Guyana Times Daily - November 25, 2014

Bosai employees stage protest for wage increase

BY UTAMU BELL

Several employees of Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc (BMGGI) downed tools on Monday morning over several issues, as they demanded an additional two percent increase in salaries across the board.

According to the employees, the management of the bauxite mining company is presently proposing a six percent increase but they are demanding an increase of eight percent and nothing less.

Holding placards bearing slogans such as, "We pocket empty! Get it! We need more money. We need to feed our family", "Six percent can’t work, eight percent and more, we work, we must be paid", and "double figures this year, no bribe", the employees stood outside the north gate of the company.

Vice Chairman of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) Union’s Linden Branch, Orrin Tischmaker

said workers are dissatisfied with the way in which negotiations are progressing with the management of

BMGGI.

“We are dissatisfied with the way in which management has been treating

afraid to talk because of the way management is treating them,” he said.

Tischmaker said he is calling on environmentalists from the Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) Democratic Council (RDC), the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) and Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Robert Persaud to look into their plight.

“If workers are feeling unsafe and management says it's safe (to do something) then we have to do it, which is wrong, but if you don’t do it you get a warning letter, that’s the reason we are out here.”

workers…safety is a real eye sore and when you approach the management they are not doing what they are supposed to do and you are being victimized.

"We are not too far away from our (production) target and I was told by members of the union that the manager said that he is not going to give us any bonus and we have a structure set up, that is why we could demand our bonus,” he said.

He said according to the organized structure, if workers meet a specified production target, they are guaranteed a bonus and the decision is in contradiction to what was agreed to.

“Safety is a serious problem in the mines, we don’t have a proper ambulance for the workers, there is no proper communication.

"It's like we are playing ‘cat and mouse games’, we have requested to see the owner of the company. He was here on Friday and we still haven’t seen him. 80 percent of the workers are

Secretary of the NAACIE Linden Branch Agrrey Darlington said he is also dissatisfied with the way in which workers’ affairs are being managed.

He said the employees have been receiving a sevenpercent increase across the board annually.

“We are not comfortable with the manager’s behaviour, because we have been in negotiations since May.

"Presently we are negotiating for wages and salaries and we need an increase in snack allowance, wages and salaries. Presently we are at 8.25 (percent) and the company is at six, and we are not satisfied with that, so we are looking for anything above eight or nothing less because (the prices for) things are raising in the shops.”

He added that employees are awaiting word from management and would communicate their response through NAACIE.

Only last year October, BMGGI employees had staged a protest over a pay dispute when a 3.5 percent increase was proposed by the company.

tuesday, november 25, 2014 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, November 25 from 05:00h-06:30h

The

WEATHER TODAY

Weather:Thundery showers can be expected in the morning with heavy rain showers in the mid afternoon. Thundery showers are expected in the late afternoon and in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between zero and 4.91 metres per second.

High Tide: 06:10h and 18:23h reaching maximum heights of 2.64 metres and 2.75 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:56h reaching a minimum height of 0.61 metre.

The above-normal high tide warning is in effect until Thursday, November 27. Residents of low-lying, riverine, and flood-prone areas are advised to take necessary precautions against possible flooding.

Sattaur refuses to testify

Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Khurshid Sattaur on Monday refused to give evidence against embattled Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall, who he said back in August had threatened him after the the tax body launched an investigation into Lall’s acquisition of two luxury vehicles.

Lall appeared around 09:30h at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, East Coast Demerara before Magistrate Alex Moore to answer the charge of using threatening language filed against him by Sattaur. Lall pleaded not guilty.

This newspaper understands that there was some difficulty with the timely arrival of the case jacket so that the court proceedings could get underway.

Nevertheless, the charge was eventually read and the controversial publisher pled not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

However, shortly after Lall’s plea of innocence, the Magistrate informed the court that Sattaur, via his attorney, had indicated to the court that he would not be giving evidence against the publisher.

As such, the Magistrate promptly dismissed the charge against Lall, much to the dismay of many who had turned up to hear the proceedings, including reporters.

Lall himself had turned up with a number of persons in support of him, mainly fringe elements from in and around Georgetown, many of them recognisable from his previous appearance on tax fraud charges at a Georgetown court. They were mainly bositerous and noisy, and appeared to be mocking comments about the court and Sattaur.

When contacted by Guyana Times defence attorney for Lall, Khemraj Ramjattan opined that Sattaur may have been afraid of taking the stand since he would have been subjected to cross examination.

But many observers with whom this publication spoke believe that Sattaur received subsequent threats, which forced him to make a truce with the Kaieteur News Publisher.

The Kaieteur News itself has recently alluded to a meeting which the tax body head held with Editor Adam Harris, reportedly to broker a truce in exchange for a cessation of negative publicity about the GRA in general and Sattaur in particular.

Blame

When contacted on Monday afternoon, Sattaur said he had a change of heart due to the slothfulness of the Guyana Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in investigating and giving advice, respectively, the matter.

Sattaur insisted that he became wary of the continued delay in charging Lall, claiming that this slothful-

ness led to uneasiness on his part and discomfort of his staff. This confirms the element of fear which observers alluded to when they spoke with Guyana Times

Asked whether he felt that he wasted the Police’s time and resources by refusing to give evidence in the case, Sattaur responded in the negative. Questioned as to whether, he was coerced or threatened into dropping the charges, Sattaur again responded in the negative.

Asked whether he did not consider all of the likely implications of his actions back in August when he made the report, Sattaur again dodged addressing this issue directly.

He denied lying about the threats he said were made to him by Lall in August, following the publication of a story in which he (Lall) was named in an alleged scam robbing Government of more than $100M in import duty on two Lexus luxury SUVs.

Sattaur had told Guyana Times then that Lall called him to intimidate him into not pursuing an investigation. But the GRA Head said at the time that all the threat did was to strengthen his resolve to get to the bottom of the issue. But his re-

fusal to give evidence clearly thwarts this resolve.

“Lall called me from an overseas number and threatened to expose me; he threatened to deal with me in a matter, as if I’m a thief and (said) he’s going to do this thing, because I am using my office to deal with the matters I normally deal with.

“He threatened to use his newspaper to expose me; I don’t know what wrong I am doing. If I am trying to do the Government’s work…. I don’t know why people should be upset, if they are doing wrong things, they should be subject to the laws as well,” Sattaur had explained.

Fear

During a subsequent interview with the Guyana Times, Sattaur said he was fearful for his life given recent revelations about Lall killing a resident of McDoom, East Bank Demerara vigilante-style some 20 years ago.

“This individual has a certain propensity to be very vicious. Recent reports I have seen … have made me most fearful for my life right now. I don’t know what more I can do, I have filed a complaint,” he had said.

Sattaur explained to Guyana Times that Lall had shown that he has the “propensity to deliver” on the threats he had made.

He went on to say that “in this case, I chose to go to the Police because of the likelihood that this individual would come through on his threats".

"He said he is going to give me fire; I don’t know if it’s literal fire or metaphorical fire. The metaphorical has been proven already and I pray to God every day that he does not mean the literal fire”.

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

US illegals in limbo

At the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour, the following verse is inscribed: “Give me your tired, your poor/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,/The wretched refuse of your teeming shore./Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:/ I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

Rousing sentiments indeed, and represented the renewed enthusiasm for the ideal of America being “the land of the free” after the abolition of slavery in 1865. The Statue itself was a gift from the French to t he Americans just a 100 years after their 18th century Revolutions that redefined the meaning of “freedom”.

But while the US is unquestionably a “nation of immigrants” (forget about the native Americans), it appears that after the first flush of enthusiasm, the country was quite selective as to which “huddled masses” it would have “lift (its) lamp”.

Following massive immigration from Europe in the 19th century and into the early years of the 20th as labour was sought to “man” the burgeoning factories that would soon catapult the US to the top of the industrial heap, the “golden door” was slammed shut to those from “non-White” nations.

At the same time, the US was extracting raw materials from those same non-White nations in massively exploitative fashion, throwing most into grinding poverty even as they were exposed to its wealthy lifestyle through its media.

Following World War (WW) II, illegal immigration from these countries became a growing phenomenon, as those peoples sought the “good life” in “America”. When by the mid-1960s, the US started issuing a fixed number of visas to those countries, this merely acted to increase the number of “tired and poor” overcoming all sorts of barriers to enter “the land of the brave”.

Small as it was in population, Guyana punched above its weight in sending both legal and illegal immigrants to the US.

By the 1980s, reacting to nativist pressures, the American authorities discovered an “illegal immigrant” problem. By definition this meant that sentiments were aroused in the populace that America was to “be protected” from these immigrants. That these latter folks were shown by every study to be contributing far more to American society that they took was swept under the carpet.

The racist premises of American nativism are not to be ignored, even though disguised.

Since that time, every American President has proposed the creation of a new immigration regime to deal with the issue in a structured manner. The approaches offered diverged precisely according to the Democratic-Republican schism in American politics, with the latter party more sympathetic to nativist sentiments.

After three decades of proposals which were never able to get through the Congress because of the split, President Barack Obama, issued an Executive Order on Immigration last week to break the logjam.

As its name suggests, the Order is totally the President’s initiative and has been immediately challenged by the Republicans as exceeding his constitutionally defined powers. Almost every Guyanese family has an illegal immigrant relative or friend in the US and Obama’s action has understandably stirred great interest.

Its most noteworthy feature is that those illegal immigrants who have been at least five years in the country and have children born there, will not be subjected to the dreaded “deportation orders”.

This does not mean that they will be given the much coveted “green card” signalling “permanent residence” status, or even that they will even be given the much talked about health care access that Obama has introduced: they will be in a limbo from where they still would not be able to visits their native country.

To sell the idea to a sceptical Republican Party and Conservative Democrats, it has been suggested that this move might just boost the depressed housing market. The theoretically stateless individuals would now be able to have homes but not “residence”.

Hope for the future

If people like Freddie Kissoon are allowed to shape public opinion, what will happen to Guyana?

Dear Editor,

It is with the utmost disgust (this is an understatement) that I read Freddie Kissoon’s column on November 21. This man happens to be the greatest evil that exists in Guyana.

Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker mentioned in a press conference that 90 percent of garbage that blocks the canals are Styrofoam boxes and plastic bottles which are thrown into canals and waters by the ordinary citizens.

Yet Kissoon reacts like the persona in William Blake’s “The Poison Tree” who ,when seeing his friend turned foe, dead under the tree, responds with the following: “In the morning glad I see him outstretched beneath the tree.”

Kissoon takes joy in seeing what the flood has done to the businesses in Geogetown. He says, “The

ones who will suffer the most are those with their super profits and are the biggest supporters of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government. I want them to be hurt”. He does not chastise his fellow citizens for their poor disposal of garbage. What kind of person will harbour such ill will for his fellow Guyanese because of their political affiliations?

This man is filled with malice and hatred. Intelligent people will not say everything that is in their minds. These businesses were built with sweat and tears over many years, they contribute to the development of Guyana by providing an invaluable service to Guyanese, and they also support sports and charities.

Kissoon pretends to be a follower of Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, but he does not subscribe to

the wonderful philosophyof compassion, and love for everyone , including with those whom one may have political and philosophical differences - of these gentlemen. It is no wonder that Kissoon says that he does not believe in God.

I remember growing up in Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder in the 70s and early 80s. We had no electricity and water. We had to go to school in the muddy dams with the mud up to your knees.

I remember one day the then Minister Oscar Clarke visiting our settlements and demanding that everyone plant their farms. He mentioned nothing of the lack of electricity and water and the poor dams.

My parents brought us to a coastal village called Letter Kenny. It was no different. It was only in 1992

that we received water taps in our homes and the roads were paved. We also had the previledge of having a University of Guyana Campus at Tain, Berbice which was opened in 2000 by the then President Bhaerat Jagdeo.

Kissoon only find faults everyday. Imagine he talks about the “ugly” Berbice Bridge, but fails to mention the great inconvenience that the Jagdeo administration has removed by building this bridge.

Even Kissoon had to wait for hours for the boat when he lectured at the Berbice campus. One shudders to think if this Government is removed and people like Kissoon are allowed to shape public opinion what will happen to Guyana.

Yours truly, Rakesh Singh

It is painful for those who have voted for APNU

Dear Editor, Leader of the Opposition

David Granger holds a constitutional office. So far he has not responded to President Donald Ramotar’s invitation for inter-prorogation dialogue to address critical national issues which the 10th Parliament should have addressed, had it not been for the parliamentary Opposition’s partisan and senseless No-Confidence Motion.

This is a demonstration of sound national leadership being thrown into the garbage bin of political history by the Opposition.

But having not respond-

ed to the President’s invitation for talks on important national issues, Granger does not seem to understand the importance of his constitutional office, which clearly reveals that he is a part of the political problem and definitely not a solution.

How painful is this for those who have voted for the PNC/APNU. This goes for the AFC as well for being in coalition with the PNC. It only time for their ultimate destruction.

The fact that Granger is not constructively using his constitutional office, being the Leader of the Opposition, to engage

in talks with the President tells the Guyanese people that he is only interested in Executive power.

His remuneration should therefore be drastically cut to that of an ordinary MP, so as to avoid wasting taxpayers’ money. This should be in any amended Constitution, which the parliamentary Opposition claims is needed.

Granger and Ramjattan are saying that they will not meet with the President to have talks until Parliament is reconvened. But the President is simply urging these two politicians to have talks with him and to formulate a parliamentary agenda

on which an order paper can be based for Parliament to be reconvened.

So here it is, and the people of Guyana must know, that President Ramotar badly wants to reconvene Parliament. But it is Granger and Ramjattan who do not want Parliament to be reconvened through their reluctance to hold simple talks with the President.

But the people of Guyana are watching their unpatriotic and anti-national conduct.

Yours sincerely Peter Persaud

AFC-PNC coalition and elections

Dear Editor,

The WPA co-leader David Hinds queried why the AFC Indian leaders did not attend the anti-PPP/C rally organized by the PNC on November 14 and instead sent instead its Black leaders to address the gathering.

The AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan explained in a report in another section of the media that he (and presumably other Indians in the AFC) decided not to attend the anti-PPP/C rally because he (they) felt that the PPP/C would use it for propaganda purposes to weaken the support of the AFC among Indians who provided the bulk of the AFC support in the 2011 elections.

The report also quoted Ramjattan as saying that his goal is to destroy the PPP/C base (meaning Indians) and the PPP/C, presumably siphoning off Indian votes from the PPP/C to allow the PNC to win a plurality.

The PNC leader David Granger says he will form a coalition with the AFC after

the election if a pre-election coalition is not possible.

David Hinds chastised the AFC Indian leaders for not rallying with the PNC leaders saying it was the AFC’s action, supported by the PNC, that led to prorogation of Parliament. Hinds felt that AFC should have been foot to foot with the PNC since the latter backed the AFC and they are a team working together to remove the PPP/C from office.

Agreeing with Hinds, people I spoke with feel that Ramjattan, Moses Nagamootoo, Freddie Kissoon, Veerasammy Ramayya, etc, should have been speakers at the PNC rally, providing solidarity with the PNC, as they did over the last three years.

It was the AFC that filed the No-Confidence Motion in Parliament demanding that its senior partner PNC support the motion to bring down the PPP/C Government. The PNC reluctantly supported the motion and this led to the prorogation of Parliament.

If the PNC had not followed the AFC, Parliament would still be in session and the people’s business being conducted. The PNC was against holding snap elections and prefers Local Government Elections.

The PNC is now rallying for the President to revoke the prorogation. People feel it is only fair that the AFC reciprocates the support it received and backs the PNC in its demand to the President to recall Parliament.

Moses, Khemraj and Freddie should have been front line speakers at the PNC rally. They should not treat the PNC like it has “kokobeh”.

On a related subject, President Ramotar has been meeting with various stakeholders convincing them to carry on their investments and programs for national development. People are not in favour of the early dissolution of the assembly.

The President has invited the two Opposition parties for consultation

to move forward with the people’s agenda. But they turned him down, instructing the President to recall Parliament so they can reintroduce the Motion of No Confidence that will result in elections by Mashramani.

People don’t want elections during the holiday period. The President should continue to try all avenues to get the Opposition to agree to the recall of Parliament to address concerns other than dissolving the Parliament.

If it is the two parties want to have elections, which would have happened had they gone ahead with the no confidence motion, then they should meet the President and so advise him.

If the parties are not prepared to compromise on a way forward, new elections are inevitable. But the parties should respect the people’s views and don’t hold the elections during the holiday season, which could disrupt business activities.

Yours truly, Vishnu

Bisram

Raising the age of retirement for public servants

Dear Editor,

One of the ways we can improve our country’s economic standing is by raising the age of retirement in the public service. Let those workers stay a little while longer on the job to make that worthwhile and valuable contribution to the life of the country.

It will also mean a few more years of giving back by way of National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions before retirement. These are important aspects of any country working its way along the developmental path.

President Donald Ramotar alluded to this thought when he made mention of Guyana becoming a developed country in a recent address to the nation. He was in effect saying that we in the Third World, by adopting and adapting to those modalities of those of the First World nations, can attain developed status.

Certainly, it is not an elusive dream, it is attainable, and in our lifetime, so says the President. I wholeheartedly believe it and here’s my reason for saying this.

If you take a closer look at the developed world England for example, you see retirement age at 70 years with the English looking to raise this to 75 years. What the British are saying is do not allow age and experience to go to waste; keep the worker gainfully employed doing

what he/she does best.

There is a whole lot of wealth and stability for the nation in allowing persons to work on.

Guyana’s retirement age is 55 years, a time when most workers are young, strong and brimful of experience. With such early retirement means that those workers become dependent on the state by way of pensions, gratuities and NIS refunds soon after.

It means there is an awful lot of monies going out of the national Treasury when that could have been delayed for another five years. Guyana’s dilemma is further exacerbated when these same workers are rehired - a situation that is prevalent in Guyana - when they have to be additionally paid a pension plus that of their month to month contract.

Won’t it have been easier for them to stay on say until age 60 where none of the above paying out of monies were necessary.

It may seem a trivial matter but let’s picture the scenario of 100 persons retired in the coming calendar year 2015. This means that 100 persons have to come under the umbrella of the state in the paying out of various pensions and benefits.

If the retirement age was raised to 60 this means that (100 x 5 = 500) 500 more collective years could have been gainfully utilized in useful service as well as NIS contributions.

Let me make mention of what obtains in St Lucia and I must say in most Caricom States. The retirement age is 60 years before can become eligible for a pension. Well, that was up until 2003, when upon reaching the age of retirement you would be given a monthly NIS stipend minus a pension.

In 2003, by an act of Parliament all public servants would only be eligible for a refund of their NIS contributions and not a pension from the government’s coffers. Government has absolved itself from the task of having to deplete its resources while siphoning off the public servant to subsist on a robust NIS.

On the other hand, neither Guyana’s treasury nor its NIS is not so robust yet they are paying out much more to the worker. Not patterning itself exactly as the St Lucian model. However, we here in Guyana can learn a useful lesson.

We can by easing the heavy duty off the state somewhat in the raising of the retirement age, especially in the light of a higher life expectancy where many of those retirees would have to be remunerated by the state. Those our retirees would have been subsisting on monies way past the time that they’ve worked.

It is time the Finance Minister explore the possibility of raising the retire-

Divisional Commander understands rape to be a violent act

Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken

ment age in Guyana. It is a forward and developmental approach to the state attaining developed status.

Sincerely, Neil Adams

Dear Editor, Divisional Commander ‘A’ Division (Georgetown, East Bank/East Coast Demerara from Moblissa to Turkeyen) Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken wishes to apologise to all members of the Guyanese society who have been negatively affected by his comments made in relation to the offence of rape during his presentation of the Divisional Christmas Policing Plan on November 17. The comments made were an unfortunate bad

choice of words since, like every other member of the Force, the Divisional Commander understands rape to be a violent act of power and aggression by the perpetrator on a weaker person. Rapists are criminals who ought to be treated as such, and victims are certainly not responsible for the violence committed against them.

Ivelaw Whittaker Public Relations and Press Officer

Page Foundation

Asnapshot of the Ebola epidemic raging across West Africa shows a wildfire of infections only slightly contained.

While cases have been on the decline in Liberia, the outbreak is worsening in neighbouring countries, where basic Ebola-fighting tools are impractical.

Identifying the infected and those they’ve touched, and isolating them to break the transmission chain are all but impossible in Sierra Leone’s capital of Freetown as well as the jungles of Guinea, says Jordan Tappero, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s second-in-command for the regional response.

The new surge of Ebola in Sierra Leone follows a devastating one in Monrovia two months ago. Such a furious spread is something disease trackers say they’ve never seen in the 38 years since the virus was first identified.

“This is kind of unprecedented or uncharted territory for (fighting) Ebola,” Tappero says, particularly in the congested streets of Freetown. “When you get these large urban outbreaks, there’s just too many people. Contact tracing teams can’t track everybody.”

Here in Liberia, new cases continue to pop up, though on a smaller scale, and there are adequate treatment facilities – virtually the only goods news right now in the Ebola war. But as infection clusters still emerge in rural areas of the country, CDC teams rush in like firefighters to assess and assist and are increasingly exhausted, says team leader Kevin DeCock.

“People are stretched. They’re running 18 hours a day. It’s difficult. And everyone is doing that,” DeCock says.

All it took to trigger the current outbreak in Mali was an ailing 70-year-old grand imam from Guinea, who crossed into the country last month and checked into a clinic where he died within two days of Ebola, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Five died and more than 400 required isolation as a result.

“I don’t think we can say it’s under control”

in Mali, Tappero says.

Sierra Leone, where there is a shortage of treatment facilities, is the leading edge of the epidemic right now. In 17 days through November 21, infections increased by 30 per cent to more than 6000 cases and more than 1200 deaths, WHO reported. In the same time frame, infections jumped 18 per cent in Guinea and 8.5 per cent in Liberia. Overall, more than 5400 have died from the virus across West Africa.

In Sierra Leone, the best responders can do is ensure bodies are quickly retrieved and burials carried out safely because of the inability to trace those who have come into contact with Ebola patients, Tappero says.

In neighbouring Guinea, key problems are simply reaching infected areas in far-flung villages and overcoming local superstitions that blame Ebola deaths on treatment efforts.

“There is still a great deal of fear in some remote areas that ETUs (Ebola treatment centres) are killing patients,” according to a CDC assessment. “We are working out ways to investigate that further and develop countermessages ... working with a local imam in (the capital) Conakry to push out religious-themed messages which seem to resonate.”

People are infected when they have direct contact through broken skin, or the mouth and nose, with the blood, vomit, faeces or bodily fluids of someone with Ebola.

The virus can be present in urine and semen too.

Infection may also occur through direct contact with contaminated bedding, clothing and surfaces – but only through broken skin.

It is still unclear how long the virus exists on surfaces but there is some evidence to suggest it can last up to six days. Bleach and chlorine can kill Ebola.

The disease is not airborne, like flu. Very close direct contact with an infected person is required for the virus to be passed to another person. (Excerpt from USA Today and BBC News)

By DeBBie Pincus

Sometimes we parents don’t think we are anxious because we are not trembling in our boots. Often there is no visible sign of how anxious we are. Yet when we look inside our heads, we notice that we spend a lot of time thinking about our children – sometimes scary thoughts about things that haven’t even happened. These “awfulizing” thoughts can sound something like this:

“He didn’t do well in school last year; I’m afraid this year will be worse.”

“I wasn’t crazy about the children she was hanging around with last year; I can only imagine who she will be hanging with this year!”

ally comforted when we think up every worst-case scenario and then worry about them. We think that somehow if we just worry enough, we can control things and make them go right. But fretting about the future, about the unknown, can cause extreme thinking, stirring up our fears, imaginations and projections. “He will never…She always… He’s a loser…” No surprise that this causes our (and everyone else’s) anxie-

“How is she going to handle all the increased pressure of being on the team? She will never be able to do it.”

“My son always lies to me. He reminds me of my delinquent brother who’s done nothing with his life. Is that going to happen to my son too?”

It’s natural to want to protect our children from what might happen or to try to make sure nothing bad does happen. And funny as it sounds, our brains are actu-

ty to skyrocket which causes us to –guess what… worry more! It’s an unending negative cycle unless we can get control of our anxious and “awfulizing” thoughts.

When parents get caught up in this negative cycle, we often find that we are spending much of our energy directing, lecturing, hovering, cajoling or nagging instead of connecting with our children. We get so frantic about “fixing” things that we are not able to see we are parenting

out of fear rather than from a calm, realistic and helpful place. We lose track of the facts about our children and see them from the lens of our anxieties, often stemming from our own unfinished business. Maybe we didn’t do well in Seventh Grade or felt left out of the popular group. It’s normal to want our children to do better than we did and not fall into the same holes. But it can be hard to see that perhaps that’s not where they are headed. Until we can recognise and name all this “awfulizing” as anxiety and reactivity rather than the actual facts about our children, we will not see our children clearly and, therefore, will not be able to give them what they actually need. We worry and “awfulize”, rather than guide. In order to see our children as they are, not how we wish them to be, we need to calm our anxiety down first. Calm is contagious – calm parents raise calm children.

Easier said than done? For sure! After all, we are only human. But it can be done. Here are some tips to being a less anxious, calmer parent.

Know what you can and can’t control. Control battles can be over many things, like friends, school, and even food. Is it possible to provide healthy foods in your house? Yes, that is something a parent can do and be responsible for. But can you make your child eat them? Maybe, but at what cost to you, your child and your relationship? Anxiety about their health might compel you to “make” them eat those vegetables but that might only land you in a battle of wills that becomes less about the vegetables and more about “you don’t control me”. Put your efforts into what you have control over and let go of what you don’t. Accepting that you can’t possibly control every outcome will help you feel calmer. And you will be making the space your children need to learn to be responsible for their choices.

Know the difference between fear and facts

The best way to know if you are parenting from fear is to ask yourself if there is any evidence of what you are so worried about. You might worry that your child is unhappy. Write down the evidence that backs this belief up. (Excerpt from empoweringparents)

One dead, another injured after Bartica accident

An accident on the Four Miles, Pataro Road, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Sunday evening has left one man dead and another hospitalised.

Dead is Alden Straker, 21, of Two Miles, Pataro Road while Julian Rodrigues, 21 also from the same area has been admitted at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

He is suffering from fracture limbs and lacerations to the face.

According to information received, Straker also called ‘Carl’ was heading to Four Miles, Pataro while Rodrigues was reportedly travelling out from the area. The bike that Rodrigues was riding reportedly did not have lights thus making it difficult for Straker to see him.

This resulted in a headon collision. Both men were taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where Staker died while receiving medical attention. Rodrigues was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Police in a release stated that the two men were found lying on the roadway at Four Miles, Bartica with injuries to their bodies.

As such, the Police suspected that the men were involved in an accident since their motorcycles were found in close proximity.

During a telephone conversation with a relative of

the dead man, she explained that Straker left home early Sunday morning to meet his friends at Bartica. From all indications, the young man was heading to the 4 Miles housing scheme when the accident occurred at about 19:00h.

The relative stated that she was at home when she received a telephone call informing her that her cousin was involved in an accident. The young woman stated that by the time they arrived at the hospital, he was

Hicken apologises for "unfortunate" comment

After a series of protests by women rights activists last week, Commander of ‘A’ Division (Georgetown-East Bank/East Coast Demerara from Moblissa to Turkeyen) Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken on Monday issued an apology to persons who took umbrage to his comments made about rape a few weeks ago.

In a release, Hicken said he “wishes to apologise to all members of the Guyanese society who have been negatively affected by his comments made in relation to the offence of Rape.”

He emphasized that his comments were a bad choice of words and does should not be taken to mean he does not understand the social effects of rape.

“The comments made were an unfortunate bad choice of words since, like every other member of the Force, the Divisional Commander understands Rape to be a violent act of power and aggression by the perpetrator on a weaker person. Rapists are criminals who ought to be treated as such, and victims are

certainly not responsible for the violence committed against them.”

The Guyana Police Force has already come out in defence of Hicken after concerns were initially raised with respect to the statement.

The Police in a release said that Hicken’s comment “has been taken out of context” adding that the Divisional Commander had no intention to, in any way, justify sexual assaults”.

The Police noted that Hicken has an abundance of experience which would have led to him making the statement to the reporters last Monday.

Hicken had suggested that in some cases, the mode of dress of victims may have contributed to rape.

“The Divisional Commander felt obligated to share that information as one of his crime prevention strategies focusing on sexual assault…while the males in our society ought not to interpret a female’s mode of dress to be sending a particular type of signal, the fact remains that it is happening to some degree”.

already dead. She however, had a look at him and related that he sustained severe head injuries.

Straker, a cook, in the interior returned home a few days ago. He purchased the motorcycle about a month since he was fond of riding. The young man leaves to mourn his parents and five siblings.

His body is at the Bartica Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination. Police are continuing their investigations.

tuesDAY, november 25, 2014 |

GHRA calls for Sexual Assault Referral Centres in wake of incidents of violence against women

The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has suggested the implementation of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) as the Guyana Police Force, based on its experiences, cannot professionally handle cases involving violence against women.

According to a press release, the GHRA has been involved in cases in which the Police, particularly in rural locations, discouraged victims from reporting sexual offences, distorted statements to eliminate sexual offences, or refused to take statements altogether.

“The unpredictable response of the Police is possible, because reporting takes place in Police stations, an environment completely under control of the GPS [Guyana Police Service] and isolated from modern thinking about sexual offences,” the GHRA said in the release.

A SARC would be ideal for such cases, it said. In other societies, these centres manage and tailor responses to the particular needs of the victim. A Police officer is present on duty to take statements when the victim is ready to provide them – which may take days or weeks

However, currently, victims of sexual assault who report to Police stations in

Speeding car kills Corentyne man day after birthday

ACorentyne man lowas killed on Sunday after partaking in post celebrations to observe his 75th birth anniversary.

Dead is Dhanraj Doodnauth of Number 10 Village, Corentyne who was struck by a speeding car while on the Corentyne Highway.

The incident occurred around 16:30h.

The Guyana Times understands that the peddle cyclist was left his home to go to a shop in another street to purchase items for a get-together he was having.

The source said he was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Eyewitnesses say Doodnauth was riding in the corner of the road when the car drove into his path.

“It hit he and the bicycle up-side-down. And the bicycle pin on the car bumper before he fall down”, an eyewitness reported.

Doodnauth was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to a Police release, the driver of the car is in Police custody assisting with the investigations.

According to the dead man’s daughter-in-law Sunita Doodnauth the driver of the car expressed sympathy to family members and offered to compensate the family.

The daughter-in-law said they cannot accept any offer at this time because their siblings are overseas along with two of his five children.

Georgetown are referred to the central station, Brickdam, where a medical examination is performed.

While this is an improvement over untrained Police officers in every station handling sexual assaults as they please, the GHRA said, the problem is the focus and priority being entirely on the medical examination as a source of forensic evidence.

absence of rape kits in hospitals and almost equally widespread ignorance in the medical profession over how to conduct medical examinations of sexual assault victims usually results in hesitant medical personnel relying on the Police to direct what should be done.

According to the GHRA, initiatives such as SARCs require administrative

“The unpredictable response victims receive at stations across the country and the reduction of the medical response to forensically inefficient evidencegathering, both prompt the question whether the reporting function should take place away from Police stations.”

While this best serves the needs of the Police, priority health needs of victims are much broader.

Subsequent to the brief examination by the Police doctor at Brickdam, in which rape kits are not used, victims are encouraged to go to the Georgetown Public Hospital for other medical needs to be addressed. This procedure undercuts the use of rape kits as a forensic tool which could increase the likelihood of conviction. There are also victims going to two Police stations and undergoing two medicals.

Unpredictable response

“The unpredictable response victims receive at stations across the country and the reduction of the medical response to forensically inefficient evidencegathering, both prompt the question whether the reporting function should take place away from Police stations.

“The ‘stand-alone’ response isolates the Police from the key feature of modern thinking about sexual offences, namely, the integrated provision of services in one place, preferably located close to a major hospital,” the release stated.

Moreover, the human rights body said, an integrated response also requires improved performance from the health services. The widespread

and budgetary support. They also need to be promoted and understood. Several years ago, an initiative in which the GHRA brought together officials and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) responders to examine provision of integrated services received an overwhelmingly positive response. Had the Sexual Assault Task Force been active, as called for by the Sexual Offences Act, this initiative could have evolved and become sustainable.

Male dominance

However, in Guyana, dominance of male figures in society is so pervasive as to place direct and personal responsibility on all males to take steps to dismantle the rules, habits and practices in their spheres of influence which control the behaviour of females. Those males in leadership and prominent roles have an even greater responsibility in this respect.

The GHRA noted that resistance to modernising both legislation and legal procedures with respect to sexual offences is a clearcut example of a culture of male leadership continuing to sustain unacceptable gender control over the legal and judicial regime.

Garrido-Lowe denies being sidelined

– claims she had deal with Trotman about her role

BY ANASTACIA CLEMENTSON

Alliance For Change (AFC) Parliamentarian and former Executive of The United Force (TUF) party, Valerie Garrido-Lowe has denied being sidelined in the party, explaining that she has been pulling her weight in the minority Opposition party ever since crossing the floor.

Lowe speaking to the Guyana Times on Monday stated that no concern was raised by her colleagues in the AFC Executive about her work ethics, contributions, or ability to muster up electoral support for the party at any of their weekly meetings.

She has also denied being silenced within the party and being used as a rubber stamp to attract votes of

the Amerindians. “I feel I have been working very hard in the hinterland”, she told this newscast while insisting that she has earned her position in the

AFC party.

Lowe told this newspaper that she and Raphael Trotman had a deal when she entered the AFC ahead of the 2011 elections.

The understanding related to her contributions and a promise that she would remain an integral part of the party hierarchy.

When questioned about the general leakage of information by other party members about the alleged manner in which she was being treated, Lowe said that maintained that she was not being ignored.

She told this newspaper that she was advised by the Executive Body of the party “not to worry” about what is being said.

In politics, Lowe said, many persons do not feel secure about their political careers and therefore do not work very hard on keeping

their jobs.

This is not the case for her and Lowe continued to stress that over the last two years, she has been putting in a yeoman effort in several hinterland communities to improve the lives of the indigenous peoples there.

While Lowe adopted this position, sources close to the AFC had told this newspaper that there have been concerns over her ability to function effectively both as a parliamentarian for that party and a politician that can attract mass support.

The source went further to suggest that while there has been no official communication of the party’s concerns with Lowe, covert attempts were afoot to ensure that she is not nominated for any prominent post at the upcoming AFC Leadership Convention.

Rohee calls for more transparency at GECOM

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has registered it concern over the failure of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to publicly announce the names of persons it is currently training to work on elections day.

The Party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee said that the PPP was never informed of GECOM’S decision to recruit and train Election Day staff, complaining that as a major political stakeholder, and the oldest political party in Guyana, it should have been made aware.

He explained that while the electioneering body is an independent entity, it still has a responsibility to disclose such information to all stakeholders.

“The party was made aware of this through the media”, Rohee told reporters on Monday. He, on behalf his party is therefore “calling on GECOM to publish the names and address of those persons recruited for polling day staff. Especially those for the positions of returning officers, elections clerk, and clerical assistants”

Such a move, Rohee claimed will provide an opportunity for public scrutiny and confidence building in the entire process. The

move, he also explained, will negate any doubt the public and other government agencies might be beginning to develop about the GECOM.

“GECOM is an independent body and I think it is in the best interest of GECOM to let stakeholders know. Whenever something is “shrouded in secrecy it generates some interest.

Rohee disclosed that the election body has already come under scrutiny, not out of any suspicion that something was done wrong.

“So it is important that it lifts every shroud of secrecy which would cause this to become a reality”.

The General Secretary told reporters that his party

was in favor of the move by the elections commission to enter into a seventh cycle of registration.

This, he said, demonstrates transparency in the electoral process. He said the party has been continuously feeding the election commission with the necessary information to assist it in the transparency process and is satisfied that it is moving in this direction.

Meanwhile, Rohee said the political body disregards the call by GECOM for it to retract an earlier statement which according to him demonstrates democracy and a transparent electoral system.

turned to page 11

Eyew tness

TWishywashy...

...wash-ups

his Eyewitness is beginning to see a pattern in the folks squealing for “a grand coalition”, “shared governance” or “unity Government” in Guyana nowadays. They’re all a bunch of wishy rejects who couldn’t stand the heat of politics. But rather than getting out from the kitchenwhich is hot for a purpose - they’d rather knock down the whole goddamn kitchen. But is a kitchen a “kitchen” if it can’t cook food??

Politics is about deciding how power’s going to be allocated in a state’s authoritative institutions - to decide who gets what, when and how. By the very nature of what that means in real life, not only does that intrinsically lead to contestation and competition - it damn well BETTER lead to contestation and competition.

Those calling for everyone to be basking in love and happiness in Edenic splendour, doling out goodies equally in their model, are either fools or scamps.

The only certainty in that sort of arrangement is that the scope for collusion and thiefing is enlarged. Or conversely, it’s a Trojan Horse for sticking ones big toe inside the door of power - just so that the massacre of the innocents could proceed. With the latest threesome calling for the lambs and lions to lie down in peace, Jinnah Rahaman and Flower Boy Ramsaroop are definitely looking like wideeyed idealists who’ve bought Granger’s snake oil “shared governance” charm. Rahaman’s an old (and we’re talking REAL old) disaffected PPP/Cite who has some grudges (personal and public) to settle with the PPP/C in general and Ramotar in particular. Hell hath no fury like an old comrade superseded!! Since before the last elections, he’s been flirting with APNU. He disappeared for a while, but like all bottom scavengers, senses that the water’s gonna get muddy with garbage soon.

Flower Boy became disaffected along with his buddy “Donkey Cart” Khemraj after Ramjattan refused them a piece of the action. They think they’ll get something if Granger gets in via the shared governance route. That shows just how wet behind the ears they are!! But the third proponent - David Hinds - is just too clever by half!! Imagine this implacable hater of the PPP/C, pleading for them to be included in a “Government of national unity”!! If the PPP/C believes that whopper, this Eyewitness has a bridge across the Essequibo River to sell them!! But Hinds efforts to ease the PNC into power has become too blatant to fool even a simpleton. He’s even accused Granger of being soft!

Beware of the fanaticism of the new convert!! Especially one who still hides behind the mask of a “Rodneyite”!

...legal poseur

Lalloo “Suspenders” Ram’s at it again. In a long, jejune piece in the Muckraker, he regurgitated some stuff trawled from the internet on “prorogation”. Looks like he’s getting paid “by the word” since there was no point to the piece. But then he tries to get cute - which old fogeys should avoid since they’ll inevitably trip themselves up.

He claimed, “Some persons take objections to the prorogation powers being attributed to what many describe as the Burnham Constitution. They are being oversensitive. The reference is eponymous and descriptive, not political or pejorative.”

Well...well...well!! Not “political or pejorative”?? In Guyana whether the word “Burnham” is used as a noun (“Boy, you is a real Burnham” - a “manipulator”) or an adjective (“Dat is a real Burnham move!!” - “scampish” or here, “Burnham Constitution” - “illegitimate”) it’s ALWAYS political AND pejorative!!

Suspenders then questions if “proroguing Parliament” also means “proroguing the President”, since along with the National Assembly, he makes up “Parliament”. Did the legal poseur ever hear of a “synecdoche”?? A part representing the whole??

The chronological aspect of “Parliament” is being “prorogued”, wanker. ...complainant

So the GRA’s head (“metonymy”, Lalloo) has withdrawn the “threatening charge” against Mook Lall. Did Lall not threaten him then? Or does he NOW feel threatened??

Aviation, security workshop hears...

Collusion among airport staff, criminals a major problem

... 98.6 percent of offences at airports committed by staff

By: Jomo Paul

The collusion between airport staff and criminals continues to be a major problem for the authorities who are bent on maintaining law and order in the country’s aviation sector.

This position came out of discussions held on Monday

Unit (CANU) Head James Singh, and other professionals within the aviation sector.

It was attened by several police officials, aviation officials and airport employees who sought to brainstorm ideas to alleviate collusion between crooked officials at the airports and airstrips.

ing CANU officials, Pilots, Customer Service representatives and Guyana Revenue Authority staff all of whom are in some way or another working at the airport.

These individuals, Hopkinson underscored, are prone to becoming engaged in illegal activities at the airport or wherever they are

at a workshop organised by high-level officials attached to the Ogle International Airport.

The workshop saw the presence of Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee Crime Chief Leslie James, Customs and Anti-Narcotics

As the workshop got underway the Security Consultant at the Ogle International Airport, Harold Hopkinson in his opening remarks, related that irrespective of the society there will always be crooked officials includ-

GHRA calls for...

“Last week, [acting] Chief Justice [Ian] Chang again ruled in favour of a challenge to the Sexual Offences Act (SOA), effectively declaring paper committal procedures as embodied in the SOA to be in violation of the constitutional right of defendants to a fair trial. All sexual offences procedures in the Magistrates’ Courts now have to be postponed until this judgment is considered by the Court of Appeal. Convictions in the High Court have reached rock bottom.

Paper committals

“The reason given for the ruling is that the procedure does not allow the defendant the right to crossexamine witnesses for the prosecution. This judgment is only sustainable if paper committals are considered to be a trial, an interpretation few would find persuasive of the relevant constitutional text (Article 144). Paper committals replaced the gender-biased, grossly unfair and now discredited PIs [Preliminary Inquiries] precisely, because PIs had been corrupted from an administrative procedure into minitrials. Notwithstanding Justice Chang’s superior legal acumen, the exact same provisions in the SOA have replaced PIs in Caribbean jurisdictions and in the United Kingdom, and have never provoked the kind of objections found in both the

stationed.

“During my 42 years in this business, I have knowledge that there were bad pilots, bad stewardesses, bad engineers, bad police officers, bad canine handlers, bad airline customer service representative, bad cleaners,

from page 7

first and this most recent judgment,” the GHRA lamented.

It highlighted two recent cases, brought to its attention in which doctors stated that they had not examined the victim for sexual assault because they only complained of physical assault. Police statements in those cases made the same claim.

“This is seriously unprofessional behaviour and needs to be addressed as a priority within the profession. An integrated response is essential in which all providers (official and NGO) – health, Police, probation, counselling, welfare and legal – are brought together to address the problems outlined. An indirect benefit of integrating the Police role would also be to undermine rape myths – such as the way women dress provokes rape - which appears to be still alive and well in the Guyana Police Force,” the release further stated.

The commemoration of International Day to Stop Violence Against Women on November 25 is an opportunity to recall the categories and circumstances globally in which such violence occurs, the GHRA urged.

Domestic violence, child and forced marriage, female infanticide, female genital mutilation, sexual trafficking and rape all contribute to a global health problem of epidemic proportions according to the World Health

Organisation. One contributory factor surfaces in virtually all forms of violence against women, namely, the controlling behaviour of males over females, manifest in religious, cultural, professional, political and economic relations.

bad private security officers, bad ground handling agents, bad CANU and GRA officers and these types of employees continue to emerge.” said Hopkinson.

He insisted that by identifying these agents, he should not be seen as attacking anyone but rather identifying a problem that continues to plague the airline industry.

He said, “It is my opinion that there is room for improvement, as we say...security is everyone’s business.”

He noted that over the years criminal elements have been able to entice “grainy and unethical” airport staff member with large sums of monies to collude with them to commit illegalities.

These range from the trafficking of contraband to illegal migration.

Integrity

“These workers have been selling their integrity and jeopardising the lives of the crew and all those on the aircraft” Hopkinson said while noting that many times the monies offered by criminals cannot be attained on a regular salary from the employers.

In another address, Wilfred McIntyre a high level security official for Caribbean Airlines related that some 98.6 percent of crimes done at airports are committed with the help of airport staff members.

It was noted that this related figure was ‘alarming” and some urgent measures needed to be implemented to ensure that it decrease.

Those measures may include better salaries to staff

and more appreciation for the work done.

“If you pay peanuts you get monkeys” emphasized McIntyre.

“Who is to guard the guard?” questioned McIntyre who added that “all airport personnel have the moral authority” to report suspicious behaviour of their colleagues.

He related that this figure was acquired from studies and is relative to the Caribbean and South America.

“Civil aviation is vulnerable to crime, crime has no boundaries. Only the law has boundaries” McIntyre said while noting that “the enemy in most instances is within.”

He confessed that this was in a large part due to the fact that the workers had an overwhelming belief that he or she would not get caught in the perpetration of the act.

The Caribbean Airlines official further contended that it is also done due to the fact that the persons are more than likely to be subjected a financial difficulty or strain in their personal

life.

It was noted too that at present the biggest threat to aviation security in the Caribbean and South America is trafficking in Narcotics.

He related that most international countries impose strict fines on airlines that are found to have facilitated that trafficking of narcotics to its country.

One example as pointed out by McIntyre was the United States of America, which imposed a fine of US$1000 for every ounce of cocaine discovered.

He said it is important that officials keep themselves abreast with the “trends” in the criminal world as there are new methods being discovered everyday to trick the system and transport narcotics.

Meanwhile, Rohee who delivered the feature address reiterated that Guyana and the Caribbean are not the only places affected by collusion among airport staff with criminal elements.

Rohee related that in most cases, no one individual should be sought after as there is always an inside man.

“Illegal activities are rarely executed singlehandedly, we are looking not for one but for many in addressing this situation” the Home Affairs Minister said.

He urged that the issue be addressed in a most “aggressive” and results oriented manner.

Recently officials at Guyana’s ports of entry have made some startling discoveries that included cocaine in pepper, achar, and other local delicacies.

Glenn Lall gets breather until January 2015 in tax fraud case

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall and his wife, Bhena, the owner of Bhena’s Footwear, made their second court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday morning on multiple tax evasion charges.

The case was adjourned by Magistrate Judy Latchman to January 8, 2015.

The Lalls’ co-accused, remigrant couple Naroontandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan were no-shows for the second time. The four are charged with attempting to defraud the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and by extension, the State of over $100 million in taxes payable on the import of two luxury SUV vehicles from the US. The Brijnanans imported the vehicles under the Government’s Remigrant Scheme allegedly for the Lalls.

The allegations against the pair read that between June 18, 2013 and September 20, 2013, at Lot 200-201 Camp Street, Georgetown, Demerara, a place in the Georgetown Magisterial District, they made and subscribed to false declarations on two Lexus LX 570 motor vehicles to be US$44,158 respectively, contrary to Section 217 (1a) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall and his wife, Bhena

In addition to those charges, they were slapped with two counts of aiding and abetting in a conspiracy to defraud the Government of due taxes. To all the charges, the Lalls pleaded not guilty.

During their first court appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, the couple were released on their own recognisance as their Attorney, Khemraj Ramjattan, successfully submitted a bail application.

He had noted that the two were well-known business persons with millions in assets; hence, they were

unlikely to flee the jurisdiction.

While Attorney Sandil Kissoon, representing the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), made no objections to bail being granted, but objected to the duo being released on their own recognisance.

During their previous appearance, the accused were represented by a host of attorneys, namely: Ramjattan, Nigel Hughes, Joseph Harmon, Christopher Ram, Rex McKay, Bettina Glasford, Brendan Glasford, and Robin Hunte.

However, only the Lalls were again present in court on Monday.

A phone call got somebody real friken

Lil pickney does get friken quick. Especially when big people tell dem jumbie stories to friken dem. Lil pickney does can’t even sleep when dem hear jumbie stories. Some does sleep and wake up, and mek de big people who tell dem de stories can’t sleep.

Some big people does also friken jumbie stories and can’t sleep good, so imagine lil pickney. It gotta big man around GT who ain’t sleepin good these days. Is about three months now he ain’t sleepin good, just like when lil pickney hear jumbie stories.

But whah he hear wasn’t no jumbie story. That was a real story. Old people does call dem tru tru story. He hear de story bout three months ago when he had get a phone call to he cell phone.

And these days any body who hear dem cell phone ring does start to tremble. Especially de A-Gee. Some body seh de A-Gee was givin away cell phones de other day fuh Christmas, but no body had want to tek any.

Maybe, tings not so hard after all, and although Christmas is a time fuh giving and sharin, it ain’t mean people gon tek every ting whah givin away. And definitely not cell phones from some people, once de Kocheur people still around.

De big man who got de phone call is a Guvament officer who claim he does wuk hard, as opposed to dem other Guvament officers who he seh does hardly wuk. Now it got plenty Guvament officers who ain’t sleepin good as well. But dem problem wid sleepin is that dem ain’t tired enuff, because dem don’t wuk hard enuff during de day.

But this Guvament officer gotta different sleepin problem. Athough he seh he wukkin hard, he still ain’t sleepin. De problem is that since de phone call, he seh he friken. Then he seh he never seh he friken.Then he seh he friken to seh he friken.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! All because after that first phone call, he getta another phone call. And that is de one that got he real friken!

Food For The Poor supporting Health Ministry in Ebola preparations

More than 200 bottles of sanitiser and a quantity of wipes were donated to the Health Ministry by Food For The Poor Guyana Incorporated (FFTP), to further assist the Ministry as it continues to prepare to combat the threat of the Ebola virus.

On receipt of the items, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud, once again thanked FFTP for delivering on its promise to assist the Ministry wherever possible.

A few weeks ago, FFTP donated a quantity of medical supplies to help the Ministry in its preparedness to fight the disease.

The Health Ministry has

instituted a number of measures in light of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, setting up surveillance points at the ports of entry and isolation facilities at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Georgetown Public Hospital, as well as training 1600 personnel, including health workers, customs, and immigration and airline staff, to combat the disease.

The current Ebola outbreak has killed more than 5450 people in mostly West Africa, with Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone the three worst hit nations. It continues to rage on, although international efforts have slowed the

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

The World Health Organisation (WHO) admits the figures are underestimates given the difficulty collecting the data and warns that there could be as many as 20,000 cases by the end of November if efforts to tackle the outbreak are not stepped up.

Ebola is spread by direct contact with an infected person or their fluids. The Health Ministry has been focused on training health workers on the safer handling of body fluids such as blood, sweat, urine and sputum, the CMO said.

Sun and Sand Hotel construction to begin soon

LIAT downplays speculation over staff cuts

President Donald Ramotar on Monday confirmed that the construction of the US$54M Sun and Sand Hotel is expected to commence soon, dismissing misinformation being peddled by Opposition members that the project lacks transparency and is falling through.

Back in July, Ramotar had turned the sod along with officials from the Indian owned Sun and Sand Group of Companies for the commencement of work on the hotel.

The Hotel, when completed, will include a casino, along with a commercial block and club house.

Rooms

It will contain 163 rooms and provide jobs for several hundred Guyanese. The construction of the five-star hotel is expected to last for approximately 18 months.

In the interim, that work has been delayed somewhat due to teething issues with getting the project off the work.

But Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Khemraj

Ramjattan is quoted in sections of the media as expressing the view that there might be more to the actual deal that the government negotiated with the Indian investors.

He alleged that his party was of the view that the project appeared less than transparent and that concession and other facilities may have been granted.

Information

Ramjattan is also on record as giving his party’s commitment to ascertain pivotal information about the deal that could remove any suspicion that it is being used as a front to enter in the lucrative operations in the mineral sectors here.

“We have few details of this deal. It was announced suddenly and we would like to know whether any mining concessions were tied to the hotel construction,” he is quoted as saying.

However, President Ramotar insisted that as far as he was aware, the project was still very much on the cards and there was no plan by the investors to withdraw

Rohee calls for...

Rohee said the party is bent on using every avenue to make access to free and fair election possible

Rohee explained the commission continues to disregard the critical issues raised by the party which could lead to a negative impact on the integrity of the electoral process.

He said his party has maintained its position and will not withdraw any statement on issues which support democracy and a transparent electoral process.

GECOM, he said, must be reminded that the largest portion of Guyanese who voted in 2011 did so for the PPP. Against this backdrop he stressed that the party has a responsi-

From page 8

bility to ensure that all obstacles are removed to ensure free and fair elections. He said it was the PPP that paid the highest price for free and fair elections and for the establishment for an independent election commission. The party will continue to advocate for the legitimate concerns of all Guyanese in respect to elections.

He said if this is seen as attacking the commission and the chairman, then it is the party’s view that transparency may not be a priority of GECOM after all.

Rohee related that on the issue of voter education, the party was rebutted by GECOM. He said the elections commission must

or cancel their investment in the multimillion dollar venture.

When contacted, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali told Guyana Times the same. He also denied allegations that the project had fallen through and promised to share more information on its current status with this newspaper.

Construction

Director of BK

International Brian Tiwarie told this newspaper that the company has purchased all the equipment needed for construction to begin.

He disclosed that the officials of the company were working feverishly on completing some very important operational and administrative work.

Tiwarie said that they were still awaiting the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and some other important paper work from the Lands and Survey Commission.

That, he reasoned, was responsible in part for the delay in the actual start up

provide answers for the large number of spoilt and rejected ballots in 2011.

“From all indication, it seems that GECOM has the answers to the issue which existed in 2011”, Rohee claimed According to him, voter’s education is vital for the populace especially for inexperienced voters.

Among other issue raised with GECOM were the presence of international observers, employment of a qualified and untainted IT managers, efficient monitoring of the data entry into the NRRDB and proper verification of new registrants among other issues. (alexisr@guyanatimesgy.com)

and operationalisation of the venture.

In addition, getting the plot of land at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara surveyed, on which the hotel is to be built, has also posted a problem.

“Today (yesterday) they went to survey the land but it was wet because of the rain,” Tiwarie said.

He added that the Lands and Survey Commission has promised to get the land surveyed today (Tuesday) which will bring the company one step closer to commencing construction work.

Efforts to speak with Bhushan Chandna, Chief Executive Officer of the company were unsuccessful as he was in a meeting when this newspaper placed a call to his mobile.

The Sun and sand Hotel will add to a series of international hotel companies in interesting in Guyana, including the Marriot and Ramada.

The Sun and Sand Group has also showed interests in venturing in gold mining in Guyana and other sectors of the economy.

The company has mining operations in South Africa and other countries.

Struggling regional airline LIAT on Monday downplayed speculation about possible jobs cuts in light of its efforts to operate “a smaller airline”.

In a terse press release, the airline said the management of LIAT has taken note of recent media reports about proposed job cuts at the company. LIAT’s Head of Corporate Communications, Desmond Brown informed that “any staff cuts that may be required in order to reflect the size of LIAT’s business in the future will only be made in consultation with staff and their representatives. This process has yet to commence and, therefore, any speculation about the number of cuts remains just that – speculation.”

The airline, owned by the Governments of Antigua

and Barbuda, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados, had signalled its intention to reduce its fleet from 11 to nine aircraft in 2015 in a fleet transition programme and reduce its costs to reflect this as it sought to make its operations financially variable.

Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua-based airline, David Evans, said in earlier media reports that like any responsible business “we have to examine our cost base and if we fly fewer aircraft in 2015 than in 2014, we also need to reduce our costs to reflect this”.

But, he said it was “too early to say what impact there may be on jobs as a result of this, and the company will consult with its staff and their representatives over its plans before making any announcement”.

tuesDAY, november 25, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Ramotar likely to remain PPP/C’s Presidential Candidate – Rohee

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

The People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has announced that Head of State President Donald Ramotar will most likely remain the Presidential candidate for the party, should a snap election be called anytime in the near future.

Ramotar was selected by the party as its 2011 Presidential Candidate after a number of nominations were carefully looked and scrutinized. He was serving as the party’s General Secretary at the time.

The Party’s Presidential Candidate and other pertinent issues were up for discussion recently, when the executives commenced discussions on the country’s current political mood, and the possibility of a snap election.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee, at the party’s weekly Press Conference on Monday, disclosed that the committee has been discussing the issue of the presidential candidate but from all indications, the situation will remain the same.

“The central committee started discussion on the matter and has agreed that it will bring it to finality as soon as possible. The issue is being discussed. President Ramotar obviously is the candidate for the time being until the Central Committee

or the executive committees close off on the matter there is one name there at the moment,” Rohee told Journalists at the Freedom House boardroom.

Prorogation

Rohee said the political situation as it regards to dialogue with the opposition, the pros and cons and the worst case scenarios on how the party would proceed have also been discussed.

“That is a matter that came up and all the issues were discussed and ventilated we will continue to assess the situation because we see it as rather dynamic and fluid notwithstanding the position taken by granger when he vehemently refused to hold any consultations with the head of State.”

He told reporters that

the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) may still have its internal faction especially as it relates to President Ramotar’s invitation for consultation.

According to him, “it appears as though there are some elements within the APNU who are bent on not having any dialogue while there are others disposed to having dialogue”. He said that faction may be Granger’s challenge.

“I suspect he is having some difficulties in reconciling the different throng within the party to determine how to answer because I saw him saying he is still pndering how to respond to Ramotar’s letter. I think he’s trying to give it his best shot, having regards to the internal conflict within the party that probably where the answer lies; in his ability to untangle.”

Rohee reiterated that he is “confident as confident can be” that his party would be the victor at any future elections to be held in Guyana. The atmosphere he stressed tells of this.

He said as general secretary of the party, he continues to move around the country where many people have been exuding confidence in the current administration, registering their interest in assisting it in getting over the “parliamentary impasse”.

“Their view as to getting

over this parliamentary impasse is to go straight to election. They even go further to say that in their view, the PPP/C will not only be reelected to office but they are prepared to work hard in order for the party to regain its majority in the National assembly.”

He explained that the party’s visits to traditional areas where it had lost votes in the last election, and speaking to persons who had had “migrated to the AFC”, have expressed their regret.

“They have reassured us that this time around they will vote for the PPP/C because the AFC has not brought them any good and not made good on their promise. As far as they are concerned the best thing for them to do is to vote for the PPP/C the next time around,” Rohee said.

When the prorogation of Parliament comes to an end in six months time, Guyanese may have to go to the polls since the combined opposition has maintained that the no confidence motion will be the first item on the agenda when Parliament reconvenes.

President Ramotar had earlier this month, suspended the sittings of the National Assembly with the main objective of having both government and opposition to meet and whip out their issues. (alexisr@guyanatimesgy.com)

Surrendra Engineering still to receive copy of filed lawsuit

– local office vacated

Surrendra Engineering Company Limited (SECL), the Indianbased firm that was in September barred from continuing the construction of US$18 million Specialty Hospital at Liliendaal, Georgetown, is still to be served the lawsuit filed against it by the Government of Guyana.

The lawsuit filed by the Office of Guyana’s Attorney General in September, is suing the company, seeking to retrieve the US$4.5 billion it unlawfully utilised after signing the multimillion-US dollar contract in 2012.

Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who had originally filed the lawsuit on Sunday, confirmed that the company has not yet been served the claim.

Nandlall told Guyana

GTA plugs quality as Restaurant Week begins

– over 18 businesses participating

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

The importance of higher levels of quality and service were emphasized as Restaurant Week begun in Guyana on Monday as part of several activities to mark Tourism Awareness Month.

Restaurant Week is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG).

Head of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Haralsingh said the week will provide opportunities for restaurants to showcase their creativity while promoting unique Guyanese cuisine.

He also said it’s a “win-win” experience for both restaurants and consumers.

“One of the key objectives of Restaurant Week is to persuade more of the local Guyanese to visit restaurants and fine dining restaurants that they would not ordinarily visit, or for some people, which they think they could not afford,” Haralsingh told Guyana Times at the launch of the week.

Haralsingh also urged consumers to demand the quality service at the restaurants explaining that this is an integral move towards lifting the bar as far as customer service and satisfaction are concerned.

“Be a little bit more demanding.

If you’re paying for a meal and it needs to be served hot, let us insist that it is served that way. Let us insist that we get proper service. Let us insist that we don’t get a quarter of a napkin…” he stressed, noting that he had an awful experience at a local restaurant which could have been easily been avoided if only the entity was a little more firm with providing excellent service.

He used the opportunity to call on all restaurants to ensure they provide quality service so that customers will have something to brag about with their friends and families, which can encourage more persons to visit their bistro.

Moreover, Haralsingh said he hoped that Restaurant Week would attract more restaurants from the

various counties of Guyana.

In fact, he hoped that this initiative can be held two times per year to promote the local restaurants. Meanwhile, at the launch of the event, representatives of participating restaurants disclosed the special offers they have for the public.

Jerries Snackette is offering a Two Course Lunch Menu for only $1000, while Oasis Café, Ridley’s Restaurant, The Garage, Antonio’s Grille, Tuma Sala, The Bottle Restaurant (Cara Lodge), Carnegie School of Home Economics and the Coffee Bean have $2000 lunch specials.

For dinner, The Garage is offering $4000 for a Three Course Dinner Menu consisting of Appetizers, Main Course and Dessert. For

$5000 menus, persons can make reservations at Oasis Café, Aromas Café (Pegasus Hotel), Waterchris Hotel, Antonio’s Grille, Tuma Sala, Buddy’s Mei Tung Restaurant, Italian Grill, Grand Coastal Inc, The Bottle Café and Silhouette Restaurant.

The other participating businesses are Kanuku Suites, Aracari Resort and Herdmanston Lodge.

The restaurants are committed to providing the best service possible and a variety of nutritious and tasty meals.

Persons desirous of learning more about the offers during Restaurant Week can contact the various restaurants or the Guyana Tourism Authority on 219-0094.

Times that Government was hoping to personally serve the lawsuit to the company which has a registered office here in Guyana. However, attempts to do so proved futile; since on approaching the office, it was found that no one was there.

The Attorney General said Government will now be moving to use the substituted service through advertisement. He could not say how soon this will be.

A month after yanking the contract from SECL, Guyana’s Government had sued the India-based company for in excess of US$100 million for alleged fraud, breach of contract and delays in works done.

In the legal document filed by the Attorney General Chambers, Government said that the company was found guilty of fraudulent practices and breach of the terms, conditions and warranties of the contract it had signed back in September 2012 to design, build, equip, test, deliver, install, complete and Commission a Surgical Specialty Hospital located at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown. The contract was signed to the tune of US$18,180,000. According to the court documents, the defendant had failed to perform its obligations under the terms of the contract and to account for the advance payment of US$4,285,440 by way of tendering receipts. Instead, the defendant submitted fabricated, unsigned and sometimes inflated invoices with no evidence of actual payments made or to support the expenditure claimed.

Government claims too that the company had failed to renew its expired Advance Payment Guarantee, which was in breach of the contract.

The company; however, subsequently submitted drafted copies of the Advance Payment Guarantee, Performance Security and Insurance from ‘Worldwide Bankers Re company Limited’ of Trinidad and Tobago.

A letter was also produced and purported to be signed by a D Singh, Director of Financial Institutions, Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, confirming that it has “more than five years in the reinsurance and coinsurance business” and authorised for those operations since 1988.

No such person

But checks made by Government at the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago to verify this revealed that they have no position of “Director of Financial Institutions”, nor any one by the name of “D Singh”. This discovery was made last month and Government subsequently (in a letter dated September 23, 2014) terminated the contract.

continued on page 13

Construction moving apace on East Bank 4-lane Highway

– Head of Works Services Group

Despite the constant delays in the completion of the East Bank FourLane Highway, officials are confident that the project will be completed soon as work is moving apace.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Head of the Works Services Group Geoffrey Vaughn disclosed that based upon the last meeting held with the contractors, work on Lots One and Two should be wrapped up by the end of December.

However, he noted that with the current inclement weather, this might not be possible; nevertheless, they are holding the contractors to this deadline.

According to Vaughn, there are some delays with the contractor, Dipcon Engineering, acquiring mate-

and as such, they sought the Ministry’s assistance is getting the materials and transporting it to the site. He added that they are also looking at some sort of a payment structure for the materials.

“We’re in the process of working with them in terms of that which is part of the contract,” Vaughn said.

Lot One in terms of progress is about 40 per cent complete. This is not much improvement from the last update given to this newspaper by Works Ministry’s Manager of Roads and Bridges Department, Ron Rahaman, who stated that back in August that works on that Lot is 40 per cent completed.

Meanwhile, works are progressing in Lot Two in order to wrap up by December month-end. This Lot is 75 per

rials to complete the work in Lot One. The WSG Head explained that the contractor is having financial difficulties,

cent complete. As it relates to Lot Three, the completion has been pushed back to 2015 due to the construction of the high

bridge located at Diamond. The progress of works on this lot is just over 50 per cent.

The WSG Head further outlined that there are still some issues with regards to the utility that needs to be resolved.

“We are at the stage where we now wrapping up the addendum with GT&T for them to actually move out the last set of buried cables… this is in Lot Three and the adjoining lot between Two and Three,” he noted.

“So you find that is what we have in terms of East Bank, but we are still pushing the contractors to see how quickly we can wrap up these works,” Vaughn stated.

Additionally, Vaughn pointed out that the cost of the project has not exceeded its budget; however, there are additional costs for payments to the Supervisors who are overseeing the project. They are being paid on a monthly basis.

In the meanwhile, an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded feasibility study is currently being conducted from Grove to Timehri to expand and upgrade the Two-lane Highway.

The intention of the Ministry is to widen the road to include parking and a sidewalk, creating more space and convenience.

In May 2011, Cabinet had given its no-objection to the US$1.6 million contract to improve the access road leading to the Cheddi

Providence, Lot One where the works are lagging behind

Jagan International Airport. Government had subsequently obtained US$20 million from the IDB for the East Bank Road Extension Project.

The main objectives of the project are to enhance urban and suburban mobility and safety by lowering transport costs and reducing accident

rates via the expansion of the East Bank Demerara Main Road between Providence and Diamond from two lanes to four lanes. The project is divided into three lots and has been awarded to three contractors.

The 2014 budget provided the sum of $13.7 billion to improve roads and bridges network, of which $12.9 billion will be spent on roads and $844.2 million on bridges.

With the completion of the East Bank and East Coast Demerara Four-Lane Expansion Projects, the traffic congestion, especially at peak hours will be reduced significantly, thus allowing for a smoother and faster traffic flow.

Surrendra Engineering still...

The court document further included five items where the contract was breached which include the fact that the company failed to design and complete the architectural drawings and building plans for which they had already received a US$4.2 million payment.

Additionally, there was another three items that purported to show areas where the construction company had engaged in alleged “corrupt or fraudulent practices” including the false ‘Worldwide Bankers Re company Limited’ documents, along with the fact that they submitted fabricated, unsigned and sometimes inflated invoices with no evidence of actual payments made or to support the

expenditure claimed.

Government in its claims from Surendra Engineering is catering for the 20 per cent Advance Payment amounting to US$3,636,000; an additional sum of US$505,440 for design services; and another US$144,000 that was paid for site mobilisation.

That US$4,285,440, along with an additional $100 million is being sought in damages by Government. Additionally, costs are also being asked for as interest provided for by the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provision).

On September 9, the Donald Ramotar Administration announced that it was terminating the contract of the company to build and design the contro-

versial Specialty Hospital, citing fraud and delays.

However, the construction company denied the claims by Government the following day, accusing the Administration of trying to “wriggle out of its stated commitments towards the project” due to political pressure.

The construction of the Specialty Hospital is part of an agreement between the Governments of Guyana and India, under which this country will use US$18 million through a line of credit to build the hospital. The hospital would cater for complicated surgeries, ranging from heart operations and organ transplants to cosmetic surgery.

One year after blacklisting, Guyana returns to CFATF Plenary

Almost exactly one year to the day the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) formally blacklisted Guyana for its failure to pass AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation, its Plenary Meeting XL and Special Ministerial V Meeting got underway on Monday, in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, along with a team from the Financial Intelligence Unit, is representing Guyana, whose legislation continues to languish for want of cooperation. The country was only spared total blacklisting by the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF) after a high-level commitment to put a menu of non-legislative measures in place to reduce the nation’s AML/CFT risks.

As part of that agreement at the international FATF meeting in Paris, France in October 2014, Guyana was required to provide an update on its status to the CFATF.

The Attorney General provided that update informing the meeting that Guyana has submitted an Action Plan after collaboration with the American Regional Review Group (ARRG). This Action Plan was submitted and approved by FATF at the Paris meeting, where President Donald Ramotar pledged Guyana’s commitment to implementing this Action Plan.

At the ARRG engagement, after a presentation by the

Attorney General, who explained the challenges faced by the Executive Government in Guyana’s Parliament, Guyana was granted until September 2015 to implement the legislative AML/CFT measures and until May 2015 to implement the non-legislative measures. This recommendation was accepted at the FATF meeting.

Ahead of schedule

The Attorney General further informed the meeting that the non-legislative measures are being implemented with dispatch and there is every likelihood that they will be completed long before the May 2015 deadline. In this regard, he recognised the assistance which Guyana continues to receive from the local diplomatic community at various levels.

As regards the legislative measures, the Attorney General pointed out that this area continues to pose tremendous challenges to the Government of Guyana, since, with its one-seat majority in the National Assembly, the joint Opposition refused to lend their support to the enactment of the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill 2013 which captures all the requisite legislative measures.

He further pointed out that since the Paris meeting, there have been some developments, as Parliament was prorogued because the joint Opposition was going to move and pass a No-Confidence Motion, which would have resulted in the dissolution of Parliament and general elec-

Colombia’s FARC says may cancel release of hostages

Ruben Dario Alzate is the first Colombian General to be abducted in 50 years of civil conflict

Colombia’s Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels say they may cancel the release of a highranking General and other hostages because of heavy military presence in the area where they are being held.

In a statement, the rebels complained of massive troop deployments in the northern province of Choco.

The Government suspended peace talks it had been hold-

ing with the rebels in Cuba after General Alzate was captured.

The rebels said they had been planning to free the hostages today.

General Alzate was captured along with a soldier and a female lawyer on November 16.

On Saturday, President Juan Manuel Santos announced the FARC had agreed to release the hostages this week, without specifying the date.

But the rebels have now said that the handover will not go ahead in the current circumstances.

“The area has been taken over by the Army, with troop deployments, aircraft overflights and security measures that restrict the free movement of the communities who live there,” says the statement, released by the FARC peace negotiating team in Havana.

“Unless the conditions change, it will be impossible to release General Alzate and his companions this week.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

tions within three months.

One of the stated reasons for the prorogation of the Parliament was to offer an opportunity for the Government and the joint Opposition to enter into constructive engagements in order to arrive at consensus on a number of national issues, including the swift enactment of the AML/ CFT (Amendment) Bill.

The Attorney General emphasised that should no compromise be produced by this offer of the Government, National Elections would be inevitable. The enactment of the AML/CFT Bill will continue to be of the highest priority on the Government’s parliamentary agenda when Parliament resumes and every effort will continue to be exerted to ensure that this Bill is passed within the timeframe agreed upon in the Action Plan.

In the meanwhile, many jurisdictions in the Region have responded to the CFATF’s statements that Guyana poses significant AML/CFT risks by issuing directives and instructions to relevant agencies informing of the status of Guyana. These countries will continue to take measures or prepare themselves to take measures to protect themselves from the risks which Guyana poses or will pose should the situation deteriorate. These jurisdictions include the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Curaçao, Dominica, St Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados and Montserrat.

Prorogation of Parliament

ARCC deeply concerned about implications for businesses

The Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce (ARCC) has noted with deep concern the issues emanating from the proroguing of Parliament, such as the “expressed intentions of not having any dialogue, the calls for protests, the narrow-minded call for a boycott of businesses, because of a political agenda, and the unease created among Guyanese”.

In a release, the business body said it viewed with scepticism the rationale that the proroguing of Parliament will result in constructive dialogue and compromise with the Opposition when three years in Parliament did not achieve any such results.

“These actions have serious implications for businesses across the length and breadth of Guyana, peace and good order. Evidently, there are genuine concerns from all parties. Regardless of the history of the lack of compromise and progress from previous inter-party dialogue, we are calling on all sides to lay their differences on the table and act as mature leaders, duly elected by the people of Guyana, and have objective dialogue in Parliament for the best

interest of Guyana. The interests of the Guyanese people and the Private Sector must be paramount in this dialogue.”

In a historic move, President Donald Ramotar on Monday, November 11, issued a proclamation proroguing the National Assembly, in hopes that the Government and the Opposition would engage in meaningful talks on Guyana’s development.

But the Opposition has since indicated that it wanted no part of dialogue and wanted immediate elections after calling the Government “dictatorial”.

The ARCC appealed to the parties to review their stance “with greater objectivity” and said it believed that “this nation’s best interests must always take priority over petty politics, party agendas, and personal motives. We ask that all decision-makers work for the best interest of this dear land ... Guyana must not suffer”.

Damaging effects

The business umbrella body noted that all were aware that this is the period when businesses project to do well and everyone expect that the season will truly be peaceful and merry, but given the calls for protests and a boycott of Government-friendly businesses by the Opposition, the Private Sector was under threat. The ARCC pointed out that the Private Sector contributes significantly to the revenues generated for the running of Guyana and questioned the reasons behind the calls in light of this. “The chosen way forward will better inform the Private Sector and the public of the real political agenda,” it warned.

“We, therefore, join with the rest of the business community in expressing hope for the demonstration of maturity and the speedy resolution to this crisis situation. We also call on all our chamber members to ensure that their membership remains vigilant and shun any attempts aimed at intimidating them,” the release concluded.

In reference to comments made by a senior Opposition official in the fallout, that they would not honour any obligations made to investors, the ARCC cautioned: “We cannot afford for our present investors and potential investors to lose confidence in our economy, or it will have damaging effects on this nation.”

Opposition attacks US$46M WCD road project

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) is opposing a recent road development project that was inked by the Government of Guyana with BK International and Surrey Paving Aggregate Company Limited for the implementation of the US$46.7 contract to improve the West Coast Demerara/ East Bank Essequibo Road.

Over the weekend, APNU’s Joseph Harmon accused Government of engaging in illegal spending now that Parliament is prorogued.

However, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn has assured that Government has acted and will continue to act within its constitutional right to forge ahead with its developmental work in the interest of the Guyanese people.

“This project is another step forward for the Ministry of Public Works and for Guyana as a whole,” Minister Benn stated. “Unless these gentlemen live a different reality from the rest of Guyana who depend on these different infrastructure projects to develop this country; they

participated in the approval process of these funds in Parliament.”

Minister Benn noted that it was not coincidental that the APNU is opposing a project that will impact the lives of so many Guyanese who live in West Demerara. He noted that for years West Demerara residents have been calling for that highway to be widened.

Anti-development

“The APNU want to hold back the development of these communities and the livelihoods of persons living in these communities, but more so, they want to bring to a halt the economic development of our country in which infrastructure projects provide a vehicle and mechanism for economic growth,” Minister Benn said. “One can only surmise that the APNU is anti-developmental and only acting in a manner that will harm the well-being of the communities that will be impacted by these road projects.”

It should be noted that the project received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) following a loan agreement

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn

signed on February 25, 2013 and budgeted for in the 2014 National Budget.

“In respect to the 2014 Budget, monies were approved by the APNU and the AFC [Alliance For Change] for such projects, so it is rather strange, that now that we are executing the contract, we are hearing a different tune from these Members of Parliament,” exclaimed Minister Benn.

“It is with disappointment and resignation one looks at the statements of Mr Harmon and Mr

Greenidge,” Benn said. “It indicates to me that they are on the path of wanting to destabilise and to bring to a halt the development of the country for narrow political gains.”

The road project is expected to officially commence in January 2015 and will address several safety needs along the road from Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo.

The objectives of the project, Minister Benn had stated at the signing last Saturday will be achieved through six components: Road Works; Road Safety Awareness; Capacity Building; Road Works’ Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Project Management. He added that works would result in pavements being rehabilitated; the road being widened to separate pedestrians and cyclists from motorised traffic; traffic lights and road markings being installed and additional highway lights being provided; the Groenveldt Bridge being replaced; and utilities being relocated while extension culverts would be constructed.

US Defence Secretary resigns

Chuck Hagel has resigned as US Defence Secretary after less than two years in the top military post.

President Barack Obama confirmed his resignation and paid tribute to his “class and integrity”. Hagel, 68, a Vietnam war veteran and former Republican senator, said it had been his life’s “greatest privilege”.

Last month, it was reported that he was sharply critical of the US strategy against Islamic State and in relation to the Syria regime. He will stay on as Secretary until his successor is confirmed.

An unnamed official told the Associated Press news agency that Hagel and

Obama both “determined that it was time for new leadership in the Pentagon” and had been discussing the move for weeks. Obama said Hagel had come to him to discuss the “appropriate time to complete his service”.

The US President said he was “extraordinary lucky” to have Hagel by his side as Defence Secretary and praised him for forging a strong bond with US troops.

Hagel is the first enlisted combat veteran to serve in the role. In a brief statement, Hagel said it had been the “great privilege of my life to lead and most importantly to serve the men and women of the defence department”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

France’s cash-strapped far right turns to Russian lender

The French far right’s cosiness with Vladimir Putin’s Russia is back in the spotlight as Marine Le Pen’s party confirms it borrowed nine million euros from a Russian lender, saying “no one else will give us a cent”.

France’s farright National Front (FN) said Sunday it had borrowed the money from Moscowbased First Czech Russian Bank (FRCB), confirming a report by the investigative news website Mediapart.

The party treasurer Wallerand de Saint-

Just told France Info radio a deal was signed with the Russian lender in September.

Saint-Just said the party had received a first installment of two million euros.

“We have been looking for loans for some time, to fund our election campaigns. But our bank, like most French and European lenders, categorically refuses to give the FN and FN candidates the slightest cent,” he said.

Saint-Just has expressed similar concerns in the past, saying banks were reluctant to lend money to po-

litical parties since former President Nicolas Sarkozy was fined 500,000 euros for undisclosed expenses in his failed 2012 presidential bid. Last November, the FN’s longtime bank Société Générale said it would no longer lend money to its client.

The surging anti-immigration party, which has made a breakthrough in the French Parliament and came first in European elections in May, has long struggled to raise the cash needed to match its political ambitions. (Excerpt from France24)

UK faces biggest ever terrorism threat – Home Secretary

Britain is facing the biggest terrorism threat in its history and has foiled around 40 major plots since suicide bombers attacked London in 2005, Home Secretary Theresa May said on Monday.

The Government would on Wednesday set out new laws to take on the militants, May added, including legislation making it easier for security services to track attackers online, and check

if radicalised fighters were flying into Britain.

“When the security and intelligence agencies tell us that the threat we face is now more dangerous than at any time before or since 9/11 we should take notice,” the Home Secretary (Interior Minister) said in a speech.

Insurance companies would be barred from providing cover for ransom payments under the new legislation and airlines would be banned if

they failed to provide information on passengers flying to Britain, she added.

The Government has said Britons returning from fighting in Syria and Iraq provide one of the most serious threats.

May said around 40 terrorist plots had been disrupted since four young Britons carried out suicide bomb attacks in London in 2005, killing 52 people. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Morocco flash floods leave dozens dead

Flash flooding in southern Morocco has reportedly killed at least 31 people, with many others still missing. Heavy storms have swept across several regions including tourist hub Marrakesh, where torrential rain destroyed many mud homes on Sunday.

Roads and highways were blocked off, making it hard for emergency

crew to reach people. The “exceptional” storms also swept across the regions of Guelmim, Agadir and Ouarzazate, and a search was under way for the missing, the authorities said.

Journalist Brahim Boulid, reporting from Guelmim, told Al Jazeera on Monday that the death toll stood at 31, including eight members of the same family who died after floods

Around the world

12-year-old with air gun dies in Cleveland Police shooting

ACleveland Police Officer responding to a call about a person with a gun fatally wounded a 12-yearold boy brandishing what turned out to be an air gun that looked very much like a real firearm, Police said early Sunday.

The shooting on Saturday afternoon came as the nation nervously awaited a grand jury decision on whether to charge the Police Officer who killed African-American teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in August.

The Attorney for the family of the Cleveland youngster, who also was black, downplayed any possible racial connotations to the shooting.

When the two officers arrived, the boy did not point the weapon at them or otherwise threaten them, Deputy Chief Ed Tomba of the Cleveland Division of

Police told reporters early Sunday.

But he did reach for the weapon, Tomba said.

“The officers ordered him to stop and to show his hands and he went into his waistband and pulled out the weapon,” he said.

Tomba showed reporters the weapon – a large, black BB – or pellet-type replica gun resembling a semiautomatic pistol. An orange tip indicating the gun was an air gun had been removed, Police said. It wasn’t clear if officers had been told the weapon was not a firearm, Officer Ali Pillow told CNN on Sunday. Both officers have been placed on leave, Police said. (Excerpt from CNN International)

Iran nuclear talks deadline extended to end of June

The deadline for a nuclear deal with Iran has been extended to the end of June after talks in Vienna failed to reach a comprehensive agreement.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the talks had been “tough”, but “substantial progress” had been made. The parties will reconvene in December.

Six world powers want Iran to curb its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions. Tehran says it is not seeking nuclear weapons, but wants atomic energy.

The six countries – the US, UK, Russia, China, France and Germany – have been in negotiations with Iran to finalise a preliminary deal reached last year in Geneva.

They have now agreed to extend discussions, with the aim of reaching a high-

level political agreement by March 1, and confirming the full technical details of the agreement by July 1.

swept away their vehicle.

The Arabic-language dailies Al Massae and Al Ahdath gave death tolls of 16 and 22 respectively.

About 130 all-terrain rescue vehicles and 335 Zodiac inflatables and other boats were being used, the interior ministry said, in a statement carried by the North African country’s MAP news agency. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Tanzania’s Parliament will hold a debate this week on allegations of corruption in the energy sector, the speaker said on Monday, despite efforts by the Prime Minister to block the session.

Tanzania is estimated to have 53.2 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas reserves off its southern coast, however, the sector has long been dogged by allegations of graft – an issue that has led to donors delaying aid and weakened the currency.

Iran would be allowed to continue accessing US$700 million (£450 million) a month in frozen assets during that period. Speaking after the Vienna talks had ended, Kerry said: “We are certainly not going to sit at the negotiating table forever.

“But given how far we have come over the past year, particularly in the past few days, this is certainly not the time to get up and walk away.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Tanzanian lawmakers to debate on energy graft despite objections

Earlier this month, Parliament received a report on an investigation into allegations of corruption made by Opposition MPs, who said senior Government officials had fraudulently authorised payment of at least US$122 million of public funds.

The Government has denied any wrongdoing by its officials and Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda called on Parliament not to debate the findings of the report, arguing that this would in-

terfere with 10 pending court cases.

However, parliamentary Speaker Anne Makinda said the watchdog Public Accounts Committee (PAC) would make a presentation to Parliament this week regardless.

“The parliamentary debate will take place,” said Makinda, adding that the session would start on Wednesday and be extended from one to three days “due to the seriousness of the matter”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

7th Cycle of Continuous Registration starts on December 1

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced its decision to launch the 7th Cycle of Continuous Registration on December 1, and made it very clear that its decision was not politically motivated.

GECOM said during its 431 Statutory Meeting on October 14, the unanimous decision was taken to execute the Seventh Continuous Registration Cycle by its commissioners.

After Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), David Granger began his call for Local Government Elections earlier this year; there was much confusion as to whether the Guyanese population is ready for any kind of election.

Subsequently, because of supposed discrepancies in the voters’ list, the Peoples’ Progressive Party/ Civil (PPP/C) Government Administration investigated and found that there were approximately 10,000 persons who have either died or have migrated on the list, including former President Author Chung.

As a result, General Secretary of the party, Clement Rohee called for the 7th Cycle of Registration to begin on November 17.

GECOM said Rohee’s call came over a month after it had already taken the deci-

sion to carry out the registration cycle.

GECOM said “it must be noted that the call made by Mr Clement Rohee for GECOM to conduct the 7th cycle of Continuous Registration, which came on November 17, 2014, came more than a month after the Commission took the decision to so do. Consequently, it must be absolutely clear to all concerned that the Commission’s decision was not influenced by any political party of other stakeholder whatsoever.”

But APNU has since been calling for early elections, following the prorogation of Parliament more than a week ago. It is said that the additional 10,000 names on the voters’ list would have worked in APNU’s favour had there been early elections with registrations be-

ing carried.

GECOM reiterated that conducting registration cycles is one of its primary routine functions which has to be done, and is not determined by any political party. It was also revealed by GECOM that for this specific upcoming cycle of registration, it did not consult with any external stakeholder.

This move now sets this registration cycle aside from the rest, because according to GECOM’s routine protocol, on matters which the Commission deems appropriate, the Chairman consults with the political parties who hold seats in Parliament before making a decision.

The 7th cycle of Continuous Registration is expected to promote a more transparent and fair elec-

tion. Although a date for General Elections has not been set, Parliament was prorogued by President Donald Ramotar on November 10 for a period of up to six months to facilitate dialogue with the Opposition for the smooth running of Guyana.

The prorogation followed the No-Confidence Motion which was put forth by the Alliance for Change and was set to be debated upon the reconvening of Parliament on November 10 and Ramotar said his decision was taken also to preserve the life of the 10th Parliament.

However, the Opposition leaders have since refused to have any dialogue with the President outside of Parliament despite the calls from various local organisations, including the Private Sector Commission and The National Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce of Guyana.

GECOM said it will continue to carry out its functions with the highest level of transparency, accountability and impartiality and reiterated its stance of honouring its responsibilities without instructions from any one political party.

“The Commission does not, and will not take instructions from any political party relative to honouring its responsibilities,” the Elections Commission said.

One dead in Betsy Ground smash-up

– driver in Police custody

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

ACane Harvester lost his life on Monday after the car he was in crashed into a ‘speed limit’ sign before hitting a parked tractor/trailer at Betsy Ground in East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne)

Dead is is 30-year-old Mahendra Jugisteer of Betsy Ground East Canje. His cousin, Devendra kumar Bakiri was driving the motor car (PFF 556) at a fast rate along the Betsy Ground Public Road when the accident occurred.

The Police confirmed that a breathalyzer test was later administered to Bakridi. It revealed that he had an alcohol consumption rate of 175 mg. He is likely to be charged soon.

Reports are that about 2:45PM the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a ‘speed limit’ road sign first.

According to one eyewit-

ness Sidney La Flour, the car was heading eastwards at the time.

“The car coming to me speed speed an start to swing and then hit da sign… an pitch till ova dis side ah hit de trailer. The trailer spin round… ” He said the car was thrown into the air and turned turtle.

“When we reach nobody ent movin, is share blood all ova.”

Jugisteer was rushed

later returned to the hospital after complaining of pain to the back of his neck.

Up to press time he was

The car involed in the accident

to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Bakerdi was treated, sent away and later taken into custody to assist police with their investigations but

69-year-old porter fined for damage to property and assault

A69-year-old porter was on Monday arraigned on damage to property and assault charges at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Tim Beverly, of Lot 6 D’urban Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown, pleaded guilty to both charges.

It was alleged that on November 22 at Cornhill Street, Robbstown, Georgetown, Beverly unlawfully and maliciously damaged a quantity of items valued $13,500, property of the Virtual Complainant (VC) Odessa Clarke. It was also al-

leged that on the same day at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, he unlawfully assaulted Clarke.

The court heard that on the day in question, the unrepresented defendant was drunk and pushed one of his friends into Clarke’s stall. The VC then spoke to Beverly concerning her stand and he made use of indecent language to her. She then went to the Stabroek Police Outpost where she lodged a complaint. At the outpost, Beverly subsequently punched Clarke to her left breast. He was then told of the offence and charged.

When given a chance to speak, Beverly told the court that he had nothing to say, except that he would work and repay Clarke the money for the items that he damaged.

Magistrate McLennan ruled that the defendant had four weeks to repay Clarke the money for the items or he would be sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. In relation to the assault charge, he was fined $5000 with a default sentence of seven days’ imprisonment.

West Berbice man killed in motor cycle collision

Police say they are investigating the death of 28-year old Dilchand Angad which occurred on Sunday at Number 10 Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB) Region Five (Mahaica/ Berbice).

Angad was riding a motor cycle along the roadway when he overtook a minibus and collided with a motor lorry that was travelling in the opposite direction. The incident occurred around 17:40h.

The man who resided at Plantation Hope, West Coast Berbice was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The now dead man’s wife Linda Heerlall who is the Overseer of the Bel Air/ Woodlands Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) said she spoke to her husband moments before the accident via telephone and he had promised to be home shortly.

still receiving medical treatment at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Jugisteer was the twenty-fourth person to be killer on the roads in Berbice so far for the year.

Heerlall said he recently sold their car and as a result the couple would leave home for work together.

However on Sunday they didn’t.

According the grieving wife, they got married last July. She said that she has been receiving comforting words from individual who have told her that she will still have memories of her husband which she can hold onto.

“Yes but they are not enough,” the widow said. Angad had been a contractor and had gone to Heerlall’s father’s home to carry out construction work and the two started a friendship. The couple has no children.

Angard’s death comes when the Guyana Police force is currently observing road safety month under the theme, ‘The time is now, don’t drink and drive, be attentive, drive defensive.’

As part of the activities to observe the month, the Region Five (Mahaica/ Berbice) Road Safety Council in an effort to make the roads in that Region saver was involved in a road sign painting exercise on Sunday.

24 persons have died so far for 2014 as a result of accidents in Berbice compared with 22 from the corresponding period last year.

tuesday, november 25, 2014 | guyanatimesgy.com

fraud… NBS writes Cabinet Secretary

– challenges statements, questions AG's role

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

The New Building Society (NBS), through its legal counsel, has challenged the authenticity of a report completed by Ombudsman Justice Winston Moore on the $69.9M fraud which occurred at the entity back in 2006 by registering its concerns with Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon at the Office of the President.

In a letter addressed to Dr Luncheon, Senior Counsel Ashton Chase acting on behalf of the Society, expressed concern over media reports which appeared in the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News following the release of aspects of a report which was undertaken by the Ombudsman.

“It seems that the publications arise from an initial or draft Report of the Ombudsman into our client’s business and which Report has not yet been made public.

"In the first instance, until made public, the Report should not be published and the appropriate steps of restraint ought to be taken by the authorities, including the Ombudsman,” the letter said.

No Govt nominee

He said his clients are managed by a Board comprised of persons elected by members of the Society and there is no Government nominee thereon.

“In addition, our aforesaid clients are not a Government Department or prescribed authority and de hors the parameters intended for such investigation by the Ombudsman,” the letter tnoted.

Chase said “this is unfair and an abuse of the statutory process”, as it would appear from the media coverage, grave condemnations of his clients without them having been given an opportunity to make a response have been made.

He contended that certain statements and comments by the Ombudsman are prejudicial to his clients

especially bearing in mind that there are part heard proceedings before the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature touching this matter and since it is sub judice, the Ombudsman having regards to his career should know the damage inflicted.

AG's role

“If it was purposeful, it is all the more so, since it features in the newspapers through a former client of the present Attorney-General (AG) who no doubt participated in the Ombudsman’s appointment,” the letter indicated.

Chase has also written the Ombudsman’s Office to protest the statements made in the report which he said has affected the image of the NBS and its board.

“Our clients are concerned at being stigmatized by you and the comments made thereto in a Report by you, parts of which are published in the Kaieteur News of November 11, 2014 and Stabroek News of November 13, 2014,” the letter stated.

Chase said that as a result of the statements published and attributed to the Ombudsman, his clients are now at a serious disadvantage. This, he reasons, is a breach of the most basic judicial principles.

“Significantly, no mention is made of the heavy financial loss which the society has suffered or of the counterclaim that they have instituted. The response solicited from the Dr Nanda K Gopaul, MP, has not been mentioned,” the letter rea-

soned.

“A careful if not sedulous examination is expected of an Ombudsman, more so a retired Judge, and if that had been done in this matter, it would have been observed that the Society never accused any of its staff of fraud. Their Court Actions are premised on different grounds and an employer is

entitled to pursue grievances as seem fit,” Chase's letter continued .

He advised that it is the Society that has been done a grave injustice by the publication referred to and they deny accusing any of those dismissed of “fraud” as alleged and the actions his clients have taken against them are based on misconduct and negligence.

“Counterclaims in respect of the Society’s loss of over $75M have been filed. We hope that the principles touched on above will help guide future appointments and directions and steps will be taken to avert a repetition of press releases on a document that has not been made public,” the letter charged.

The NBS on Tuesday (November 18) slammed statements which suggested that it was being managed by former President Bharrat Jagdeo and senior Government functionaries when a $69.9 million fraud was unearthed at the institution in 2007.

“The New Building Society Limited (NBS) categorically condemns any suggestion by those bent on creating mischief and misleading the public that the

East Ruimveldt man gets one month for possession of cocaine smoking utensil

An East Ruimveldt resident was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment when he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday to answer to a charge of possession of a smoking utensil.

Richard Fernandez, 40, of Lot 611 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, admitted to having the utensil.

The court was told

that on November 21 at Albouystown, Georgetown, Fernandez had in his possession a utensil that is used for the smoking of cocaine.

According to the facts, read by Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones, at 20:50h on the day in question, the Police were on patrol duty, making routine checks at the booths set up as part of the Christmas security initiative when they observed the defendant near one of

the booths acting in a suspicious manner.

Some of the Police ranks went over to him and conducted a search of his person, unearthing a clear blue plastic object. Fernandez, a Stabroek Market porter, was told of the offence, charged and arrested.

After hearing that Fernandez had no prior brushes with the law, the Magistrate handed down her sentence.

Society is or was managed by senior Government functionaries, including former President Bharrat Jagdeo,” the bank said in a strongly worded statement.

The NBS cleared the air on several speculative reports in sections of the media following disclosures made by a report submitted by the Ombudsman’s Office.

The bank stood its ground, stating that the three managers who were dismissed were guilty of gross misconduct, a breach of the rules and standing operational procedures, collusion and conspiring to commit fraud.

It maintained that on matters relating to sacked Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maurice Arjoon, like any other employer, the bank is legally entitled to institute disciplinary action against any employee or employees for infringements which warrant punitive action.

Arjoon was back in 2007, embroiled in a major fraudulent operation, along with two other senior officers Kent Vincent and Kissoon Baldeo, resulting in their subsequent dismissal.

The allegation against Arjoon and the two managers was that they plotted, along with a fraudulent Power of Attorney, to withdraw some $69.9 million from an account at the institution. The three senior officers were sent on administrative leave, during which an investigation got underway. They were later dismissed from their posts for dereliction of duty, negligence and serious misconduct.

16 Days of Activism begin today

– as Guyana observes International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

The Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB) of the Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry will host an InterFaith Service today to mark the commencement of a number of activities aimed at heightening awareness of violence against women.

November 25 is designated International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by the United Nations General Assembly with the intention to raise awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence.

In Guyana, the day will be observed under the theme “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s End Gender-Based Violence”. From November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against GenderBased Violence Campaign is a time to galvanise action to end violence against women and girls around the world.

According to WAB Administrator Hymwattie Lagan, the 16 days will be used to visit schools and workplaces to interact with the students and workers about gender-based violence.

“It’s prevalent; it doesn’t only happen to women, it happens to men … it’s a violation of human rights,” Lagan stated.

She said the visits will give persons the opportunity to answer probing ques-

tions such as Why is this happening?, How can I make it stop?, What is holding me back?, Where can I get help?’ and so forth.

Lagan reflected on a successful interaction with female sugar workers who were unaware of their rights in these circumstances. She noted that even after the seminar, the workers were eager to learn more.

In addition to the visits to the institutes, there will be numerous television and radio programmes focused on transmitting the message.

Candlelight vigils

Lagan explained that each administrative region has a Regional Women’s Affairs Committee, which is responsible for organising events for the 16-day period. Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice) has already confirmed a candlelight vigil as an activity to remember those unfortunate victims of genderbased violence.

Additionally, Lagan disclosed that the Private Sector Commission has invited the WAB to engage their workers on the matter.

The WAB promises a list of interesting and informative activities that will create a positive impact in Guyana.

“After these 16 days, we are not going to stop, but we hope to raise the awareness and the consciousness of people,” Lagan expressed optimistically, noting that she looked forward to seeing constructive changes within our society.

Construction worker charged with unlawful assault on wife remanded

Aconstruction worker, of Lot 197 Oronoque Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, was remanded to prison for damage to property and assault when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Michael Paul, 40, who appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday morning, was accused of, on November 22 at the abovementioned address, unlawfully and maliciously damaging a table valued $220,000 which belonged to Virtual Complaint Raquel Paul, his wife. It was further alleged that Paul, at the same address, unlawfully assaulted the VC.

Paul denied both of the charges laid against him and asked for a chance to explain. He stated that the issue started on Friday, November 21, their wedding anniversary.

He related that they

were celebrating until some of his relatives called to wish them well on the day.

Mrs Paul, who he said was under the influence of alcohol, then began to hit the television and “get on bad”.

He noted that he tried to help her by showering her and getting her ready for bed, but she was resistant.

He explained that she ran out of the bathroom naked and went to the other tenant’s apartment where they wrapped her in a towel.

He said after he managed to take her back to their apartment, they did “bedroom stuff” and went to bed.

The next day, Saturday, November 22, his son woke him up telling him that Mrs Paul was not at home. He highlighted that whenever they had arguments or problems, his wife would usually visit the Help and Shelter Organisation.

However, when he arrived there, she was nowhere to be seen. He then decided to go to the Police station where he met his wife and a Police rank exiting the building. Paul stated that when he went to lodge his complaint, no one was ready to listen to him. He noted that his bond, stemming from a previous incident, to be on good behaviour and to keep the peace ended sometime in October.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones objected to bail, stating that domestic issues were a regular occurrence for the Pauls and since they lived in the same house, there is a possibility that the defendant will interfere with the VC again.

The court ruled in the favour of the prosecution and remanded Paul. He will make his second court appearance on December 1 before Magistrate Dylon Bess.

MONDAY'S WORD

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER

Familiarise yourself with up-to-date banking and investment procedures. Money has a way of disappearing quickly if you aren’t organised and don’t stick to a budget.

You may not realise it, but you can make a difference. If you examine the lessons that have helped you advance, you’ll see that you are in a perfect position to teach or mentor others.

Don’t feel that you have to face your problems alone. Call upon a friend or community group. Your support system is better than you think, and will help you get back on your feet.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Love is on the rise. It’s a great time to cultivate a new relationship or spend extra time nurturing a current one. Some interesting changes are looming on the home front.

Prove your worth. Promoting your talents and networking with business associates will bring favourable attention your way. Your hard work will be a testament to your capabilities.

Don’t let gossip get you down or lead you in the wrong direction. If you check the facts, you’ll discover that the truth is quite different from what you are being told.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Domestic situations may be tiresome. A trip to the shopping mall, library or art gallery will get you away from the people and things that are most likely to cause discord.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

The important people in your life will stay by your side no matter what. Mistakes happen, so don’t feel bad if something goes wrong. Live in the moment.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

You need to feel stimulated and excited about life if you want to avoid a humdrum routine. Check out courses or job prospects that pump you up.

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

A career change is imminent. Enhance your confidence by updating your appearance. Prepare to take advantage of a new opportunity. Strive for perfection and personal gains.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Stay on track. The economic market is fluctuating, and you will need to be resilient if you want to remain solvent. A younger family member will pose a challenge.

Your skills have made an impression on someone you may want to partner with. Get all of the details in writing before you commit. Love and romance are looking good.

Red Force rally against Leewards

T&T turned the tables on troubled Leeward Islands, and were closing in on a come-frombehind victory on the penultimate day of their second round clash in the WICB Professional Cricket League here yesterday.

After trailing on first innings, Red Force hit back strongly to bundle out the hosts for 130 in their second innings, and set themselves an uncomplicated victory target of 203 at Warner Park.

At the close, they had reached 95 for two, and were requiring a further 108 to win the contest.

Yannick Ottley was unbeaten on 40 at the close and was partnered by Jason Mohammed on 17.

The Leewards were right in it when they claimed openers Lendl Simmons (13) and Imran Khan (21) cheaply but Ottley and Mohammed steadied the innings in an unbroken 53-

SCOREBOARD

LEEWARDS 1st inns 202

T&T RED FORCE 1st Inns 130

LEEWARDS 2nd Inns (o/n 17-0)

A Richards Jr c Ottley b Khan 42

L Richardson c Hosein b Khan 19

A Saunders lbw b Khan 1

O Peters run out 9

D Thomas c Emrit b Gabriel 19

J Hamilton lbw b Emrit 30

J Taylor lbw b Khan 0

J Louis b Emrit 0

Y Leonard not out 1

G Tonge c Emrit b Khan 2

A Martin c (sub) Charles b Khan 1

Extras (lb2, nb4) 6

TOTAL (all out, 58.4 overs) 130

Fall of wickets: 1-62, 2-65, 3-66, 4-87, 5-121, 6-126, 7-126, 8-126, 9-128, 10-130.

Y Ottley not out 40

J Mohammed not out 17

Extras (b2, w1, nb1) 4

TOTAL (2 wkts, 42 overs) 95

Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-42.

Bowling: Tonge 4-1-15-1, Louis 6-1-19-0, Peters 7-3-151, Martin 9-2-13-0, Taylor 106-11-0, Leonard 6-0-20-0.

Bowling: Gabriel 12-4-25-1, Richards 9-1-50-0, Emrit 8-413-2, Imran Khan 11.1-6-13-6, Hosein 17-3-24-0, Ottley 0.30-0-0, Mohammed 1-0-3-0. T&T RED FORCE 2nd Inns (target: 203) L Simmons lbw b Tonge 13 Imran Khan c wkp Hamilton b Peters 21

Position: T&T require a further 108 runs for victory. Umpires: Nigel Duguid, Patrick Gustard.

run, third wicket stand.

Ottley, a 23-year-old right-hander, has hit four fours and a six off 199 balls.

Earlier, leg-spinner Imran Khan snatched six for 13 as the Leewards, resuming on 17 without loss, were sent crashing for a modest total.

They were 62 without loss but collapsed to lose ten wickets for 68 runs in a nightmare period on either side of lunch. They lost four wickets in the morning to be 109 for four at the break and the remaining six wickets then tumbled after lunch for the addition of only 21 runs.

Opener Austin Richards top-scored with 42 off 61 deliveries while Jahmar Hamilton contributed 31.

It was Hamilton who tried to rally the innings in a knock that came from 67 balls in 76 minutes, with four fours. He put on 34 for the fifth wicket with captain Devon Thomas who scored 19.

The pair had pushed Leewards up to 121 for four but once Thomas was caught at mid-wicket by captain Rayad Emrit off fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, the last six wickets perished for nine runs. (CMC)

WICB PCL 4-Day Tournament…

Brilliant Permaul 8-36

spins Guyana to victory

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy

Permaul spun webs around the Windward Islands Volcanoes batsmen, snaring career-best figures of 8-36 to lead Guyana Jaguars to a commanding 92-run win in round two of the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Final scores in the game: Guyana 291 and 175-6 declared; Windward Islands Volcanoes 184 and 190.

Guyana started the day on 133-5 and eventually declared after adding 42 runs for the loss of one wicket,

setting the visitors 283 for victory in just over two sessions.

Devon Smith put the hosts on alert by racing to 43 by lunch, which was taken at 69-1 after 15 overs. Tyrone Theophile was the man back in the hut, being dismissed by seamer Christopher Barnwell for nine. However, the discarded West Indies opener fell after the break to Permaul for 55, signaling the end Windward Islands Volcanoes’ resistance as they succumbed meekly to the left-armer from Albion.

Permaul proceeded to rip apart the batting in 31.2 overs of misery for the visitors’s batsmen. He finished

with 11-76 in the match.

Earlier when Guyana Jaguars batted, Shivnarine Chanderpaul resumed on 31 and Raymond Reifer on four. Chanderpaul was run out six short of what would have been his second halfcentury of the match after a mix-up with Reifer. Anthony Bramble was not out on three when the declaration came.

Guyana will now engage Barbados in round three this Friday at the Guyana National Stadium. With an innings victory in the first round against the Leeward Islands, Guyana Jaguars now lead the points table with 34 points.

King Pele hospitalised

Three-times World Cup winner Pele was taken to hospital on Monday with an urinary infection, local media have reported, the second time this month he has been admitted for medical treatment.

The 74-year old former Brazil player was admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo but officials there released only a brief statement with no details about his condition.

Widely regarded as the finest player to play the game, he had an operation to remove kidney stones earlier this month.

He won three World Cups as a player and was named “Football Player of the Century” by world soccer body FIFA, “Athlete of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee, and a “national treasure” by Brazil’s government. (Reuters)

King Pele

Clarke, selectors at odds

Michael Clarke is out of the Gabba Test according to the parameters set by Australia’s selectors. But not according to Clarke.

Hours after selectors had marked Friday’s twoday tour match against India in Adelaide as his pathway to prove his fitness for the first Test, Clarke bizarrely declared he had been ruled out of that game, yet still insisted he could be passed fit for Brisbane by playing grade cricket.

The selectors Rod Marsh and Mark Waugh had both stated that Clarke had until Wednesday to resume running after his hamstring injury or be ruled out of contention for

Brisbane. However a few hours later Clarke said he had already been scratched from the Adelaide match and was still going to try to play on the second Saturday of the grade game between Western Suburbs and Paramatta as a way of proving his fitness.

ESPNcricinfo understands that Clarke spoke to the Australian team physio Alex Kountouris on Monday, being told that it was not realistic for him to expect to play in the tour match but more plausible that he could play the grade game. He then gave the following summary of his fitness at a promotional appearance.

“My goal is to try and get myself fit to play whatever

game’s available,” Clarke said. “The next game on the table that I am available for, if I can be fit, is grade cricket on Saturday. So ideally if I can tick all the boxes along the way and play on Saturday, get through that. Hopefully I can make myself available then it is completely up to the selectors to work out what to do.

“My focus is listening to the experts as I’ve always done. Over the last 10, 12 years I’ve been playing for Australia I don’t think I’ve ever walked onto a field not being 100 per cent fit to perform. So I would hope with my experience that the selectors, my teammates, Cricket Australia staff respect my opinion there.”

Messi hailed as ‘greatest in history’

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is “the greatest player in football history”, says president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

The Argentine, 27, is the all-time top scorer in Spain’s La Liga with 253 goals following his hat-trick in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Sevilla.

Bartomeu said: “We’ll have Leo here for many more years. We are delighted with what he has achieved.

“We knew the record was going to come. It made me very happy to see him equal it, for him and for the club.”

The four-time world player of the year has scored 368 goals in total for Barcelona, his only senior club, and 45 for Argentina.

Messi - who is also the joint top scorer in Champions League history with 71 - had recently said

his future was “complicated”, but his father played that down soon afterwards.

Bartomeu said: “There are no words to describe what he is doing. He is happy at Barcelona, where he has been for so many years, and he gets on well with his team-mates.

“He’s concerned about non-sporting issues but

the club is supporting him. People should speak to him about football rather than other things.”

After the game, Barca head coach Luis Enrique said he thinks Messi will extend the record, which had previously stood since 1955, so much it will become “unreachable” for anyone else. (BBC Sport)

Vettori set for shock Test return

In a surprise move,

New Zealand have announced that left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori has been added to the squad for the third Test against Pakistan in Sharjah. Vettori, 35, hasn't played a Test since July 2012 and, after suffering a series of injuries in recent years, had questioned whether he had the fitness necessary to last a five-day game.

New Zealand fielded the inexperienced spin pair of Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig in the first two Tests, and are now likely to go in with a spin trio for the Sharjah Test. That would present an unheard-of bowling combination for New Zealand, a side that usually banks heavily on its quick bowlers.

"From the first two Tests it's been pretty clear how important spin is in these conditions and we expect the pitch in Sharjah to be the slowest of all three wickets," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said. "The possibility of having three bowlers who can exploit those conditions is an exciting option for us to have."

Vettori was in the UAE with the New Zealand A side, and trained with the Test squad on Monday. If he is picked, he will move past Stephen Fleming to become New Zealand's most experienced Test player. The call-up comes even though he hasn't played any firstclass cricket in 2014, and has spoken about focusing on the limited-overs formats as he felt Tests would put too much of a strain on his body.

"Dan obviously has an incredible amount of experience and has shown how

effective he can be in these sorts of conditions," Hesson said. "It doesn't mean that Dan will play in Tests for us in the future, but it's a great opportunity to use him in this one-off unique situation."

Worries over whether Vettori can withstand the workload of Tests may also have been lessened by the presence of two other specialist spinners to share the overs. New Zealand also need to be aggressive in the final Test as they are trailing 1-0 in the series.

Sodhi and Craig have taken eight wickets at 90.13 in the first two Tests compared to the 24 at 32.09

NBA Roundup… Gasol leads Grizzles to win over Clippers

Marc Gasol had 30 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 107-91 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night.

Gasol was 13 of 18 from the field as six Grizzlies reached double figures. Courtney Lee added 13 points for Memphis, which maintained the league’s best record (12-2).

Tony Allen had 12 points, while Beno Udrih and Quincy Pondexter had 11 points apiece off the Memphis bench. Zach Randolph had 10 points.

Chris Paul had 22 points, five assists and four steals for the Clippers, who had their two-game winning streak snapped. Jamal Crawford scored 19, and J.J. Redick finished with 15, going 3 of 6 from outside the arc.

Blake Griffin scored 12 points, but was 5 of 17 from the field.

HEAT 94, HORNETS 93

Luol Deng scored 26 points, Chris Bosh and Mario Chalmers each added 20 and Miami held on in the final seconds to beat Charlotte and snap a threegame home slide.

Kemba Walker missed two potential go-ahead shots in the final halfminute for the Hornets, and Al Jefferson’s tip-in try bounced off the rim as time expired as Charlotte dropped its fifth straight.

Chalmers had 10 assists for his second double-double of the season and Shabazz Napier scored 14 for the Heat.

Jefferson finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds for Charlotte, which got 17 points from Lance Stephenson and 16 from Walker. The Hornets led by as many as eight in the fourth, before Miami rallied.

Miami was without

guard Dwyane Wade for the sixth straight game.

TRAIL

BLAZERS 94, CELTICS 88

LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points and 14 rebounds, reserve Chris Kaman scored 16 points and Portland extended its winning streak to seven games.

Damian Lillard added 12 points and five assists for Portland, which began a brief East swing. Nicolas Batum also had 12 points.

Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger had 19 points apiece for Boston, which dropped its fifth in six games. Avery Bradley and

low 35.5 percent from the field. Thompson and Curry, two of the top 10 scorers in the league, combined to make just 11 of 35 shots. Reggie Jackson had 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, and Anthony Morrow added 16 points and matched a career high with 12 rebounds for Oklahoma City. Serge Ibaka scored 16 points, but shot just 5 of 17 for the Thunder (3-13), who lost their sixth in a row.

NUGGETS 101, LAKERS 94, OT Wilson Chandler scored 19 points and Ty Lawson had 16 points and 16 assists, Denver beat the Lakers.

Marc Gasol

Rajon Rondo each scored 13. Rondo added eight assists and six rebounds.

The game was tied at 72all after three quarters before the Trail Blazers took charge with a 17-5 run to start the fourth. Wesley Matthews and Lillard each hit a 3-pointer just over a minute apart.

WARRIORS 91, THUNDER 86

Marreese Speights scored 28 points for Golden State, matching the secondhighest scoring game of his career and his best total since 2009.

Klay Thompson scored 20 points and Stephen Curry added 15 for the Warriors (10-2), who won despite shooting a season-

Arron Afflalo added 15 points for the Nuggets, who have won five of six following a 1-6 start that was capped by consecutive double-digit losses to Portland. The Lakers, coming off a 140-106 drubbing at Dallas, began a four-game homestand with their seventh straight loss to the Nuggets, despite 27 points from Kobe Bryant. The NBA’s No. 4 career scorer made only four of 14 shots after the third quarter and finished 10 for 24.

The losing streak against Denver matches the Lakers’ longest against any club since an eight-game drought against Portland from Feb. 18, 1993, through Jan. 9, 1995. (Oakland Press)

Casillas’ inclusion for FIFA award a shocker

managed by Pakistan's spin pair of Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar. Hesson, though, defended his tweakers.

"Our spinners aren't used to bowling on conditions where footholes play such a part. Pakistan spinners beat us off the wicket and at home traditionally we try and beat guys in the air," he said. "When you have footholes to hit, it's very hard to change the method that you've trained your whole life. I thought the way Ish and Mark have adapted over the last couple of Tests is pleasing but they are still striving for consistency of pace as well." (Cricinfo)

Iker Casillas was the surprise inclusion on the goalkeeping shortlist for FIFA’s 2014 World XI on Monday after enduring a difficult year for both Real Madrid and Spain.

Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer, who won the World Cup with Germany in Brazil, has also been nominated, along with Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois, Barcelona’s Claudio Bravo and Juventus’s Gianluigi Buffon.

The 33-year-old Casillas suffered a poor World Cup with Spain and has made only 12 league appearances for Real throughout 2014, although he did captain them to Champions League glory.

The nominees for the other positions on the world XI are yet to be announced, with the selected team to be unveiled at the Ballon d’Or Awards on Jan. 12 next year. (Reuters)

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Gayle, Pollard, Sammy unable to rally teams to victory

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Big-hitting Chris Gayle failed as Lions crashed to a heavy 77-run defeat to Cape Cobras in the South Africa Ram Slam Twenty20 League here Sunday.

Chasing 155 for victory at Newlands, Lions were bundled out for 77 off 15.3 overs, to plunge to only their second defeat of the tournament.

Gayle, who has been in good form in the tournament, made just three from eight balls before falling in the second over, bowled by fast bowler Dane Paterson who finished with three for nine.

Neil McKenzie topscored with a run-a-ball 31 while Temba Bavuma hit a run-a-ball 20, in a 34-run, third wicket stand. Once they were separated, how-

ever, Lions lost their last seven wickets for 22 runs.

West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard took two for 11 with his gentle medium pace.

Earlier, Pollard had also failed with the bat, making just six from ten balls, as Cape Cobras rallied to 154 for seven off their 20 overs.

Dane Vilas hit 51 from 29 balls and Omphile Ramela, 46 off 38 balls, in a 54-run, third wicket stand.

In the other game played at SuperSport Park, Darren Sammy’s Titans played to a thrilling tie with Warriors, in a contest reduced to eight overs per side because of rain.

Sammy made 16 from 12 balls as Titans made 79 for five but Warriors ended on the same total, with no provision because of time, for the decisive Super Over. (CMC)

Clarke, selectors at odds

Late on Monday, CA released a statement which, among other things, directly contradicted Clarke’s assertion that medical staff had ruled him out of the tour game:

“CA’s position has not changed since our announcement of the Test squad. That is, Michael is to continue undergoing daily treatment for his injured hamstring as well as his ongoing back condition, with the aim of increasing his running over the coming days. He is the Australian captain and one of the best batsmen in the world. We obviously want to do all we can to ensure he recovers from his injury with the aim of getting him ready to play for Australia as soon as possible.

“Should he be in a position to really progress his running in the coming days, our desire is that he plays for the CA XI in the

two-day tour match against India at the Adelaide Oval this Friday. Accordingly, a final decision on his fitness has not yet been determined and he has not yet been ruled out of the tour match by the CA medical team.

“Should Michael play the tour match and recover well, the selectors have said he will take his place in the Test side. If he is not able to get up for the CA XI game, and given his history with this recurring injury, he will be ruled out of any cricket this week and the First Test and our focus will shift to getting him fit to play the second Test in Adelaide commencing on Friday 12 December.”

A 12-man squad had been announced with Clarke subject to fitness, as expected, and Brad Haddin his deputy. Nathan Lyon has kept his place and Josh Hazlewood has been called up. Speaking in Adelaide, the national selector Marsh had said that Clarke would need to be running by Wednesday in order to be considered fit to try to play in the tour match from Friday. If he cannot play in this fixture, he will not be considered for the Brisbane Test. “If he doesn’t start running by Wednesday, Marsh said, “then I think we can safely assume that he won’t be playing the Test match.”

Waugh said the selectors were concerned that a single day’s grade cricket would not be enough to prove Clarke’s fitness for a five-day Test, leading them to send him to Adelaide for the tour match. “A few days ago, the selectors spoke about it and Pat Howard spoke about it as well,” Waugh said of conversations pre-dating the grade fixture. (Cricinfo)

McKinnon, Ramlakhan successful at pistol shooting competition

Ryan McKinnon and Joshua Ramlakhan won the senior and junior categories at last weekend’s .22 Pistol competition as the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) hosted the first leg of its year-end Hangun championships at the TSU Ranges at Eve Leary.

McKinnon, who scored 453 points, had 10 points clear of second place finisher Smallbore captain Dale Hing, who recorded 443 points, while third place went to Ray Beharry,

who recorded 441 points in the event, which comprised three stages shot at five and 10 metres distances.

The first was a precision stage shot from five metres with no time limit where shooters were required to engage targets with both strong and weak hands.

The second was a 20 seconds timed stage shot from five metres where shooters had to engage targets with mandatory reload with two eight-round clips.

The third was a 30 seconds timed stage from

10 metres, which also required a mandatory reload with two 10-round clips.

Ramlakhan was also in top form among the juniors, winning with 424 points, beating into second position Surujballi Persaud, who recorded 400 points, while third place finisher Ray Amjad recorded 372 points.

The championships will conclude on Sunday with the Practical Pistol shoot at the Timehri ranges from 09:00 hours.

TT sending strong team to Umada Cup

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Trinidad and Tobago is sending a strong team to the prestigious Umada Cup Chess tournament, starting on Thursday at the Sleepin International Hotel on Brickdam.

This was confirmed by President of the Guyana Chess Federation, Irshad Mohamed, in a correspondence to the media on Monday.

“I can tell you that Trinidad is sending a very strong team, which will be led by FIDE Master, Ryan Harper, and includes several other top players,” Mohamed said in an invited comment.

Harper is a veteran player and has a FIDE rating of 2246. He will be competing in the Open Section, while five other players from the twinisland republic will compete in the Challenger Category.

They are Candidate Master Frank Sears (FIDE rating 1911), Mikel Martin (1634), Say Siltshire (2015), Kevin Cupid (2041) and Vishnu Singh. The Trinidad and Tobago contingent is expected in Guyana on Wednesday.

The tournament will be held from Thursday to December 1 at the Sleep Inn Hotel on Brickdam with a total of 17 countries being invit-

Wolf’s Warriors, Regal to clash in final

Reigning Guyana Softball Cup 4 champions Wolf Warriors (Open) and Floodlight (Masters) proved that they are true champions when both teams stormed into the finals of the Ramchand/ Rohan Auto Spares softball tournament.

In the Open segment last weekend, Wolf’s Warriors defeated Farm by six wickets, while Regal defeated Uprisers by one wicket in the other semi-final. The

Open final is a repeat of the Guyana Softball Cup 4 championship game, which was also contested by Wolf’s Warriors and Regal. In the Masters division, Floodlight prevailed by seven wickets over Parika Defenders, while in the other semi-final, Wellman defeated Slingers by six wickets. Below are the summarised scores from the semi-finals played last weekend.

Wolf Warriors defeat-

ed Farm by six wickets. Farm 154-9 from 20 overs (Avinash Sookdeo 25, Lalta Karim 22, Narine Bailey 5-20) Wolf Warriors 1554 from 14.5 overs (Safraz Karim 46*, Lincoln Leander 36*, K. Ramkumar 2-15).

Regal defeated Uprisers by one wicket. Uprisers 149 from 19.5 overs (W. Osborne 26, Ejaz Mohamed 18, Balram Roopnarine 3-26, Delroy Pereira 2-17) Regal 150-9 from 19.1 overs (Rohit Dutchin 36, S.

ed to compete.

The tournament, according to Mohamed, is being organised under the auspices of current president of the world governing body for chess, FIDE, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, in collaboration with the Confederación de Ajedrez para América (CCA). According to Mohamed, several of Guyana’s leading players, who are FIDE rated, will don the national colours during the five-day competition.

The tournament will be held in two categories: one for players in the Open Section and another for those in the Challenger Section. Both sections will be played under the Swiss System for nine rounds and will be Fide rated. A grand payout package of US$16,000 would be at stake.

In the Open Section, the winner will cart off US$2,500, while the second and third place finishers will pocket US$1,500 and US$1,000 respectively. The winner of the Challengers Section is entitled to US$1,500, with the runner-up copping US$1,000 and third US$750. In the case of a tie, the sum of the prizes involved will be shared equally.

The nations that have been invited to participate are Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, St Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and U.S. Virgin Islands.

D’Andrade retains marathon title in Suriname

Budhu 24, Ricky Sargeant 18*, Chris Pattadin 2-24, V. Mohamed 1-8).

Floodlight defeated Parika Defenders by seven wickets. Defenders 1419 from 20 overs (Oswald Black 39, R. Ramborase 30, Clive Canterberry 3-20, Ramchand Ragbeer 2-31) Floodlights 146-3 from 16 overs (Imtiaz Mohamed 59*, Ramesh Narine 46*, M. Saffie 2-37).

Wellman defeated Slingers by six wickets. Slingers 119-9 in 20 overs (Tony Singh 4-21, Greig De Franca 2-18) Wellman 1205 (Latchman Kalicharan 45*, Motilall Chumandat 25*, M. Hafiz 2-22).

The two male finals and female semi-finals and finals, together with two male third place play-off (Open and Masters) will be played on Saturday at the Demerara Cricket Club ground, starting at 10:30 hours.

The four female teams to play are Trophy Stall Angels versus Blue Divas, and Karibee Girls against Mike’s Wellwoman. The teams to play the third place playoff are Uprisers and Farm (Open) and Parika Defenders and Slingers (Masters).

Lionel D’Andrade

Trinidad based distance athlete, Lionel D’Andrade successfully retain his Suriname Marathon title on Sunday.

D’Andrade made the event seem easy as he pulled away from the pack to finish clearly ahead of his competitors in Suriname.

D’Andrade stopped the clock at two hours, 57mins 50s to top Suriname’s Sykerio Simpson who finished second in three hours, four minutes 31s. Guillerme Udenhout was third in three hours, seven minutes and four seconds.

The lanky distance athlete noted that the race was a bit grueling for him and did not want to push the pace.

“I had chikungunya so I wasn’t 100 percent and I was not running for time, I was just running to retain my title,” D’Andrade told Guyana Times Sport. Meanwhile USA based athlete, Euleen JossiahTanner finished second on the distaff side in a time of three hours and 41mins while Guyanese master’s athlete Carlene Phillips was third in four hours and nine minutes.

D’Andrade is expected to leave Guyana on Thursday for Trinidad where he will compete in his final two events to close his 2014 season.

Industry dominate at Big Ride 5

The Industry village made a huge impact on the Big Ride 5, carting off four of the 10 prizes on offer during Sunday’s event, organised by the Sport and Health Ministries, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Guyana Cycling Federation.

The race commenced at the University of Guyana access road and proceeded to the Carifesta Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue, covering an approximate distance of three and

a half miles.

The actively targeted those involved in a healthy lifestyle and others wishing to pursue such a course.

According to Director of Sport Neil Kumar, the event is the brainchild of Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who was unavoidably absent from Sunday’s activity.

Kumar said the event was geared at providing persons with an opportunity to exert their energies in a leisurely activity.

At the presentation ceremony which followed,

Industry copped awards for the village with the most riders, organisation with the most riders, largest youth group and largest female group.

Team Coco’s was adjudged the best uniformed group, while three-year-old Tyler Goring was the youngest rider and 72-year-old Nova Persaud the oldest.

Sam Tracey (Innovative/ Creativity), Derrick Dass (Oldest bike) and fiveyear-old Jessica Mohabir (Youngest female) were the other recipients of awards.

Ram slam t20 shifted to this weekend

Captain of the team Ryan Gonsalves echoed Green but highlighted that the ruggers need to stay focused for the job at hand.

“We are looking at every game one at a time… we have been away from seven’s for a while so we need to stick to our plan and I think we have a good line up.

“This is no new thing for us, just another day on the field and we are going to put our best foot forward,” Gonsalves stated.

Coach of the team

Theodore Henry noted that the team will “give the best they can” as the ruggers

aim to secure at minimum a ranking of number two before the elimination stages of the tournament.

Meanwhile overseas based player Kevin McKenzie who was absent from the side for the last three years feels that the team has the best “debt” of any of the previous winning teams he has played on.

Further, the burly rugger is confident the team will win the tournament easily, “A team that scores against us will be lucky, we have done it before and I don’t see why we can’t do it again,” he stated.

PGL Memorial Basketball Tournament… Ravens rally past Masters

The Dynas Ravens pulled off a late 5-0 run to defeat a tough Georgetown Masters team when the Phillip George Legacy Memorial Basketball tournament continued on Sunday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The Masters look good against the Ravens in the early going against the defending champions of the tournament as they traded buckets with the Ravens.

The Masters played a slower pace which was fitting for the Ravens pass first offensive attack that saw both teams putting on a compelling show of basketball lined with tough defensive sets.

With the Ravens always straying within striking distance, the Masters pulled ahead by one point on a 4-0 run before the Ravens answered with a run of their own to win the game.

Jermaine Slater was cre-

ating havoc in the paint for the Ravens and was a rebounding nightmare as well, leading his team in scoring with 17 points while

the Masters. Aubrey Younge was the game’s leading scorer with 19 points in the losing effort.

Meanwhile point guard

Jason Squires led his Pepsi Sonics team to a 78-69 win over Linden’s Victory Valley Royals (VVR) Squires led all scorers with 18 points while Collis Pluck chipped in with 15 points to add to the win. Sheldon Frank and Sheldon Smith each had 11 points as well.

Sharpshooter Chris Williams led the Royals with 15 points while Harold Adams had 14 points in the loss.

In the third game the Republic Bank Nets gained a walkover win against the

Dominic Vincente had 10.

Former national guard and Captain Lugard Mohan tried a final second shot at the buzzer to tie the game which rimmed out but ended the night with 16 points for

Berbice Rockers. The tournament will continue on Wednesday with one game at the Sports Hall as the Melanie Patriots will take on the Kashif and Shanghai Knights.

Plaisance win Under-23 outdoor basketball tourney

Guyana will play their first game against Mexico on December 3.

The squad: Vallon Adams, Dwayne Schroeder, Avery Corbin, Richard Staglon (Vice-Capatain), Ryan Gonsalves (Captain), Leon Greaves, Peabo Hamilton, Ronald Mayers, Kevin McKenzie, Claudius Butts, Isiejah Allen (debut) and Patrick King (debut).

The management team will consist of Theodore Henry as Coach, Phillip Barrington Browne as physiotherapist and retired colonel John Lewis as Manager.

Playing at a sizzling pace, Plaisance outran the Eagles to win 23-21 in the Pepsi Sonics under-23 outdoor 5-on-5 basketball tournament at the National Gymnasium outdoor hard court.

It was clear from the onset, Plaisance system of play which was to out run their opponents. Smooth passes as well as long passes encompassed their attack.

Kelvin Yorrick displayed his ability to see the floor as well as his open and cutting teammates during the game.

However, the highlight of the game came when Nikkoloi Smith caused a stir in the crowed when he pulled

had his defender wiping the floor.

In the end, Smith ended with a game high nine

points to lead his team to victory over the Eagles. Rolston Richmond had a team high eight points in the losing effort.

Meanwhile third place went to the Colts with a walkover win against the Pepsi Sonics.

Plaisance took home the first place prize of $50,000 which was sponsored by Southland International while Smith also won the three point contest which was sponsored by Giftland Office Max to the tune of $10,000.

The second place prize was sponsored by Automotive Essentials and third place by Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs.

Tournament...

Brilliant Permaul 8-36 spins Guyana to victory

SCOREBOARD

GUYANA 1st Innings 291

WINDWARDS 1st Innings 184

GUYANA 2nd Innings

(overnight 133 for five)

R Chandrika b Matthew 9

A Fudadin lbw b Matthew 19

*L Johnson c Ambris b Bobb 25

N Deonarine c Smith b Bobb 34

S Chanderpaul run out 44

C Barnwell b Matthew 6

R Reifer not out 29

A Bramble not out 3

Extras (b2, lb1, nb3) 6

TOTAL (6 wkts decl, 57 overs) 175

Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-40, 3-77, 4-110, 5-125, 6-168. Bowling: Pascal 12-0-470, Mathew 18-3-43-3, Bobb 10-0-30-2, Sebastien

10-1-36-0, Peters 5-1-130, Theophile 2-0-3-0.

WINDWARDS 2nd Innings

D Smith c wkp Bramble b

Permaul 55 T Theophile lbw b Barnwell 9

A Fletcher c (sub) Griffith b Permaul 38

S Ambris c wkp Bramble b Permaul 39

R Currency lbw b Permaul 10

*L Sebastien c wkp Bramble b Permaul 0

+L James c Reifer b Permaul 4

A Bobb lbw b Permaul 24

M Matthew c wkp Bramble b Permaul 0 K Peters lbw b Beaton 3 N Pascal not out 0

Extras (b2, lb3, nb3) 8

TOTAL (all out, 80.2 overs) 190

Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-100, 3-117, 4-151, 5-151, 6-159, 7-164, 8-168, 9-187, 10-190. Bowling: Deonarine 12-2-490, Beaton 9-2-27-1, Barnwell 6-2-20-1, Permaul 31.2-2036-8, Bishoo 22-5-53-0.

GRFU announces national squad

By TreisTon Joseph

The Guyana Football Rugby Union (GFRU) has announced its final squad to attend the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) seven’s tournament scheduled for early December in Mexico.

A pool of 35 players was broken down to 12 players with a mixture of local and overseas talent that has been deemed fit to win the 2014 edition of the tournament by President of the GFRU, Peter Green.

At a press conference today, Green stressed the importance of the tournament,

“Guyana has a clear pathway to Rio (Olympics) and it begins in Mexico.

“We expect to put on a show and not just a show, we will be bringing home a title for the seventh time but for me it’s a first because the stakes are high,” Green stressed powerfully.

Alucky patron of Flex Night International on December 7 at the National Cultural Centre will win a return ticket to any of Copa Airlines’ 69 destinations, as the company announced its alliance with the organisers at a simple ceremony on Monday afternoon.

Country Sales Manager of Copa Airlines, Nadine Oudkerk, in the company of Flex Night officials Donald Sinclair and David Gomes, announced the partnership at the company’s Camp Street location.

“The event, which has become a highlight on the bodybuilding and fitness calendar in Guyana, will benefit from a sponsorship in the form of a return ticket to any of Copa’s 69 destinations in 30 countries. The ticket will be presented as a prize at the event and the recipient will be able to choose from any of Copa’s destinations,” Copa Airlines said in a statement.

Oudkerk expressed optimism at being part of one of the country’s leading bodybuilding show, noting that the relationship between the

Green also played up the role of sponsorship, noting that it was one of the few times that the Government, the private sector as well as the major sport association has come forward to help the sport.

“When we have all three paradigms gelling a team is not suppose to fail,” Green stated emphatically.

Copa Airlines flies into Flex Night territory

lucky patron to win return ticket

two bodies is still in its initial stages, but they are hoping for it to be a long and successful one. She made reference to Copa’s motto

“Connected, anything is possible”, correlating it with the possibilities that may exist through the affiliation.

Sinclair, the Managing Director of Flex Night, was pleased to welcome Copa

Airlines onboard, noting that the Flex Night theme

“Raising the Bar” is clearly demonstrated through this latest venture between the two entities.

Meanwhile, in giving an update on preparations for the event, Sinclair revealed that all the necessary pieces are falling into place and they are about 98 percent to

where they want to be.

To date, 32 male and nine female athletes have registered for the one night event, and registration is still open to those desirous of competing. Of point to note, the weigh-in of athletes will take place on the day of the event at 15:00 hours at the National Cultural Centre.