties could expect to lose support, particularly the AFC.

Ramon Gaskin, another political commentator, had indicated that it indeed would appear that all was not well in the new Government’s camp.

Meetings

Meanwhile, AFC General Secretary David Patterson, who is also now Public Infrastructure Minister, had disclosed that meetings were being facilitated

to ensure the tenets of the Cummingsburg Accord were implemented accordingly. A committee was established to deal with the issues between the parties.

Chairman of the committee, former President of the Guyana Bar Association, Ronald Burch-Smith, is tasked with the responsibility of ironing out any issue which cannot be settled by the two parties. AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes also plays an integral role in the committee. Efforts to contact both for details on these issues also proved futile.

Views

Editor(ag): Michael Younge

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

Elections in Trinidad

Today, the twin-island Republic of Trinidad &Tobago goes to the polls and all the pollsters predict a close call. This is quite a reversal from five years ago when the People's Partnership (PP) coalition between Kamla Persad-Bissessar's United National Congress (UNC) and Winston Dookersn's Congress of the People (COP) swept 29 of 41 seats, leaving Keith Rowley's People's National Movement (PNM), in the dust.

Since then, the downturn in the economy has placed great pressure on the incumbent government to maintain the expectations of Trinidadians for an ever expanding economy and improved living conditions. The challenge has been the dwindling petroleum reserves coupled with oil prices plunging from the US$70 range in 2010, to below US$40 presently. Ironically, it was plunging oil prices in 2008 from highs of US$145 that had ejected the PNM. It would appear, not surprisingly, that political incumbency is correlated with oil prices in an economy dominated by the commodity.

In a double whammy, the shale oil boom in the U.S. that made world oil prices collapse, also robbed Trinidad of its largest customer for Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) - the U.S. - which was another mainstay of its economy. But while the economy is dominating the electoral hustings, in Trinidad, like Guyana, the ethnic factor is also quite significant. From its first general elections in 1956 to one in 1986, Trinidad was ruled by the PNM, that had been founded by the historian Dr Eric Williams. His support base was primarily African Trinidadians, who formed the majority of the island's voting population.

The minority Indian population voted in the main, for a succession of Indian-led parties, culminating in the UNC led by Basdeo Panday, who had previously been the head of the United Labour Front (ULF). Unlike Guyana, the ethnic competition between the two major blocs never degenerated not violence as did in Guyana. As we know from the declassified files from the archives of both the U.S. and the UK, our violence was midwifed by the CIA to prevent a Cheddi Jagan-led government from taking power. Unlike the staunch Marxist Jagan who had cultivated links with Moscow, Williams was an intellectual who merely used Marxism as an analytical tool to deconstruct the abolition of slavery.

Trinidad therefore, presents to a great extent, a contractual as to what might have been if we had not been dragged into the Cold War struggle between the U.S. and USSR. Sans the ethnic violence, Trinidad forged ahead in its standard of living because of its petroleum reserves and its per capita GDP of approximately US$19, 000 which is five times our U. S. $3700. Trinidad's contrafactual utility can offer pointers in other areas. Firstly, it offers a caution to those who envisage our ethnic competition automatically disappearing with increased income levels - possibly when we begin extracting our now proven petroleum reserves.

Then there is the present stagnation of Trinidad's growth trajectory which is a direct consequence of Trinidad not embarking on a focused Development Plan that would have allowed them to segue more seamlessly into a post-petroleum era. As it is, it is clear they they will have a harsh landing that is certain to exacerbate social tensions since there will be increased competition for the "national patrimony".

Lastly, however, there is the positive example of ethnic competition being moderated with the removal of the PNM government after 30 years by the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) collision of the Indian-dominated ULF of Basdeo Panday and several African-dominated parties led by ANR Robinson. While the coalition soon fissioned, Trinidad entered the politics of "in and out" rather than extended periods of one-party rule.

It would appear that after it was demonstrated that a coalition would not necessarily lead to the larger party dominating the other, the electorate fears are assuaged.

Let them who have ears, hear.

Comparing the Berbice Bridge and the ferry service

Dear Editor, I have been following the recent hullabaloo about the Berbice River Bridge and while I remained silent all the while along, but I cannot stand the one sided view of some members of society.

I have followed in the news most of the comments made by President Granger, Minister Harmon, Christopher Ram and even former President Jagdeo. Many of these comments are political and I have not seen anyone make a fair assessment based on how commuters feel about the Berbice Bridge and the services they now enjoy in light of what used to happen before.

Before the establishment of the Berbice Bridge, I was a regular commuter on the ferry service across. And I am still a regular commuter now that the Bridge is in place.

On some occasions back then, there were two ferries operating from either side of the crossing from Rosignol to New Amsterdam. But even when the two ferries were working, it was hardly a service that commuters like myself were ever satisfied with.

Farmers

Dear Editor,

First of all, there was no guarantee that you would get on the very next ferry once you arrived at the stelling. But to take your car on the ferry was about $1520 was a return trip, if I recall correctly.

If you wanted to get on the ferry on the next trip, that usually meant bribing one of the gate men at the stelling. This practice was prevalent under both the PNC and

ally another $1000, bringing the total to $2520. Plus you still had to pay for every passenger in the car, including the driver, and that was around $120 per person return, so that was another $600 return, bringing the total to $3100, not including the bribe to the gate men for swift processing.

For a 15-seater minibus, with all the passengers, driver and conductor, that meant

ed by all the politically motivated comments surfacing. And there are those who wish to gain mileage, politically or otherwise, in this whole debate.

If one compares the ferries used before and the bridge itself, the average reader will get a firsthand look at the two options available. In these times, who will choose a ferry service when a bridge is a more than viable option?

PPP/C administrations and both parties turned a blind eye to the suffering of passengers and drivers who used the ferry service on a daily basis.

Secondly, the waiting time was horrendously long and many times you had to buy food while waiting, thereby adding to the overall cost you would incur for the “crossing”. Usually, that’s another $500 one would spend on some sort of food or snacks. For both ways, that was usu-

paying about $3320 for the return crossing.

Now to cross with my car on the Berbice Bridge I pay $2200 return. Mini buses pay the same. There is no waiting time except when the Bridge might be open, so usually there is no need to buy food.

In a table, here’s a quick comparison:

The Berbice Bridge therefore in my view is a non-issue. It is only being contaminat-

For me, I welcome the Berbice Bridge and trust it is here to stay. Let us keep politics, envy and malice out of the Berbice Bridge, and instead let good sense prevail in all the deliberations. Unfortunately, Guyanese have forgotten so fast the sufferings when the ferry service was in place.

Sincerely, Trevor Partap

need to be alert of the paddy

Like red rice, the ‘paddy bug’ or ‘stink bug’ as known by all rice farmers is another menace to the rice industry in Guyana and capable of causing significant damage to crops during the reproductive stage, especially from flowering to maturity of the paddy grains.

It is no secret, over the past few crops farmers have been battling to minimize the damaging effect of this deleterious pest but still end up suffering damages when the har-

vest reaches the mills.

The damages caused by the paddy bug reduce the quality and the overall yield which would result in farmers suffering great financial losses because of the amount of extra weight the mills take to compensate for the damaged grains and the low prices they would offer to the farmers.

Most rice crops in Guyana are currently heading towards the reproductive phase and farmers need to be more alert, taking the necessary step to try to control the pad-

dy bug before it’s too late.

I was one told by a learned person that “the paddy bug is here to stay and we have to learn to live with it”. Besides that, farmers are trying their best and in many cases fail to manage the bugs, either because the chemicals currently in use are ineffective, or because the pest has become resistant, failing to provide the level of control needed. There is also a problem with the method of application or the rates etc.

In my view, the Government and the rice

bug risk

board needs to enhance the performance of the Burma Rice Research Station progress. Also, a dedicated team headed by a qualified and dedicated pest specialist should be mounted to investigate and fine solution to manage the paddy bug. As our President said “rice is too big to fail…” but without structural and other important changes the industry might as well fail.

Sincerely, T Ross

NACTA Poll: Kamla projected to win in close fight

Dear Editor,

The latest of the opinion tracking polls being conducted in Trinidad by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association projects the Peoples Partnership on track towards re-election leading the opposition Peoples National Movement. The poll interviewed between 170 and 320 voters using intercept contact in several closely contested. Based on findings Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar’s PP is projected to win 21 seats and the opposition PNM 18 seats with 2 seats too close to call. The findings do not rule out a decisive victory for either party. There has been competitive contests in fourteen seats (ten being defended by the PP and four by the PNM). The poll finds Prime Ministerial contenders, Kamla and Dr. Keith Rowley (PNM leader), are safely ensconced in their respective seats win-

ning by larger majorities than in 2010. The PP has lost support in several seats making it more hotly contested in the last general election. But even with the losses, it is leading in 21 seats.

Four of the so called marginal or swing seats are within the poll’s margin of error of 4 per cent and can go either way.

In terms of national support through September 5, the poll finds PP leading PNM 49 per cent to 45 per cent with 2 per cent for others and 4 per cent undecided.

All of the closely fought seats are within contention. A swing vote of 3 per cent in the final two days of the campaign could alter their outcome. Turnout, mobilization and machinery on elections day hold the key to the outcome of the election. Incumbency also has its advantages although PNM supporters are in a celebratory mood. At a UNC

Kamla motorcade in PNM stronghold on Friday, PNM supporters took off their red tee shirts and put on yellow UNC tee shirts thought impossible a few years ago. But tribal voting is institutionalised.

The final rallies for both parties were massive on Saturday (PNM with about 25000 and PP with about 35000) could create a bandwagon effect galvanizing support for Monday’s voting. So far, supporters of the PNM display tremendous enthusiasm in coming out in great numbers to “vote out PP”. A similar excitement is lacking among PP supporters to keep their party in government. This is one of the closest of contests in so many seats in the nation’s electoral history and can go either way.

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram

In response to Freddie’s critique of the Giftland Mall access road

Dear Sir,

I have read with mixed emotions of the critical reviews, compliments and sometimes with amusement of the various articles published in the newspapers since the opening of the Giftland Mall. I would like to comment on two in particular.

The first is Mr Freddy Kissoon claim that the Government built the public access road to the Mall. However, Mr Kissoon should be enlightened that when we moved to Turkeyen, this was not even a tract, but rather a dam which we had to excavate to discharge the sludge. We built shoulders, created drainage, concrete walkways and provided street lights powered not by the Government but by the Mall itself. Our engineer, Mr Marcel Gaskins, provided designed the sub surface, which adheres to international standards of road building specifications, using materials and processes which were verified

The Caribbean Voice takes its message to Berbice

Dear Editor, The Caribbean Voice (TCV) once again broke new grounds by taking the discussion on suicide awareness and prevention to the airwaves in Berbice. On the evening of August 26, a panel discussion was held on NCN Berbice from 7 to 8 pm. Panelists were Bibi Ahamad, TCV Managing Director; Norkah Carter, Secretary and Head of the Technical Team; Annan Boodram, President and Nazim Hussain, Marketing and Public Relations Director, who also moderated the program. The panel discussed the prevalence of suicide in Guyana, especially in Berbice and pointed out that with the ingestion of agro-chemicals being the main form of committing suicide, there is an urgent need for farmers to implement safe storage, use and disposal of these poisons.

Annan Boodram pointed out that while the Ministry of Agriculture has indicated that they have an ongoing farmers education program to this effect, this should be followed up by a mechanism to ensure implementation and monitoring of safety measures. He added that The Caribbean Voice has been advocating for the Shri Lankan Model of Hazard Reduction which had reduced suicide in that nation by 50% over the course of a decade or so and, in fact, had met with the Pesticide Board and a few other stakeholders at which point the Pesticide Board had agreed to roll out a modification of that model in May this year. To date that has not happened. However, while citizens are awaiting more comprehensive measures and greater monitoring by government, TCV is urging farmers and others who use agro-chemicals and other poisons to: Have a reliable adult purchase such chemicals and poisons; Ensure that each household has a secure strong box

or storage safe that is always locked and accessed by the most reliable person in the household; Practice safe usage at all times by only the person who needs to use the chemicals; Ensure safe disposal of all empty containers.

Meanwhile, drawing on her more than two decades of tremendous counseling experience, Norkah Carter emphasized that communication is critical. Take five minutes of your day to talk with someone and to listen without judging she said, adding that, if necessary get someone else involved – a Priest, Pandit or Imam, a family or community elder and so on. Norkah outlined the warning signs that include any sudden change in behavior and any language that indicates a feeling of being overwhelmed, tremendous frustration, wanting to give up or end one’s life. She also pointed out that typically, a person starts to give out warning signs about six months in advance and thus there is enough time for anyone who is alert enough and is aware of the signs, to be able to reach out and help that person access necessary help. In effect TCV is urging Guyanese to all become aware of the warning signs which are easily available on the Internet, including the ‘Suicide Prevention’ link on TCV website – www. caribvoice.org. An investment of a bit of time and effort can save lives.

Also, Ms Carter appealed to parents and significant others to always take very seriously any warning signs or language and to never ever tell someone that you would give that person poison or in any way encourage anyone to go ahead and commit suicide, even in jest. All members of the panel emphasized that we must be our neighbor’s keeper and that community members should always look out for each other and reuse to mind their own business if lives are

suspected to be at stake. It is always better to eb safe than to be sorry.

Nazim Hussain pointed out that those who find peace and comfort in their religion should turn to their religious leaders when they face problems that seem too much to handle or when they feel like giving up. Norkah Carter reinforced this point, since talking to someone with whom one is comfortable and willing to open up and confide in, is a critical first step to getting help. And religious leaders are urged to also do some research so as to be familiar with strategies that can help – empathetic communication, an understanding of the suicidal mindset, the capacity to recognize when faith based counseling may not be enough and to then help the individual access professional help.

The panel also discussed the issue of the law that criminalizes attempted suicide and posited that perhaps this could be an impetus towards increasing attempted ending in actual suicides, since those aware of the fact that attempted suicides could lead to their prosecution and imprisonment, may want to ensure that their attempts are final. Thus The Caribbean Voice, and its partners are of the firm view that attempted suicide should be decriminalized and that those who attempt suicide should be provided with requisite help.

Bibi Ahamad informed listeners about the recent National Stakeholders Conference on Suicide and Related Issues and the El Dorado Awards that were held on August 21 and 22 respectively at Cara Hotel in Georgetown. In fact, Pandit Suresh Sugrim, of the New Jersey Arya Samaj Humanitarian Mission (NJASM), was presented with his award on air, since he had been unable to attend the event in Georgetown. Annan Boodram emphasized that the

rationale for the awards is to bring attention to and recognize the quiet heroes and heroines who give of their time, efforts and resources to make a difference and to link them to other stakeholders in ongoing efforts to create a collaborative and holistic approach towards tackling suicide and related issues. The El Dorado Awards would be held annually.

Listeners were urged to log on to The Caribbean Voice’s website – www.caribvoice.org - and click on the links to the various social media pages (facebook, twitter, instagram, youtube, tumblr, blog and pinterest) for information and other resources and to also directly contact The Caribbean Voice, if necessary. The recently instituted police hotline numbers were also continually flashed on screen throughout the program and listeners were urged to copy the numbers and have them readily available to use, if needed.

Members of The Caribbean Voice also appealed to the business and professional community to come on board to facilitate programs like this one on a regular basis, in every region in Guyana. To partner for this purpose, Nazim Hussain can be contacted at hussainnazim18@yahoo.com or at 644-1152.

Finally, in keeping with TCV’s thene ‘suicide prevention is everybody’s business’ listeners were invited to become involved in suicide prevention and redressing of related issues by joining The Caribbean Voice or any other organization involved in tackling such issues. Those interested in being associated with The Caribbean Voice can send email to caribvoice@aol.com, bibiahamad1@hotmail.com or gtposse72@hotmail.com. Calls can be made to 621-6111 or 223-2637.

Annan Boodram The Caribbean Voice

by the Public Works division. We undertook the works of laying sand, loam and crush and run stones which we had to grade and roll. We then added quarry, shifting and rolling this again after which the Government provided a top coating of asphalt. So if this qualifies as having the Government building the access road then Mr Kissoon has redefined the meaning of the word, but this is not unusual coming from this writer in particular. However, a simple phone call to me would have provided this information.

Secondly, I thank Mr Bernard for his compliments on the Mall. A country is defined by the quality of life and the Mall goes a long way towards improving ours. In the two months of operations we have been inundated with congratulations and heartfelt gratitude for providing something which has been sadly lacking in Guyana. Shoppers, including disabled people in wheelchairs, families, expats

and Guyanese from all walks of life can ascertain this. We hope through our success that we pave the way for more companies to make the developmental plunge needed to stimulate and move this country forward. I would also like to enlighten Mr Bernard that not only my Board, but also four of the larger financial institutions in the region have analysed the project through many different credit, risk and other critical operational and functional analysis, and have all been satisfied with the project as well as the success which we have so far experienced. They believe that we are on course with our projections. For those who aren’t as optimistic, an old adage which comes to mind: “The proof is in the Pudding”, but by all accounts, this pudding is being well received.

Sincerely, Roy Beepat

President Giftland Mall

The real names of our roads must be referenced on Google

Dear Editor, It was less than 2 years since I had visited the Essequibo Coast. So I prepared for my recent travel there by looking up the destination on Google Maps. To my astonishment what I knew as the Anna Regina Public Road was named Av. 100 Bolivar and a main street was named Calle 100 Guayana. (See reference on https://www.google. com/maps/@7.2671241,58.4800784,404m/ data=!3m1!1e3 or https://www.google. com/maps/@7.2671241,58.4800784,17.94z).

On my arrival at Supenaam, I heard folks joking about being in Venezuela. I asked some upstanding citizens who lived there from birth, the name of the road I knew as the Anna Regina Public Road, and they without exception said “the … Public Road.” I became more alarmed when I showed the map of the said road by a man who said it must have been from when the Spanish were here. I can’t say if the Spanish were in Anna Regina, but that road was certainly not made and named by them. Historians will have to correct me if I am wrong.

I went to the Anna Regina Town Council and met Town Clerk Ms Diane Critchlow to explain the gravity of the situ-

ation to her.

Google is a big brand and only powerful countries like the USA or China might be able to shift its policies. But it is also a business that is subject to popularity pressure. We must enlist all our many friends to get Google to change those names. But first we must name our roads. We should allow those living in Essequibo become involved in naming their own streets, putting their names and addresses to the agreement, and send it to the Town and Village Councils to have them referenced by Google.

We can’t afford to wait, not even for Local Government elections. The internet is increasingly influencing, creating opportunities for the younger generations. Surely, our history and geography students can be assigned SBAs that will be relevant to this purpose.

The Guyana Press Association and its member media can assist in relating the names to people and places to effect a change in Google Maps before Av. 100 Bolivar comes to be regarded by the growing googling world as the eastern frontier of our western Bolivarian Republic neighbour.

Yours sincerely, Alfred Bhulai

Page Foundation

BY AnnA STEwART, FAmiLY ADvoCATE

Soon we will be bracing ourselves for parentteacher conferences.

Some parents go to conferences expecting glowing reports, but many of us dread them. Maybe it’s because, like me, you’ve had a prior bad experience. I remember going to my first parent-teacher conference when my oldest child was in kindergarten and having the teacher run through a long list of complaints about my son. He didn’t sit still at circle time, didn’t want to write, interrupted her and

are not the entirety of who our child is, and that our child needs some understanding and support in order to succeed at school.

Since that first difficult conference, I’ve learned to use the three Ps of Praise, Prevent and Plan to create a productive parent-teacher conference. It helps to lessen your anxiety and increase your confidence so the meeting with the teacher does what it’s supposed to do: effectively address your child’s needs.

Praise

Everyone responds well to positive feedback, especially

on and on. The message I got was, “You’re not raising a good son.” I was so shocked and hurt, I couldn’t respond. I felt powerless.

It’s not easy to face these conferences when you know that your loving, giving child has labels like stubborn, unfocused, disruptive and annoying, and he just isn’t built for the demands of most classrooms. But as parents, we know that negative labels

when what they often hear is criticism. This holds true for teachers as well as children. Finding something to authentically praise about your child’s teacher will create a pathway between you and the teacher for seeing good, and sets the stage for creating a respectful relationship. It’s also modelling what you want the teacher to do with your child: find the good and praise it.

The most effective way to praise anyone is to include an exclamation (for example, thank you or great job) and a description of the actual behaviour. Be sure to praise the skill or work demonstrated by the teacher, rather than vague “talents” or “gifts.”

Instead of saying, “Wow, you are so talented with those kids,” (which doesn’t reflect what the teacher actually did) try, “Wow, wonderful work, Mr Jones. I noticed that you kept calm, and the students really responded to you.” If you are struggling to find something to praise, go smaller. Maybe the teacher has organised the classroom in a calming way or ties the curriculum to current events. It may feel awkward at first, so practice using authentic praise with your child, your partner, the bus driver and others. It’s the first step to building a connection and a relationship.

Prevent

Finding a connection with your child’s teacher through the use of authentic praise will help you feel more confident when bringing up concerns to them. The best time to bring up issues is prior to an official parent-teacher conference. Why? Because it prevents surprises. By reducing the risk that either side will be caught by surprise at a conference, you’ll also reduce your anxiety about attending them. Being in touch beforehand can also prevent either party from dumping their frustrations on the other while at the conference. (Excerpt from empoweringparents. com)

If you’re like most parents, you don’t have any plan at all. This guide will help prepare your family and give you some peace of mind.

(Continued from Saturday)

BY RACHEL AYDT

Tips for safer living rooms

Don’t overload power strips and extension cords. When Captain Picard mentioned the dangers of frayed wiring, I immediately pictured the tangle of plugs I had jammed into one power strip in my living room. At last count it was supplying juice to a DVR, a DVD player, a broadband modem, a TV, a cordless phone, and an Xbox. (Now I only plug in what we need.) But our worst offender has to be the old cord from an antique brass standing lamp I bought at a flea market, which I’ve since gotten rewired. Hide matches and lighters. According to the National Fire Protection Association, firefighters responded to nearly 45,000 blazes in 2010 caused by someone playing with fire, and most of them were started by children. Keep matches and lighters out of reach and make sure that all cigarette lighters are child-resistant. Understand wattage. Most appliances are rated for wattage, and some require high-wattage extension cords. Extension cords can alter the power supply, so don’t use them if you don’t have to – and never attach them to

high-wattage appliances like electric space heaters, says Sanderson.

Get the safest equipment. When you’re buying items like extension cords, nightlights, and power strips, look for ones that have been tested to meet federal safety standards. (UL is the best known testing company.)

Place cords properly. Don’t run them under carpets or rugs, or around doorways. When cords are subjected to excessive force from doors opening and closing or from people walking over them, they can become damaged and can overheat, possibly starting a fire.

Be careful with candles If you use them, make sure they’re in sturdy, noncombustible containers and never leave them unattended, within a child’s reach, or near any furniture that could easily catch on fire, such as upholstered sofas or chairs (which are far more likely to light than wooden furniture and spread the fire more quickly).

Plan a family fire drill

Your first step : Create an escape plan based on your home’s layout. (Go to sparky.org, a child-friendly fire-safety site, to download

a blank template.) Identify two ways out of every room, if possible. Then go over the plan with children ages five and older. Don’t bother showing the map to younger children. They’ll understand it better by practicing, so walk around your home and show your children where the exits are and how they’ll get out, suggests Kate Carr, President and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. Home drills can be scary for small kids, so it’s important to reassure them, says Carr. “Tell your child that it’s your job to protect her. You can say something like, ‘We don’t expect to have a fire, but if it happens, this is what we’ll do to be safe.’” Next, teach your children to “get low and go.” Have them practice escaping from each room by crouching down very low and crawling along the perimeter of the room to an exit. Make sure your child understands that this technique is different from “stop, drop, and roll,” which is what kids should do only if their clothing catches fire. (Carr explains that during at-home drills, many children have tried to stop, drop, and roll their way out of rooms.) Coach your child to feel a closed door with the back of his hand before he opens it; if it’s hot, he should quickly head to the second way out if there’s one available.

Do your drill a couple of times each year, using a different exit each time If you have a fire escape, make sure that it’s clear. If you live in a home with a second or higher level and you don’t already have a certified collapsible rescue ladder, consider getting one to stow near an exit window. Children should be a rung above you and stay between your body and the ladder as they climb down, so you can catch them in case they slip. The Fire Department of New York recommends attaching the ladder at least once soon after you get it, so that you know it works and you’re familiar with it in an emergency.

Finally, work out which parent will oversee which child’s removal. “This should reduce any confusion that can cost precious seconds,” says Carr. Establish your family meeting spot outside the home so that you can quickly do a head count. (Parents.com)

APNU/AFC Govt “witch hunt”

100s silently forced to resign – Opposition Leader Jagdeo

Less than six months after the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition took office, hundreds of people are being “quietly terminated”, because of their ethnicity and/or their perceived political affiliation, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo claimed.

A large number of officials who served under the previous regime have already had their employment terminated.

The former President told Guyana Times on Friday evening, “Those who are not being terminated because of these, their job environment is being made so uncomfortable that they are being forced to resign. So that is a silent number we don’t see who are forced to resign because of workplace discrimination…and what we have replacing them are people who are unqualified, who are pure politicians, like in the case of Berbice with Mr [Veerasammy] Ramayya.” He was referring to Ramaya who was dubbed “quasi political” by Minister of the Presidency Joseph Harmon.

He said Government’s move to appoint Ramayya as the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six

(East Berbice-Corentyne) was “very disturbing”.

“Ramayya replaced a technical person and unfortunately, he does not possess any financial skills to manage the finances of the said Region,” Jagdeo stated.

Meanwhile, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Irfaan Ali told this newspaper that the issue of “witch-hunting” and harassment of public servants and public officials continued to be one that was of great concern to him and his party.

“A lot of young professionals, the stories are not coming out in the press,

they are forced on a daily basis to resign because of the inhumane treatment, because of the harassment, because of the insults that are meted out to them. This is something that continues on a daily basis. The most recent case is that of Mr Chamanlall Naipaul, who comes from Region Three. I think it is disgusting to [so] treat a senior journalist, a man who has so much of experience and has given

so much of his life towards journalism, especially in Government service,” said Ali.

He stated that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo must be aware of the po-

tential and capabilities of Naipaul because the two of them worked with each other during the Guyana Information Service (GIS) days.

“I know this personally. I think that we have to address the issue nationally whereby professionals, a lot of young professionals are sent home, sent on leave and harassed to resign and these are the stories that are not getting out there. I think that the population needs to understand that this is not only an ethnic issue, but this is an issue which is about retaining the skills, protecting people’s rights and their interests,” the PPP/C MP explained.

He noted that if persons in authority or those who have some power in the country could not protect these workers’ rights and their interests as well as their democratic freedoms with regard to employment, then “we are in a serious state” here in Guyana.

Ali emphasised that the powers that be should and are expected to execute their duties and obligations to all citizens of Guyana without

fear or favour and without affection or ill will.

“If you are going to say the perception of someone being affiliated with a political party and to harass them, to have them be fired,

giving them retirement packages, I think it is directly infringing on persons’ democratic rights in workplaces… we believe that regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation, they must have fair access to such,” he added.

Only recently, several high-profile officials were sent on leave including the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Rajendra Singh; the Guyana Oil Company, Badree Persaud; the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth; and Guyana Power and Light, Bharat Dindyal among others .

monday, september 7, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Nagamootoo pledges not to interfere with media freedom

– amid continued criticism over Chronicle “blunder”

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has sought to refute claims that he has been interfering with the freedom of the media, stressing that he believes the media plays an important role in society.

This comment came on the heels of the disclosure of Government’s intention to formulate a media policy for all media houses in Guyana.

Speaking at a Government outreach at Whim, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Saturday, the Prime Minister said media personnel were important to society and should perform their job in a qualitative manner which would bring professionalism to the job they perform.

“The press has been playing up certain issues about freedom of the media in Guyana; they too are inventing a jumbie when they talk about violation of freedom of the press in Guyana,” the Prime Minister said.

Nagamootoo has come in for heavy criticism after telling a group of reporters that he was disappointed by a headline which appeared in the Guyana Chronicle and he had a conversation with the reporter who wrote the

story. The headline asserted that the government had “blundered” in its presentation of the budget when it was forced to seek corrections to the format with the Opposition PPP/C. “I was disappointed. I was very disappointed. I didn’t think that it was an objective headline in the sum total of what transpired yesterday in the Parliament… It is a Government paper and I would expect that for a paper that it has a point of view that supports a Government perspective… Here is a case where there was a resolution of a problem, a compromise having

been arrived at… One would expect that it would merit the views of Government,” he had said.

The utterances of the Prime Minister sparked widespread condemnation about his interfering with the job of the media. This was especially so when the Chronicle, evidently confusing “State” with “Government”, essayed an editorial stating that the State media has to toe the Government’s line.

In Berbice, several persons have come out in support of the media and have criticised the Prime Minister over his alleged interference

in the operation of the media.

One retired school teacher, Vincent Ramroop said the media, whether Stateowned or not, has the right to report on exactly what was happening. “The Government is only one-sided and they should give the other side of the story. We should not have to buy two newspapers to get one story,” the retiree said.

Another senior citizen said what the Prime Minister did was not what they were expecting of him. “We vote for a change not a change around. The Chronicle only use to have what the Government want them to put in the paper, but we vote to change that… but to look like we are not getting a change just a change around.”

Leon Faria, a former Police Officer, noted that the press should be free from any political influence. “The press is the representation of the truth which ought not to be biased or prejudiced , but should be free; even from any administration influence or the influence of any party or company which seems to feel that the press has to go along with their ideas.”

continue on page 9

Govt to implement recommendations from mining sector inquiry

Recommendations from the mining industry inquiry will soon be implemented to ensure safety in the mining sector

Government has announced that the recommendations from the mining industry inquiry would soon be implemented to ensure safety in the mining sector; however, no details were disclosed on the nature of these recommendations.

According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, efforts are ongoing to address the imple-

mentation of some of the recommendations coming out of the inquiry and the public will be informed of these in the “short-term”.

An official inquiry was launched into the sector following the continued loss of lives in the industry as a result mainly of the collapsing of mining pits.

The inquiry into this deadly spate of events was launched in July and a re-

port of recommendations for the improvement of safety in the sector was recently submitted.

It was observed that the mounting incidents of mining pit collapses are owed to a lack of effective safety precautions and measures being taken by owners and operators in the mining sector.

President David Granger recently registered his concerns over the frequent col-

Eyew tness Plenipotentiaries...

...for Berbice

We are witnessing an interesting development in Guyanese politics and governance - the fissioning of the nation for the expedience of getting a few more votes. PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo went down to his home village of Whim, with his fellow Whimsian Ramayya and Ramjattan, originally from up the road at 48 Village. This Eyewitness isn't going to comment on the crowd bussed in and the pickets that greeted him: he found Nagamootoo's reaction more interesting.

After hearing all the complaints of the neglect and alienation of Berbicians (didn't he hear all of these during the campaign?) Nagamootoo suddenly announced that he will appoint a special "PRIME Minister representative" in Berbice. Now if this isn't seat-of-the-pants governance, what is? Did Nagamootoo consult with his President and the rest of the Cabinet - which he assures us he sometimes chairs? The question is this: which part of the country doesn't have problems and challenges? To address those issues isn't this why we have the entire Regional system?

Did Nagamootoo forget that at the same elections he was elected to be PRIME Minister, there were also Regional elections that produced Regional Chairmen, Regional Councils and various entities to serve the people in the Regions? OK, if Nagamootoo, doesn't care for the "will of the people" that delivered a PPP fella as Regional Chairman, and he wants his own man, doesn't the rules of the game allow the Government to appoint a technocrat/ Bureaucrat as Regional Executive Officer (REO)?

And if he didn't want a bureaucrat who might bring up inconvenient objections that Nagamootoo's directives weren't in his rule-book, wasn't Ramayya, who'd just been appointed as the "Quasi-political" REO of Region Six traipsing behind him? But that brings up the crux of the matter, doesn't it? If the Government went to all the trouble to take the flack to appoint a "quasi political" REO, why can't that be enough for Nagamootoo?

And the answer is that the self-esteemed challenged Nagamootoo doesn't want a Ramaya who grew up catching crabs with him at the Whim foreshore, and still insists on calling his "Moses". Didn't Ramaya quit the AFC when Nagamootoo offered him a job at $180,000 and no driver? And told him to stick his offer where the sun doesn't shine?

To crib a phrase from the late Desmond Hoyte, Nagamootoo wants someone who will be "his creature".

lapse of mining pits within the country’s mining community.

Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment expressed its concerns over the recent loss of lives caused by the collapses which were the result of negligence and noncompliance with the mining laws.

Meanwhile, until these recommendations take full effect, the Department is advising all mine operators and workers to exercise due care and caution in their operations.

The Department stated also that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) was mandated to strictly enforce the regulations governing the operation of mines and the safety of mines workers.

The latest collapse last week resulted in the death of a young miner who was buried alive after a mining pit caved in at Tiger Creek, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni). A few months prior, another mining pit in the said area collapsed thus resulting in the death of ten miners.

So when he says, "Jump!" the fella will whimper, "How high, sah?" Then Nagamootoo told the surly Berbicians that "Ramaya has $260M to spend along with the Regional Chairman". Really? So when his Special Representative brings supplications outside the budget, what then?

Ah! The things a man has to do to boost his ego!

...and divisions

Back in his old hunting grounds, PRIME Minister Nagamootoo fell into an expansive mood. He confessed what he'd been denying for months: that there were severe problems and divisions in the marriage between the APNU and the AFC. Seems he couldn't hide it from these folks of Whim who'd witnessed the marriage to begin with. He accepted he's been getting "blow" in the political marriage.

When his comrade from the "old days", Ralph Ramkarran, had suggested the marriage was "troubled" and possibly on the rocks, Nagamootoo'd staunchly denied this. It's always possible he didn't know but in most of these cases folks deny they are being cuckolded. However, Nagamootoo confessed to the good folks at Whim he'd been having "discussions" about the problems - presumably with the agreed-to political marriage councillors headed by Burch-Smith.

What's a bride to do when her "pre-nuptial" Accord isn't honoured? Go to the courts? Or remain and cry at nights?

...new SUV

In a place like Berbice, you know those who showed up to see Nagamootoo and weren't bussed in, were there for a reason. They wanted to gawk at the $22M SUV. Which could've bought the entire paddy crop from Whim!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

Out-of-control crime spirals

Crabwood Creek home invasion

Armed bandits rob, terrorise family

ACrabwood Creek, Berbice family was left traumatised on Sunday after five gunmen invaded their home and carted off an undisclosed sum of money and jewellery.

According to information received, the five armed men gained entry into the home of Krishnadatt Jettoo of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne through a window in the lower flat of the building which they pierced open. After gaining entry, they reportedly went to the upper flat of the house.

Guyana Times understands that upon hearing

footsteps in the house about 02:30h, Jettoo and his wife thought it was one of their children. As they got up to check, they were reportedly confronted by the bandits who held them at gunpoint and demanded cash and jewellery.

The couple were reluctant to cooperate at first, but the gunmen reportedly threatened to kill Jettoo. As two of the men held them at gunpoint, the others ransacked the home where they found a quantity of US and Guyanese currency. They also found a quantity of jewellery. It was not clear

where the children were at the time of the robbery.

The men then tied the couple up and ordered them not to raise an alarm as they made good their escape. A Police rank disclosed that the men escaped in a white Carina 212 motor car, according to reports. The men, based on information received, are known to law enforcement. The Police have since visited the home of the owner of the car, but he was not at home.

The investigation continues. Criminal activity continues to surge in Guyana. On Friday morning, three

armed men invaded the home of Georgetown Town Clerk Royston King and carted off an undisclosed sum of money, mobile phone and other items. As Police responded to the scene, three men who were travelling on foot in the area at the time were arrested and were assisting with the investigation.

At the time of their apprehension, one of the men had a mobile phone similar to the one that was taken from King’s home. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Kaieteur National Park disappearance: No sign of missing tourist

The disappearance of Gyaneshwarie Laleta Sivinand of Lot 3

Block E Durban Backlands, Georgetown remains a mystery as the days go by and there is still no sign of her.

Up to late Saturday evening, the members of the Special Forces of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) had conducted searches along the gorge of the Kaieteur Falls, but came up emptyhanded. Sivinand disappeared from her tour group at the Kaieteur National Park on Tuesday. According to reports received, the search operation is proceeding slowly given the dangerous and extremely rugged terrain. Many searches have been conducted since Sivinand was reported missing. The Guyana Police Force is leading the investigation and to an extent, the search-and-rescue mission.

When contact was made with the relatives of the missing woman, the person on the other end of the telephone line stated: “we have no comments to make about

the incident, thanks for calling.”

When media operatives visited the home earlier to solicit a comment, the husband of the missing woman declined to comment.

The search will continue by the Special Forces, police and other agencies for the missing woman.

It was reported that the woman was reportedly crying on her journey to the Park on Tuesday. She later confided to the other passen-

gers that she was depressed as a result of a break-up and was scheduled to leave for Miami on Friday last.

The woman has travelled to the Kaieteur National Park about eight times to conduct several research studies.

She was discovered missing after the tour guide realised that he had an extra chit after distributing same as they prepared to return to Ogle International Airport. A search was immediately launched, but had to be called off owing to the terrain.

From reports gathered, the woman was last seen lagging behind the group as they trekked the trail of the National Park. When prompted to catch up with the group, she reportedly told them that she knew that area and could find her way.

In 2009, 23-year-old Aliya Bulkan jumped off the Kaieteur Falls after she reportedly encountered difficulties in her life. The United States-based university graduate had gone to the Falls with a group of

Police release suspects in Leopold Street murder

As Police continue their investigation into the murder of Deon Macey, whose battered body was found in his makeshift apartment at Leopold Street, Georgetown, the three men who were initially arrested have been released. Police are hunting two other suspects. According to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, the men were released after the 72hour detention period expired. He stated that they were, however, required to visit the Police station as requested by the investigating ranks.

In terms of the new persons of interest, the Crime Chief explained that the Police were hunting for them for questioning into the murder. The Police, he added, are working with several leads at their disposal and are hoping for a breakthrough in the case as soon as possible.

The 51-year-old man of Lot 67 Leopold Street, Werken-Rust, Georgetown was found dead about 06:30h in his apartment with at least three stab wounds to his chest and abdomen. It was reported that other tenants

in the yard made the discovery when they went to the man’s apartment after calls to him went unanswered.

As they pushed open the door, the man’s bloodied body was found. Blood was found in the apartment along with several pieces of cloth. Persons in the area claimed that the man was last seen on Wednesday morning at 02:30h. Residents said they did not hear any unusual sounds. A post-mortem is yet to be performed on the man’s body, which was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home.

Nagamootoo pledges not to...

Faria added that the truth did not have an arm or branch. “The truth ought to be striking the equilibrium and being straightforward and so in mine opinion I am saying that there is anyone in the Administration or the Opposition who thinks that the press should go along with their influence, then that ought not to be.”

‘Never interfered’

However, the Prime Minister stood his ground and stated that he has never interfered with the media. He told the Whim gathering that they should remind themselves that the Editor of the Guyana Chronicle remains the same person who recently carried a headline in the newspaper which referred to him as an animal.

friends who confirmed seeing her jump.

After days of searching, her broken body was found along the rough terrain of the Potaro River.

Meanwhile, in a release, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DNRE) on Saturday evening confirmed that the Kaieteur National Park remains closed until further notice.

The release added that a review of the Park’s operating protocols is ongoing to ensure the continued safety of visitors at the site.

“The Chronicle referred to me as a jackass with my photograph. I did not dismiss the editor. He offered me his resignation. I have not fired him,” the PM said. However, that particular was subsequently demoted.

Recently, he added, the columnist Rickey Singh had tendered his resignation and blamed him for interfering and censoring his article which criticised the Prime Minister. “I have not seen this journalist for over 15 years. I have not spoken to this journalist for over 15 years. I am least interested in the journalist’s affairs, I read his columns

from page 8

but I have never spoken to the Editor of the Chronicle Newspaper in relation to his columns. I have never mentioned his name to the Editor in relation to his columns. I have not interfered or given any instruction for the journalist to feel displeased.”

Nagamootoo was alluding to veteran Caribbean journalist Guyanese-born Rickey Singh, who resigned as a contributor and longstanding columnist to the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, as he took a firm stand against the continued interference of the Prime Minister’s Office in the affairs of the company and the work of the editorial department.

Singh, in his resignation letter dated September 2, explained that he took the decision following the nonpublication of a column he submitted for the Sunday, August 31, 2015 edition of the newspaper. He said that he had written to the then EditorIn-Chief Mark Ramotar and General Manager Michael Gordon soliciting a reason for the nonpublication of the column which was critical of Prime Minister Nagamootoo and Government’s parliamentary posture as well as its failure to fulfil several post-electoral promises. Ramotar was then demoted to “editor”.

Govt settles rice payments in Region 2 ...rejects contrary statements

The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has refuted claims by rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast that they are still to be paid by millers there, claiming that the Government has already settled all of its financial obligations with rice millers in that region.

GRDB Chairman Claude Housty joined acting General Manager of the GRDB, Nizam Hassan and GRDB executive and miller, Dr Peter de Groot for an in-depth examination of the local rice sector with the state information agency recently.

According to Hassan, “All the millers have been paid monies that were owed to them by the Government of Guyana”.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), millers may still owe rice farmers, but this is a result of private contracts for other markets that they have exported rice to.

Hassan said the GRDB “didn’t have those contracts”. The ongoing problem has been compounded by the fact that supplies

were purchased, with prices based on the demand and prices obtained via the Venezuelan markets, de Groot added.

GINA said that he fur -

ther explained, “When the Venezuelan market came to a sudden stop, millers were caught with stock on their hand. This was purchased at a high price,

higher than the millers could make money on… Millers are caught with stock on hand that they have difficulty in exporting and they will not be

able to export it and make a profit.”

This, he said, has contributed to the difficulties some millers face in paying the farmers.

GINA said that it was also revealed that there were an equal number of millers who were owed monies by farmers. De Groot said, “Some of them finance the farmers in order to go back into the crop.” Essequibo millers are often the least indebted, he noted, but with regard to those in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), “the reverse is probably true”.

During his budget presentation last month, Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced that $23 billion would be allocated to support payments to the rice farmers who were owed billions of dollars altogether for the supplies made to the millers throughout the years.

It was reported that millers experienced extreme difficulties in paying the rice farmers for the supplies received, owing to Government’s own default.

Government needed to disburse some US$15 million to the GRDB so it could pay off millers who needed to settle their debts with the rice farmers. Jordan reported that rice farmers were owed in excess of US$17 million.

For years now, many have complained about rice farmers being squeezed by payment delays, which they blamed on the lax enforcement of the Rice Factory Act.

The Act stipulates that in the event a rice miller pays half of the monies owed for paddy on receipt of the rice and fails to complete payment within the required 42-day timeframe, the miller is bound by law to pay farmers interest that is two per cent higher than the going interest rate of the Bank of Guyana.

Owing to the millers’ constant failure to pay rice farmers over the years, the amounts owed to them have now accumulated and will continue to accumulate if more stringent enforcement measures are not put in place.

Toucan Call Centre closure Region 10 Chairman urges swift investigation of similar incidents

Region 10 (Upper Berbice-Demerara)

Chairman Renis Morian is concerned over the abrupt closure of the Toucan Connection Incorporated Call Centre in Linden, which has led to the unemployment of more than 90 people.

In light of this, the Regional Chairman is calling for swifter action to be taken by the Government to ensure the issue is speedily resolved and the employees were rightfully compensated.

Particularly, he is pleading with the relevant authorities to seize the passports of the company’s officials before they flee the country, which could result in adversity for those persons who are now on the breadline and without their severance packages.

The Labour Department under the Social Protection Ministry was already called in to investigate the situation; however, efforts to contact Minister Simona Broomes on the progress made thus far into the matter proved futile.

However, Morian disclosed that matters have gotten worse as the two company officials are personally in possession of equipment and material belonging to the Company – which was

made for in part by the Government.

Also, he stated that the reasons cited for the closure of the Call Centre have caused eyebrows to be raised. He explained that at first officials of the company disclosed that business was bad, then they explained that the company was merging with another and would likely reopen in November.

“To me, they are just making excuses. I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t like these backdoor operations,” the Regional Chairman stated.

Morian added that when contact was made with the Manager, who resides elsewhere in the Caribbean, they were greeted with rudeness.

The Regional Chairman said he would make contact with Ministry officials today to

follow up on the issue.

Toucan Connection Incorporated is being accused of violating the labour laws by shutting down its operations without prior notice to its employees.

The employees were also denied their respective benefits.

It was also discovered that the employees’ National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions were not remitted to the Scheme, even though these monies, along with the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax, were promptly deducted from their salaries.

Moreover, employees cited constant abuse from management of the company where salary deductions would be administered whenever an employee logged out of the system, whether it was to visit the washroom or to visit the supervisor upon request.

Meanwhile, Morian said he would soon be investigating incidents of similar nature. He said he was in receipt of information that two other entities in Linden were engaging in similar deplorable conduct. However, he declined to disclose the names of the entities until a thorough investigation was done to confirm the allegation.

Times Notebook

Ramsammy’s ruminations

Media Freedom under threat in Guyana

Dr LesLie ramsammy

The APNU/AFC Government recently announced its intention to introduce media regulation for the media to behave responsibly, as a result of the media reporting on Government's mistakes.

I was a part of a PPP/C Government that embraced and promoted the notion of Media freedom as a public good, and which endured frequent and irresponsible attacks from the media houses belonging to biased owners. PPP/C leaders and ministers complained about the irresponsibility of the media which often used lies and fabrications to pursue an anti-PPP/C agenda. But the Party insisted that only self-regulation was possible for responsible media behavior since Government regulations often lead to media censure.

Media freedom is an imperative for democracy, and

although it’s a fundamental right and a public good, it’s one that people have had to fight for. It is a daunting task, but must remain an imperative - we must be vigilant in protecting this natural right, the right to liberty, life and happiness.

When a Government, particularly one with a past history of repression, speaks of media regulation and policies we must become extremely sensitive and aggressively vigilant. Regulations have been used as the most common and pernicious tools to restrict media freedom around the world. Guyana effectively used regulations in the 1970s and 1980s to suck the life out of press freedom and to ensure a press that functioned as a propaganda mouthpiece of the oppressors.

In the first twenty five years as an independent country, Guyana was one of the countries deprived of

press freddom, and which during the 1970s and 1980s was used as an arm of repression to solidify the dictatorship that kept Guyana backward. This led Guyana to becoming one of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, along with Haiti.

Freedom House, the International watchdog, lists Guyana at number 62 out of 180 countries in terms of media freedom. For reference, the USA, a country that boasts it is the guardian of global freedom, is ranked at number 49. In the 1970s and 1980s, Guyana would have been listed with North Korea and Eritrea at the bottom of the list.

Although it took some time, the PPP/C Government opened up the media landscape. There are at least three privately owned dailies, at least seven privately owned radio stations and more than 25 privately owned TV stations. There

Small-scale loggers raise concerns with government

Representatives of 14 different logging associations in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) met recently with Government to vent their concerns over access to land for logging purposes and tax concessions, as the global economy suffers another downturn.

Governance and Patrimony Minister Raphael Trotman, who is responsible for the natural resources sector, stated that the large group of small-scale loggers from the mining town of Linden sought to have an audience with the Administration to address issues which are affecting them.

He stated that these persons were concerned about the obvious downturn in the global economy, noting that many logs were shipped to China and Asia, but the economic troubles in that region have left loggers with a huge stockpile on their hands.

According to the Minister, the loggers wished to know if the Government could provide them with any concessions and if so, what concessions these would be.

Guyana Times understands that the issue of large logging companies crowding the small loggers out of the market was also of major concern. Also the impassable

state of access roads and fuel prices were also on their list of issues to be addressed.

Trotman told the media that while these representatives have committed their support to the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration, they also put the Minister on notice that this was “not a blanket support”, since they expected that the Government would perform in their best interest.

“I do plan a visit to Region 10 later in the month of September, and I would insist that Minister Patterson go along, because the state of the road is very critical, much of the cost of production or getting the logs to market has to do with trans-

portation and the bad state of the road … so hopefully the trip can involve Minister Patterson and some others, where we can bring some immediate relief and the Minister can see for himself what the needs are,” Minister Trotman explained.

With regard to the tax concessions which are already granted to existing companies and are being reviewed, the Governance Minister stated that the Administration would ensure that there was a level playing field. Foreigners as well as local small loggers should be on the same level, and these are some of the issues which the Government was working on with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

Guyana Times understands that the intention of the APNU/AFC coalition is to also ensure that the large companies which have been granted concessions are working with the GFC and are doing so in a manner which respects the country’s laws and regulations.

“We want to ensure that they are keeping to their agreement at the end of the day, so that it’s value added; if they can’t, then we will look at taking them away, but we don’t want to start off by saying we are going to be taking anything away, that’s not in our interest,” Trotman said.

are many privately operated on-line news services. In the last ten years in particular, many of these privately owned media houses were rabidly anti-PPP/C.

The APNU/AFC while in Opposition, was vehemently opposed to any effort by the then PPP/C/C Government to regulate the media. But both former Presidents, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar were equally adamant that media regulation by Government can never be a part of good governance and must never be allowed to be part of a democratic regime.

However, under the APNU/AFC, continued free press in Guyana is at risk. APNU/AFC has shown a frightening predisposition to continue from where the PNC left off in 1992. This is mainly because it’s mainly led and controlled by people who are lifelong card-bearers of the PNC and disciples of Forbes Burnham.

Under the PNC, the press was used to concretise the dictatorship and to uphold and promote the policy of party paramountcy. Any reporter or journalist who dared to question the regime felt its wrath.

Indeed, this year is the 30th death anniversary of Father Darke, the Catholic Standard photographer, who was murdered by Government appointed thugs, Rabbi Washington and the House of Israel. They were hired to kill press opponents of the PNCgovernment at the time. Others like Ricky Singh were brutalized, escaping with their lives to make a living in other countries.

It is this history that is enough to frighten us that the solid gains Guyana has made in improving its standing on the global platform of media freedom is under threat.

In less than three months in office, we are frightened

not only by the Government’s history, but by its actual behavior. The ugly episode of Mr Nagamootoo explicitly demonstrating that APNU/ AFC won’t tolerate an independent media disappoints many.

I am not just disappointed, I am genuinely afraid that we are seeing the beginning of a new age of media repression in Guyana. The talk of media regulation by APNU/AFC is not about responsible behavior of the media, but about muzzling the media. As a nation, we must not allow APNU/AFC to deny media freedom in our country. It would be the first step in the trajectory to authoritarian rule again in Guyana. We must be firm in our opposition to stop APNU/AFC to return us on that backward road. Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times. notebook@gmail.com.

monday, september 7, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Berbice Bridge lauded for improving lives

...hopes for “consensus” between investors and Govt

As the Government and the owners of the Berbice Bridge continue to seek to break the impasse over the toll reductions promised to Berbicians, which the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) claim will lead to bankruptcy if the full agreement is not adhered to, Guyana Times revisited the reasons why such a crossing made compelling sense at the time with Berbicians.

For decades, Berbicians and visitors to the Ancient County had complained of the inconvenience of having to wait for many hours at either side of the river when using the ferries. It was widely accepted that a bridge across the river was the only answer to the congestion and inconvenience of the woefully inadequate ferry service.

So in 2005, work on the Bridge, the first PublicPrivate Partnership in Guyana’s infrastructure sector, began. The ordinary man, six years after its opening in 2008, continues to sing praises of the Bridge and its ease of use.

“Being a driver for 24 years travelling from Georgetown to Rosignol and from New Amsterdam to Georgetown, since we have the Berbice River Bridge it makes life so simple now. You would only spent five minutes to

cross the Berbice River and it is so beneficial for me now that I can come home and do my work home. I can help my wife to do other things home, even cooking. We use to wait on the boat up to seven hours and sometimes overnight to cross, but now if you get caught with the Bridge it would be only three-quarter of an hour, the most you will wait,” on resident said.

The commercial sector also continues to see the benefits of a bridge across the Berbice River. Former President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA), Mark Roopnarine

Former President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association Mark Roopnarine

says over the past six years, the Bridge has had significant impact on business on both sides of the river.

One of the major benefits, he says, is the reduction in time taken to do business, while the Bridge also allows for more business to be opened in Berbice. “We have various companies now being able to truck their products from Georgetown to Berbice and in so doing opening up more distributors in Berbice.”

Roopnarine noted that even the anticipated negative impact of the Bridge on the town of New Amsterdam

was never realised. “What has happened is that the Bridge has led to an improvement in business on the West Coast of Berbice also. It is evident there; if you pass through Rosignol and all the way to Bath Settlement, we have seen significant improvement in business there. “

Also endorsing the Bridge was Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the West Berbice Chamber of Commerce, Pradeep Bachan, who said the Berbice River Bridge has made a tremendous impact on the West Coast of Berbice from a business perspective. He said commerce has been on the rise since the Bridge came into being. “Also the Bridge has been involved in sport activities by helping sports groups.”

President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC), Tajpaul Adjodhea stated that the Berbice River Bridge played a tremendous role in development of the Corentyne. “Using the old ferry was a barrier to trade between Georgetown and Berbice. Now with the Bridge, business persons could leave early in the morning, go to

Georgetown, do their business and return by midday. In terms of freight that is now no worry.”

He further explained that Berbice exporters are also reaping the benefits. “We export a lot of rice now to Venezuela and with the aid of special crossings, the rice is taken directly to the port in Georgetown for export purposes.”

In the past, persons who imported merchandise and wanted to get it to Berbice spent as much as three days trucking their goods across on the ferry, as large trucks were only allowed to cross at nights. This meant that several trips were needed to empty a container. Now, importers can take their containers across the Bridge in one go and have it delivered where it is required.

During the time of the ferry, Berbicians who had early morning flights had to leave home the afternoon before and take a hotel or wait for hours at the airport, but that is all history.

Ahmad Ally, who has a chain of stores [A Ally and Sons] on the eastern side of the Berbice River and also in Demerara, says he re-

members some of the hardship he had to endure of having some of his trucks wait in lines for sometimes more than a day in order to get to the other side of the river by the ferry. “It [the Bridge] is very beneficial to my business because if I have to do delivery over the river, I have nothing to worry about and I can choose my own time to do it... You cannot compare a boat with a bridge when you can cross whenever you want. ”

Despite the advantages of the Bridge, many have criticised the price to cross saying that it was too high. However, this has been significantly mitigated by the Bridge Company’s corporate track record in communities not only in Berbice but all of Guyana. Adjodhea noted that the Berbice Bridge Company has been giving back to the community. “Well, of course, we can’t blame management for the fare structure, but it is a very meaningful investment which has taken the country forward,” he stressed.

Not only has the Berbice River Bridge helped develop the commercial sector and

boost health care delivery, it has also advanced law enforcement in Berbice. The security which is always in place on the Bridge has aided in the easy detection of crime.

Persons travelling across the river by bus on Sunday told the Guyana Times that they did not want to have to be in a situation where they were forced to use a boat to get to the other side of the Berbice River again.

Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) Chairman David Armogan declared that the only way one could understand the true value of the Berbice River Bridge was for one to reflect on con-

Central

ditions prior to the Bridge being built. “We all know the incontinence we suffered as a result of the two ferries that operated here in Berbice; that would normally be unreliable. The advent of the Bridge would have eased all the inconveniences people suffered.”

All respondents expressed hope that the government would arrive at a consensus with the investors of the Berbice Bridge, which has bought so much benefits to the region, that is mutually acceptable to all stakeholders, - especially the investors and the people of Berbice..

Guyana joins Caribbean at PetroCaribe summit

Guyana has joined 16 other Caribbean nations in a meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as the oil rich country celebrated the 10th Anniversary Commemorative Summit of the PetroCaribe Agreement in Jamaica over the weekend. Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge told Guyana Times on Sunday that Guyana was represented by Ambassador George Wilfred Talbot at the two-day event which commenced Saturday, September 5, 2015 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC), Jamaica.

Maduro arrived in Montego Bay, after flying

directly from Qatar to meet with Caribbean leaders for the PetroCaribe Summit. Upon his arrival, he described the Venezuela-led oil bloc as being “the foundation for the construction of a new independence in Latin America and the Caribbean”.

The summit included a commemorative ceremony and a plenary session, which examined the activities and achievements of PetroCaribe over the past decade, while agreeing on decisions going forward.

The meeting in Jamaica also focused on examining the progress PetroCaribe has made in improving access to energy in the Caribbean Region, and for-

mulating new strategies on expanding the project in the future. According to a summit schedule, the meeting also included discussions on reducing hunger and poverty in the Caribbean, along with boosting ties between member states.

During his opening remarks, President Maduro praised the successful efforts of the organisation.

“It has turned into an integer formula, a miracle, a formula of integration, of prosperity ...and has contributed economic, energetic and social stability for the Caribbean,” the President said.

“We can say with certainty that without PetroCaribe, our Caribbean would be a

Mediterranean,” he added, referring to the refugee crisis brewing in the Mediterranean Sea at Europe’s borders.

The President also pledged to develop a comprehensive plan for the Caribbean energy bloc in the next 10 years, spanning from 2015-2025.

PetroCaribe was the brainchild of Maduro’s predecessor Hugo Chávez, who understood that social and economic development in lower income countries of the Region was hindered by the need to spend on an indispensable resource –oil.

According to teleSUR, the PetroCaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement

was formally constituted on June 29, 2005, and signed by 14 countries. The initiative aims to reduce the socioeconomic inequality through financial solidarity and cooperation.

In order to address structural inequalities, PetroCaribe signed an agreement with the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our Americas (ALBA) in order to establish the Alba Caribbean Fund as a mechanism to promote social economic development projects in the member states.

The PetroCaribe alliance provides member countries with Venezuelan oil at low interest rates and with a long-term payment

plan. The preferential reimbursement plan allows Government to reduce immediate spending on energy in order to invest in social services such as education, health and development projects.

According to a 2014 report published by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the news agency reported, the PetroCaribe initiative has provided the Caribbean Community countries with financing for oil purchases worth about 3.5 per cent of sub regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about six of GDP for the small islands of the Economic Union of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

T&T heads to the polls today

...Kamla favoured; too close to call

More than a million people (1,099,245) are registered to vote in today’s general elections in 41 constituencies in Trinidad and Tobago.

The incumbent coalition People’s Partnership (PP) is facing a strong challenge from the People’s National Movement (PNM), with pollsters calling a close finish between the two, with Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar’s PP slightly favoured.

The Independent Labour Party (ILP), led by the beleaguered Jack Warner, seems to have lost any momentum gained after its formation two years ago and now seems to be valued as a nuisance.

Warner, a former member of the PP Cabinet and confidante of PM PersadBissessar resigned after being named in a FIFA scandal in 2013 and won his Chaguanas West seat in a by-election.

It is doubtful whether he will retain the seat this time around. The tossup, therefore, is between Persad-Bissessar and PNM leader, geologist Dr Keith Rowley, famously called the “Rottweiler” by his former boss Patrick Manning.

The parties rounded up their high-spending and high-profile campaigns with massive rallies on Saturday, the Partnership at Aranguez Savannah and the PNM at Tunapuna, both in the East West Corridor.

It is the belief of campaign strategists that the elections will be won in this cluster of 18 constituencies stretching from Sangre Grande in the East, traversing Arima, St Augustine, Barataria, Port of Spain to the PNM stronghold of Diego Martin in the West.

The governing coalition won the 2010 elections by a 29-12 margin mainly because it had swept the eastern half of the corridor and

won the two Tobago seats.

It has been a huge but not humbling fall from grace for the Partnership to now be faced with 18-18 in the pollsters’ tallies with five marginals. Both parties are claiming that they would emerge victorious in today’s polls.

The Partnership’s rule has been marred by a series of false moves and its main partner the Congress of the People has lost most of its support to the leading parties, the PNM and the United National Congress. The PNM on the other hand has failed to address key elements of development, national security and human capital.

The falling price of oil, the backbone of the economy, provides big headaches for whoever forms the new Government.

With the failure to diversify effectively, the drop in foreign exchange earnings, an unimaginative manufacturing sector, there are dark clouds on the horizon.

Energy experts are predicting that the fuel prices will remain at a low until late 2017. Despite this, there are numerous promises to increase public spending and reduce the burden on the taxpayers. It is doubtful how many of these promises will be kept.

Two observers teams –six Commonwealth members and a 12-member Caricom group – are present to witness election procedures.

Latest poll update

Meanwhile, the latest of the opinion tracking polls being conducted in Trinidad by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) projects the PP on track towards re-election leading the Opposition PNM.

The poll interviewed between 170 and 320 voters using intercept contact in several closely contested

areas. Based on findings, PM Persad-Bissessar’s PP is projected to win 21 seats and the Opposition PNM 18

seats, with 2 seats too close to call.

The findings do not rule out a decisive victory for either party. Based on the survey conducted by the NACTA, there are competi-

safely ensconced in their respective seats winning by larger margins than in 2010. The PP has lost support in several seats making them more hotly contested than in the last general election.

marginal or swing seats are within the poll’s margin of error of four per cent and can go either way.

In terms of national support through September 5, the poll finds PP leading

tive contests in 14 seats.

The poll finds the prime ministerial contenders are

But even with the losses, it is leading in 21 seats.

Four of the so-called

PNM 49 per cent to 45 per cent with 2 percent for others and 4 per cent undecided.

“Guatemalan Spring” underway as polls open

Polling booths have opened in Guatemala, just days after the arrest of the country’s President on corruption charges.

As 7.5 million eligible Guatemalans prepared to cast their ballots, calm prevailed as a fresh mood swept through the country.

Tens of thousands of people have in recent months taken to the streets in peaceful protests. And now they got what they were calling for.

Their former President, Otto Perez Molina, is in court being questioned over his alleged involvement in a massive corruption scandal, dubbed “La Linea”, or The Line, in which importers gave bribes to avoid paying Customs duty.

Earlier this week Congress voted to lift his immunity from prosecution. That opened the door to a string of events from which Guatemala is still reeling. The following day a warrant was issued for the President’s arrest. A few hours later, he resigned.

International experts dismiss Mexico’s account of apparent student massacre

Mexico’s account of the abduction and apparent massacre of 43 students last year does not add up, a team of international experts said on Sunday, citing deep flaws in the Government’s investigation and dismissing its claims that the victims were incinerated in a garbage dump.

The case of the missing 43 students caused an international outcry after they were abducted in the city of Iguala in southwest Mexico on September 26.

Spain, it blasts holes in the Government’s central claim that the students were burned to ashes in the nearby town of Cocula.

“That event never took place,” one of the investigators, Carlos Beristain, told reporters on Sunday, citing evidence from the site.

“There should be a refocusing of the investigation based on these facts.”

He was in court the next day and remanded in custody because of fears he might flee the country – moving from the presidential palace to a jail cell in just a few days.

The inquiry is continuing, as a judge weighs whether a full trial should go ahead. Perez Molina says he is innocent.

The Attorney General, Thelma Aldana, who ordered the arrest warrant, told Al Jazeera that she has more than 90,000 recorded telephone messages and enough evidence to try the man who appointed her last year. She is clear on what her role is.

“We have to reform the laws,” she said. “But also our attitudes to strengthen our institutions to make it clear that no one is above the law.”

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

J’can delegation to visit storm-ravaged Dominica

Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Richard Azan, will lead a Jamaican delegation to hurricane-ravaged Dominica. The delegation was expected to leave Jamaica Sunday.

The Government’s failure to capture the killers or even persuade Mexicans that its investigation was serious has hit President Enrique Pena Nieto’s reputation, and the report on Sunday was certain to put more pressure on him.

Relatives carrying placards with pictures of the abducted students present shouted “It was the state!” as the investigators announced their findings.

Minister Azan will be accompanied by EG Hunter, CEO of the National Works Agency (NWA); Varden Downer, Director of Major Projects at the NWA; Roger Smith, NWA’s Technical Services Director; along with representatives of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and Officers from the Jamaica Defence Force.

The delegation will undertake an assessment of infrastructural damage with a view to offering technical assistance in the recovery process and discuss how Jamaica can further assist with rehabilitation to ensure rapid recovery from the devastation.

The eastern Caribbean island of Dominica suffered loss of lives and major infrastructural damage to roads, homes, bridges, and buildings as a result of a most destructive impact from Tropical Storm Erika on August 27.

The Government of Jamaica has already pledged

US$100,000, two bailey bridges, and technical expertise in the areas of health and engineering as part of its programme of assistance to Dominica. Consultations are also ongoing between the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to outline Jamaica’s strategy for extending medical assistance to the country in keeping with identified needs.

While in Dominica, the Jamaican delegation will meet with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Transport Minister Don Corritte, Director of the Office of Disaster Management, and other officials. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association changes operation model

Barbadian Hoteliers have been included in the move towards a new mode of operation for the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

CHTA President Emil Lee reported progress in the organisation’s shift from “a traditional top down hierarchy to a hub and spoke model where the CHTA becomes the hub for the Caribbean’s national associations”.

Speaking in the context of his first year as CHTA head, Lee said he was pleased that the focus on strengthening the national hotel and tourism associations throughout the region was

evolving quickly. He also cited a new era of public-private sector collaboration between CHTA and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, a partnership that “has emerged as a point of optimism for the industry’s future”.

Lee recently visited and met with local CHTA members and Tourism Ministers in various countries including Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados and Belize.

“CHTA is actively working to strengthen the national associations, facilitating and empowering them and improving their effectiveness and efficiency,” said Lee.

“The CHTA is in the process of fundamentally restructuring by evolving from a traditional top down hierarchy to a hub and spoke model where the CHTA becomes the hub for the Caribbean’s national associations, allowing the easy sharing of information, especially on the best and worst practices in the Region.”

Lee believes the membership of CHTA is embracing the changes taking place within the organisation and is encouraged by a growing dialogue that is drawing hoteliers, allied members and the public sector together to proactively look at improving tourism.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

Commissioned by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and conducted by respected investigators from Chile, Colombia, Guatemala and

“This report provides an utterly damning indictment of Mexico’s handling of the worst human rights atrocity in recent memory,” said Jose Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. “Even with the world watching and with substantial resources at hand, the authorities proved unable or unwilling to conduct a serious investigation.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

PetroCaribe has worked, says Jamaican Senator

Minister with responsibility for information, Senator Sandrea Falconer, said Jamaica and other participating States have benefited significantly from the PetroCaribe Agreement.

“Jamaica’s ability to afford its energy requirements has been favourably impacted by this single most important PetroCaribe Agreement with Venezuela,” Senator Falconer said.

“This allows the Government to purchase oil at market value, but on preferential conditions, and this has been of tremendous benefit,” she noted. The Information

Antigua to host OECS climate change seminar

Antigua will host a twoday seminar as part of a project aimed at strengthening the environment and building resilience to climate change in the subregional Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The St Lucia-based

OECS Commission said the September 9-10 seminar will include presentations from several stakeholders including the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) of St Lucia, and the Ministry of Health and Environment in Antigua.

The Commission said that

the seminar will seek to do a stock-taking of the RRACC project as it prepares to enter its final year.

“Presentations will therefore focus on the critical lessons learnt and the best practices employed by the Project during its life cycle. Some of the areas of focus during the

seminar will include discussions on the policies, the climate change adaptation measures employed, the public awareness campaign, human resource development and capacity building initiatives.”

The Commission said that so far six OECS member states – Antigua, Barbuda,

Bequia, Dominica, Grenada, Nevis, St Kitts, St Lucia, and St Vincent – have benefited from the RRACC project in reducing risks associated with climate change in relevant sectors, by putting in place 11 projects that demonstrate various measures to build resilience.(CMC)

Minister was addressing members of the local and Venezuelan media at a special Jamaica House press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister’s Western Regional Office in Montego Bay on Friday.

The briefing was held on the eve of the 10th Anniversary Commemorative Summit of the PetroCaribe Agreement this weekend.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, who arrived late Saturday, are cochairing the two-day meeting which started Saturday in Montego Bay where the agreement was signed in 2005.

Several Heads of Government and State, energy ministers and other ministers of Government are participating in the Summit meeting at the Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC).

Other high-level representatives from the Caribbean Community, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, and the Latin American Energy Organisation are also attending.

The summit includes a commemorative ceremony and a plenary session, which will examine the activities and achievements of PetroCaribe over the past decade, while agreeing on decisions going forward.

Migrant crisis: Activist convoy drives to Hungary

Aconvoy of cars driven by German and Austrian activists has crossed into Hungary to pick up migrants and help them reach western Europe.

Thousands – many of whom initially fled conflict in Syria – have made their way through Austria since Hungary removed restrictions on transit on Friday.

Buses and special trains have been taking them from the Hungarian border to Vienna and on to Germany.

The Pope said every Catholic parish in Europe should host a migrant family.

Speaking during the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis appealed for “every parish, every religious community, every monastery, every sanctuary in Europe” to take in a family.

On Sunday, a convoy of

about 140 cars left Vienna for the Hungarian capital, Budapest, as part of a private initiative dubbed “refugeeconvoy”.

One of the Austrian activists taking part, Angelika Neuwirth, told the BBC that their aim was to take them back to shelters in Austrian capital.

“I think this is my duty. I’m a mum, I’m a woman from Austria and I can’t close my eyes anymore,” she said. “We are all human. Noone is illegal.”

However, Hungarian Police Spokeswoman Viktoria Csiszer-Kovacs said anyone taking migrants across the border was breaking the law.

Last week four Austrian activists who tried to do so were arrested for people smuggling, but later released.

However, in the latest move, a number of activists were able to collect migrants in Hungary without being stopped by Police.

In other developments: German officials say 11,000 asylum seekers arrived in the country on Saturday, with another 10,000 expected on Sunday 114 migrants have been rescued from a fishing boat off Cyprus – Syrians bound for Greece

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said Britain “needs to do even more” to help Syrian refugees

David Miliband, a former British Foreign Minister who now heads the New York-based International Rescue Committee, urged the US to take in 65,000 Syrian refugees. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sarah Palin says she would scrap energy department under Trump

Sarah Palin has said she would like to serve as Energy Secretary in a Donald Trump Administration – in order to abolish the department.

The former Governor of Alaska and conservative activist told CNN that “energy is my baby”.

“Oil and gas and minerals, those things that God has dumped on this part of the Earth for mankind’s use,” she said.

Trump said in July he would be open to the possibility of Palin serving in his Government.

Palin said she wanted individual states to “start having more control over the lands that are within their boundaries” with respect to their energy policy.

“If I were in charge of that, it would be a shortterm job,” she said.

Palin also defended Trump over recent criticism

of gaps in his knowledge of foreign affairs.

“I think I’d rather have a president who is tough and puts America first than can win a game of Trivial Pursuit,” she said.

“But I don’t think the public gives a flying flip if somebody knows who, today, is a specific leader of a specific region or a religion or anything,” she added. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Around the world

Israeli Christians protest over inequality for schools

Several thousand striking Christian protesters have demonstrated in Jerusalem against funding cuts and what they describe as unequal treatment by Israel’s Education Ministry.

The protesters, including bishops and other church leaders, demonstrated outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, accusing Israel of cutting their funding as a tactic to pressure them to join the Israeli public school system.

“This is discrimination and you know we pay all our dues and as citizens of

this country, we are lawobeying citizens and we deserve equal rights,” Ibrahim Fakhouri, a parent from the Arab city of Nazareth, told the AP news agency.

As a protest, 47 Christian schools with some 33,000 pupils have not begun the school year, which was supposed to start in Israel on September 1.

The protesters claim that the Netanyahu Government prioritises Jewish schools and its cut in funding will force parents to send their children to public schools, interfering with their Christian values.

To compensate for cuts in public funding, the Christian schools have raised tuition fees, a burden for the Arab community whose average income is generally lower than the national average.

“We, all the Arab Christian schools, are demanding equality. There is no equality for our schools,” said Ragheed Massad, a student from Nazareth.

Christians form around two per cent of the population in Israel, where the majority of people are Jews.

The majority of the country’s Arab citizens are Muslims. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

PBoC Governor says China stock market correction ‘mostly over’

China’s stock market has almost completed its correction after a bubble formed in the first half of the year, Zhou Xiaochuan, Governor of China’s Central Bank, told G20 Finance Ministers.

Sharp drops in the country’s equities after a debtfuelled rise earlier in the

year have spooked domestic and international investors and forced Beijing to launch a raft of policies aimed at stemming further losses.

Chinese stock markets are down nearly 40 per cent from their June peak.

In remarks at the G20 in Turkey, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) quoted Zhou

as saying: “At present, the exchange rate of the renminbi against the dollar is stabilising, the correction in the stock market is already mostly over and the financial markets show hope for stabilising.”

Zhou acknowledged that “before June, the Chinese stock market bubble grew continuously”, but added that of the three major corrections since June, only the most recent in mid-August had a global impact. Chinese Government action had prevented further slides and systemic risks, he added.

“Following the correction, levels of leverage are clearly lower and there has been no notable effect on the real economy,” he added.

(Excerpt from CNBC)

“I chased a cab driver for 7 km to sign him up”

Neal is 25 years old. He’s in his sixth job, this time with a Bengaluru-based hyperlocal startup in India. Of his five previous jobs, only one was with a `conventional’ firm, a consultancy. Neal is positive he doesn’t want to go back to a company like that again. “Infosys, Wipro – companies like that are completely corporate,” he says.”Completely corporate” seems to be

New Thai Constitution thrown out

Acouncil appointed by Thailand’s military rulers has rejected a controversial new Constitution drafted after last year’s coup.

A new committee must now be appointed to write another draft, further setting back elections.

The draft has been widely criticised, in particular a clause which en-

ables a 23-member panel to take over Government during a “national crisis”.

The Army ousted the elected Government last year after months of unrest.

The 247-member National Reform Council on Sunday rejected the draft charter by 135 votes to 105, with seven abstentions.

Correspondents say that it met strong opposition on practically all sides of the political divide.

Another committee will have 180 days to write a new one, which will later be put to a nationwide referendum.

Until a new Constitution can be drafted, the military Government retains its substantial powers.

It had said elections could take place in late 2016, but analysts say the delay means 2017 is more likely.

Critics of the draft Constitution say it would erode the power of political parties in favour of the Army and prevent a genuine democracy from being established. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Excitement. Fun. These are not words that young people normally associate with working life, except maybe those born salesmen who could make selling a photocopier one of the most thrilling jobs around. But that’s what the startup boom has done. Work has never been cooler

youthspeak for “staid” and “unexciting”.

There’s an excitement in the Bengaluru air. To be honest, it has always been there in some degree, ever since liberalisation and the early days of Infosys and Wipro, through Y2K and outsourcing, through the tech majors opening inhouse development centres in the city .

But over the past few years, the startup boom has

added a new fizz to the city. The atmosphere has become heady , giddily intoxicating -there’s a feeling that great things are happening here. You could track this feeling down to 2008-09, when Flipkart raised its first million from Accel Partners. Or you could say that the story really began on August 24, 2012, when the Bansals raised a whopping US$150 million and suddenly, startups were everywhere. (Excerpt from Times of India)

monday, september 7, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Scores of teachers refused entry into CPCE over lack of Integrated Science

Scores of teachers were over the past week refused entry into the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) as they attempted to qualify themselves and ultimately be better equipped in the classrooms.

The teachers who have been teaching for the past 11 years in the public school system were reportedly denied entry by the educational institution for lacking passes in required subjects, including Integrated Science at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, which had not previously been a prerequisite for entry.

Guyana Times managed to acquire a list of requirements published on the CPCE webpage which stated that “applicants must have a minimum of five (5) CSEC subjects; General Proficiency Grades 1-3, or Basic Proficiency Grade 1. Subjects passed must include English Language and Mathematics. Preference

would be given to students with CAPE/Advanced Qualifications.” There was no mention about compulsory subjects being Social

that she wrote CSEC several years ago and did poorly in Maths. However, at that time she was not sure if she wanted teaching as a ca-

At the time she wrote CSEC, she was in the Business Stream and there was no way she could have written Integrated Science.

Studies and Integrated Science.

One of the aggrieved teachers told Guyana Times

reer. After much encouragement, she enrolled at a private institution and rewrote Mathematics.

After she collected her results after the recent examinations, she applied at the College to commence studies

Demerara Mutual records 15% loss for 2014

Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited reported a loss of 15 per cent in 2014 compared year-on-year to 2013, although the company made some $1.5 billion in revenue. The total revenue in 2013 was $1.77 billion.

During its 123rd Annual General Meeting held on Friday last, the Society noted that a decline in the investment income was the main reason for the loss and that was as a result of the drop in interest rates.

Chairman of the Society, Richard Fields, in his report stated that the insurance industry was experiencing intense competition from new entrants, which is

taking a toll on the company’s financial performance.

He shared that the society’s net deficit after taxation was $572 million, compared to a deficit of $343 million for 2013.

The Chairman stated that the negative result of 2014 was not consistent with the company’s budget projections and was primarily due to a combination of factors, including the adverse economic climate in all of the territories in which the Society operates. He noted that it also had to cater for increases in policy liabilities based on the recent actuarial valuation carried out on policy loans provision.

However, Fields as-

sured stakeholders that the Society’s Board and Management would not be daunted by those results and were committed to preserving and returning the Society to profitability through present efforts to increase revenue and the reduction of expenses through a restructuring process which was at present taking top priority. He added that he was confident that the positive effects of the resulting changes would impact favourably in the year 2016.

The company’s annual premium income was $1.12 billion, which is a four per cent decrease over the $1.17 billion for the preceding year. Fields shared

in the new academic year, which started August 31.

After a royal runaround, she was finally told that she needed Integrated Science to be admitted to the institution. The confused young teacher was told that it was a new requirement that was put in place by the new Education Minister.

“It does not make any sense. How can someone be in a business stream in a secondary school and write Integrated Science?” she stated. She noted that several other teachers who have years of teaching experience were also denied entry into the College.

The teacher who asked to remain anonymous stated that scores of young people now out of secondary school were given first preference when compared to teachers with teaching experience.

However, the frustrated teachers stated that they have been teaching for some time now, and they have only recently decided to pursue certification in their field.

All of the teachers who were turned away possess the qualifications with the exception of passes in Integrated Science, which was not a subject offered at the primary level.

They also stated that if this change was in fact due to a new policy being implemented, they should have been exempted as they possess years of experience in the field which is an asset.

The teachers explained that they understood that the required passes at Integrated Science and Social Studies are to secure entry into the secondary education programme and not the primary programme. This has led to several questions arising as to why the applicants were given conflicting information and turned away. Efforts to contact Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Chief Education Officer Olato Sam for a comment on the issue proved futile.

PYO celebrates

63 years

The Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), one of the oldest and longest-serving youth organisations in Guyana, celebrated its 63rd anniversary on Sunday.

The youth arm of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in its struggle for social, politi -

that “the PYO over the last few months has noted the reversal of many of these achievements. In this regard, the firing of 1972 young Amerindians and hundreds of young people forced into resignation or terminated on a daily basis by this new Government has strength -

that new business sales was 2499 lives which is a one per cent increase over the 2013 figure of 2480 lives.

The Chairman noted that these sales results, while below the company’s budgeted expectations, are in no way a reflection of low performances by the sales force whose activity exceeded that for 2013 and for which they must be commended. He explained that the Society would soon introduce more focused marketing and sales strategies to achieve higher levels of productivity and revenue, and added that he was confident in the ability of the sales force to rise above the challenges that exist.

cal and economic justice during Guyana’s pre- and post-independence years has faced severe repression, forcing it to change its name at least twice.

Since its creation, the organisation has defended and supported young people, placing a special emphasis on their involvement in decision-making processes and their access to fair and equal opportunities in the political, social and economic realms of Guyana.

Chairman of the PYO and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Irfaan Ali, during an interview with this newspaper, stated

ened our solidarity and renewed our efforts to once more fight every force that seeks to divide us, and will speak up against every action that causes tension in our richly diverse society”. Ali further stated that the PYO “salutes its stalwarts and all of Guyanese in their continuous support for our cause in building a strong, united and free Guyana”.

Among those notable personalities who were part of the PYO were Former Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and the late Michael Forde.

Consultations begin to transform Mahdia into township

Mahdia, the frontier mining community of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), is on the verge of transformation. Preparations are already in full swing to bestow upon the village township status. According to a release from the Communities Ministry, consultations have begun between stakeholders and Government regarding the areas in need of more development to aid in the transformation of what was once a deprived area into a thriving economic hub.

A delegation comprising Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

Parliamentarian Gloria Bancroft and engineers

visited the community on Saturday to interact with the residents and present Government’s plan to transform the village.

Infrastructural development

With regard to the infrastructural development, Minister Patterson said Government would be paving all internal roads in Mahdia, along with the road leading from the airstrip to the community. Consideration is also underway for the paving of the airstrip.

Patterson also committed to addressing the water networking woes of the residents who have been complaining of limited access to water.

Careful examination of the pipelines leading from the creek to Mahdia reveal that several leakages, ille-

gal connections and silt in the pipelines are the main reasons for low water pressure in the community.

To address the situation, Patterson said two engineers would be stationed in the region to deal with similar issues whenever they arose. In fact, according to the media release, this would be the case for every region across the country.

During the visit, the residents expressed grave concern over the fact that they are paying the highest per kilowatt for electricity in the country. Recently, concerns were expressed in the media over the “discriminatory” move by the APNU/AFC Government to allow Lindeners to pay a mere $5 per kilowatt hour for electricity, while other residents across the coun-

try feel the brunt of exorbitant electricity costs.

Nonetheless, during the encounter, Patterson assured the residents that Government would work to ensure residents get a better supply of electricity at a more affordable cost.

In fact, Minister Bulkan told the residents that the Tumatumari hydropower plant was being rehabilitated by a private company and when completed, residents would be able to ac-

away from leasing lands to land ownership.

In response, Bulkan said the necessary actions would be taken to ensure the subject Minister and Ministry was informed of their concerns and the situation was accordingly addressed.

Moreover, he said efforts would be made to complete the development of a housing scheme in the area which was in dire need of an infrastructural trans-

uitable distribution of resources in the education system in the region. With mining being the main economic activity in Mahdia, residents were particularly concerned with this sector. According to the release, miners are faced with many challenges and are calling for swift intervention from the Government to aid in this regard.

Miners cited incoherent policies and lack of law

cess electricity for half the current price being paid.

Though there are not many issues surrounding the housing sector, residents highlighted that Mahdia needed to move

formation.

Education Aside from demanding more qualified teachers in the local school system, the residents are calling for eq-

enforcement in the sector as issues and, therefore, called on the Government to act accordingly to ensure the playing field is equal for all.

Police Force’s capacity down by 1500 – Top Cop

…1000 recruits on waiting list for training

While there has been much emphasis placed on the lack of resources within the Guyana Police Force, with particular attention was placed on the vehicular and weapon shortage, little focus has been on the fact that the entity is severely under strength.

Head of the Guyana Police Force, Commissioner Seelall Persaud disclosed to Guyana Times in an exclusive interview that the Force was currently short of some 1500 ranks. The Commissioner explained that one of the factors contributing to this deficiency is the inadequacy in training capacity.

He explained that the Force conducts two residential training sessions (six months) annually; however, these can only facilitate a limited number of 330 persons. Persaud noted that this course was essential for all recruits as it mould and instil in them the necessary values and morals required of a police officer.

“We get people from all kinds of communities and they come with a thinking of how they were socialised. You know right and wrong varies from culture to culture, so we bring them in and try to change their be-

haviours, at the same time teaching what the law is, our Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) and certain types of skills that will help to do their work,” the Commissioner stated. Furthermore, the Top Cop highlighted that with the Police Force developing its social programmes to boost public trust, more youths are becoming interested in law enforcement.

“Why is it that so many 18, 19, 20, 25-year-olds people applying to join the Police Force. It’s because they have confidence and they like what they are seeing and they want to be a part of it – they see a career. So

all the indicators, except for a few reporters and politicians, seems to think there is more public confidence,” he declared.

In addition, Persaud mentioned that as a mean of regaining public confidence, the Force is building a training institution located at Adventure, Corentyne, Berbice, which had the capacity for 30 students but through community support, the facility can now accommodate 60 students with an additional class.

With this increase in capacity, the Force is now able to produce 330 recruits every six months, amounting to 660 recruits per year, pro-

viding there are no dropouts. The Commissioner outlined that while there are some trainees who drop out of the programme, the numbers are minimal.

According to the Top Cop, there are currently 1000 applications on the waiting list for the training programme. He noted that these persons have already completed and passed entrance exams. Persaud added that one course was expected to close in a month’s time and immediately afterwards, a new batch would be trained.

Performing

On the other hand, the Commissioner pointed out that even with such a tremendous shortage in the Force, the existing ranks have managed to pull their socks together and are doing exemplary investigative work. Persaud highlighted that the Police have managed to make arrests in most of the high-profile cases, referring to the gang that was dismantled in Craig, East Bank Demerara, back in July following several murders and robberies.

Other cases that the Commissioner mentioned that the Police were able to make headway in are the murders of business-

man Ganesh Ramlall; activist Courtney Crum-Ewing; Travis Rudder of Nandy Park, EBD; Montrose granny Carmen Ganesh and more recently cash crop farmer Pamela Kendall, to name a few.

The Top Cop credited these successes to the various factors. He stated that since the crime spree, the Force has managed to develop a crime intelligence programme in-house that has been building capacity through training and acquisition of resources.

Persaud went on to say that inter-agency cooperation in Guyana was at an all-time high, noting that the various law enforcement agencies and the military lend support to each other. Moreover, the Police Commissioner remarked that the social programmes go a long away in making the public better understand the Police and view them differently.

“So it’s a combination of factors and the thing is, it’s institutionalised so it’s not going to fall back overnight,” he remarked.

On the other hand, the Top Cop noted that while there will always be the need for upgraded equipment as technology progresses, the Force has been

budgeting for such resources annually. “We have been building capacity. It improves this year, it will improve next year, so incrementally we are building. And it’s not only equipment but you need to develop the experts,” he stated.

While the Police have been able to get breakthroughs in several cases, there are still many that have turned “cold” over time. However, the Police Commissioner explained that it was not a case that these matters have been filed away and forgotten about, as whenever new information is received on a dormant case, the investigation becomes active again.

“This is different when you have a unit working solely on cold cases, because they can be able to go back and re-examine all the evidence, re-interview witness and so on. This is necessary to solve cases, but we can’t afford that because we don’t have the manpower right now,” he remarked.

He noted that because of the shortage of detectives in the Force, it is not feasible to have such as system in place currently, but assured that a “cold case” unit will be established during the course of next year.

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

You are resilient, so stop punishing yourself and get back in the game. If you look closely, an alternate route will present itself. You will end up in a better place than you started.

You can’t do everything by yourself. Lots of people will come to your aid if you make them aware of your difficulties. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Nurture what and whom you value most. Your loving nature will ensure that harmony and tenderness will improve your romantic relationships as well as your creative and intuitive abilities.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Evaluate the motives of someone who comes looking for a financial contribution. Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve done in the past in order to find the best possible route.

Concern regarding an elderly or ailing relative will bring you down. It’s important not to allow added responsibility to restrict your professional progress or personal goals.

Flexibility and compromise will get you through a busy day. Trying to sway others to your way of thinking will be disappointing if you don’t have solid facts to back your case.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Financial matters involving friends or relatives will require careful thought and planning. You are better off sticking to your own tasks instead of engaging in petty quarrels.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Concentrate on how to put together a stellar presentation for a new pursuit. Once you feel confident, nothing will stand in your way. Someone in a key position will grant you a favor.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Your future depends on your own efforts, not the help of others. Don’t wait for someone to lead the way. You can call in favors, but it is your wisdom and drive that will initiate the necessary momentum.

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

Personal matters will confuse you, and your emotions will have you in a vulnerable state. A change of scenery will provide a mental and physical break from your current distress.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Progress requires discipline and hard work. Make personal changes that will motivate you to move forward. Time spent on education or resume-boosting will bring high returns.

Today’s emphasis will be on romance and partnerships. There is positive energy around you that others find appealing. Concentrate on collaborating with new personal or professional acquaintances.

No pressure for Hamilton in dominant Monza win

Lewis Hamilton won the Italian Grand Prix to take a 53-point lead in the Formula One championship on Sunday after Mercedes team mate and closest rival Nico Rosberg retired with his car in flames.

The Briton had to wait several more hours, however, for the result to be confirmed after a stewards’ enquiry into low tyre pressures on his car.

With some rivals calling for the reigning champion to be disqualified, the stewards ruled Mercedes had followed the specified procedures and decided to take no further action.

Apart from that scare, Hamilton’s was an afternoon remarkably free of pressure in all other aspects.

He enjoyed a commanding cruise to the top step of a podium, standing high above a throng of Ferrari fans who had hoped to acclaim one of their own as winner but had to make do with Sebastian Vettel finishing runner-up.

It was Hamilton’s 40th career victory, one less than his boyhood hero Ayrton Senna, and seventh of the season.

“This weekend’s been just fantastic, a perfect weekend for me,” said the Briton, who dominated practice, started from pole position, led from the first corner and set the fastest lap.

“I don’t know if I have ever had a weekend like this. This circuit is such a special one for me...when you stand on top of that podium you feel an incredible pride, incredibly proud to be amongst the greats who have stood there.

“The sea of fans is just unlike anything I’ve seen.”

He had led from start to

finish, with his points advantage in the championship gaining a sudden boost when team mate and closest rival Rosberg retired two laps from the end with flames flickering from the engine.

Vettel finished a massive 25 seconds behind while Brazilian Felipe Massa took third for Williams a mere 0.3 ahead of his Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas.

A Hamilton disqualification would have put both Williams drivers on the podium and that team’s head

the minimum specified by Pirelli.

Rosberg’s tyre had even less pressure but the German was past caring, his hopes literally going up in flames when the German pulled over with smoke and flames billowing out from the rear of his car while in third place.

A pre-qualifying problem had forced Rosberg to start the race with an engine that had previously done five races, while Hamilton had a fresh one with upgrades for the fastest circuit on the cal-

Lewis Hamilton

of engineering Pat Symonds felt that should have been the case.

“There’s a list of penalties for sporting infringements, technical infringements are disqualification,” he said.

The win was Hamilton’s third in Monza and also made him the first driver since compatriot Damon Hill in 1994 to take back-to-back wins at the historic Italian circuit, whose future on the calendar remains in doubt.

He had been unaware of the tyre pressure issue until after the finish, when stewards said the left rear tyre -- measured before the start -- had been 0.3 PSI below

endar.

The German had started fourth but lost places taking evasive action when Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, on the front row with Hamilton, struggled to get away with cars swerving around on either side.

The Finn was last into the first corner but fought back to take fifth place.

Force India’s Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg were sixth and seventh with Australian Daniel Ricciardo eighth for Red Bull.

Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson was ninth for Sauber and Russian Daniil Kvyat 10th for Red Bull. (Reuters)

Drogba scores hattrick MLS debut

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba

scored a hat-trick on his first Major League Soccer start as Montreal Impact beat Chicago Fire 4-3.

The 37-year-old made his debut as a substitute in a defeat two weeks ago.

But on Saturday he scored one first-half goal, made it 3-3 on the hour and then headed the winner four minutes later.

The former Ivory Coast international is the first player to get a hat-trick within his

opening two MLS matches.

Drogba, who is his country’s all-time leading scorer with 65 goals in 105 international appearances, signed for Montreal in July after leaving Chelsea.

Meanwhile, former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins and ex-Fulham and Tottenham forward Clint Dempsey were the goalscorers for Seattle Sounders in a 2-1 win over Toronto. (BBC Sport)

Jones Jr a no-show for Moran fight

So much for Roy Jones Jr.’s plan to have two fights in two weeks and three in four weeks.

Jones, 46, scheduled to face 42-year-old Tony Moran in a cruiserweight bout on Sept. 12 at the Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool, England -Moran’s hometown -- pulled out of the fight on Saturday.

Jones, who has been in Russia, did not show up for his flight to England on Saturday and the fight was called off, Stephen Vaughan, Moran’s promoter and the promoter of the card, announced.

“I’m extremely disappointed and saddened by the whole thing,” Vaughan said. “We had invested a lot of money and time into this event, as we wanted to make it a great occasion for the fans and the game alike. But sadly, it wasn’t to be and legal advice is to be sought surrounding the circumstances in which it has happened.”

Jones, the faded former pound-for-pound king who has won world titles in four divisions, has his eye on a shot at a cruiserweight title and intended to stay very busy until he could secure one. Vaughan said he was told Jones had secured a world title fight, but there has been no confirmation of that.

Jones could not be reached for comment.

Jones is hoping for a shot at longtime cruiserweight titleholder Marco Huck of Germany, but turned his attention to Poland’s Krzysztof Glowacki (25-0, 16 KOs) after he rallied to knock out Huck in the 11th round to win the belt in the leading fight of the year candidate on Aug. 14 in Newark, New Jersey -- with Jones at ringside.

Roy Jones Jr

Jones (62-8, 45 KOs), who won two fights 22 days apart in March, knocked out club fighter Eric Watkins on Aug. 16 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, in a sloppy performance and was scheduled to return two weeks later to face Danny Santiago on Aug. 29 in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, a Dutch island in the Caribbean.

However, the fight with Santiago (33-7-1, 19 KOs), 42, of Ocala, Florida, was called off several days beforehand because of the potential impact of Hurricane Danny. Now the fight with Moran is off as well.

Vaughan said his card -minus the main event -- will

go on as planned but has been moved to a new venue, the Olympia in Liverpool. Vaughan said that Moran (15-6, 5 KOs) would remain on the card and face a substitute opponent to be determined in an undercard fight. Although Jones won’t be fighting in England this month, he is supposed to be there on other business. He is serving as the trainer for secondary super middleweight titlist Fedor Chudinov (13-0, 10 KOs), of Russia, who is scheduled to make his first defense against England’s Frank Buglioni (17-1-1, 13 KOs) on Sept. 26 at SSE Wembley Arena in London. (ESPN)

Stag Elite League deemed “groundbreaking” at Saturday’s launch

By TreisTon Joseph

Guyana will head into another tier of professionalism with the Stag Elite Football League, which was launched on Saturday evening in style at the 704 Sports Bar and Lounge in Alberttown, Georgetown.

With the likes of the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and major sponsors such as ANSA McAL, Courts Furniture Store, E-Networks; the top brass of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee as well as major football stakeholders in attendance, Technical Director of the GFF, Claude Bolton explained the structure of the League in full detail.

Bolton, who described the League as the most lucrative in Guyana’s history, noted that while it was not about money, the League would help develop

Guyana’s football at all levels.

“A National League if conducted properly and facilitated well will allow for a better national team and at the same time allow for better youth programmes and facilitate improved coaching,” Bolton highlighted.

The major sponsor of the League, ANSA McAL was represented by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dharshanie Yusuf and Stag

Disappointed Ramdin to focus on family, batting

Denesh Ramdin has admitted to being a “little disappointed” after being sacked as Test captain on Friday but said he now plans to focus on his family, improving his batting and providing as much support as he can to his replacement Jason Holder.

The 30-year-old Ramdin assumed the captaincy 15 months ago after taking over from Darren Sammy, winning four Tests, losing seven and drawing two.

In explaining the decision to replace Ramdin, chief selector Clive Lloyd said they wanted him to produce more with the bat.

“When I look back at it in addition to being captain, there were a lot of times I went in to bat with not a lot of runs on the board and a lot of wickets falling and plus sometimes after keeping for a day and a half and then having to come in and bat after an hour,” the Trinidad Express newspaper quoted Ramdin as saying.

“It is really tough but I guess I will have a lot more time to relax more and to focus more on my side of things.”

Ramdin experienced a poor run with the bat during his tenure as captain, managing just 472 runs at an average of 22, with two halfcenturies.

And with the tour of Sri Lanka beginning next month, he said he was already working on improving his batting with the aim of getting among the runs.

“I have been doing some technical work in the nets,” he noted.

“I know Sri Lanka is going to be a tough place to score runs with a lot of balls spinning and turning and hopefully I can get a good

start and cash in once I get a start.”

Ramdin led the side for just over a year during which time he faced tough series against the likes of England and Australia.

West Indies managed to draw the three-match series against England after

falling behind 1-0 but lost both Tests of a similar Home Series to Australia.

Ramdin said despite the disappointment of losing the captaincy, he was in “a good place” in his life.

“I was a little disappointed but I looked back at it and I am really happy at this point in my life and I am not going to let anything stress me out,” he said.

“I have a fantastic young boy coming up and everything is for him and my wife so I think I am in a good place right now.”

He added: “He (Holder) has handled himself quite nicely in the One-Day series and in the World Cup, so hopefully he can take that over to the Test team. He is a very good guy to work with.

“He will just have to learn from his experience and the senior guys around him will have to guide him.”

Beer Brand Manager John Maikoo, who highlighted that the event was “groundbreaking”.

“We at ANSA McAL are pleased to be a [part of this venture that is the first of its kind but what we at ANSA McAL really look forward to seeing is how the best clubs in Guyana respond to such a lengthy League.

“But what we do know with the money that we have invested is that a

league such as this will only help our top clubs to be competitive on the international level in the long run as well as aiding with fielding top teams to qualify for the World Cup,” Yusuf noted.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the GFF’s Normalisation Committee, Clinton Urling had high praise for all the sponsors of the League, noting that its sustenance was of utmost importance.

“All the stakeholders are watching and it is imperative that the League is sustained,” Urling stressed.

In his address, he also called the League a litmus test for football in Guyana, while revealing that E-Networks would play a major role by possibly televising the games on its channels in the near future.

“E-Networks is playing a big role and in fact I think

in time they might play the most seminal role in any league or all of football,” Urling quipped.

Courts Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings was high in praise of the newly-established League as well and urged all Guyanese to support GFF’s newest innovation.

The teams that will be participating are Alpha United, Buxton FC, Pele FC, Slingerz FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Monnedderlust FC, Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The teams will play home and away matches over two rounds before going into a playoff round that will reach into May 2016, with the possible top prize of being $8 million depending on how the clubs finish in the first and second halves of the League.

The League will kick off on September 18.

Fraser-Pryce sets new meet record with win in Padua

World champion

Shelly-Ann FraserPryce shaved one hundredth of a second off legendary Jamaican Merlene Ottey’s meet record, as she won the 100 metres at the Atletica Mondiale here Sunday.

Racing in the historic northern Italian city just three days after winning at the Zurich Diamond League, Fraser-Pryce sped to a time of 10.98 seconds to install herself as the new recordholder at the meet.

Brazilian Rosangela Santos finished second in 11.42 seconds while American Shalonda Solomon trailed in third in 11.50, barely edging out Jamaican Natasha Morrison who finished fourth in the same time.

“It was a big surprise to hear that I broke Ottey’s meeting record, I did not

know about that,” said Fraser-Pryce, who dominated to win the 100 metres at the Beijing World Championships last month. “I was excited to be here. I hope to have the chance to come back to compete in this meeting next year.”

There was also success for the Caribbean in the men’s 400 metres courtesy of Trinidadian Reny Quow, and in the men’s 400m hurdles where Bahamian Jeffery Gibson took victory.

The 28-year-old Quow was timed at 45.99, beating Frenchman MamoudouElimane Hanne into second in 46.18 with Teddy AtineVenel, also of France, finishing third in 46.76. Gibson, meanwhile, clocked 48.73 to win his event, ahead of Cuban Omar Cisneros in a season-best 49.26 and Rasmus Magi of Estonia in 49.99. (CMC)

Injuries made it hard to get ageing Bolt in shape

Glen Mills coach of world’s fastest man

Usain Bolt admits that the sprinter’s battle with injuries makes it increasingly harder to get the athlete to impervious shape ahead of major events.

The sprinter faced down his biggest challenge in years at the recently concluded Beijing World Championships, in the figure of American Justin Gatlin, going on to claim the 100m, 200m and 4x100m titles.

Heading into the event all the talk had surrounded whether Bolt, hampered by injuries in recent years, could outperform the in-

form American who headed into the Championships with the world’s best times by a distance. In the end Bolt delivered, but Mills the man responsible for condi-

tioning the sprinter is quick to a point out that it only getting harder.

“Bolt is probably the greatest talent in sprinting that the world has ever seen but that said, getting him to be able to perform at his best level has its challenges. It’s like there is a diamond in a particular area but to get to it or to get it out, there are a lot of dangers to be encountered,” Mills said of the sprinters preparation.

Bolt announced his intention to dominate the world of sprinting at the 2008 Olympic Games, and has made good on that promise, going on to claim the sprint double at

every Olympic or World Championship since, the exception being the Daegu World Championships where he was disqualified in the 100m final.

Mills is now, though, uncertain of the 29-year-olds dominance going beyond next year’s Olympic Games in Rio.

“We are going all out to give the Olympics one last fling and after that retirement beckons. If he gets through this Olympics I don’t think he will be able to continue at this level because you can see that it’s now beginning to affect him more than before.”

Bassarath not on board with decision to sack Ramdin

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Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president, Azim Bassarath says he disagrees with the decision to sack Denesh Ramdin as Test captain and hopes the move is not part of any plan to target Trinidadian players.

And the outspoken WICB director also said he was not a part of the West Indies Cricket Board directors’ teleconference last Wednesday when the decision to remove Ramdin was ratified.

Ramdin was on Friday axed after just 15 months in charge and replaced by oneday skipper Jason Holder, a recommendation from selectors which the WICB said had been “endorsed unanimously” by directors during the teleconference.

But Bassarath told the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday he had not attended the meeting because of his commitments as a Returning Officer for Monday’s General Elections here.

He also contended that Ramdin should have been allowed to lead the squad on the tour of Sri Lanka starting next month, so selectors could further assess his performance.

was quoted as saying.

“What is shocking to me is that earlier this year, Denesh led the team against England and we came away with a credible draw.

“Against Australia we

lost 2-0 but I didn’t think he performed that badly with the bat that he deserved being dropped. I am disappointed that the selectors came up with that recommendation. Very, very disappointed.”

Trinidadian players were not being specifically targeted because of their alleged role in last year’s controversial abandoned tour of India.

“I am hoping the [WICB] president (Dave Cameron) is not part of this move to spite and victimise Trinidad and Tobago players because of what transpired in India where Dwayne Bravo was captain and it is alleged that some of the Trinis were leading the charge,” Bassarath said.

“I hope it also does not have anything to do with Baldath Mahabir and the TTCB not supporting Mr Cameron for the presidency of the WICB. I would hate to think it has reached that level where the TTCB, which was considered the best territorial board in the Caribbean — and I still think we are — that we are treated in this manner.”

He added: “I would not sit down idly by as a WICB Director and allow any victimisation and vindictiveness creep into West Indies cricket.”

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“I think we should have given him another opportunity to tour Sri Lanka as captain and then look at his performance if the selectors had a problem,” Bassarath

The 30-year-old Ramdin, who took over from Darren Sammy as Test captain in May last year, led West Indies in 13 Tests – winning four, losing seven and drawing two.

During that time, he managed 472 runs at an average of 22, and a highest score of 57.

Bassarath said he hoped

Bravo was last December sacked as one-day captain and replaced by Holder, and also dropped from the oneday squad for South Africa and the subsequent World Cup.

Fellow Trinidadian Kieron Pollard was also axed from the one-day squad. (CMC)

Warner out of England ODIs with thumb fracture

Australia’s vice-captain David Warner is facing the tightest of schedules to make the October Test tour of Bangladesh after x-rays revealed he had suffered a fractured left thumb when struck by his first ball from Steven Finn in the second ODI against England at Lord’s.

Bangladesh. Warner will be eager to tour as part of a new leadership combination alongside the recently-appointed captain, Steven Smith.

“I’m not 100% sure if he’s out of the first Test yet, but he’s got a little fracture in his thumb,” Smith said of Warner. “It was disappointing to lose

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Warner’s injury is expected to keep him out of action for up to six weeks, meaning he will struggle to be available for at least the first of the two Tests on the subcontinent, leaving the Australian selectors needing to consider an all-new opening combination for the assignment following the retirement of Chris Rogers.

Joe Burns and Cameron Bancroft are leading contenders to go to

him in that fashion today, but I thought the boys stood up really well and got the job done. That was the most important thing at present, and I think looking forward got to find someone else to potentially fill the role that he won’t be able to do.

Aaron Finch, who missed initial selection for this squad as a result of a broken foot sustained while playing for Yorkshire, is now fit again and has been called into the squad to replace Warner for the England ODIs. “It’s very exciting to be back,” Finch said. “It’s unfortunate for David Warner for me to come in under these circumstances, that’s not ideal, but these things happen in cricket and it’s great for me to be back.”

Upon being struck by Finn in the day’s first over, Warner immediately retired hurt and did not bat again in the innings, though he did briefly test out the injury in the Nursery End nets after taking painkillers. Warner has played every Test for Australia - 24 in all - since his recall to the team for the third Test of the previous Ashes tour.

Shane Watson also spent time off the field in the afternoon, having suffered what a Cricket Australia spokesperson described as a “minor right calf strain”. He will undergo scans once the team arrives in Manchester on Sunday to determine his availability for the rest of this series. (Cricinfo)

“I’m really looking forward to it [Bangladesh] to be honest. I can’t wait to captain Australia in Test cricket, and hopefully I’ll be able to have a few senior players around to lean on.”

Ainlim 10K

Forde unstoppable! – Morgan wins

By TreisTon Joseph

Guyana’s distance king, Cleveland Forde continued to display his tactical aptitude with yet another showcase of brilliant 10k running by winning the Massy Group of Companies AINLIM 10k race on Sunday that concluded in front of the company’s West Ruimveldt office.

It was an easy win for Forde on a hot Sunday morning, taking the event in 33 minutes, 15 seconds. Cleveland Thomas finished second in 33 mins, 58 secs, while Winston Missenger was third in 34 mins, 38 secs. Finishing fourth was Nathaniel Giddings in 25 mins, 17 secs, while Devon Barrington rounded out the top five in 35 mins, 27 secs.

Forde did not waste any time in establishing his dominance in the race going to the front early at Goed Fortuin before making his move just after crossing the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

With a sizeable gap of approximately 50 metres at the Eccles stop light, the race was all but won for the

man known as Guyana’s “Little Kenyan”. Meanwhile on the distaff side, Alika Morgan ruled the roost in the absence of 2014 champion Euleen JosiahTanner.

Josiah-Tanner, who has four AINLIM 10k titles to her name, could not make the event owing to flight issues.

However, Morgan looked in great form, winning the event calmly ahead of Andrea Foster in a time of 42 mins, 48 secs.

Foster, who just returned from participating at the World Championships in Beijing, finished second in a time of 43 mins, 52 secs, while Alicia Jack was third in a time of 44 mins, 18 secs. Finishing fourth was Shion Boyer in 49 mins, 35 secs and rounding out the top five was Nikita Wilson in 52 mins and 32 secs.

Matthew McKenzie was the winner of the junior boys’ category while finishing sixth overall in a time of 35 mins, 32 secs. Odwin

Tudor was the second junior male to cross the finish line in a time of 35 mins, 43 secs while Samuel Lynch finished in third with a time of 40 mins, 43 secs.

Winning the junior female category was Shontel Hinds in 45 mins, 23 secs, while Mariah McKenzie was second in 45 mins, 54 secs. Third place went to Yolit Charles in 50 mins, 22 secs.

Llewellyn Gardner won the men’s 56 and over masters race in 43 mins, 12 secs, while Larry Josiah was the winner of the men 40 and over masters event in 40 mins, 01 sec. Cyrleen Phillips won the female masters race in 50 mins, 22 secs.

At the presentation ceremony held immediately after the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Massy Group of Companies, Deo Persaud congratulated all of the athletes, noting that they were all “winners”, while the President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson commended Massy for the continued support for athletics.

Defeat dents Netherlands’ Euro hopes

The Netherlands’ hopes of qualifying automatically for Euro 2016 were ended by a heavy defeat in Turkey.

Midfielder Oguzhan

Ozyakup raced on to an Arda Turan through ball to put the home side ahead with a chipped finish.

Turan doubled the lead by stealing the ball from a dithering Daley Blind before firing past the weak hands of Jasper Cillessen at the near post.

Burak Yilmaz added a third late on to seal a result that means the Dutch can only finish third in Group A.

But to achieve that the Netherlands must now rely on Turkey dropping points in their last two games.

Whoever finishes behind the likely top two of Iceland and Czech Republic will be guaranteed a place in a two-legged play-off against another of the third-placed

sides.

That is the only path open to the Dutch, but their fate is now out of their own hands after Turkey leapfrogged them with a convincing win.

It was the Netherlands’ heaviest competitive defeat since 1996, when they lost 4-1 to England at Wembley in Euro ‘96. What next for Netherlands?

Netherlands play Kazakhstan away on 10

Serena into quarters, set to face sister in US Open

Serena Williams moved within three wins of achieving the fourth women’s calendar-year Grand Slam by routing fellow American Madison Keys on Sunday and setting up a U.S. Open quarter-final clash with sister Venus.

Williams beat the 20-year-old Keys 6-3 6-3 in

you do except try to win the point and hope she doesn’t hit an ace,”

Venus said.

Serena cracked six aces and three service winners, and never faced a break point in beating the power-hitting Keys, who put up a strong fight in their only previous meeting, in

68 minutes to book a 27th professional career showdown with her older sister, who advanced with a 6-2 6-1, 50-minute fourth-round victory over qualifier Anett Kontaveit, 19, of Estonia.

Three-time defending champion Serena holds a 1511 advantage in the sisterly head-to-head series against Venus, splitting their four previous clashes at the U.S. Open.

“She’s playing great,” 33-year-old Serena said about seven-times grand slam winner Venus, who is two years her elder. “I have to really be ready for that.

“At least one of us, a Williams, will be in the semis.”

Top-seeded world number one Serena has won six of the last seven matches against Venus, who beat her younger sister last year in the semi-finals in Montreal.

Venus was quick to identify her biggest challenge in facing Serena in Tuesday’s quarter-final.

“Well, obviously, that she’s so good. What else can

this year’s Australian Open semi-finals.

Keys lost 7-6(5) 6-2 in Melbourne, saving seven match points in the second set before succumbing. This time, Serena played her strongest match of the tournament so far and Keys contributed to her loss.

Keys double faulted on the last two points of the eighth game for the lone break of the first set, and double faulted again on match point.

Serena, winner of 21 grand slam singles titles including the 2015 Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon championships, currently holds all four grand slam titles at once, a “Serena Slam” she has now twice accomplished.

Winning this time at Flushing Meadows for her seventh U.S. Open crown would give her the rare calendar-year Grand Slam that would match Maureen Connolly (1953), Margaret Court (1970) and Steffi Graf (1988). (Reuters)

Venus in quarters of us open

VOctober before their final group match at home to Czech Republic three days later, while Turkey may have a more difficult runin, playing Czech Republic away and Iceland at home. The last time the Dutch failed to qualify for a major tournament was the 2002 World Cup. Before that, they were absent from the 1982 and 1986 stagings and from the 1984 European Championship.

(BBC Sport)

enus Williams could stand in the way of younger sister Serena’s bid for a calendar-year Grand Slam after reaching the quarter-finals of the US Open with a 6-2 6-1 rout of Estonian teenager Anett Kontaveit on Sunday.

Seven-times grand slam winner Venus would face top-seeded world number one Serena in the last eight, should the three-times defending US Open champion win her fourth-round match against fellow American Madison Keys.

The 35-year-old Venus,

seeded 23rd, overpowered 19-year-old qualifier Kontaveit, winning 84 percent of her first serves, breaking the Estonian four times and making only nine unforced errors in the 50-minute match.

Serena, 33, who was following Venus onto the Arthur Ashe Stadium court, is trying to become the fourth woman to sweep all four grand slam singles titles in the same year after winning the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon this season. (Reuters)

Burnham Memorial Basketball Tournament Colts come from behind to win 63-59

The

rallied after a tough first quarter to defeat Half Mile Bulls in the final of the Burnham Memorial Basketball Championship 63-59 on Saturday evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court in Linden.

Bulls with home-court advantage came out aggressively, going on an 11-2 run to start the first period before ending it with a comfortable 21-10 lead over the visitors.

However, a huge second quarter for the Colts saw the Georgetown side put on an offensive show by scoring 27 points in the second period, while holding the Bulls to 10 points with some stellar defence, as the leading scorer in the tournament, Terron Welch of the Bulls chose the wrong night to have offensive struggles. The first half

ended with the Colts leading 37-31.

The offensive struggles of the home side continued in the third period as the Colts made it uncomfortable for the Bulls’ perimeter offence which were unable to find their range and rhythm from the three-point arc.

With the third quarter ending with the Colts up by 14 points (54-40), the Georgetown outfit continued with their up-tempo style of play in the fourth stanza with guards Shelroy Thomas and Dave Causway running the ball.

Nevertheless, Bulls came right back in the game with a run of their own as the Colts offence dried up. Michael Turner and Travis Dryden initiated the comeback for the Bulls with a number of drives to the basket, bringing their team as close as to two points of tying the game at 60-58.

A few key plays by the Colts down the stretch would seal the deal even after fans stormed the court accosting the referees following a few late-game calls that stalled the game in the final two minutes of regulation time.

Thomas dropped a game-high 29 points, while Causway contributed 14 points to the win.

Scoring from the losing side came from Dryden who almost had a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.

Welch despite his tough shooting night had a doubledouble of 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Turner had 10 points in the loss.

Meanwhile, the Trinity Grid Holding Pacesetters defeated the Victory Valley Royals (VVR) in the thirdplace playoff with a dominant 84-59 win.

2018 World Cup Qualifiers… Haiti shoot down grenada as antigua, sVg also win

Antigua and Barbuda upset Guatemala 1-0 to make a positive start to their third round tie in the CONCACAF zone of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers here Friday.

Playing at the Vivian Richards Stadium in St John’s, a Myles Weston penalty in the 72nd minute was enough to settle the contest, and give the Antiguans an important advantage heading into the second leg in Guatemala City next Tuesday.

Guatemala, ranked 98th in the FIFA rankings, entered the game as favourites but failed to break down the organised Antiguans who are ranked 116th.

At the Arnos Vale

Stadium in Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines also drew first blood as they beat Aruba 2-0.

The game was scoreless at half-time but burst to life when Tevin Slater gave the hosts the lead in the 51st minutes.

SVG then maintained their 1-0 lead well until the dying seconds of the game when Oalex Anderson scored to double their advantage.

There was no such luck for Grenada at the National Stadium in St George’s as the hosts stumbled to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Haiti.

Jean Eudes Maurice opened the scoring in the 27th minute but an

Watson retires from Test cricket

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson quit test cricket with immediate effect on Sunday, accepting defeat in his battle against injuries that have ravaged his career.

The 34-year-old announced the decision after sustaining a calf injury in Saturday’s one-day victory over England that ended his tour, Cricket Australia (CA) said on their website.

“I announce my retirement from test cricket today with a heavy heart,” Watson, who finished his 59-match test career with 3,731 runs and a 35-plus average, said in a CA statement.

“I have given my all to be the best I can be, physically, technically and mentally, and while I have not always achieved the personal goals that I set myself in test cricket, to have played over 50 tests and to have captained my country is more than I ever dreamed of.”

Watson, who remains available for one-dayers and Twenty20 Internationals, played his last test in the Ashes opener at Cardiff before being dropped from the Australian side who lost the series 3-2 last month.

Two other members of Australia’s losing Ashes party -- Michael Clarke and Chris Rogers -- have also announced their international retirements.

“On this tour I have seen how the next generation of young Australian cricketers are ready to take the game forward,” Watson said.

“I hope to continue to represent my country in

both shorter formats of the game, and I believe that I still have a significant amount to contribute.”

Since his 2005 test debut against Pakistan, regular hamstring and back injuries have taken toll on Watson’s body and his stock has fallen considerably over the last couple of years.

Once the golden boy of Australian cricket, Watson lost his place at the top of the batting order and his bowling, which earned him 75 test wickets and was once considered essential to the team balance, has also lost some of its bite.

“He has been an out -

standing contributor to the team on and off the field and a great thinker on the game as well as a hugely talented cricketer,” coach Darren Lehmann said.

“Behind the scenes he has done so much work with our younger players and that has been something that has impressed me.”

Skipper Steve Smith said he was among those who benefitted from Watson’s experience.

“It has been a pleasure to play alongside Shane and he has been a huge influence on my career and the team as a whole,” said Smith. (Reuters)

Anthony Straker penalty in the 33rd minute brought Grenada level.

However, Mechack Jerome restored Haiti’s lead when he finished well in the 38th minute, to ensure the French Caribbean side led 2-1 at half-time.

Haiti confirmed the points in the 56th minute through a Duckens Nazon strike.

At the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, hosts Curacao perished 1-0 to El Salvador through an Alexander Larin 12th minute goal while at the BMO Field in Toronto, Tosaint Ricketts scored in either half and Atiba Hutchinson added another, as Canada breezed past Belize 3-0. (CMC)

By TreisTon Joseph