Guyana Times Daily - July 21, 2015

Guyana /Venezuela

Guyana received no formal invite for Mercosur talks – Greenidge

Stimulus package possible in budget

...PPP/C urges increased Govt spending, clearer policy directions

Govt could tap Harper for top diplomatic post US pledges help in border

PPP/C warns against “creeping” attempts to politicise GDF Bandit wounded in shootout with Police Several hurt as minibus, pick-up collide on Mandela Avenue

tuesday, july 21, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

GRA’s Sattaur, 20 others sent on leave

Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Khurshid Sattaur and 20 other members of his staff have proceeded on annualised leave, Finance Minister Winston Jordan has confirmed.

He however said that Sattaur had requested his leave, while the 20 other staffers had accumulated leave and were instructed to proceed on their leave. Although speculation is rife that Sattaur is being let go, Jordan insisted that the Customs boss was not sent on leave but rather requested his leave.

He noted that some of the employees have leave amounting to 300, 280, and 240 days and Minister Jordan thought that they should proceed on leave and return. Nevertheless, he stated that before sending the officers on leave, the Commissioner General was consulted and the Finance Minister was assured that the decision to send the staff on leave will not affect the smooth running of the Authority. “As the list was perused, I asked the Commissioner General if by sending a particular person on leave, will it affect the operations at the GRA… and once he would have indicated in the negative, we immediately informed the officer to proceed on leave”, Jordan added. He noted his surprise that members of staff had

that amount of leave, and as result, emphasised that it is time for them to recharge their batteries and come fresh.

The Minister stated that at no point in time, heads of department should encourage staff members to have accumulative leave owned to them. “Once the time has come for leave to be taken… it must be taken… we cannot have people working in an organisation for years without taking leave… there are others who can do the same job,” he noted. Only recently Government sacked the deputy head of the GRA Clement Sealey following the expiration of his contract. Sealey’s reappointment at GRA had come under scrutiny by the A Partnership for National Unity while in Opposition. The party had questioned the rehiring of retirees into senior positions, which it contended was a dangerous practice that serves to de motivate others staff and stifle their growth.

Meanwhile, despite maintaining that Sattaur had requested leave, Guyana Times was told that the new Government has reportedly identified a replacement for him.

This publication was told that the New York-based replacement for Sattaur has already toured the GRA facility and could take up his position as soon as Sattaur’s contract expires.

Commissioner General of the GRA, Khurshid Sattaur

Sattaur has already reached the age of retirement, but was retained by the former Administration. Sources said the Government will await the expiration of his current contract to replace him. Contacted previously on this issue, Jordan and Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma both denied having any knowledge of Sattaur’s replacement. “I… don’t know what’s going on,” Jordan told this newspaper recently.

“That does not fall under my responsibility so I don’t know,” Sharma insisted. However, GRA employees told this publication that the “word around the office” is that Sattaur will be replaced.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who has responsibility for the appoint-

ment of agency heads as per the Cummingsburg Accord, was recently asked why Sattaur has not being let go by the Administration.

He said despite his party – the Alliance For Change –had called for Sattaur’s resignation during the campaign trail, now they are in office, he said they cannot go on a vendetta or political warfare. “You have to look to what is called equity and due process… you have to deal with due process,” Nagamootoo had said.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon had told a news conference that a number of state boards were currently being reviewed. He had said that some of the heads of boards and agencies “can never enjoy the confidence of the new Government and were just in a “holding pattern” during the transitioning period. Harmon hinted that there were several other individuals who still hold their positions because of the mere fact that the Government was not quite settled in.

Since occupying office on May 16, the David Granger-led Administration has sacked more than 50 employees of the former Government, even as it insists that it has not engaged in any “witchhunting”. The former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has condemned the dismissals in

the harshest possible terms.

The Party up to last week said it was preparing litigation for compensation for the many persons who were fired. The APNU/AFC Administration has thus far fired employees from the Office of the

President (now the Ministry of the Presidency), Ministry of Communities, Amerindian People’s Affairs Ministry, and Social Protection Ministry, and sent on leave Regional Executive Officers, members of State Board and recalled diplomats.

NA Supermarket robbery suspect gets bail, 2 remanded

One of the three persons accused of robbing the co-owner of M Ali and Son Supermarket at Main and Pope Streets, New Amsterdam, last Thursday, was granted bail when the trio appeared before Marissa Mittelholzer in a New Amsterdam court on Monday.

The three: Jason Aubrey, 26, of Sisters Village, West Coast Demerara; Lennox Patterson, 23, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, and Leroy Hopkinson, 29, of 37 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam pleaded not guilty to the charge of armed robbery. The charge read that on Thursday, July 16 at Main and Pope Streets, New Amsterdam while in the company of others and armed with guns, they robbed Nazmoon Ally of $350, 000 cash, $150,000 in phone cards and one gold chain valued at $100,000. It is further alleged

that they robbed Feroze Ali of one 9mm semi-automatic pistol valued at $200,000 and 17 rounds of ammunition valued at $1700.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Desiree Pilgrim objected to bail being granted. However, Hopkinson was granted bail in the sum of $100, 000.

Meanwhile, Patterson was slapped with two other charges: the first states that on July 17 at King Street, New Amsterdam, he had in his position one .38 revolver while not being the holder of a firearm license. The second charge states that on the same day he had in his possession 10 live .38 rounds without being the holder of a firearm license. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Magistrate Mittelholzer ordered the remanded defendants to return to court on August 4.

tuesday, july 21, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, July 21 – 08:30h-10:00h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, July 21 – 06:55h-08:25h and Wednesday, July 22 – 07:35h-09:05h

FERRY SCHEDULE

WEATHER TODAY

Stimulus package possible in budget

Government is likely to include in its upcoming budget stimulus measures that could help jumpstart the economy which has become stagnated ever since the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government took office, but the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition believes clearer policy directions and an early move on the various transformational projects started under the PPP/C would be the right fillips at this time.

At least two Government Ministers have given hints of such a move. The Administration has been under pressure to come up

with measures that can help drive the economy and a stimulus package is one of the things that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) – the main umbrella body of the business community here has proposed. In addressing the slowdown in business at a recent meeting with Finance Minister Winston Jordan, the PSC urged the Government to consider a stimulus to boost the economy and the Minister committed to reviewing this proposal. He also committed to ensuring stability of the currency, through appropriate monetary policies. The Finance Minister at the meeting assured the Commission that its proposals would be given consideration in the formulation of either the budget, and said that Government’s current priority was the implementation of its 100-day plan with an attendant focus on increasing pensions and salaries.

In addition to calling for a stimulus package, the PSC has recommended reform of the tax system and the Minister informed that the Government was about to commission a tax study which would be utilised, along with a study conducted by Duke University, to develop a comprehensive taxation system for the

country. The Minister also shared with the Commission Government’s intention to examine the Value Added Tax rate with a view to its amendment, and the Private Sector body urged that a reduction in the rate of corporate taxes be mulled as well, since this could increase Government revenues. Further, Minister Jordan shared the Commission’s view that property taxes need to be revisited.

No pre-empting

Asked to comment on a possible stimulus package, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge – who served the nation as Finance Minister under the People’s National Congress Administration – said he did not want to pre-empt Jordan’s budget announcements. Similar sentiments were expressed by Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman last week when asked about the same issue. However, Trotman went a bit further in relating that an increase in wages for public servants could be an answer to reports of a dip in the country’s economy. He said salary increas-

es are one of the known ways of stimulating economic growth and fighting inflation. He said, however, that the Finance Minister would be better able to address that question. “When we go Cabinet, some members will urge a significant wage increase for the public servants in particular, and hopefully the Private Sector will follow suit by raising salaries as well.” This determination will be made when the National Budget is presented early next month.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Stimulus needed in Budget 2015

Two months after the general elections delivered a new Government to the country, by all reports, this change has been accompanied by a marked slowdown in business activities. This effect goes against the received wisdom that a change in administration brings a burst of economic optimism reflecting the majority of the populace getting the Government of their choice. While there has been intense enthusiasm for celebratory activities by such supporters, the fall in overall business activities suggest that deeper structural factors might be at work.

To ensure that Guyana does not fall into a recessionmeaning that economic activity as reflected by the Gross National Product (GNP) does not fall for two consecutive quarters - the Government must take decisive action immediately. Because economic activities are influenced so strongly by what the great economist Lord Keynes called "animal spirits", once the populace becomes convinced that the economy is tanking, it becomes almost a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The Government is presented with the opportunity to make such an intervention because of the requirement to submit a budget for the remainder of the year, by end of August. The Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, has promised to be on time with the budget, but from his comments he appears more concerned with addressing aspects of his party's campaign promises such as increases in pensions, salary increases for the private sector and a reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) than in getting the economy up and running again.

The Minister has met with the Private Sector Commission (PSC), which presented their recommendations. In addition to longer-term infrastructural initiatives that the previous administration had placed on the agenda such as Amaila Falls HydroElectric Project (AFHEP) and the Lethem-Linden Highway, the PSC specifically recommended that a "fiscal stimulus" be injected into the economy to jump start it. More than any other policy initiatives, such stimuli, drawn from the classic anti-recession/depression toolkit of Lord Keynes, have become the standard practice once again as the developed world struggle to escape their economic slowdown.

While some may argue that the income increases and VAT reduction package can be seen as a "stimulus", both the size and the target group of the stimulus preclude the desired impact. However, the PSC suggested that in addition to such reductions, the corporate tax rate should also be reduced, because it would "increase Government revenues". While this may appear counterintuitive to the average layperson, such a tax cut would allow businesses to reduce their prices on goods and increase hirings and investment, all of which would impact economic activities positively.

Earlier this year, the Obama administration in the U.S. proposed cutting their corporate tax rate from 35 per cent to 28 per cent, with a preferred rate of 25 per cent for manufacturers. It would also allow small businesses to write off $1 million in investments. While Guyana's tax rate for manufacturing companies is 30 per cent, it is 40 per cent for "commercial businesses", i.e. those that generate more than 75 per cent of their revenues from trade in non-manufactured items.

But there is one discordant note in the hope that the budget might be used as a successful "pump priming" device: this is the exclusion of the PPP from making suggestions on the budget. Minister Jordan claims that because of the narrow window to present the budget, any engagement with the Opposition PPP could be time consuming. While on its face, this might be so, any budget that does not involve the PPP would not receive the legitimacy it needs, from almost half the population. This would not bode well for a taming of the aforementioned negative "animal spirits".

At the barest minimum, Minister Jordan should request that the PPP submit in writing, their proposals on stimulating the economy that can be incorporated in the upcoming budget. This should present a win-win situation for the Government and for Guyana.

Guyana needs an efficient drainage system

Dear Editor,

This year’s rainy season commenced with varying degrees of recurring flooding of Georgetown, covering much of the low lying coastland at every heavy downpour during the past several weeks.

The newly elected APNU/ AFC Government inherited a drainage system which was grossly neglected over the years as many of its elements were in varying stages of disrepair. It was therefore inconceivable for Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, to have stated a few days ago that,” All sluices, pumps and drainage canals are in working order”, especially when there has been little improvement and maintenance work done, since he took Office, to the drainage system in anticipation of the impending rainy season with the possibility of widespread flooding. The evidence suggests that either the drainage system cannot get rid of a reasonable volume of flood water within a specified time or Minister Patterson in his pronouncement was bluffing, or both. Unfortunately

the APNU/AFC has no comprehensive development plan for the drainage of coastal Guyana as it is too busy with forensic audits and COI’s. As such, no updated data available as to the volume of rainfall runoff the system could get rid of in a 24 hour cycle. So guesses abound. There are a lot of hypotheses swirling around about the areas under drainage being underdesigned with a drainage coefficient of 1.5, 2.5 or 3.0, which has resulted in flooding. However, there is no clear understanding of what these numbers mean, since for an applied coefficient to be understood and to be meaningful enough to determine the volume of water to be drained from a specified area, several parameters have to be considered such as land-use as well as the condition, size, hydraulic factors and costs of the various elements of the drainage system.

Many of the parameters which were used to design the present drainage system are no longer applicable, as the environment is changes and requiring the system to be adjusted. Band aid solu-

tions such as fixing a broken sluice door here and de-silting a channel there will not solve the underlying drainage problems. Drainage of the low lying lands in Guyana has been designed as an integrated system and all its elements have to function in tandem to achieve its planned objectives with optimum efficiency.

To address the drainage problem, the Government needs to make a number of urgent changes. Firstly, it has to establish an Authority with clearly defined duties and responsibilities to provide adequate and effective drainage for the coastland. It cannot have the MPI, NDIA, M&CC and NDC’s each acting independently and in the process wasting scarce public resources on questionable drainage works, which have had no significant effect on alleviating flooding. Policies and resources have to be coordinated and deployed to achieve specific drainage objectives with maximum flood relief for all. Secondly, the drainage systems have to be delineated to determine the lands to be drained, how they are

being drained and the civil works needed to get rid of a pre-determined volume of flood water within a 24 hour cycle. Once this determination is made, the deficiencies of the system will become obvious and resources could then be allocated to remove them, but not in a willynilly way while assuring a distraught public with the false notion that what is being done will resolving their flooding problem quickly.

The technology exists to prevent flooding of Guyana’s lowlands from high rainfall. Unfortunately Guyana is a poor country which does not have the resources to implement such technology. Therefore it will have to consider a less costly drainage system which will allow for occasional flooding of some areas but not with the severity and frequency now being experienced. Such a system will likely encompass gravity and pumped drainage with economic viability and affordability determining their combination.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

Comrade Ishak Basir, Politician and Patriot

Dear Editor, Sometimes we tend to forget the people who struggled to make our country a better place to live. As a little boy about 12 years old, I worked with Mr Rahaman, a butcher for whom I would cut grass for his cows and donkeys which would pull carts of meat to be sold on the road to villagers, after I returned from school. At other times, I would accompany him to the Danielstown slaughter house to assist him, and the money I received from him would buy my school books and clothes.

Every weekend in the 60’s, I would notice Mr Ishak Basir, parking his BSA motorcycle in Mr Rahaman’s yard at Lima, Essequibo Coast. This was because he lived at Jacklow along the Pomeroon River and was a PPP organizer for the area. He was an active member at Freedom House, as well as a famous dentist. He was invested in his work for the party.

At the age of 16, I became an active member of the PYO and would assist him with his political work.Mr Ishak Basir was very popular among the Amerindians as he would visit them and listen to their problems and take it to Parliament. He experienced the same pains and sufferings like them when the prices were low. He was a Member of Parliament with Dr Jagan in the 60’s, and sat in the National Assembly. He was the most vibrant among all the MP’s and I remember at one sitting he threw a loaf of bread at the Speaker in his protest against the ban of wheat flour, bread he had bought at the Stabroek market. Comrade Basir, was loved by all the MP’s on both sides of the House. He was even approached by Burnham to join the PNC, with the possibility of becoming Agriculture Minister. He was the shadow Minister of Agriculture at the time and he refused

the position. After PPP won the elections in 1992, he alleged that Dr Jagan had difficulties in selecting his ministers since the list was long and many candidates were with the party since the 60’s. Everyone wanted a ministerial position.

He withdrew his name and allowed Mr Reepu Daman Persaud, to become the first PPP Agriculture Minister. Mr Basir was the PPP candidate in 1973 for the Pomeroon electoral district, where the GDF soldiers pointed their guns at him in Charity Government School and ordered him not to move. In the presence of a crowd of onlookers, the ballot boxes were being removed by the army to the Red Lock airstrip.

At Hampton Court, six soldiers had held up comrade Basir’s car at gun point while he was made to stand outside as his car was ripped open. Not a single one of us was allowed to travel with the ballot box-

es. At Anna Regina, the soldiers blocked the entrance of the polling station and no one was permitted to enter regarless of that person’s designation. Comrade Basir was removed by the GDF soldiers when he demanded to have a look at the ballot boxes as the announcement came that the elections were rigged. He organised the biggest protest from Charity to Supenaam, although the police and soldiers tried to break up the demonstrations with tear gas and many of us were imprisoned including comrade Basir. He was shot four times by a policeman at the Adventure wharf, as he was working for the PPP. He nearly died. Basir passionate politician and patriot, in his lifelong struggle was never considered for a ministerial position by the PPP from 1992-2011.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

From stem to steam with a focus on attitudes

Dear Editor,

In a recent letter published in the media, the suggestion was made that our Education Minister should consider following the recommendation of American educationists who are advocating for the replacement of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

with STEAM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), meaning adding the Arts to the acronym.

The Arts indeed cover a wide-ranging group of subjects which may not sufficiently allow for what I consider to be a more urgent and necessary emphasis on attitudinal changes among students

and young people generally.

I believe any manager, business leader or others involved in developing and managing human resources will subscribe to the view that while it is by no means easy to access the hard skills relevant to science, technology, engineering etc. It is much more difficult and even

more urgent and crucial to develop and sustain positive attitudes at work and in society at large. Therefore, I strongly suggest that we insist on and provide for the development of better attitudes among our young people, and of course adults as the case might be.

Nowrang Persaud

Fr Peter Britt sJ: a quiet and a poor pastor

Dear Editor, It is inspiring to read about philanthropists who tirelessly work for the others believing in Jesus’ words, “Love your God and love your neighbour as you love yourself.”

One such person is Rev. Fr. Peter Britt Compton, a Jesuit priest who spent half of his life for the people of Guyana. He came to Guyana in the early 1950s from England as a Catholic Priest. He passed away yesterday at the age of 96. He lived a long life, but he lived that long life with one purpose in mind that God has anointed him to bring good news to the people of Guyana.

I had the privilege of working with him in Aishalton, Rupununi for a year. I would consider him as good and authen-

tic pastor, a pastor who made himself available to the people of Guyana. He spent most of his time in Rupununi, about 25 years. He is much loved by Amerindians. As Fr. Malcolm Rodrigues SJ expressed, “he is the real pastor for the Amerindians.”

His dedication to the Catholic Church has been commendable. He cared for everyone irrespective of their religious faith. Most Amerindians in the Rupununi will have fond memories to recall. He has left a legacy among them.

One of his remarkable contributions is that he touched many people who are in need, especially the poor. He lived a poor and a happy life, this way he showed to the people that being poor is not

being unhappy. He welcomed the poor people to his house and made them happy by sharing his joy with them. I have great regard and trust in the pastors who work for the poor because they live among the people and as Pope Francis says, they are like “Shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.” It is important to be with poor people rather than just show up once a year and allure the poor with goodies.

Despite his old age and illness, he was able to meet people on a daily basis and listen to them. Many who came to him were inspired to hear his wisdom and consolation. I used to sit with him just to listen to his beautiful English phrases and idioms. He was a walking

dictionary. His typewriter was always close to him. He insisted that he would type the letters even at the age of eighty seven because he believed in precision and clarity. He was an inspiration to our young to believe in precision and clarity in their deliberations.

Rev Jerry Melwin Dias SJ Diocese of Georgetown

Dear Editor,

It seems as though the role of Junior Finance Minister, Honourable Jaipaul Sharma, is to update the public on the status of the forensic audits undertaken by the new Government. Even quite recently, he has communicated on the offline accounts unearthed by the EPA.

The public has been informed that thirty such audits are ongoing at the GGMC, Guyana Gold Board, NICIL, EPA, GFC, LOTTO Fund, etc. However, no mention was made about the Guyana Energy Authority (GEA). When the PPP/C was in office, Christopher Ram was critical about the GEA’s financial management and governance. Ram also said that the GEA was delinquent in the laying of its accounts in Parliament. But what is interesting for the public to note is that no forensic audits is being done at the GEA. Will it be done later, or it has slipped

the radar of the Ministry of Finance?

It is also interesting to note that the head of the GEA is Mr Mehendra Sharma, brother of the Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma. Perhaps it is a mere coincidence that the GEA was not chosen for forensic auditing, despite that the person heading the organisation was on the PPP/C national top–up candidates list (No.78) for the May 2015 elections.

This seems to be a clear demonstration of nepotism committed by the APNU+AFC Government although it accused the PPP/C of the same ill when it was in government. So the matter of the GEA not being under the Junior Finance Minister’s forensic audit radar is ample evidence of nepotism currently in practice by the Granger Government.

Yours sincerely, Martin Luke

Guyanese should not remain silent

Dear Editor, The bad thing about the entire situation in Guyana is that nobody is doing anything to correct the wrongs. Most people just sit in their bottom houses, pointing fingers at the PPP/C to act on the situation.

However, the PPP/C cannot take on the burden alone. Their supporters also, should become actively involved in their support, so that for example, there should be thousands picketing at the GECOM headquarters. Let the masses protest in front of Parliament against the removal of the “Because We Care” programme. By remaining silent supporters only validate the action

of the coalition. Guyana is starting to suffer the consequences of poor decision making and the APNU/ AFC supporters are desperately trying to mask the situation with political propaganda. In this instance, the saying “Speak a lie as often as possible then it becomes truth to idiots!” is quite relevant. Yet, one cannot help but wonder why 49 per cent of the electorate that voted for the PPP/C remains so quiet. Is it a lack of interest?

While President Granger is destroying Guyana’s relationship with Venezuela, but the people should not remain silent.

V Apana

Page Foundation

Your baby’s brain is built over time: It starts during pregnancy, and continues through to early adulthood. And like a building, it needs a strong foundation.

The brain is made up of several different areas that control everything we d – from hearing and walking to problemsolving and how we feel. Each area has millions of brain cells, or neurons. These neurons communicate with each other by passing chemical messages over tiny spaces called synapses. As the messages are repeated over and over, more links are made and “neural pathways” are formed. Think of these pathways as the brain’s “wiring.” In the first years of life, these connections develop at an extremely fast pace.

to by people – that helps to develop your baby’s brain.

How well all the wiring gets set up – that is, how your baby’s brain develops – will affect her ability to learn language, solve problems, and do well in school. Later in life, it can affect her physical and emotion-

lead to physical, learning and emotional problems in childhood, and these problems can carry on right into adulthood. If you’re concerned about the situation in your home, talk to your doctor or your baby’s doctor.

al health and how she gets along with other people.

So how does this development happen? That’s where parents come in. You can help your baby’s brain develop in healthy ways. It doesn’t take special toys or equipment, and it’s easier than you might think!

Did you know…?

Your baby’s brain wiring is not fully connected at birth. It is very active, changing and developing in response to what’s going on all around them. It is the day-to-day experiences – activities like playing, being read to, learning, and interacting and being responded

Relationships are crucial. Loving, consistent, positive relationships help build healthy brains and protect your baby’s brain from the negative effects of stress.

Even very young infants can experience stress when the places they live and play in feel unsafe, or are frightening. “Toxic” stress – which is much more serious than short-lived, everyday stress – is caused by persistent problems like extreme marital conflict, poverty, abuse, neglect, being exposed to violence, having a parent who misuses drugs or alcohol, or having a parent with an untreated mental illness. Toxic stress is harmful to your baby’s developing brain. It can

Your baby’s developing brain needs: Responsive, nurturing, positive experiences: Everyday experiences help shape your baby’s brain – from your daily routines to the people your baby comes in contact with. Babies need to live and play in healthy spaces with opportunities to learn and grow. And they need you to learn how to recognise when they are tired, or hungry, or stressed or that they want a cuddle or hug from you. Responding warmly and predictably to your baby and creating routines help babies feel safe. It shows them that that they can count on you when they are sick, upset or distressed, and that you can meet their needs. Babies need their parents and caregivers to respond to them in loving, caring and consistent ways.

Fun activities: Talking, reading and singing to your baby are all fun and easy ways to help her grow. So are simple games like getting down on the floor for some tummy time with your young baby, or playing peeka-boo with your five-monthold. (caringforkids.cps.ca)

BY PATTY WIPFLER

You can help your child dissolve his feelings of fear and grief, so he can tell that he’s safe in his bed

What your frightened or sad child needs is to be able to cry or scream in the throes of that feeling, while you offer support and remember that there isn’t any danger present at all. Your child releases his upset by expressing it fully and pas sionately. Emotional release eventually allows your child to regain a peaceful state of mind. For a child who is releasing a big fear, this process of crying, struggling, sweating, arching, and trembling in the arms of a supportive parent can take awhile – even up to an hour!

As you pour in attention, listening and support, your child rids his mind of tension. The bad feeling finally passes, his mind clears, and he be comes content, and feels closer to you. He’s now less scared. He now carries less grief.

ing those big feelings, until he feels safe in your arms. You give him your confidence that he’s safe, and that you’re watching over him. You anchor him while he has this emotional “bad dream,” and rids his mind of a big fear from some earlier time.

You don’t need to know what his feelings are, or where they come from. He’ll show you

that, and to sleep by himself when that’s the best thing for the night. Both he and you will have a much better chance at having a good night’s sleep.

Your child’s bedtime ritual serves as a little lid on unruly feelings

Stay. Listen when your child is sad or frightened. It will help him greatly We call the kind of listening that helps your child “Staylistening”. You stay very close, you pour all your love and attention into your child, and you let him throw himself into express-

plenty about how he feels while he cries and struggles. He doesn’t need to name his feelings, and you should not do that for him. He needs your caring while he does his work. Once he has dissolved that big chunk of fear or grief, he’ll be able to fall asleep almost anywhere, and sleep the night through. He’ll be able to sleep with you when you are open to

Children use bedtime rituals – stories, placing your arms or hands “just so,” needing a pacifier or stuffed animal, and needing you close by – to keep their unprocessed feelings in check. Change one little thing at bedtime, and those feelings pop up out of hiding and begin to take over. So if a child is used to having daddy read three stories, and daddy proposes two stories, tears or a tantrum could easily follow. The child, in actuality, is safe in bed no matter how many stories are read, but he can’t tell. His fears or grief dictates how he feels. The three stories and the other little rituals help a child manage the feelings that arise at night. So going from the family bed to his own bed will likely bring up some big feelings for your child. It’s best to think of this process as one that may have many steps. If you guide your child through with love and caring, he’ll have the time he needs to unburden those stored feelings, and he’ll be able to cooperate, eventually, in sleeping on his own. For some children whose lives have been relatively free of difficulty, the process can take three or four nights. For others, who have survived life-threatening circumstances, it can take much longer. You won’t know how long the path will be for your child as you embark, but long or short, the path starts out the same.

Tell your child you’re going to help him to sleep in his own bed

Even if your child is still an infant, I think it’s good to tell him, verbally, that you are going to help him to feel safe in his own bed. The attitude of respect you have for his intelligence is important. Children understand far more than we yet imagine. For instance, recent research shows that newborn infants prefer the language their parents speak to unfamiliar languages; having learned the sounds of what will be their native language in the womb. So share your decision to embark on this project with your child, whether he’s four months or four years old. (Handinhandparenting. org)

Tuesday,

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US pledges help in border security

...to continue assistance in tackling HIV/AIDS

New United States Ambassador nominee Perry L Holloway has pledged to work with Guyana in improving its border security, fighting crime and tackling the dreaded HIV/AIDS virus.

Halloway made the remarks during his confirmation hearing before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 15, 2015. Halloway was nominated some months ago by President Barack Obama to become this country’s ambassador, but his confirmation had been delayed.

Halloway in remarks at his hearing said that Guyana was a key partner in bolstering regional security, noting that through the President’s Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, Washington was cooperating to counter the threats of transnational crime and terrorism. He said improved security for all citizens of the Caribbean was essential to the Region’s future stability and prosperity, as well as to our interests.

“I will work closely with the appropriate agencies of the US Government to strengthen our security cooperation with Guyana. Guyana is one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere. That is why we have historically worked with the Government and Private Sector to support efforts to diversify the economy and create new opportunities in agribusiness, aquaculture, wood products, and ecotourism. If confirmed, I will continue to work with the Government and Private Sector to strengthen Guyana’s market competitiveness, build its trade capacity, improve the investment climate, and promote greater two-way trade with the United States.” Halloway said.

Halloway added that if confirmed, he looked forward to working closely with the Foreign Relations Committee and all members of Congress to advance Washington’s interests in Guyana and the broader Caribbean Region. Halloway told the Committee that he has had the honour to serve the US as a Foreign Service Officer for the past 26 years in nine countries. “I have served primarily in countries in the Western Hemisphere, so I am familiar with the types of challenges and opportunities that exist in Guyana. I have worked on programmes dealing with security, drug trafficking, democratic values and human rights, energy and the environment, Trafficking In Persons, corruption, and the exchange of people and ideas. I have extensive experience with interagency partners like USAID; [DoD] Department of Defence; Peace Corps; [DEA] Drug Enforcement Agency; and [DHS] Department of Homeland Security. If confirmed, I believe that my experience in the Region and my work with other agencies has prepared me well to lead the US mission in Guyana.”

He said Guyana was a country with tremendous potential with vast pristine rainforests, fertile agricultural lands, proven mineral resources, potentially large oil reserves, and a close affinity with the US. “It is also a country facing challenges from crime, poverty, corruption, HIV/AIDS, natural resource management, and drug trafficking. If confirmed, I will work with the Government and people of Guyana to confront these challenges and to continue to bolster economic growth, strengthen democracy and governance, improve the respect for human rights

Queenstown fatal accident

Labourer died from multiple injuries, driver remains in custody

The autopsy conducted on 63-year-old Derick Glasgow, also known as “Pudding” of Essequibo Coast, revealed that he died as a result of multiple injuries. The autopsy was conducted on Monday morning by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh at the Suddie Funeral Home.

The driver, who allegedly killed the labourer, remains in Police custody. The car that was involved in the accident is also impounded. Police have however launched a thorough investigation into the matter and several statements were taken from residents and also the occupants of the car. The accident occurred around 16:30h on Saturday afternoon on the Queenstown Public Road. According to information gathered, the car bearing registration plate PMM 6118 is owned by Biseshuar Ramnauth, an instructor attached to the New Opportunity Corps. Reports further indicated that the car which was reportedly driven by Ramnauth, had three other occupants and was proceeding

South along the Queenstown Public Road, after the group had returned from a wedding house.

They were all reportedly under the influence of alcohol. However, residents are contending that the owner of the car was not driving the vehicle when the accident occurred. Glasgow was last seen by his wife on Saturday afternoon when he left to go for a walk in the neighbourhood.

and rule of law, and promote opportunity for all. These are clearly areas of mutual interest,” Halloway said. He also recognised Guyana’s lead in efforts to address global climate change through its Low Carbon Development Strategy that was helping preserve its vast rain forest. “We have worked with the Government of Guyana to develop sustainable forestry and ecotourism and to enhance its capacity to implement the Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, or REDD initiative, while also encouraging sustainable eco-

nomic development. I hope to have the opportunity to continue these efforts,” Halloway told the Committee.

HIV/AIDS

Meanwhile, touching on the issue of HIV/AIDS, Halloway said the United States have made significant contributions to combating this disease in Guyana with over US$165 million invested since 2004. “Our funding has made a difference. Guyana’s prevention and care programmes, central laboratory, and state-of-the-art logistics system are models for others in the Region. The programme has also benefited Guyana’s health systems by enhancing the country’s laboratory capacity, improving the ability to store and distribute medicines, and strengthening the management of broader health services. “ Halloway said as a result of these US Government investments, Guyana now was able to respond to the threats from infectious diseases. “If confirmed, I will work with the Government and other health partners to sustain the gains we have made and transition ownership of the programmes to the Government of Guyana.”

Halloway told the Committee that Guyana recently held national elections and the party that had been in power since the country’s first democratic elections nearly 23 years ago was replaced. “The elections were deemed free and fair by the international community. This is an important indicator that Guyana is continuing to build on progress it has made since emerging as an independent nation in 1966 and instituting multi-party democracy in 1992.”

Halloway added that the new President and his multiethnic coalition Government have embarked on an ambitious transformative agenda for the county that centres on eliminating racial and ethnic exclusion, countering organised crime, combating corruption, developing infrastructure, broadening economic growth, and establishing sustainable management of the country’s natural resources.

“The Government’s agenda largely coincides with our own interests, providing us new opportunities to confront long-standing challenges. I look forward to working with all relevant actors to ensure that the bilateral relationship continues to be one based on shared interests and

mutual respect. If confirmed, I will continue the work we have been doing with the Government and civil society on programmes to strengthen governance structures, promote constructive political dialogue, and encourage greater citizen participation in the political process – all necessary for a strong democracy.”

Diaspora

Additionally, the US diplomat said Washington has a special link to Guyana through the many Guyanese who live in America. “It is estimated that there are more than 300,000 Guyanese in the United States and maybe another million people here of Guyanese descent. In Guyana itself, estimates are that over 70 per cent of Guyana’s citizens have family living in the United States. If confirmed, I look forward to collaborating with the hardworking diasporas in New York, New Jersey, Florida, and other states to find ways that they can contribute to a more stable and prosperous Guyana.” Halloway is from South Carolina and is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of MinisterCounsellor.

“Big Worm” remanded for 6 kg ganja

Kwesi Samuels, better known as “Big Worm”, a popular events promoter of New Amsterdam, was refused bail on Monday when he appeared before Magistrate

Marissa Mittelholzer in a New Amsterdam court on a trafficking narcotics charge. Samuels, age 39, of Kadar Ville, New Amsterdam, is accused of having in his possession 6 kg of cannabis sa -

tiva (marijuana) on July 17 for the purpose of trafficking at 17 Cummings Ville, New Amsterdam. Samuels who has been before the court for similar offences, told the court that he had

previously been charged for dangerous driving. He was remanded until August 11 when Police are expected to have completed a file on the matter.

Suspect in Palmyra Businesswoman shooting remanded

Aman who is accused of shooting Businesswoman Angela Hussain during a robbery at her Palmyra grocery two weeks ago has been remanded to prison.

Aubrey Brant, 25, of Bristol Street, Cumberland, East Canje, appeared in a New Amsterdam court on

Monday before Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer to answer the charge, but even before the charge could be read to the accused, he became very abusive to the court and to officers who were involved in his arrest.

Magistrate Mittelholzer warned the accused that if he continued, she would have

him return to his holding cell and he would have to return to court another day. This did not deter Brant from hurling threats. The court then ordered that he be removed and he was remanded. No date has been set as to when Brant will be allowed to return to court.

“I guess when he spends a long time in there, he will cool off,” the Magistrate said as the accused exited the court room.

Stimulus package possible...

As it relates to the recent reports of a failing economy, the Minister said Government has taken the reports into account, but would prefer to sit with members of the business community to work out how the economy could be stimulated. He said prior to elections, there were normal electoral jitters. These continued afterwards to some extent. That, coupled with the rattling with Venezuela, has not necessarily helped the economy, he added. Trotman said the country is not in bad shape and while there are some jitters, Government prefers to have meetings with the business sector to see how things could be moved at a faster rate. “We do not offer prescription before first hearing from them where they feel things have slowed down and why, and of course we are prepared to work out any stimulus package where we believe they are warranted”.

Meanwhile, PPP’s Irfaan Ali in an invited comment insisted that the economy needs to create opportunities for the people. He said Government must be able to spend in a way that will enhance economic prospects. He used the example of the housing sector, noting that “It is important to have private capital trickling here. Spending in this sector triggers construction, it triggers spending and also creates employment,” the former Housing Minister said. He said under his tenure when the then PPP Government embarked on the 1000 home projects, close to 300 people were employed. “They had to spend, contractors had to buy materials and all of these trickled down into a more vibrant economy.” He emphasised that while a stimulus package could be useful, Government expenditures would be critical in lifting the economy out of its present

stagnation. “Government expenditure is crucial and the fact that we have not had a budget is also creating uncertainty.”

Additionally, Ali told Guyana Times that the economy needs to be expanded, and to this end, he mentioned that the various transformational projects which the PPP Government had embarked on should be revived. “The Hydro project, the CJIA expansion, the Specialty Hospital; all these are projects that will ignite new opportunities and will spur consumer confidence and spending.” He said with a new airport there will be opportunities in the tourism sector. “The PPP had investors registering interest in building boat yards and other facilities to take advantage of the airport expansion,” Ali said, insisting that the new Administration needs to move ahead with these projects.

The Police, who arrested Brant on Saturday, are alleging that on Monday, July 6, at Palmyra while being in the company of others and armed with guns, he robbed Hussain of two gold rings valued $50,000 and $400,000 cash.

Scrapping of projects

Government has already scrapped the Specialty Hospital project and will construct a much smaller airport than what was originally conceived. Ali said these transformative projects had a sound macro-economic plan built in to them. “So what we are experiencing is that the energy is being sapped out of the economy.” Noting that stimulus has its advantages, Ali said in order for it to be effective, it must have a sectoral approach. He said too that there is too much uncertainty in the country and that most investors look at policy predictability and policy directions before committing themselves. He said the Government has been sending mixed signals regarding Asian investments here at a time when Chinese nationals were some of the biggest investors around the world.

tuesday, july 21, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Court challenge against technocratic Ministers opens today

The motion filed against Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams and Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) earlier this month will be heard for the first time today before acting Chief Justice Ian Chang in the High Court.

The Party is hoping to prove that the two ministers serving under the A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) umbrella, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix and Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott, are illegally present in the National Assembly since they are techno-

crats. The Party moved to the courts earlier this month with the motion.

According to former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, the APNU+AFC parliamentarians are taking up posts that have been allocated in an unconstitutional and unlawful way.

The motion filed declared that “Winston Gordon Felix and Keith Winston Harold Scott are not lawful members of and cannot sit in the National Assembly of the 11th Parliament of Guyana”.

It is seeking “an order directing the second named respondent to prevent Winston Gordon Felix and Keith Winston Harold Scott from sitting in the

National Assembly of the 11th Parliament of Guyana, unless and until their names are extracted from A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change National Top-up List of Candidates for the May 11th 2015 General Elections”.

The grounds for the application state that Articles 60, 103, 105, 160 and 232 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Chapter 1:01, conjointly set out the qualifications of persons who are elected and non-elected members of the National Assembly, voting and non-voting members of the National Assembly; that having regard to the clear language and the intendment of Articles 60, 103, 105, 160

and 232 of the Constitution of Guyana, Felix and Scott are not lawful members of and cannot sit in the National Assembly of the 11th Parliament.

Nandlall had said that pursuant to the Representation of the People’s Act, Felix and Scott were taking up positions which were unlawfully given.

“There are Ministers of Government who have taken and subscribed to the oath of office as Members of the National Assembly and are sitting Members thereof, but who are not lawfully and constitutionally qualified to be Members of that august body. Their presence in the National Assembly is, therefore, unlawful and unconstitutional. It is the Constitution and to a lesser extent, the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03 that determine who is qualified to be a Member of the National Assembly. By virtue of Article Eight, the Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana, and any other law which is inconsistent with it is void to the extent of that inconsistency. So, if there is a conflict between the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, the Constitution shall prevail,” Nandlall said.

The Ministers, who have no voting rights as technocratic Ministers, as only the allotted 33 Government members can vote in the National Assembly, are two of four technocrats which can be appointed by the President to represent his Government.

However, the PPP/C deemed the appointment of the technocratic Ministers a violation of the Constitution. Nandlall pointed out that the three Ministers so appointed are on the coalition’s Lists of Candidates for Members of Parliament that were submitted to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by the Representative of the APNU+AFC lists.

Article 105 states: “A Minister who was not an elected member of the Assembly at the time of his appointment shall (unless he becomes such a member) be a member of the Assembly by virtue of holding the office of Minister, but shall not vote in the Assembly.”

Nandlall said that it was under these provisions that a technocratic Minister holds a seat in the National Assembly as a nonelected non-voting Member.

“In other words, a person who was on a List of Candidates that won a seat in the Parliament and who is, therefore, “an elected Member of the National Assembly” cannot become a technocrat Minister and hold a seat in the National Assembly under Articles 103 (3) and 105 … In short, Winston Felix and Keith Scott are constitutional trespassers in the National Assembly,” the former Attorney General said.

National Assembly Clerk Isaacs had told Guyana Times that the PPP/C’s position and interpretation of the law was incorrect.

Legal conundrums...

...on term limits

For those of us on the sidelines, like your humble Eyewitness, this "third term" case decided by Chief Justice Ian Chang, is beginning to develop into a no-holds barred tag-team legal bout. We've had legal heavyweights like Justice Duke Pollard and Charles Ramson SC, middleweights like Ralph Ramkarran and even lightweights like Raphael Trotman. But since the last's an "interested" party, he might be excused for trying to punch above his weight class. And of course, we even had observers like Sherwood Lowe and your Eyewitness throwing in gratuitous punches.

Well, joining the fray is another, hitherto unfamiliar member of the legal fraternity, Maxwell E Edwards. He's evidently a former Magistrate and for all those knocking the magistracy, his missive might give them pause. The fella offered a welcome corrective to the unfortunately polemical language used even by the normally sedate and circumspect Prof Pollard:

"The judgment is arguably tendentious, occasionally pleonastic, bereft of sustained rationality, strangely and curiously, not to mention inexcusably, eschewed the application of the required rule of statutory interpretation in construing the provisions of Article 1 of the Guyana Constitution, given the concatenation of genus-describing attributes employed therein.” Whew!! And image the goodly professor was responding to a judgement from our Chief Justice!!

Anyhow, Mr Edwards offers a different perspective to suggest that the Chief Justice should've addressed the threshold issue of whether he should (or could) take jurisdiction over the case. "No," says Mr Edwards. The question, more narrowly framed, was whether the the CJ should've classified the petition as "non-justifiable". Defined by Justice Massiah (according to Edwards) thusly: "a provision would be non-justiciable if it is '…. So widely and generally formulated as to be incapable of enforcement…'” So, says Edwards, Justice Chang shouldn't have responded to the Plaintiff's plea. But was the latter defined "so widely and generally formulated as to be incapable of enforcement…'”?? This Eyewitness doesn't think so. It's not as if the plaintiff was asking for a definition of "democracy". All he did was ask whether his democratic right to choose a president was properly approved. And no one claims the criteria was unclear clear (democracy) and so was the enforcement (referendum).

The late CJ Marshall, who wrote the book on "justifiability" in the U.S. (There they call it "political question") once said: "It is most true that this court will not take jurisdiction if it should not; but it is equally true, that it must take jurisdiction of it should."

Our courts cannot stand on the sidelines. Whether based on Massiah's criteria for justiciability or the House of Lords' 3 All ER 935.

...and police enforcement

The Stabber must be complimented for pointing out some inconsistencies in the "official version" coming out in the Mall-Owner Ramlall's murder. From the very beginning the relatives told reporters that calling the crime a "robbery gone bad" didn't make sense and it looked more like an "execution". They pointed out that Ramlall had left his gun inside the house...so how much "fight" could he put up against armed bandits?

They were upset when the police announced that Ramlall's gun was taken away from him by the bandits. This suggested a motive for the shooting...but this had to be discarded when the gun was handed over by the relatives. Then to shoot a robbery victim so many times ...and not enter the house to snatch some more valuables?

The discrepancies kept piling up with the modus operandi of the SWAT team that acted on a "tip" from an admirably concerned citizen. There are now more questions than answers. Why would a gang take on a SWAT team when they only had one pistol? Why was only the alleged leader killed?

This Eyewitness is glad that the police has become pro-active against this crime wave. But we need neither vigilante nor subverted justice.

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

More resources needed for women empowerment during disasters – Lawrence

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence has stated that more money needs to be set aside to empower women and young girls in the area of disaster risk management.

World Population Day was celebrated on July 11 under the theme “Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies”, as such, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has sought to underscore women’s roles in disaster risk management and the impact disasters have of their lives.

During a discussion forum held on Monday at the Cara Lodge, it was highlighted that women and children are said to represent 60 per cent of the world’s population that are most affected by disasters. This topic comes at a time when the country, is recovering from a bout of flash floods following several hours of intense rainfall last week.

According to Minister Lawrence, it is the womenfolk who bore most, if not all, of the brunt of the effects of the floods as they are the ones who have to

reconstruct their lives and that of their families.

“The bailing of waters from their homes and subsequent sanitisation, their traversing through the flood waters to acquire for their children and extended families, their exposure to possible infection as some washed and moved around in surge waters; clearly this underscores the need for readiness packages… such as water, food, education and more importantly access to shelter,” she stated.

Minister Lawrence outlined that these special

needs cannot be overlooked in order to have adequate relieve during disasters.

On this note, the Social Protection Minister noted that the amount of money earmarked for such responses is inadequate. She pointed out that more funds have to be set aside for a more broadened and effective approach in ridding societies of various issues affecting women and young girls.

“Our response needs to be aggressive, we need to build strategic approaches to effectively combat the

strangle hold, to which a significant percentage of our women, girls and seniors are caught in… (but) our response is hampered by the inadequacy of funds so our resources need to be upped substantially,” she added.

Lawrence urged those gathered to “problem solve” during their deliberations so that Guyanese girls, women and seniors also can be empowered. She remarked that failure to plan and implement such measures has implications, not only for their development

and sustainability, but that of the country.

Meanwhile, Assistant Representative of the UNFPA, Patrice La Fleur, explained that during disasters, women and female adolescents are considered most vulnerable and face severe health risks, among other issues.

According to La Fleur, a recent UN study shows that some 60 million persons were forcibly displaced as a result of disasters globally by the end of 2014, most of whom are women and adolescents girls.

“UNFPA recognises that during emergencies, women’s and girls’ vulnerabilities are often exacerbated. They face a much greater risk of abuse, sexual exploitation and violence, and reproductive health related illnesses which could lead to death if social protection systems and basic services are not provided to address their needs,” she pointed out.

The UNFPA emphasised the need for the international community to redouble efforts to empower women and young girls to make informed choices about their health and lifestyle.

On the other hand, Guyana’s First Lady Sandra Granger, while acknowledging the vulnerability of women and young women, pointed out that the elderly, both males and females, should not be forgotten. She said, “They are all vulnerable and also have special needs… when [we] look at dealing with the vulnerable in our population, we have to be careful to include all of our vulnerable sectors, such as the senior citizens who may have greater health issues during disasters”.

roasts Govt on firing of Sooba, Alexei Ramotar

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has expressed disappointment at Government’s recent move to send on leave Head of the E-Governance Project Alexei Ramotar, noting that the current Administration is bent on continuing it “witchhunt” of PPP/C supporters.

Alexei Ramotar, son of former President Donald Ramotar, was sent on leave by Minister of State Joseph Harmon as Government announced that it had launched an investigation into the financial operation of the Project.

The E-Governance Project which was initiated by the then PPP/C Administration had failed to meet its deadline by some two years. The multibillion-dollar project which includes the laying of fibre-optic cable from Brazil, was slated to be completed since 2012, but has encountered serious problems resulting in a protracted delay.

At its weekly press conference on Monday, General Secretary of the PPP/C Clement Rohee said

the Party was alarmed by the move, particularly because it was done during the time when Government was conducting a forensic audit of the project and Ramotar had publicly declared that he was cooperating with the auditors. Additionally, Ramotar had indicated that he was the “ideal person” to answer all necessary questions relating to the financial transactions and activities of the Project.

The Party said Ramotar is the ideal person to run

the Project; however, Government has spared no efforts to get rid of him.

“This very declaration by Alexei Ramotar is a clear indication that this audit is nothing but a sham to get at professionals who are supporters of the PPP and at the same time, discredit the transformational projects the PPP had embarked on while in Government”, Rohee read from a prepared statement.

Rohee also said the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government (APNU/AFC) has “certainly found itself in a tight spot, having publicly criticised the many transformational projects while in Opposition, it is now a natural expectation of their supporters for them to match words with action, which essentially, they have no choice but to dismantle these projects and programmes, despite their usefulness in the economic development of Guyana.”

He spoke of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project on which the APNU/AFC had launched an on-

slaught while it was in Opposition, and despite an admission by President David Granger, then leader of the party, that renewable energy is critical to Guyana’s development, they had to discredit the initiative, in order to cover up their hypocrisy.

“The APNU/AFC Government is not concerned about the compe-

tency of professionals, but rather at concerned with getting rid of PPP supporters”, Rohee said.

Meanwhile, the Party said it has taken note of Government’s decision to also send on leave Permanent Secretary of the Public Health Ministry Leslie Codogan, as part of what it said was a restructuring of that Ministry.

The Party said Cadogan has been in the position for many years and was best positioned to help with any restructuring of the Ministry.

“He has been essentially the Chief Executive Officer of that Ministry and is most knowledgeable of its workings,” he continued.

The Party raised concerns too about the Mayor and City Council dismissing former acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba. She was replaced by former Public Relations Officer Royston King.

“Having locked Sooba

out of her office and arbitrarily dismissed her, Green and his acolytes have now heightened their “Get Sooba” campaign. Contrary to President Granger’s claim that “I am no monster” and that “I am not here to take bread out of any body’s mouth”, this is exactly what he is doing”, the Party said. Rohee said that through “these grave injustices”, the Granger-led Administration has clearly trampled on the basic human rights of the professionals, who, regardless of their political persuasion, have a right to work.

The Party repeats its call for the so-called “human rights activists to make their voices heard and to call into account the actions of the Government”, Rohee said, continuing that “those who have suffered at the hands of this creeping dictatorship that it will remain resolute in the fight to ensure that justice prevails.

UG Vice Chancellor open to dropping lawsuit against Ifill

Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Guyana (UG), Dr Jacob Opadeyi said he would be more than willing to withdraw the lawsuit filed against President of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), Dr Melissa Ifill, if she withdraws a document which he said is defamation of his character.

The Vice Chancellor last month had filed a lawsuit, suing the UGSSA President for some $10 million, for brewing a document, which was signed by members of the UGSSA and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU). The VC claimed the document has disparaged his character. The document called for his immediate removal from the post at the country’s leading tertiary educational institution.

The unions attacked the Vice Chancellor, saying that he was responsible for eroding the powers of the Academic Board as prescribed in the statutes of the University of Guyana; and compromising academic quality and integrity for the sake of cutting costs.

Following major fallout earlier this year between the Unions and the university’s administration, a pact was signed between the parties, where improved wages and working conditions were

promised. The Unions had staged daily protests which lasted for over five weeks in January of this year, calling for better treatment from the university’s administration.

The Unions had signed a petition among themselves, signalling a vote of no-confidence in Professor Opadeyi in his capacity as Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University. In addition, the Unions said Opadeyi is responsible for the “dictatorial, vindictive, micromanagement leadership style that is characterised by dishonest and deliberately misleading communications.”

He was also accused of altering terms and conditions of work without consultation with employees; failing to honour contracts

with employees, including illegally withholding legitimate payments due to staff; among many others.

Opadeyi, adamant that he would not buckle under the pressure of the unions also succeeded in securing an interim injunction against the UGSSA President over the remarks issued by the two bodies. In the court documents seen by Guyana Times, it is stated that Ifill was responsible for issuing an email to several persons including junior and senior staff at the University, students and others in which she falsely published those defamatory words about his character.

“The said words and publications were calculated and intended to disparage the Plaintiff’s character, standing and reputation,” the court documents read.

Asked if any contact was made with him by the UGSSA President following the lawsuit, Opadyi responded in the negative, maintaining that any such contact will be handled by his lawyers. Opadeyi has been at the hub of numerous criticisms since he took up the post almost three years ago. When asked if he would b reapplying for the post –since his contract comes to an end in February of next year – the Vice Chancellor said he could not say at this time.

Guyana /Venezuela border controversy Guyana received no formal invite for Mercosur talks – Greenidge

Foreign Affairs

Minister Carl Greenidge has indicated that Guyana was never formally invited to a meeting with neighbouring Venezuela to discuss the ongoing controversy between the two countries.

Greenidge said “Our colleagues in Latin America claim we have been invited to a meeting in August, but didn’t see it fit to ask us whether we’d be available, whether the time would be convenient, whether we’d be interested and so forth.”

Further pressed on whether Guyana was interested in attending the meeting, the Foreign Affairs Minister said they did not attend meetings on the basis of information from other sources. He likened the situation to that of a “town crier”.

“I don’t think international diplomacy should work on that basis ... I don’t even know which grouping has taken that decision,” he disclosed.

During the recent Summit of the Common Market of the South (Mercosur) held in Brazil, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Friday last announced that a special meeting will be held

under the umbrella of the regional body to address the ongoing border controversy between neighbours, Guyana and Venezuela.

In his address to the presidential summit, Maduro had said: “I would like to thank you all for agreeing to call a special meeting of Mercosur in Asunción, Paraguay, at the end of August”. However no other details of this special meeting, such as the date, were given.

Further commenting on the handling of the Guyana/ Venezuela controversy at the level of the Mercosur meeting, the Minister explained that views were aired by the Spanish-speaking neighbour. He added too that even the President of Argentina, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, also took the opportunity to voice her concerns.

“Both of which pertained to boundaries, it pertained to so-called radical regimes and discrimination against them by countries in the West and about land claims and other claims that some of the countries believe that they had. It is also the case that members spoke to the need of peaceful resolution of conflict and disputes, and also for the respect of trea-

Six foot jaguar found dead in New Amsterdam

Ajaguar measuring six feet in length was shot and killed in New Amsterdam on Monday. The animal which was first seen in Harkman’s Lane on Monday morning, was killed more than two hours later in Pilot Street.

Reports reaching Guyana Timesindicate that the big cat was first seen in a mango tree by residents of Harkman’s Lane and a licensed firearm holder who lives in Pilot Street was told of the animal’s presence.

With the wild cat crossing from Pilot Street to Harkman’s Lane, using the inter lots as its hideout, two other licensed firearm holders arrived on the scene as they attended to take the animals down.

The Police also arrived on the scene. After more

than two hours on the hunt for the illusive animal, it was finally put down after it attempted to hide in a clump of bushes in a vacant plot of land.

Meanwhile, residents are of the belief that the animal may have been in the area for the past three days. They attribute this thought to the fact that the dogs in the area have been barking strangely over the past three nights. One resident of Pilot Street claims that he lost three fouls over the past two days.

The dead animal was later sold.

Jaguars and other wild animals and not common in New Amsterdam. The closest to New Amsterdam that Jaguars are sometimes caught is in the village of Mara, which is located some 25 miles out of the town.

ties,” the Minister disclosed.

However, he remarked that Argentina seemed particularly keen on having its colleague Member States understand the difficulties of Venezuela and the problems it faced in international relations, as well as the

works of imperialists in the region. He added too that President Kirchner also underscored the need for the parties to have dialogue and to have the border controversy resolved peacefully.

According to Greenidge, it is important to understand that members of Mercosur have not only met at last week’s summit. He pointed out that Guyana has been meeting and talking to most of them prior to the meeting.

“Some of whom are close to Venezuela, some are not so close but we speak to them nonetheless, trying to draw to their attention the moral and legal basis of our case. That you have had borders defined and marked by persons, including Venezuela and we can no longer afford to have a situation in which tension is escalating on the basis of an alle-

gation of a deceased person (Severo Mallet-Prevost) who wasn’t brave enough to have his views exposed before he died,” he outlined.

The Foreign Affairs Minister mentioned that they have alerted all the countries that were at

risk from the Venezuelan Decrees and have asked those countries whether they are proposing to do anything about the arbitrary claim by Venezuela, highlighting that inaction and silence can be assumed to be a sign of agreement.

Asked specifically whether Guyana was in talks with France given the fact that the maritime boundary being claimed by Venezuela infringed on French Guiana’s space, Greenidge declared that although the French Guiana’s Ambassador was in Guyana recently they were unable to meet as scheduled.

Nevertheless, the Minister posited that the French-speaking country was aware of the issue and submitted that it was likely waiting on further explanations from Venezuela before responding.

tuesday, july 21, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP/C warns against creeping attempts to politicise GDF

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) said it has taken note of the visible presence of emblems, flags and other paraphernalia related to the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition displayed during recent birthday celebrations of President David Granger Guyana at the Defence Force’s Base Camp Ayangana, Georgetown.

The Party said it views this as a clear sign of the creeping attempts by the APNU+AFC to politicise the military, as was done in the past under the Burnham dictatorship. “The PPP wishes to register its total rejection to this and any attempt to politicise the military reminiscent of the Burnham era.”

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

The PPP said it has also noted the public declaration by Government spokespersons that the Commanderin-Chief’s birthday party was financed by “Friends

of David Granger.” These “friends”, many of whom were present, included well known contractors who thrive on Government and foreign-funded contracts. “It would be of interest to see in the not too distant future whether these contractors will expect quid pro quos in exchange for the handsome contributions they made to the birthday extravaganza.”

Additionally, the PPP wishes to remind the President that since expensive and valuable gifts were presented to him as the Nation’s Head of State, he is expected and indeed obligated to now declare to the Integrity Commission, all gifts he receives in that capacity including those he received at Camp Ayangana.

New Jersey Arya Samaj developing social services centre at Port Mourant

First Lady Sandra Granger on Monday met with New Jersey Arya Samaj Humanitarian Mission President Suresh Sugrim.

This organisation is a US-based NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) that shares a similar vision to that of the First Lady – stamping out social ills that plague some rural communities in Guyana.

The Mission’s most recent project is the construction of a new centre at Ankerville, Port Mourant, which will offer to the residents of Berbice, a wide range of social services, including skills training and counselling for at-risk youths, domestic violence victims, single mothers and senior citizens.

The First Lady lauded the work of the organisation and indicated that it would be useful for them to

work collaboratively with the Social Cohesion and Social Protection Ministries. “I am very concerned about the welfare of children, adolescent pregnancy and, of course, many issues relating to women, so your mission dovetails very nicely with a lot of things I have on my mind,” Granger said.

The US$400,000 building is expected to be commissioned in August. However, the organisation needs additional funding to complete the furnishing of the centre to make it fully operational.

Sugrim said that the Mission’s main focus is to provide educational and empowerment opportunities as tools to help break the cycle of poverty. He added that his organisation looked forward to working closely with the new Administration, particularly the Office of the First Lady, in tackling some of the

social problems in the region. Granger said that there would be a conference in September, organised by the Social Cohesion Ministry, which is intended to bring together NGOs, faith-based organisations, the Private Sector and Government Agencies with the aim of formulating a holistic strategy to address issues such as prostitution, teenage pregnancy, illiteracy, domestic violence, substance abuse and other such issues. She noted that groups like the New Jersey Arya Samaj Humanitarian Mission will be invited to participate in that conference. The Mission, which is funded by Guyanese in the United States and Canada, has been working in Guyana since 2005. The Port Mourant facility is the first of its kind under its “Village Project” initiative.

"Killer gang" members charged

... for Ramlall’s murder, robbery of Judge

Five out of the six men who were arrested and reportedly later confessed to the murder of Businessman Ganesh Ramlall and the attack on Land Court Judge Nicole Pierre were charged and remanded to prison on Monday.

Taxi Drivers, 32-yearold Lennox Roberts and 21year old Fazeel Bacchus appeared for the first time at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where they both were not required to plead to the indictable charge.

The men purportedly killed Regent Street Multiplex

Mall owner Ganesh Ramlall, also known as “Boyo” on July 5 at his La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara home.

Robert’s Attorney told the court that his client is guilty of the charge but at the same time requested for him to seek medical attention. The father of three has no pending matters before the courts. On the other hand, Bacchus told the court that he was not married and has no children.

Both men reportedly confessed to the murder of the businessman moments after they were arrested. They gave a detailed account of the execution which they claimed was planned more than two months prior to the hit.

Ramlall, age 48, was out with his friends at a BBQ in a neighbouring village and upon his return home at about 00:30h, he went to collect a plate as well as use the outside washroom. While doing so, Ramlall was attacked by gunmen who discharged a round, hitting the washroom door.

Guyana Times understands that the businessman might have attempted to run into the bottom flat of the house from which he had emerged and was riddled with bullets. He dropped a few metres from his back door where he was left to die. He is believed to have been shot at least seven times, including once to his head.

Both Roberts and Bacchus

were remanded and will make their court appearance on August 3 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Meanwhile, Damian Benington and Nicholas Narine of Caesar Street, Agricola Greater Georgetown and 28-year-old Anthony David were arraigned for armed robbery on Land Court Judge Nicole Pierre on July 9 at Felicity, East Coast Demerara.

They were accused of stealing a quantity of watches, a Samsung Note Tablet, a Sony Playstation, 3 Video Games, a Samsung S5, two Nintendo DS Lite handheld consoles and a HP laptop from the Judge after they launched a brutal attack against the Judge and her husband. An

estimated $1 million was in items was taken.

At the same time, they were charged for the robbery committed against the Land Court Judge Mohamed Chand on the same day. They supposedly relieved him of a wedding ring, sun glasses, two Samsung Galaxy S5 cellphones, and US$8000. They were not required to plead to the offence.

The public had expressed their outrage at the attack which was committed against such an authoritative figure in the country. However, reports indicate that Chand was able to identify one of his attackers which led to the accused being captured.

Thirdly, the men allegedly

Several hurt as minibus, pick-up collide on Mandela Avenue

Several persons were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital on Monday morning and were treated for minor injuries following an accident at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown involving a minibus and a 4Runner.

According to reports received, the accident occurred at the intersection of

Homestretch and Mandela Avenues, in close proximity to the President’s home. Guyana Times understands that the driver of the minibus jumped the traffic light and slammed into the 4Runner, which was heading in a southerly direction. The driver reportedly told Police that the brakes of the minibus failed and as such, he attempted to avoid

a collision but it proved futile. As a result of the collision, both the minibus and the 4Runner ended up in the nearby trench.

The passengers were assisted out of the minibus by public-spirited citizens and were taken to the hospital. The driver of the minibus was taken into custody and an investigation was launched.

discharged a loaded firearm to Ron Peters with the intent to maim, disfigure or injure him. Again, they were not required to plead to this charge.

Benington complained to the court that he was in custody for over 48 hours before he was made aware that he was charged for armed robbery. He said that he was made to understand that he would be allowed to join his family that

same day but this was not the case.

He urged the court to believe him as he told a tale of Police brutality against him where he was beaten and electric shock used against him, particularly on his private parts. He mentioned Police Officers Narine and Elvin as the officers who inflicted such acts against him.

However, in an invited statement, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud denied such claims. He told this publication that such charges against his men have been growing, more so when suspects admit to their offence while in custody. He said that it has become customary for them to claim Police brutality influenced their confessions once they appear before the court. Even so, the Commissioner said this is usually cleared up during the

trials.

Commissioner Persaud was quite indignant that such suspects would try “to tarnish the reputation of the hard work and professional team of the investigators who worked tirelessly on this investigation” to ensure justice is served.

He assures that the men had full access to their Attorneys and every chance to communicate their complaints to family, friends or those in authority. However, the Commissioner said no formal complaint was filed. The trio on the armed robbery charge was remanded. They are expected back in court on July 30 at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Former Presidents to challenge bill capping benefits

Former Presidents Donald Ramotar, Bharrat Jagdeo and Samuel Hinds are set to challenge the Former Presidents’ Bill which sought to cap their benefits, and was recently passed in the National Assembly.

A source close to the former Heads of State told Guyana Times on Monday that the leaders will challenge “any attempt to interfere with their benefits”.

The source could not say, however, how soon the former Presidents will move ahead with the challenge, but maintained that it was under active consideration.

The Former Presidents’ Bill tabled in the National Assembly by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams is set to affect the benefits enjoyed by the former Presidents.

Government had last week related that the intention of the Bill when it was presented in the National Assembly was to cap the “exorbitant” benefits being

enjoyed by the former Heads of State.

The Bill sees a capped allowance of $75,000 for water, electricity and telephone expenses each month altogether, and limits personal household staff of former Presidents to three and clerical and technical staff to three.

Former Presidents and their children will also be subject to a financial limit of $200,000 per annum in free medical attention and treatment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by a former President himself and his children below the age of 18 years. In addition, the former President will not be allowed more than two motor vehicles owned and maintained by the State.

In addition, their security detail cannot exceed two persons, including the services of the Presidential Guard Service at the residence.

The Former Guyanese leaders will now only receive an annual vacation allowance equivalent to the cost of two

first-class return tickets provided on the same conditions applicable to the Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature. The benefits will not be subjected to any tax exemptions, concessions or privileges.

Prior to the new Bill, former Heads of State were allowed to use basic services at the expense of the State. These included water, electricity and telephone services.

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman had indicated last week that the Bill was not retroactive and that Government was not interested in what was already spent.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who tabled the Bill last Thursday, said its purpose was to repeal the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act, Chapter 27:17, Act 12 of 2009, to provide greater specificity, especially if account is taken of the fact that the former President is eligible for a pension which is seven eighths the salary of the President in office.

Durban Street accident suspect remanded

The driver of a minibus bearing registration plate BTT 3835 made his first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday for the death of pedestrian Romel Danauth.

Fiztroy Almer, 38, of 30 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Police investigators believe that his dangerous

driving was the cause for the accident that occurred on Durban Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown, which resulted in the death of 60-year-old Romel Danauth.

The accident occurred on Friday last. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told the court that the driver does not deserve bail due to the rate at which he was driving on the day in question. The prosecution told the court that when Almer reached the intersec-

tion at Lime and Durban Streets, he was unable to swerve away and collided with the deceased who was crossing the road.

The Prosecutor said the old man was pitched several feet away from the impact point. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Almer was not required to plead to the charge and was remanded. He was told to return to court on August 10.

$11M robbery suspect refused pre-trial liberty

Magistrate Ann McLennan refused bail to a supposed gun thief on Monday when he made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Nabadamingi Gobin was remanded to jail by the Magistrate when he pleaded not guilty to breaking into the home of Virtual Complainant (VC) James Samuels, of Relief, East

Bank Demerara, between July 2 and July 4.

It is purported that he stole a 9mm Glock Pistol valued $160,000, fourteen 9mm rounds valued $10,000, one Mossberg 12 Gauge shotgun valued $200,000, a $400,000 worth of cartridges, a Smith and Wesson 223 Calibre Rifle valued $360,000, twenty 223 rounds valve valued $20,000, a quantity of gold and diamond jewellery

Govt could tap Harper for top diplomatic post

The 2015 People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper is being considered by the new Government for an overseas ambassadorial position.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge on Monday revealed to media operatives that the Administration has been in talks about the Ambassador. “I, myself, spoke to Ambassador Harper a few weeks ago on a variety of matters, including Venezuela,” he told reporters. Asked subsequently whether Harper was being considered for the position of Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, the Foreign Affairs Minister said: “I’m neither denying nor concurring”.

He added that “everybody is being considered ... I don’t want to say more than that”. Guyana’s current Ambassador to Venezuela is Geoffrey Da Silva, who is still stationed in the neighbouring country even amid rising tension between the two neighbours. Venezuela has recently renewed its claim to Guyana’s territory.

Prior to her entering the political arena, Ambassador Harper served as the Director General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry – a position she held since 2001. She was also Guyana’s Ambassador to the Caribbean Community

(Caricom) at her time of retirement.

Harper, who was conferred with the Golden Achievement Award, began her career at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in 1976 as a Registry Clerk. She has previously served as Director of the Department of the Americas and Asia at the Ministry from 1996 to 2001; a Consular at the Guyana High Commission, London 1991-1995, and Head of the Frontier Division, 1990-1991. Described as a distinguished public servant, Harper has been a member of Guyana’s delegation to various meetings of Caricom, the Latin American Economic System, the Association of Caribbean States, United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), among others.

Harper has served in several other positions as Ambassador to Caricom (2003 to present), Nonresident High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago (2003-present), Nonresident High Commissioner to Barbados (2004-present), Non-resident High Commissioner to Grenada (2006-present) and Nonresident High Commissioner to St Kitts and Nevis.

Minister Greenidge was also questioned about the report on the one man-led High Commission in India, to which he declined to comment. Nevertheless, the Foreign Affairs Minister assured that the names of ambassadors to be posted at the various overseas missions will be done by the end of August. The Minister had previously stated that Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname, Keith George, and the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, George Talbot, will be retained.

As is protocol in the change of Governments, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration had recalled the Heads of Mission and was slated to make new appointments to United States, Canada, and United Kingdom among several other overseas missions.

valued $800,000, two metal safes worth $998,000, 14 bottles of foreign liquor which cost $160,000, US40,000 and G$60,000 in cash. He was not required to plead to the charge. However, Magistrate McLennan remanded the defendant and ordered him to return to court on August 3.

Regional

Cuban flag flies in Washington as relations restored

Cuba and the US have formally restored diplomatic relations after an agreement struck last year putting aside decades of hostility came into force.

Just after midnight local time, the diplomatic missions of each country became full embassies. The Cuban flag was raised on Monday at the newly opened embassy in Washington.

US Secretary of State John Kerry was due to hold talks with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez later in the day. Despite the historic shift, both sides admit to lingering difficulties.

There were still “issues that we don’t see eye to eye on”, a US state department spokesman said. A flag will not be raised at the American Embassy in Havana until Kerry pays a visit there on August 14.

Outside of the embassy, crowds of people cheered as the Cuban national anthem played and three Cuban soldiers stood at attention while the flag was raised.

Protesters dotted the crowd, and one was removed from the area by

Islamic leader of

Police.

President Obama’s efforts to engage Cuba were partly held back by the country’s imprisonment of US Agency for International Development contractor Alan Gross, who was jailed for espionage charges. Secret negotiations led to Gross’s release last year.

Restrictions on Americans wanting to travel to Cuba remain in place, as does the wider US trade embargo ban-

ning most American companies from doing business in Cuba. Cuba says the embargo – which it calls a blockade – is hugely damaging to its economy. President Raul Castro has urged President Barack Obama to lift it, calling it the main stumbling block towards normalisations. But the US Congress would have to vote on the issue. (Excerpt from

TT who attempted coup held in investigation into murder of prominent lawyer

The Islamic leader who tried to overthrow the Trinidad Government 25 years ago has been held by Police for questioning in connection with last year’s death of Prosecutor Dana Seetahal.

Media reports indicate that law enforcement officers from various branches of the Police Force executed a search warrant at Yasin Abu Bakr’s home and mosque in the capital early this morning.

The Police were looking for guns, ammunition and “documents”, it was reported, but it is unclear what, if anything, they were able to find. But Abu

Bakr, the 73-year-old leader of the Jamaat al Muslimeen, and nine other men were detained.

According to the Trinidad Express newspaper, Abu Bakr was expected to face questions about the Seetahal case on Monday afternoon. Seetahal, 58, was shot multiple times in her head and chest by the occupants of two vehicles which pulled up alongside her SUV as she was driving home on May 4, 2014 around 00:05h.

No one has yet been charged in connection with her assassination.

(Caribbean360)

Baby killed in collision in TT

Asix-month-old baby was killed after she was thrown from a car in Sangre Grande on Friday night. Her mother, the driver and twin sibling survived, Police said.

IMO official critical of Antigua and Barbuda’s stance on refugees

An official from the International Migration Organisation (IMO) has denounced the Antigua’s stance on refugees as “almost ludicrous”.

Speaking on Sunday’s Big Issues panel, Chief of Mission at the IMO, Cy Winter said Antigua and Barbuda’s decision not to accept any more refugees into the country would require prior consultation.

“To just unilaterally say that you’re going to do something like that I think the legislature and the judicial need to be consulted,” he said. “To me, it’s almost ludicrous.”

Last week, Government Chief-of-Staff Lionel Max Hurst told Observer media that Cabinet had taken a decision not to accept any more refugees into the country after 10 Syrian nationals had applied for refugee status.

Winter noted that Antigua and Barbuda must maintain its obligations under international law. “Obviously, there are legal obligations that the country has. I don’t know the details of why the statement was made or the context, but to me it’s quite clear that Antigua has legal obligations to refugees based on the conventions to which they are signatory and there’s really no way around it,” he said.

Antigua and Barbuda is signatory to the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention, which was created after thousands of Jewish families were displaced during World War II. The Convention defines who is considered a refugee and sets out both the rights of individuals who are granted asylum, and the responsibilities of nations that grant asylum. (Excerpt from Antigua

11 killed in ambush in northern Mexico – media reports

Eleven men were killed and five others wounded in an ambush in a rural part of northern Mexico on Saturday evening, local media reported on Sunday.

The group had been travelling on a dirt road in the San Dimas municipality in the hills in Durango state when they were ambushed by unidentified people who later fled, media quoted the state attorney general’s office as saying.

The municipality is near

the border with Sinaloa state, the home of drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, who broke out of a high-security prison earlier this month for the second time.

The 11 dead, who were all men, had bullet wounds to various parts of their bodies, according to the reports. Representatives for the state Attorney General’s Office and state Public Security Ministry could not be reached for comment.

(Reuters)

Development

According to Police re-

Police said the accident took place at the intersection of Adventist Street and Ramdass Street. The injured baby, identified as Monifa Prevatt, was taken to Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope, but was pronounced dead on arrival after being transferred from the Sangre Grande District Hospital.

ports, Kenneth Rampersad was driving his Toyota Fielder West along Adventist Street and collided with a Nissan Navara driven by Dianne Baptiste at the intersection around 20:28h. The other occupants of both vehicles were taken to the Sangre Grande

District Hospital where they were treated and discharged.

Police said Rampersad, Leona Prevatt and her children, Imani and Monifa, were returning to their Mafeking Village, Mayaro home after a family outing.

(Trinidad Guardian)

Bank of Latin America to participate in Barbados development financing

rime Minister Freundel

PStuart will sign three agreements on Monday with the executive president of the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), Enrique Garcia that will allow CAF to participate in the financing of the country’s development agenda.

Garcia will be in Barbados for a two-day official visit and is expected to meet with several government officials, including minister of finance and economic affairs, Christopher Sinckler.

Barbados became a member of the CAF last year, following the signing of two agreements by Sinckler and the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator Maxine McClean.

The country now has access to financing and technical support from the financial institution for projects that are a priority for its development. Other shareholder countries include Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Portugal, Spain and Trinidad and Tobago.

(Caribbean News Now)

Over 500 sugar workers to lose jobs in Jamaica

More than 500 people who cultivate and harvest cane for the Seprod-owned Golden Grove sugar factory in St Thomas, Jamaica, will lose their jobs next month.

Confirmation of the redundancies came at a meeting between the trade unions and Seprod, last Tuesday, and a list of the more than 500 workers to be affected was presented to the unions on Friday.

The workers will receive notice pay of 14 weeks in August, while payment of severance will be made in September. Workers at the factory will not be affected by the redundancies.

The unions involved – the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), the National Workers Union (NWU) and

the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) –will meet with the workers at the factory on Wednesday to explain the details of the severance agreement.

Golden Grove which, according to Seprod, has lost approximately J$2 billion on a J$3 billion investment it made in 2012; is to contract out its sugar cane cultivation and transportation sections to a private firm, which speculation suggests is the Fred M Jones company in St Thomas. But the unions have expressed concern that, while the majority of the workers are likely to be taken on by the new contractor, the terms of their working arrangements could be severely altered, to their detriment. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

UN Council backs Iran nuclear deal, but Tehran hardliners object

The United Nations Security Council on Monday backed Iran’s nuclear agreement with world powers, but the Islamic Republic’s Revolutionary Guards attacked the resolution, underlining powerful opposition to the deal.

US President Barack Obama hailed the UN endorsement, saying it showed last week’s accord command-

ed broad international support as the best way of ensuring Iran never gets nuclear weapons.

The European Union also approved the deal, which curbs Iran’s nuclear programme in return for easing economic sanctions, while Germany rapidly moved to revive its once close trading relationship with Tehran.

At the UN, the Security

Bomber massacres Turkey activists

Abomb attack in the Turkish town of Suruc has killed at least 30 people during a meeting of young activists to discuss the reconstruction of the neighbouring Syrian town of Kobane.

Around 100 others were wounded in the explosion, which may have been caused by a female suicide attacker from the Islamic State group, officials say.

Kobane has seen heavy fighting between IS militants and Kurdish fighters.

It was retaken by the Kurds from IS forces earlier this year.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the bombing and described it as “an act of terror”.

Suruc houses many refugees who have fled the fighting in Kobane.

IS overran the Syrian town in September last year, but it was retaken by Kurdish forces in January.

In June, Kobane once more came under assault from IS, with hundreds dead, but the militants were driven out again.

The District Governor of Suruc, Abdullah Ciftci, said: “The fact that it is a suicide attack increases the possibility that IS is responsible.

“We think the attacker was a woman.

“Preliminary findings show that she was acting on her own,” he told BBC Turkish.

Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that the country would be increasing security measures along its border with Syria, Reuters reports. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Council unanimously adopted a resolution that was negotiated as part of the agreement reached in Vienna between Iran and the six powers.

In return for the lifting of the US, EU and UN sanctions that have crippled its economy, Iran must accept long-term limits on the nuclear programme that the West suspected was aimed at creating an atomic bomb, but which Tehran says is peaceful.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power said the deal would make the world “safer and more secure”.

However, the agreement still faces opposition in the US Congress and some Middle East states, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, as well as from the Revolutionary Guards and other Iranian hardliners.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Around the World

Teenager “in remission” from HIV for 12 years despite stopping drugs

An 18-year-old French woman is in remission from HIV – despite not having taken any drugs against the virus for 12 years.

Doctors have presented the details of her case at an International AIDS Society (IAS) conference in Vancouver.

It is the world’s first report of long-term remission from HIV in a child.

The woman was born in 1996, and was passed HIV by her mother – either towards the end of the pregnancy or during childbirth.

Aged three months, she was given four anti-retroviral drugs.

But her family decided to stop the treatment when she was almost six years old.

Twelve years later, the virus levels in her bloodstream are too low to be measured – although doctors have cautioned that this could change.

Dr Asier Saez-Cirion,

George Clooney launches project to “end war in Africa”

George Clooney, the Hollywood actor, has launched a new initiative called The Sentry aimed at ending conflicts on the African continent by tracking the money that fuels them.

The Sentry, founded by Clooney and John Prendergast from the advocacy group the Enough Project, will investigate the financing of conflicts in South Sudan, Sudan, the Central African Republic (CAR) and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Enough Project said on Monday.

Akshaya Kumar, a policy analyst with the Enough Project, told Al Jazeera on Monday the idea for the project came from dissatisfaction with traditional peacemaking and conflict mitigation approaches.

“We were inspired by the success of financial warfare in

the fight to stem terrorist operations, money laundering and drug trafficking,” Kumar said.

Prendergast, a former Africa director at the US National Security Council turned human-rights activist, said that “conventional tools of diplomacy” had so far failed and that “new efforts [to end wars] must centre on how to make war more costly than peace”.

“The objective of The Sentry is to follow the money and deny those war profiteers the proceeds from their crimes,” said Prendergast.

The Sentry says that their goal is to “dismantle the networks of perpetrators, facilitators and enablers who fund and profit from Africa’s deadliest conflicts”, which the project identified as South Sudan, Sudan, the CAR and DR Congo. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Demi Moore in “shock” over swimming pool death

US actress Demi Moore has expressed “absolute shock’’ after a man drowned in a pool at her Los Angeles home.

Edenilson Steven Valle’s body was found floating in the pool on Sunday. The star – who was away at the time – said this was an “unthinkable tragedy”.

Valle , 21, is believed to have been a member of the household staff. Relatives reportedly told investigators he could not swim.

from the Institute Pasteur, in Paris, said: “It’s likely that this girl has been in virological remission for so long because she received a combination of anti-retrovirals very soon after infection.

“With this first, highly documented case of this young woman, we provide the proof of concept that long-term remission is possible in children, as in adults.

“However, these cases

Greece

are still very rare.

“The woman is living normally. Her case is unique but had gone unnoticed, even among clinicians in France.”

Two years ago, a young girl in America – who became known as the “Mississippi baby” – appeared to be free of HIV.

But her remission lasted for just over two years after drug treatment was stopped. (Excerpt from BBC News)

arrears to IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed that Greece has cleared overdue debt repayments of €2.05 billion and is no longer in arrears.

The repayments, and another for €4.2 billion to the European Central Bank (ECB) due on Monday, came after the EU made Greece a short-term loan of €7 billion.

Cash-strapped Greece missed one repayment to the IMF in June and another earlier this month.

Earlier on Monday, Greek banks reopened after being closed for three weeks.

However, many restrictions remain and Greeks are facing price rises with an increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).

IMF Spokesman Gerry Rice confirmed in a statement that Greece had repaid the totality of its arrears.

“As we have said, the fund stands ready to continue assisting Greece in its efforts to return to financial stability and growth,” he said.

Greece missed its first repayment to the IMF on June 30 and another on July 13 during deadlock over negotiations for a third bailout.

The crisis brought Greece to the brink of economic collapse and an exit from the euro.

The Government has since reached a cash-for-reforms deal with its creditors and negotiations are due to begin on the proposed €86 billion rescue package. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China deports tourists for watching “terrorism” videos

Los Angeles County coroner’s Fred Corral said Valle, had been missing for 10 or 15 minutes before his friends found him floating in the deep end of the pool early on Sunday morning. Emergency crews were called to the house in the city’s Beverly Crest neighbourhood.

It is thought he may have fallen into the pool during a party. Moore, 52, said in a statement: “My heart goes out to this young man’s family and friends.”

China has deported a group of 20 foreign tourists from Britain, South Africa and India for watching video clips that allegedly advocated terrorism and religious extremism, the official state media reported.

At least two of the tourists, however, said they were actually just watching a documentary about the 13th Century Mongol leader Genghis Khan.

Xinhua news agency said late on Saturday that the foreigners watched an unspecified documentary in a hotel room and later some of them watched video clips that advocated terrorism in the border region of Inner Mongolia. The foreign-

ers said it was a misunderstanding.

The news agency cited the foreign affairs office of Ordos city, where Police had stopped the 10 South Africans, nine Britons and one Indian on July 10 as they were going to fly to Xi’an, home of the ancient terracotta warriors sculptures and their next stop on a 47-day tour of the country.

Britain’s Press Association reported that the documentary was a BBC production on Genghis Khan, citing a statement from two of the British tourists, husband and wife Hoosain and Tahira Jacobs. They said that the video “may have mistakenly been deemed as propaganda material”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

tuesday, july 21, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry concludes

7-day outreach in Region 9

Over the past seven days, a high-level ministerial team visited Region Nine (Upper Essequibo-Upper Takutu) where they met and interacted with residents from about 45 villages.

The team was led by Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister, Vice President Sydney Allicock and included Minister within the Ministry, Valerie GarridoLowe and Minister within the Communities Ministry, Dawn Hastings-Williams. Other members included Legal Adviser David James; Adviser on Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Mervyn Williams; Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Director Claude Bolton, newly sworn-in Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock, and Regional Executive Officer (REO), Carl Parker.

Meetings were held at Aishalton, Sand Creek, Shulinab, St Ignatius, Nappi, Yupukari, Toka, Aranaputa, Karasabai and Annai, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. Among the issues raised by residents of the respective villages were access to quality health and education services and the need for support in the areas of agriculture, communication, security and water and land rights. The issue of land titling and demarcation was the most common one, since the communities’ developmental agenda is dependent on the regularisation of land.

According to James, the issue of lands rights will be prioritised. He said the Ministry was currently reviewing the Amerindian Land Titling and Demarcation Project which began about two years ago under the previous Administration. It is expected that very shortly, investigations will continue, which will see a team

spreading out to communities earmarked for titling and demarcation.

James further explained that once the investigation was completed, a report would be prepared and reviewed and recommendations made would be acted upon. One of the requests from the villagers was that they be made privy to some of the information coming out of the investigation so that they can validate it.

“It should be an exercise that brings satisfaction to the villagers and, of course, Government,” James stressed.

The Amerindian Land Titling Project in partnership with the UNDP, came to a halt when the new Administration took Office in May. On June 15, the Project staff was sent home . The Project since then has been under review.

More structured approach

There was also a clarion call by the youths for a more structured approach to the development of sports within the communities.

Recognising that hinterland communities have not been benefiting from a structured sports programme, Williams announced that the Ministry was in the process of meeting the needs of the community in this regard.

“There is naturally rich talent in the hinterland. The discipline is there, the capacity is there, the desire is there, but there is need for a structured approach,” Williams noted. He said one aspect of that programme has to do with football and the Ministry was working on a three-year plan beginning January 1016, to ensure that there was a significant presence of Indigenous footballers (both men and women), on the national football team.

Further, the impressed

Bandit wounded in shootout with Police

Asuspected bandit was on Sunday evening shot while another was arrested following a shootout with Police ranks during an attempted robbery at Agricola, East Bank Demerara.

The injured man was identified as Michael Gobin, 30, of Hogg Street, Albouystown, Georgetown.

According to information received, about 20:15h on Sunday, the Police responded to a report that a number of men were seen jumping over a fence into the compound of SOL Guyana Inc at Agricola, Georgetown. At the scene, the Police ranks came under fire and responded according, hitting Gobin to his hand and

foot. He is under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital. One of his accomplices, Devon Allicock was arrested and was in custody assisting with the investigation. Both men are know to the police. Up to press time the police were searching for the weapon used by the bandits which was thrown into a nearby trench.

East La Penitence community slated for major development – first consultation held with residents

RGFF Technical Director Bolton has committed to partnering with the Ministry in designing a programme in this regard. The Ministry, in collaboration with the GFF, was in the process of identifying individuals in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine to participate in a coaching programme during the month of August. The GFF will ultimately design a programme that takes coaching into hinterland communities and those persons will be involved in that villagebased programme.

The residents were also informed by the team that a similar approach will be taken for scouting, to equip adult leaders to take charge of the local training and place at least one scout group in each hinterland region. In terms of education, it was recognised that the Regional Education Department lacked the resources to reach out to the schools. As such, Minister Allicock has committed to immediately providing an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) to the Department so that the officers can visit the schools regularly.

There is also the question of cultural development, for which Minister Lowe has lead responsible. She informed the residents that the Ministry was working on a plan that will see indigenous culture being significantly boosted, especially as it relates to the indigenous languages, craft, clothing and food. The aim is to harness and promote the talent of the people, which can result in the way of life of the indigenous people becoming a tourist commodity. Minister Allicock made it clear that he would be strongly pushing for tourism in Amerindian communities working in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry and the villages.

esidents of the community of East La Penitence, Georgetown will soon see major transformation and development in their community as work has commenced on the crafting of a national developmental plan with emphasis on youth empowerment. The first consultation was held Friday at the East La Penitence Primary School, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Spearheading this developmental process is

ing the living standards of the residents, creating avenues for employment of young people as well as providing them with recreational facilities. There are immediate plans to establish a basketball court in the community for the youths.

Addressing the consultation before facilitating questions, Minister Bulkan said that his Ministry was fully aware of some of the issues affecting the communities and where possible, efforts were being made

of the community.

Residents in their interactions with the Ministers highlighted the need for immediate repairs to be done to several bridges in the community used by school children which were in a deplorable state. Other concerns were raised about the state of the drains and canals, culverts and kokers which were also in need of immediate repairs.

These concerns were noted and according to Minister Broomes, a committee, with members

Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Simona Broomes, who has been assigned responsibility for the community. The consultation saw the participation of Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan and Minister within Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson and was facilitated by Minister Broomes.

The consultation, which was attended by approximately 60 residents, was told that emphasis was now being placed on the development of the community since there was a need for an intervention by the Government in improv-

to address them, however, most of those issues have to be fixed by the Municipality. The Minister explained that the Communities Ministry was open to working with members of the community in whatever areas possible to assist in improving the community.

Meanwhile, Minister Ferguson has committed that the Public Infrastructure Ministry will be undertaking repairs to bridges that need fixing in the community, since a few of them pose a threat to life. The Junior Public Infrastructure Minister also pledged the Ministry’s assistance in the overall development

chosen by the residents to oversee the development and monitor the implementation of projects, will be established. The Minister has committed to working with this committee in realising the various developmental initiatives.

The consultation is the follow-up to a walk-about done by Minister Broomes two weeks ago, where she interacted with residents in an effort to hear their concerns and to see how best these can be addressed. The Ministries of Communities and Public Infrastructure is part of the initiative, since most of the residents’ concerns fall within those sectors.

Minister Ally calls for greater cohesion among Guyanese

– at Eid-ul-Fitr festival

As Muslims around the world celebrated Eidul-Fitr, which symbolises the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally urged all Guyanese to live in unity, regardless of their religious beliefs because “where there is unity, there is strength”.

Minister Ally was at the time giving brief remarks at the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman 12th annual Eid Fest, which was held at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex, West Coast Demerara on Sunday, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Ramadan is the pillar of Islam; it is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims around the world fast for the sake of Allah by abstaining from food, drink and one’s desires. Present also were Education Minister , Dr Rupert Roopnaraine; Deputy Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Shashi Mohan Joshi; and members of the Inter-Religious Organisation and the diplomatic corps, who joined hundreds of Muslims and nonMuslims at the Complex to celebrate the festival of Eid, where they were treated to spectacular Indian traditional music and Qaseedas.

The celebration of Eid promotes integration and the feeling of brotherhood, which Minister Ally said was imperative not only in Guyana but throughout the world. “It is the festival of love and goodwill, it gives us a message to love all and hate none and embrace all as brothers and sisters. It exerts us to bid goodbye to hatred, jealousy and enmity and bring us to an era of love, simplicity and brotherhood. There is no distinction between the rich and the poor – all are equal,”

Minister Ally pointed out. Communal harmony, brotherhood and sisterhood, Minister Ally explained, are the fundamentals that are greatly needed to foster greater unity among mankind. She further noted that Islam can play a great role in this regard, as it promotes peace, unity and love. Recognising the contributions of religious bodies to society, Minister Ally noted that Christians, Hindus and Muslims were brothers and sisters in the single human family. The Minister reiterated that this divine festival of Eid connected people

national culture. As such, although the Muslim community constitutes 7.2 per cent of Guyana’s population, the Islamic culture earns enormous respect because of its steadfast propagation of the religion and its practices.

Minister Roopnaraine noted that he was pleased with the work done by the Islamic Complex in the way it promoted Islam and by extension, the Islamic culture in Guyana. “As your Minister of Education and Culture, I intend to create the atmosphere for the celebration of our rich and diverse history and tradition,

across states and borders without considering their religious or cultural differences, in a vibrant and culturally rich nation such as Guyana.

Meanwhile, echoing similar sentiments was the Education Minister, who was also responsible for culture. He described Eid as an example to the population. He said that the example of Ramadan was one that should be valued, noting that this festival was imprinted in the country’s

Commonwealth in initiative to reduce risk of Diaspora remittance transfers

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the US Treasury, regional bodies, international experts, Central Bank Governors and global banks will attend a Commonwealth-led forum on remittances and regulations to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing. The dialogue, which will take place at Marlborough House, London from July 20 to 21, 2015, will explore the implications of the debanking of the remittance sector and identify policies to effectively address the impact of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations on money transfers.

“While AML/CFT regulations are essential to protect the integrity of the financial system, measures such as the closure of money transfer operators can have a marked impact on the flow of remittances,” said Commonwealth Deputy Secretary General Deodat Maharaj.

He added: “At their meetings in 2014, Commonwealth Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific, emphasised the importance of balancing the need to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing with the need for financial inclusion. These concerns were echoed at the annual Commonwealth

and Francophonie Dialogue with the G20 in April 2015.”

Development potential Eight Commonwealth developing countries are among the most dependent on remittances, with India receiving US$71 billion from Diaspora communities – the highest value of remittances in 2014. Money transfers

to the Caribbean and Africa also exceeded all other forms of external finance.

Maharaj said: “The Commonwealth Secretariat is acting with urgency to find a way to decrease the cost of money transfers and to make remittances a viable and secure source of finance for developing countries. International cooperation remains crucial to maximise the mobilisation of all forms of finance – be they

private or public. In this regard, the Commonwealth is bringing together all key stakeholders to ensure that the development potential of remittances is not unduly constrained.”

FATF Executive Secretary Rick McDonell, who will present the keynote speech at the event, added: “The FATF ?fully supports the objectives of financial inclusion and recognises the importance of remittances in many parts of the world. We believe that the international standards can and should be implemented in a balanced way that satisfies the need for appropriate regulation but does not unnecessarily obstruct international money transfers.”

McDonnell described the dialogue as “a good opportunity to exchange views on whether that balance is being achieved”. The outcome of the forum, which will take place just three days after the Financing for Development Conference in Ethiopia, where discussions centred on domestic revenue mobilisation, as well as innovative financing, will feed into meetings with Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, and the continued engagement with the G20. The forum also comes ahead of the UN summit on the post-2015 sustainable development goals and climate change that will take place later this year.

Four brothers apprehended for murder of music vendor

Police have apprehended four brothers, including a pair of identical twins, for the murder of 21-year-old Leroy Moore, who was stabbed to death on Saturday night on the Linden Highway.

and look forward to the full cooperation of the religious faiths in our country.” Islam is one of the greatest unifying forces in the world. It is a religion for all humans regardless of colour, race and language. During the month of Ramadan not only do Muslims use it as a stepping stone to get closer to Allah, but to remember those less fortunate in society and stand in solidarity with them by acts of generosity.

The young man’s brother told Guyana Times that the matter erupted over feelings of envy from the four brothers who attacked Moore. He stated that throughout the night, the men were picking on his brother, and denied that the ensuing fight erupted over women as was previously told to reporters. He also added that it was one of the twins who stabbed his brother.

Other relatives of Moore shared that he would wake early every morning and ride his bike up the Linden Highway selling CDs on the way and would on some days even go further. They added that he was a jovial young man who mostly kept to himself.

The mother of the deceased, Claire Moore, told this newspaper that she had received the call from her younger son saying “Mommy, come now. Leroy ain’t breathing no more”.

She shared that she showed up at the hospital and found her son already dead with two stab wounds around his heart and abdomen. Claire described her son as a quiet loving child who liked music and who

had earned the nickname “Jim Carrey” from family members on account of his funny ways.

The family members mentioned how grateful they were to the members of the Timehri Police Station who were swift in their investigation that led to the apprehension of the perpetrators.

Moore, of Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, a push cart music vendor, was stabbed to death just after midnight on Saturday following an argument with a group of men at Swan Turn, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, East Bank Demerara.

During an argument, Moore reportedly pushed one of the suspects and the situation escalated. One of the men collected a knife and stabbed Moore several times to his body. The group of men then fled the scene leaving the young man on the sand.

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

Maintain your self- respect and don’t put up with people who let you down regularly. Your friendship is too valuable to be wasted on those who take without giving back.

Don’t expect others to meet your expectations. Find out what needs to be done and do it. Preparation will lead to a successful outcome and the rewards you deserve.

You can outperform an opponent if you do your research. You will attract assistance if you can offer legitimate solutions. Share your plan and focus on the finish line.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

The more places you visit, the more people you will encounter who can help you in your quest for success. Share your ideas if you want to gain allies. Romance is highlighted.

Don’t miss an opportunity to promote your skills. Networking will result in aid from an unlikely source. Don’t be afraid to say what’s on your mind.

Emotional turbulence will leave you confused. Don’t give in to pressure or manipulation. Take a break to sort through your feelings and make a practical decision.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right, no matter who is doing the asking. Something that works for someone else won’t bring you the same result.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

An outside influence will change your perspective. Get out and do something that inspires you. Don’t stay at home hoping your big break will come to you. Take charge and make it happen.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Before you make a life-altering decision, make sure you have all the facts. A sudden change of heart will make it difficult to follow through with a plan based on someone else’s assertions.

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

A few tweaks to a project will make it a viable moneymaker. By investigating a similar product or service, you will discover a new marketing technique.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Being confrontational or aggressive will not get you ahead. If you feel too anxious to deal with others, take time to sort out your feelings before you say or do something you’ll regret.

Put some time aside for romance. A personal relationship will suffer if you become too demanding or insist on having your own way. Allow for more give-and-take.

FFifa will hold an extraordinary congress to elect its new president on 26 February 2016.

Sepp Blatter was reelected as president on 29 May but four days later announced his intention to stand down amid two investigations into corruption at football’s world governing body.

Candidates for the position must be nominated before 26 October.

Uefa president Michel Platini has been asked by

a majority of world football chiefs to stand for the post.

A Fifa news conference is planned for 14:00 BST.

Initial predictions were of a December election, as favoured by several regional football confederations.

By the time of the vote, Blatter will have been in office for almost nine months from the date of his 2 June resignation speech.

He is not expected to backtrack on his announcement to stand aside, despite appearing to suggest in June

he was reconsidering his decision.

Earlier on Monday, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein - who lost to Blatter in the May election - called for the 79-year-old Swiss to leave his post immediately.

“President Blatter’s resignation cannot be dragged out any longer. He must leave now,” he said.

“An interim independent leadership must be appointed to administer the process of the elections, in addition to the reforms that are being discussed prior to the elections.”

Sources have told BBC Sport’s Richard Conway that a reform task force will be be announced by Blatter at Monday’s news conference.

Term limits for all Fifa executives and its president, likely to be a maximum of three terms of four years, have also been approved in principle by the executive committee, as have integrity checks and salary transparency. (BBC Sport)

Drogba confirms MLS talks

MLS outfit Chicago Fire are believed to be the front runners for Didier Drogba’s signature, though Inter are reportedly interested.

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba confirmed he is in talks with an unnamed team from MLS, but the Ivorian did not rule out a move to Inter.

Drogba has made no secret of his desire to play in the United States and the free agent is reportedly set to join Chicago Fire, whose coach Frank Yallop was tight-lipped amid growing speculation on Saturday.

Fellow MLS outfit and CONCACAF Champions League finalists Montreal Impact have also been linked with the 37-year-old striker, while reports suggest Serie A giants Inter are interested.

“I’m not aware of that situation [with Inter],” Drogba told FCInter1908.

“Inter are a great club, and certainly if they were

to contact me I’d gladly listen to their offer, but I’m currently in talks with an MLS club.

“Inter could be an option if they really are interested in me.”

Ex-Ivory Coast captain Drogba was further quizzed about Inter’s interest and his willingness to provide back up for Argentina international forward Mauro Icardi should he make the move to Italy.

The two-time African Player of the Year said: “It would be absolutely no problem.

“In every team there are players you have to compete with for a place in the team.”

Drogba scored over 150 goals in two different spells for Chelsea, winning four Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in the process. (Digicel Sportsmax)

FIFA: New presidential election to be held on February 26 FIFA: New taskforce announced to tackle corruption

ifa is to set up a taskforce of 11 people to look at reforming football’s scandal-hit world governing body.

Proposals for reform will include term limits for presidents and integrity checks for top officials, president Sepp Blatter announced.

Fifa will hold an extraordinary congress to elect its new president on 26 February 2016, he added.

Blatter, 79, announced he would stand down in Junejust four days after being reelected president.

Why is reform needed?

Blatter’s resignation on 2 June followed the arrest of seven Fifa officials as part of a United States investigation that saw 14 people in total indicted on corruption charges.

A second criminal case was launched by Swiss prosecutors into the bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, to be held in Russia and Qatar respectively.

They followed a number of scandals and corruption allegations that had tainted Fifa in recent years. In December, independent investigator Michael Garcia quit Fifa in protest at the way it handled his report into bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

A new Fifa president?

Candidates to replace Blatter in the February election must be nominated before 26 October.

Initial predictions were of a December election, as favoured by several regional football confederations.

By the time of the vote, Blatter will have been in office for almost nine months from the date of his 2 June resignation speech.

At a news conference on Monday, he did not backtrack on his announcement to stand aside - despite appearing to suggest in June he was reconsidering - confirming: “On 26 of February, Fifa will have a new president. I will not be a candidate for the election in 2016.”

Explaining his decision to step down, he said: “I had to do something very special and I did it. In footballing terms I would say I kicked the ball out of the field to stop something, this is what I did on 2 June. I’m still the elected president and today I speak with you as the elected president.”

Earlier on Monday, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein - who lost to Blatter in the May election - had called for the Swiss to leave his post immediately.

“President Blatter’s resignation cannot be dragged out any longer. He must leave now,” he said.

Could Platini stand?

Uefa president Michel Platini has been asked by a majority of world football chiefs to stand for the post.

It is thought 60-yearold Platini has yet to decide whether he will stand.

But following Blatter’s announcement, Platini said: “We now have a concrete date which means we can look forward to new leadership, which will surely bring with it new ideas and new solutions. This is an exciting time for Fifa.”

Reform is ‘an important step’

Term limits for officials, central integrity checks for executive committee members and the disclosing of all salaries and payments to Fifa members will be the main fo-

cus of the reform taskforce, Blatter said - although he did not go into more detail.

The set-up of the committee would be like “10 players and a coach”, he added, with one key person - the “coach”driving the process.

Platini said the creation of the panel was “an important step”. Speaking after the Fifa executive committee meeting he said: “We must now make sure that the reforms outlined today will be undertaken in a swift and effective manner. We need to reform Fifa and we need to do it now.”

Blatter believes the steps to reform could be his legacy. He said: “I am still the elected president by 133 associations and I will use my mandate as president in a responsibility and mission to make sure that at the end of February I can say Fifa has started to reform and to rebuild the reputation of Fifa.”

North Korea 2026?

Monday’s news conference to announce the decisions of Fifa’s executive committee began in dramatic fashion. The start was interrupted by British comedian Simon Brodkin. Brodkin - better known by his alter ego, Lee Nelson - appeared to offer piles of banknotes to Blatter, before security intervened. As he was led away, Brodkin threw the notes at Blatter, saying “here you go, Sepp”.

He later took to social media, under the guise of another character, footballer Jason Bent, to declare: “Excited to be at Fifa meeting Sepp Blatter to secure the #NorthKorea2026 World Cup.” (BBC Sport)

Casillas makes Porto debut in straightforward win

After ending a 25-year stay at Real Madrid, Iker Casillas put on another club jersey for the first time on Saturday, making his Porto debut.

Iker Casillas made his Porto bow in the Portuguese giants’ 2-0 preseason win over German second-tier side Duisburg on Saturday, with Yacine Brahimi catching the eye.

The Spain international goalkeeper joined Porto on a free transfer a week ago after being allowed to

end his 25-year association with Real Madrid.

Casillas, 34, slotted straight into Julen Lopetegui’s Spanishheavy starting XI, with Ivan Marcano, Jose Angel, Cristian Tello and fellow newcomer Alberto Bueno also present.

And the veteran goalkeeper’s first touch saw him picking the ball out of his own net, though luckily for him the goal was disallowed for offside.

Casillas ultimately de -

parted for Helton at halftime without conceding, while other new signings Maxi Pereira and Danilo also made way. Brahimi was among those to enter proceedings and was lively straight away, going on to break the deadlock when oneon-one in the 60th minute, before Hernani rounded things off four minutes later, with a similarly neat finish through the goalkeeper’s legs.

(Digicel Sportsmax)

Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba sets 1,500-meter world record

Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba powered down the homestretch to set a world record in the women’s 1,500 meters at a Diamond League meet in Monaco on Friday.

Dibaba collapsed to the ground in apparent disbelief after crossing the line in 3 minutes, 50.07 seconds -- eclipsing the long-standing mark of 3:50.46 set by China’s Qu Yunxia in 1993.

Roared on by a cheering crowd on a warm night at Stade Louis II stadium, the 24-year-old Dibaba crushed her personal best of 3:54.11 -- the leading time this year, which she set last week at a meet in Barcelona, Spain.

“I’m very happy the time is so fast, very happy for this record,” Dibaba said, moments after milking the applause from the crowd. “Finally all of this preparation is paying off.”

Despite being nearly four seconds slower last week in Barcelona, Dibaba felt sure she could get the record.

“With the training I did in Barcelona, I knew I was going to break it,” Dibaba said through a translator. “I’ve worked hard to get here. I would like to thank all the people who helped me.”

Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan was a distant second in 3:56.05 with American Shannon Rowbury third in 3:56.29.

Dibaba, a world indoor champion in the 1,500 and 3,000, will set her sights on her

first major medal at the world championships next month in Beijing.

“Everyone is getting prepared for this, to win the gold medal. I am among them. I want to win the medal,” said Dibaba, who is the younger sister of Tirunesh Dibaba, a three-time Olympic champion who won five world titles, all in the 5,000 and 10,000. “I want to do just like my sister, if not even better.”

Several others, including Kenya’s Asbel Kiprop in the men’s 1,500, Bosnian Amel Tuka in the men’s 800, American Bershawn Jackson in the men’s 400 hurdles, American Francena McCorory and the women’s 4x100 relay team, also set leading performances in the world this year.

American sprinter Justin Gatlin continued his fine form by clocking 9.78 to win the 100 meters, beating countryman Tyson Gay and Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut.

Gay, who earlier teamed up with Gatlin as the American men won the 4x100-meter relay, clocked 9.97, and Vicaut was timed in 10.03.

The time was 0.04 outside Gatlin’s world-leading season best, but he is increasingly looking like the man to beat at the world championships as title holder Usain Bolt struggles with a leg injury.

“Makes me feel really good, to go out there and dominate such a stellar race today,”

Gatlin said. “The good thing is I have three weeks at home to get rest, make sure I have the best opportunity and [be] faster when I go to Beijing.”

The star-studded American men’s relay team, also featuring Trayvon Bromell, easily won in 37.87, with Mike Rodgers well clear of Yazaldes Nascimento as Portugal clocked 39.05 to finish second. The French team was third in 39.64.

Gatlin felt the time could have been better.

“We had some obstacles, first handover from my young teammate [Bromell] was not that good,” Gatlin said. “I’m not sure, but this might be the order in which we will run in Beijing. I would accept the second leg.”

Jackson clocked 48.23 in the 400 hurdles, pulling away strongly to finish ahead of Poland’s Patryk Dobek, who set a personal best of 48.62, and American countryman Johnny Dutch, who clocked 48.67.

Mo Farah, the Olympic champion in the 5,000 and 10,000, finished fourth in the 1,500, gradually dropping off the pace as Kiprop posted the third-fastest time ever in 3:26.69. Only Kenyan Bernard Lagat (3:26.34) and Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj (3:26) have run faster.

“At the bell I saw 2:31-2:32, so I knew it could be a very fast time,” Kiprop said. “I’m very satisfied, but I wanted a bit faster time.”

Farah was overtaken by Algerian Taoufik Makhloufi and Moroccan Abdalaati Iguider two turns from the end and finished in 3:28.93, shy of his personal best of 3:28.81.

Shortly after Kiprop’s outstanding performance, Tuka thrilled the Stade Louis II crowd with another leading time, winning the 800 in 1:42.51 in a close-fought finish with Nijel Amos of Botswana -the Diamond League leader -who set a season’s best 1:42.66.

Caleb Mwangangi Ndiku did likewise, getting the best time this year of 7:35.13 in the men’s 3,000. Ethiopian Yenew Alamirew was second in a season-best 7:36.39. (ESPN)

BCCI meeting to discuss franchise situation after Lodha verdict

With the Lodha panel suspending the franchise owners of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for two years, the BCCI has convened an IPL governing council meeting in Mumbai on Sunday. On the agenda will be an analysis of the ramifications of the judgement and the options available to the board as they look to ensure an eight-team IPL in 2016.

Why has the IPL governing council meeting been convened?

The IPL governing council meeting is the first official BCCI gathering after the Supreme Court-appointed Justice RM Lodha committee suspended the owners of two IPL franchisesRajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings - for two years earlier in the week. The meeting was convened within hours of the Lodha committee pronouncing its verdict.

What will be on the BCCI’s agenda during Sunday’s meeting?

It is unlikely the BCCI will take a final decision on its future course of action, as it is still unsure whether the two suspended franchises will appeal legally against the Lodha committee’s verdict. At the outset, BCCI’s legal advisor Usha Nath Banerjee is set to explain the implications of the 59-page order, and the board’s counsel is likely to present possible options before the committee with the aim of ensuring smooth organization of forthcoming IPL editions.

Considering the complexity of the issue, the governing council may appoint a special committee under the leadership of either Ajay Shirke, governing council member, or former BCCI president Shashank Manohar, and authorise it to decide the future course of action in consultation with the BCCI president and secretary.

With IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla confirming that IPL 2016 will be held with a minimum of eight teams, what does the governing council do now?

Following the legal briefing, the governing council will discuss the possible options to deal with the situation. These include inviting bids for two new teams for two years, inviting bids for two new teams for a longer duration or the BCCI running two teams for two years.

The last option is Shukla’s suggestion but BCCI members feel it is impractical. Manohar has also opposed the idea of the BCCI adopting the teams. “If you ask me my personal opinion, the BCCI cannot adopt the teams because the rules and regulations of the Board do not permit it to do so,” Manohar said in Kolkata after dis-

cussing the issue with BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya. “Moreover, will a BCCI official sit at the player auction and bid for players? It will again be a conflict of interest and the public perception on this issue is really bad. Then you will bring back the two teams on a platter, I don’t think it can be done.”

Is terminating the franchise agreements of owners of the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals likely to be discussed?

Various legal luminaries and some of the BCCI officials feel the board’s best option is to terminate franchise agreements with both the teams for having brought “material adverse effect” to the BCCI - under clause 11.3 (c) of the BCCI-IPL franchise agreement - and then float new tenders for two franchises.

According to a governing council member, the issue will surely be raised during Sunday’s meeting. But in all likelihood, the special sub-committee will decide the future course of action, based on the franchisees’ reaction to suspension.

How is the BCCI planning to accommodate the players of the previous teams?

Since 2014, the IPL player agreements are annual contracts, with the franchise having the right to extend it for another year. This means that both suspended franchises technically have a right to hold on to a player if they wish to. While an IPL governing council member confided he may raise the query, a BCCI insider stated the board isn’t concerned about it since “no team would want to deprive players’ opportunities”.

Who is on the IPL governing council?

Apart from Shukla, who chairs the council, the 13-member committee includes BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur as convenor, former treasurer Shirke [Maharashtra], Kapil Malhotra [CCI], Subir Ganguly [Bengal] Sourav Dasgupta [Tripura], Bikash Baruah [Assam], Dr PV Shetty [Mumbai], PR Ashok Anand [Karnataka], TN Ananthanarayana [Kerala], Jyotiraditya Scindia [Madhya Pradesh] and former India captains Ravi Shastri and Sourav Ganguly. All other BCCI office-bearers are also ex-officio members of the governing council.

Shastri and Shirke, who are in England for professional commitments, are like to join the meeting via videoconferencing. Since Jharkhand State Cricket Association’s AGM is to be held on Sunday, BCCI joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary is also unlikely to attend the meeting in person. (Cricinfo)

Brazil’s Hulk fears “ugly” racism at World Cup in Russia

Brazil and Zenit St Petersburg forward Hulk says racist comments are made by spectators at almost every match played in Russia and he fears “gross and ugly” racism could mar the 2018 World Cup finals.

Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong was subjected to monkey chants at a match last Friday in Russia, which hosts the 2018 finals; but Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said the incident should not be “inflated into a big scandal”.

“It (racism) happens at almost every match in Russia but the world does not hear about it because they try to keep it quiet,” Hulk told reporters on Monday at a Zenit training session.

“I see it happening all the time. I used to get really angry about it

but now I just send a kiss to the fans and try not to get angry.”

Football’s governing body FIFA has said it will ask the Russian Football Union to provide details of the incident in last Friday’s match between Spartak Moscow and Ufa, after which Frimpong was sent off for raising a finger to the crowd.

Hulk, whose real name is Givanildo Vieira de Souza, has also complained in the past of monkey chants and other racist abuse during matches in Russia. Russian Showcase It is always sad when something like this happens but the saddest thing about what happened on Friday was that the Spartak coach did not say there was anything wrong about this,” Hulk said. Argentina international

about

“It’s

fans should respect everybody else and not let their passion create these problems,” he said.

“I regard myself as blackskinned in some way but I am able to respect everyone I play against.”

President Vladimir Putin wants the 2018 finals to showcase Russia as a modern state and hopes to avoid the bad press that marred the run-up to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, which included protests about the treatment of homosexuals in Russia.

Mutko appeared to try to play down the seriousness of last Friday’s incident when he told TASS news agency: “I do not think that what surrounds this episode should become inflated into a big scandal.”

“We ourselves are talking too much about it,” he said.

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Domestic disorder costing West Indies on ODI front

Problems are never far away in West Indies cricket; they have come in profusion for two decades now. The latest is the real possibility of failure to qualify for the 2017 Champions Trophy in England, and the fallout that could follow.

As tenuous as it has become and as demeaning as it is for a team that that once utterly dominated the international game, West Indies value their status among the top eight international teams more than ever. To be absent in England two years hence would further damage the already diminishing interest of players and public, both now under the spell of T20.

West Indies have participated in all seven previous tournaments. They werevictors over England in the final at The Oval in 2004; runners-up to South Africa in Dhaka in the first, in 1998; and to Australia in Mumbai in 2006. Only a quirk of the Duckworth-Lewis system that deemed their rain-reduced match against South Africa in Cardiff in 2013 a tie, with a resulting reduction in their net run rate, prevented them from advancing to the semi-final that year.

For all that, they remain teetering on the brink, rated No. 8 in ODIs, as they are in Tests. Repercussions from the events in India last October, when players, once more disgruntled by the board, prematurely quit their scheduled tour, and subsequent defeats in South Africa and the World Cup, kept them there.

The game in the Caribbean has been destabilised principally by the strained relations between the players and the board and haphazard planning. The latter is more specific to the regional 50-overs tournament

They have had no ODIs in the interim, no chance to clamber back onto firmer ground. There is not even a domestic 50-overs tournament before their next international engagement, a three-way series in Zimbabwe in late August, when their matches against Pakistan, their erratic equivalent, will settle the last remaining Champions Trophy place.

Both teams had 88 points prior to Pakistan’s ongoing series of five ODIs in Sri Lanka, presently level after two matches. Should Pakistan prevail in the remaining three, they will move to 92 points, a fourpoint cushion going into the Zimbabwe showdown; defeat in the three would have the identical negative effect, leaving them four points behind West Indies.

In other words, Zimbabwe hold the key for two teams that have both featured in every previous Champions Trophy. West Indies’ massive victory over Pakistan the last time they met, in the World Cup in February, would be held to be a significant psy-

chological advantage, but it is eliminated by the likely unavailability of five of the XI in that match - Chris Gayle, Dwayne Smith, Lendl Simmons, Darren Sammy and Andre Russell; their replacements would lack such immense international experience.

The dilemma West Indies and Pakistan now face was sprung on them by a succession of unexpected triumphs by a suddenly invigorated Bangladesh in their favourable home conditions over the past four months. They trounced Pakistan 3-0, and for the first time in their history, prevailed over India and South Africa 2-1. The sequence propelled them to 96 points, far enough ahead of the other two to guarantee them a place among the ODI top eight come September 30, the decisive cut-off date.

All versions of the game in the Caribbean have been destabilised by a host of selfinflicted troubles, principally the strained relations between the players and the board, and hopelessly haphazard planning. The latter is more specific to the regional 50-overs tournament.

The first, for the Gillette Cup, was staged in 1975-76. The six regional teams were split into two zones, leading to a final; three of the scheduled seven matches were rained out. It was clearly unsatisfactory.

Only three times in the intervening 39 years, in 1982 and 2005-06 and 2006-07, has it been organised on a proper, round-robin basis, with the traditional teams (Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Windward Islands) playing each other for a minimum of five qualifying matches each, leading into the final in 1982 and, in 2006 and 2007, semis and a final. Otherwise, the board has stuck to the mainly meaningless group arrangement.

It also increased the teams in each group, if hardly the standard, by adding the University of the West Indies (later Combined Campuses and Colleges) and, from time to time, Canada, Bermuda, the USA, Kenya, the West Indies Under-19s and its High Performance Centre team. Twice the champions of the Windwards and Leewards (St Vincent and Antigua) played separately

from their combined teams. For the 2016 edition, a combined ICC Americas team is to be one of the eight.

The 50-overs game appears to be an afterthought. Where it stands in the scheme of things was evident at the World Cup; West Indies were the only team without an appointed head coach Director of cricket Richard Pybus recommended in his comprehensive report to the WICB 16 months ago that the “domestic competition format be double-round four-day cricket and doubleround one-day cricket, to give the players the opportunity to learn formats, build up experience and produce levels of performance that will allow them to achieve levels of excellence that warrant selection to the West Indies team”. Each would be restricted to the six territorial teams to pit “strength against strength” for better player evaluation. It led to an extension of the 2014-15 first-class season for the new, franchised Professional Cricket League (PCL) from one round to two, with the number of teams restricted to the six originals. It gave each team ten matches rather than five; the status quo remained for the 50-overs tournament.

Along the way, there have been six different sponsors. As the Red Stripe Cup, the semi-finals and finals were staged in Jamaica, home of the beer that bore its name; in 2014, the board signed a three-year agreement with an insurance company, and received financial support from the government, to locate all Nagico Super50 matches exclusively in Trinidad & Tobago. There has been no consistency, no continuity. The 50-overs game appears to be an afterthought.

Where it stands in the scheme of things was evident at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in February and March; West Indies were the only team without an appointed head coach. It left a new, young captain to deal on his own with key senior players seething over the omission of the perceived leaders of the Indian tour pull-out. The cumulative effects of such disorganisation and disorder have inevitably led to the present predicament. (Cricinfo)

GABA to host novice championships this weekend

The Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) will host its 2015 edition of the National Novice Championships from Saturday at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre Ground, California Square.

Nine gyms will participate in the much-anticipated tournament that will conclude on Sunday at the said venue.

The gyms participating are: New Opportunity Corps, the Republican Gym, the Prison Service, Pocket Rocket Gym, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Harpy Eagles, Young Achievers, Rose Hall Jammers, Essequibo Boxing Gym, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Police Force.

The championship is expected to be held under floodlights on both evenings with an expected start time

of 19:00h.

The Prison Services defeated the Guyana Defence Force last year to be crowned as the overall champion gym.

GABA President Steve Ninvalle expects a high level of competition especially from the revived Pocket Rocket Gym that is now based in Linden.

Nauth’s Auto Spares taps into cycling

Nauth’s Auto Spares of Sheriff Street, Georgetown, has joined the long list of corporate entities that have thrown their support behind the annual cycling programme organised by national coach Hassan Mohamed.

The company has agreed to provide full sponsorship for this weekend’s 11-race pro-

gramme, which will start at 09:00h at the inner circuit of the National Park.

Mohamed said he was more than happy to welcome the new sponsor, noting that support from businesses and individuals was critical to the growth and development of the sport.

Mohamed has been staging the 11-race programme for decades at the National Park, with over 25 race programmes per year. Saturday’s activity will be headlined by the gruelling 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race, which is set to attract the leading local senior riders and up and coming talents.

Other events planned for the day include the BMX Boys 6-9, 9-12, 12-14 and Open, Veterans Under and Over-50, Mountain Bikes and Juveniles. Representatives of Nauth’s Auto Spares will be on hand to witness the races and later assist in the presentation of prizes.

Guyana U-19s depart for Jamaica – GCB President urges players to always play as a team

Defending Regional Under-19 champions Guyana departed for Jamaica on Monday morning to compete in the 2015 edition of the tournament, which bowls off on Wednesday.

Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Drubahadur met with the team prior to their departure, and wished them a safe and successful trip. He reminded them of their dominance last year, noting that it would be a phenomenal achievement if they repeated that success this year, especially since they would

not be playing at home.

The President urged the boys to stick together and play as a team at all time, adding that they must not become complacent.

Territorial Development Officer (TDO) Colin Stuart congratulated the boys for making the team and acknowledged their dedication to the preparatory training.

The TDO noted that the weather was not favourable during the preparation, but he was happy with the eagerness they showed to get as much practice as possible. Stuart called on the

players to know their limitations and work towards their strengths and always put the team goals ahead of their personal goals.

Guyana will be competing against Jamaica on July 22, against Trinidad and Tobago on July 23, against Leeward Islands on July 25, against Barbados on July 27, against Windward Islands on July 30, and against ICC Americas on July 31. The final will be contested on August 2.

Guyana team reads: Travis Persaud (Captain ); Shimron Hetmyer; Tevin Imlack; Parmesh Parsotam;

and Grisean

The Manager is David Black and the Coach is Adrian Amsterdam. This year, the Under-19 tournament will only see the 50-over format so as to give the Regional boys enough practice for the 2016 World Cup, which will be held in Bangladesh from January 22 to February 14, 2016.

Steyn closing in on 400-wicket milestone

Dale Steyn will join a select group of bowlers to claim 400 wickets with the South African paceman requiring four scalps in the two-test series against Bangladesh to reach the milestone.

“To take 400 test wickets is something that is extremely special,” South Africa captain Hashim Amla told reporters on Monday on the eve of the first test in Chittagong.

“We know he has been a special bowler for us in crucial times and probably in every match that he has played for us he has made

some contribution.

“Hopefully if he gets there during this series; there is no doubt that everybody will really enjoy the success that he gets because we know the amount of work that he has put in and the impact he has had on this team.”

Shaun Pollock is the leading South African wicket taker in tests with 421.

Steyn, who has played 78 tests since his debut against England in 2004, and fellow seamer Vernon Philander were drafted back into the test squad having been rested during their 2-1 ODI de-

feat to Bangladesh.

South Africa were left reeling by the shock ODI defeat but Amla, who has scored 6,757 test runs at an average of 52.78, hoped to extend their unbeaten away test record -- which dates back to Sri Lanka in 2006.

“We have been playing good test cricket over the last couple of years,” he added.

“From my perspective we have a lot of new faces mixed with a lot of guys who have played many Test matches.

“I’m hoping the new guys get an understanding

of what test cricket is like in Bangladesh and for some of us (senior players) to put in some big performances to allow them to grow in test cricket.

“We are a team in transition and we’ll see that now more than ever. We have to try and get the team together to grow over the next couple of years.”

South Africa will be without destructive batsman AB de Villiers, who is being rested, but could hand a test debut to 20-yearold firebrand fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. (Reuters)

tuesday, july 21, 2015

Fans believe CPL is “best for business”

By TreisTon Joseph

There is no doubt that the atmosphere at the Guyana Amazon Warriors home games during this year’s edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is second to none.

The drums, horns, flag waving and sold-out stadium games are significant indicators of the love for cricket held by the Guyanese fans.

However, with the Warriors set to play their final match against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel today, some of the fans at Saturday’s game weighed in with their thoughts on the CPL.

Guyana Times Sport was lucky enough to have a chat with Mallie Jackman who was enjoying the game on Saturday in the Red Stand as she related that she recently opened her own women’s store and with the CPL season in progress, business is booming.

“The atmosphere is amazing. I can’t say enough about the Guyanese people and their love for cricket. I recently opened my own store and all women are coming for is clothes for cricket, so I believe CPL is best for business and maybe we should

have more tournaments like it in the Caribbean just so businesses like mine can get the support … CPL really benefits the country allround especially economic wise,” Jackman highlighted.

Another fan giving his name as Allan stressed that CPL brought cricket back to a foundation nation of sport in the Caribbean.

“As an ardent fan of the game, having seen Guyana produce the likes of Lance

Gibbs, Rohan Kanhai and Clive Lloyd and seeing how the West Indies has struggled and Guyana has fallen in terms of producing constant talent, it’s amazing how much the CPL can spot talent and I believe the CPL has brought that love for the game back to a nation proud of its cricketing history and hopefully it ignites a fire in the youngsters here,” the fan, who had his face painted, stressed.

Young cricketers interact...

Young cricketers from Demerara were on Monday morning given an opportunity to interact with Guyana Amazon Warriors players during a National Sports Commission- organised event at the Resource Centre on Woolford Avenue.

Young male and female cricketers, who are attached to clubs in the county, were privileged to share the same room with four top players of the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise during the one-hour session.

Skipper Denesh Ramdin, top order batsman Brad Hodge and all-

rounders David Wiese and Christopher Barnwell were all pleased to answer questions thrown at them by the enthusiastic group.

After the question-andanswer session was over, the players interacted with the youths, taking photographs and signing autographs, while some seized the opportunity to talk about cricket in general, and the Caribbean Premier League in particular.

Only last week, Digicel Guyana held a similar event where young aspiring cricketers from the Demerara Cricket Club, Georgetown Cricket Club and Everest

Cricket Club were afforded the opportunity to mingle with the players.

Six Guyana Amazon Warriors players attended that session, much to the delight of the eager youngsters and their equally excited parents.

Local players – legspinner Devendra Bishoo, all-rounder Christopher Barnwell, opener Trevon Griffith and fast bowler

Paul Wintz, along with the South African fast bowling pair Marchant DeLange and David Wiese, were on hand to meet and greet the players.

Briggs looking forward...

The 24-year-old Briggs, the youngest player to feature in the English Premier League with Fulham FC, got his first senior International cap when he represented Guyana in their 2-0 win over Grenada in March, leading up to the 2018 World Cup Qualifier.

Briggs, who represented England at the youth level (Under-16 through Under-21) told the local Colchester newspaper, the Daily Gazette, that “the international experience I’ve had has been good, especially being at senior level now. It’s been enjoyable, travelling around the world and playing in hot

climates and it’s been a good experience and I relished it.”

The former Millwall defender, who recently signed a two-year deal with Colchester United, admitted in the interview that he was glad about his decision to represent the South American nation, noting “anyone would love to play international football, given the chance. I’m definitely hoping for further call-ups and when I’ve been away, I feel I’ve done well and given a good account of myself. Hopefully, it’s given me a good chance of being called up again.”

And Briggs, whose fam -

ily are from Guyana, is hoping that there will be more opportunities for him to impress on the world stage in the coming months.

After making his full international debut against Grenada, he was picked for the Golden Jaguars’ World Cup second-round qualifiers last month, along with former Colchester United and Bolton Wanderers midfielder Neil Danns.

But Briggs ended up missing both of the Golden Jaguars’ qualifiers against St Vincent and the Grenadines, who won on away goals after the tie finished 6-6 on aggregate.

Bolt to face serious test in London

Usain Bolt will know exactly where he stands ahead of the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, after he lines up in the 100-metres in London on Friday.

The big Jamaican world recorder holder

London Diamond League meet.

Bolt will also be pushed by Ryan Bailey and Mike Rodgers of the United States. Also down for the race are veteran Kim Collins of St Kitts and Richard Kilty of Great Britain.

Meanwhile as a number of fans left Saturday’s game disappointed with the loss to the Barbados Tridents, from all indications given by numerous fans especially with Guyana in prime position to make the playoffs of this year’s CPL, a full wave of support is expected today at the National Stadium, Providence for the Warriors and that’s definitely best for business.

over one and 200 metres will line up against compatriots Nesta Carter and Kemar Bailey-Cole as well as Jimmy Vicaut, the Frenchman who ran 9.86 (European record) earlier this season at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games

Bolt, in his only 100m of the season, ran an unimpressive 10.13 seconds in Brazil last month but will be looking at his form over the two-heat event. The first heat begins at 2:17pm, while the final happens at 3:29pm. (Digicel Sportsmax)

“Battle for bragging rights”

Warriors vs Red Steel tonight at Providence

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Guyana and Trinidad have one of the most famous rivalries in regional cricket, regardless of the makeup of the teams and the format of the game.

Both countries with matching firepower will come face to face in the final preliminary game in this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) when the Guyana Amazon Warriors take on Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in what promises to be a high-voltage game tonight from 18:00h.

The Guyana National Stadium provides the setting for a match that will really whet the appetite of the purist.

In the teams’ previous meeting in this year’s tour-

nament, it was the Red Steel who held the upper hand, winning by three wickets with a ball to spare, in a low-scoring game.

Although history favours the Red Steel, on paper, there is very little to separate the teams. However, what makes the clash even more interesting is the emotion attached to it.

The Warriors lineup is boosted with three Trinidadians who could be the difference, but despite that, it is expected that these two franchises will continue the tradition of intense rivalry as was the case when the countries met in Game 14 of the tournament this year.

Conditions should play a key role in the contest tonight, but what would be interesting is how T20 mystery spin-

ner Sunil Narine performs for the Warriors against the team representing the country of his birth.

Narine – not unexpectedly – is the most potent weapon against the Trinidadians.

He has come in at various stages of opponents’ innings and has invariably delivered every single time – both through penetration and economy.

He is the undisputed leader of the bowling pack, but around him is a bunch of exceptionally driven and gifted individuals who are stars in their own right.

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo are Narine’s backup and are expected to play key roles as was the case so far.

The local team’s fast

bowling artillery consists of Ronsford Beaton and Paul Wintz and South Africans David Wiese and Marchant de Lange, so whoever makes up the playing XI the task would not be an easy one for the visitors.

The Warriors’ batting strength is formidable, and once they click as a batting unit, the Red Steel can be chasing a lot of leather.

But looking to the opposing side, their spinners Samuel Badree, Suleiman Benn, Johan Botha and Derone Davis would also enjoy Providence’s turf.

The Red Steel have had a good start in both departments and would be confident of giving the hosts a tough time. They will want to keep the winning momentum in order to get on top of the league. Should the Red Steel win this game, they will finish top of the table and qualify automatically for the final.

Whatever happens, the final four has been set – defending champions Barbados Tridents, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs will be in the knockout stages.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Captain Denesh Ramdin told media operatives on Wednesday at a press conference that the game would be an interesting battle, especially given the type of players both teams have at their disposal.

The hosts will go into the game as firm favourites because of home advantage. But the Steels have a very good line-up that will make the match even more interesting. Aggression aside, the key to the contest of equals would lie in how quickly both teams adapt to the pitch.

Warriors players