Guyana Times Daily

Glenn Lall could face jail time if convicted of tax fraud

Police burn huge ganja crop on Highway Missing MFK boss: Police insist on DNA test of headless corpse

Guyana questions WHO stats on local suicide rates

but unaware of taping

FridAY, october 17, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Moves afoot to regulate sale of pesticides

– in light of increasing number of suicides

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said efforts will be made to clamp down on the willy-nilly selling of pesticides in light of the growing number of persons using them as a means to commit suicide.

A few days ago, Alex Persaud, 16, of Lot 18 Stewartville, West Coast Demerara ended his life by consuming a poisonous substance.

The student of Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) Secondary School, Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara reportedly committed the act after he was expelled from the school. It has been alleged that the teen was involved in a close relationship with a teacher there.

Persaud reportedly bought the poisonous substance from a shop in Leonora.

The number of cases in Guyana where persons commit suicide by ingesting harmful substances is soaring. Only recently, Guyana was deemed the suicide capital of the world.

Persons are still able to purchase pesticides and other harmful chemicals freely.

Efforts by Government are crucial to reducing the suicide rate, but all needs to play an active role in the fight.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie

Ramsammy said the community has a major role to play in preventing the occurrence of these incidents.

“There is something the Agriculture Ministry can do; there is something the Health Ministry can do, and also there is something the religious groups can do, the Police; there is something everybody can do. A combined effort is required from everyone if there is to be a change.”

He affirmed that only authorised and registered persons should be involved in the trade of pesticides and other harmful agriculture-related substances.

While the Agriculture Ministry forbids licensed vendors from selling these dangerous chemicals to unregistered farmers, it still happens.

There is no penalty in law to penalise vendors

who sell these dangerous chemicals, but Minister Ramsammy said efforts will be made to address this problem.

This aside, he said, farmers should not purchase from unlicensed shops and shopkeepers should not sell to unregistered persons.

The Minister also noted that it would be wrong to centralise the sale of pesticides to facilitate a reduction of the problem.

He explained that “By trying to solve one problem, we will create another problem”, contending that some farmers will protest if they have to travel long distances to purchase the pesticides.

Dr Ramsammy also stated that the Ministry is working on getting every farmer to be registered, from small to large-scale farmers.

“These are things that farmers are going to be op-

posed to,” the Minister stated, noting that while the process will be tedious, it will be worthwhile as it will save some lives.

Dr Ramsammy is also cautioning farmers who purchase these substances to store them in a safe place and in a proper manner.

Recently, some 150 storage cabinets were distributed to farmers throughout Guyana, and farmers generally were encouraged

to store their chemicals in these facilities.

In fact, farmers were encouraged to have two locks on the cabinets and have two family members keep each key.

“Because if I have a key and I decide one night to drink alcohol and decide to open the case to get the pesticides to kill myself, I will need the other key,” the Minister reasoned.

Food For The Poor gets stationery from Repsol

Repsol Exploration (Guyana) SA, recently donated a quantity of stationery to help boost Food For The Poor Guyana’s (FFTP) stationery drive, which was launched in July.

At a simple ceremony in FFTP’s boardroom, Indira Chandarpal, a representative of the energy company, said she was pleased that Repsol could assist FFTP to complete the requirements of its stationery drive.

“We are happy to be a part of this venture and look forward to supporting Food For The Poor in its future endeavours,” she concluded.

FFTP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kent Vincent thanked Repsol for its kind gesture in supporting the stationery drive.

“There are so many children who find it difficult to acquire basic necessities to attend school. Food For The Poor is the leading entity

that makes donations and so we are very happy today to be at the receiving end, so that we in turn can help

those in need,” he said. He further stated that the FFTP would like to encourage other companies and businesses to contribute not only school items, but other items that would be useful to the poor.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

17:30h reaching minimum heights of 1.11 metres and 1.19 metres respectively.

Glenn Lall could face jail time if convicted of tax fraud

If convicted of tax fraud, owner and publisher of the Kaieteur News Glenn Lall; his wife, owner of Bhena’s Footwear, Bhena Lall; and the re-migrant couple Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan could each face a maximum sentence of one year in prison, along with a penalty of three times the amount of tax that was evaded.

The four are currently before the Georgetown Magistrates Court facing charges of tax evasion and aiding and abetting as prescribed by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) after a massive investigation was launched.

Prior to their court appearance, the GRA felt the State had a strong case because of the abundance of evidence in the matter.

According to Article 218 (A) of the Customs Act, tax evasion carries such penalties.

Lall and his wife were on Monday arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on multiple tax evasion charges. The charges allege that between June

18, 2013 and September 20, 2013, at Lot 200-201 Camp Street, Georgetown, 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.

They were also slapped with two counts of aid-

ing and abetting in a conspiracy to defraud the Government of due taxes.

Speaking to the Guyana Times in an exclusive interview on Thursday, GRA

Commissioner General Sattaur said that the tax body was in the midst of additional investigations with respect to Lall.

Additional charges

He explained that these additional investigations could mean additional charges for the Kaieteur News Publisher and anyone else suspected of tax evasion.

Based on the evidence that the Authority intends to present to the court, it is very likely that the Lalls and the Brijnanans can be prosecuted and sentenced to spend time in a penitentiary if found guilty.

Lall has also been implicated for evading taxes on the importation of printing ink allegedly packaged as a Caribbean Community (CariCom) product, as such items enjoy duty-free concessions under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Under closer inspection, however, it was reportedly found that some of the raw materiaals for the ink could hjave possibly come from outside the Caribbean.

According to a report in another media house, the drums containing the ink had two labels, one of which states that the origin of the product is Chicago in the US, and another that was superimposed over the first, which indicated that it was a product of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Customs and Trade Administration is of the opinion that the printing ink cannot qualify as a duty-free item of import since it did not originate within CariCom. This matter is still under investigation.

The Lalls are also before the court in another matter relating to allegedly evading paying some $5.7 million in property taxes to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for their property at 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, where the Kaieteur News is located.

Vagrant remanded on assault with intent to rob charge

Ahomeless man who identified himself as Royden Browne was on Thursday morning brought into the courtroom of the Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine- Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to an assault with intent to rob charge.

The defendant was accused of unlawfully assaulting Virtual Complainant (VC) Natasha Outar with intent to rob her of a cellphone valued $35,000 on Wednesday, October 15, at Regent Street, Georgetown.

into him, causing him to accidentally jam the VC. He noted that she pushed him back, so he chucked her.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, and told the court that he only assaulted the VC and did not rob nor intended to rob anyone. However, according to the prosecution, on the day in question around 09:00h, the VC was walking east along Regent Street when the defendant approached her and dealt her several cuffs about the body.

few minutes after. The defendant was then arrested and charged.

In the ensuring scuffle, the defendant tried to get a hold of Outar’s phone, but the VC held on to it. After a while, some persons called the Police who responded a

The unrepresented Browne narrated a different story to the court. He explained that he was walking on the pavement with two ladies alongside him when one of the ladies bumped

This newspaper understands that the defendant told the Police another story. Browne reportedly told the Police that he has no fixed place of abode so he stays wherever he wishes. On this particular day, he spent the night at Bourda Market where he woke up hungry and went in search of food. As he was walking along Regent Street, he saw the VC with her cellphone and tried to snatch it with the intention of selling it to buy food.

Prosecutor Michael Grant revealed that the defendant has had other brushes with the law. As the defendant had no permanent address, bail was refused.

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

Disaster Risk Reduction 2014

Last Wednesday was “International Day for Disaster Reduction”. As in most other years, it was not a day that most Guyanese took seriously. In fact, we boast about being spared most of the natural disasters that strike so many other countries. Like hurricanes and earthquakes that devastate our Caricom neighbours with alarming regularity.

But it appears that such smugness might be coming to an end – with a vengeance. The Region and Guyana are beginning to show signs they appreciate the risks the Ebola epidemic poses to our very survival. While this might sound hyperbolic to some, it is our sincere hope that they are a tiny minority. Let us face the facts: We are dealing with a viral threat that is clearly beyond any we have seen before.

Our bottom line has to be this: If the US, with the most sophisticated medical system in the world, can fail to contain this virus, what hope can we with our comparatively rudimentary equipment and trained manpower. From the Texas experience, the virus was able to penetrate even the most airtight protective gear and stringent regimen – within very sophisticated isolation rooms. Do we in Guyana really believe that we can do better?

The countries bordering the epicentre of this epidemic have all resorted to mass isolation of their population from infected victims, by closing their borders to visitors from the latter. Yesterday, two countries in Caricom – St Vincent and St Lucia followed suit.

We have just been informed that Guyana has just done the same. In times of war, it is said, “discretion is the better part of valour” and right now in the war against Ebola, we are very pleased that the Government has opted to use discretion. We are sure that it was not an easy decision to close our borders to the epicentric West African countries, but it had to be done.

This course of action, we are sure, will seem hard and heartless – but desperate times call for desperate measures. To answer the question posed above on our capacity to handle an Ebola infected patient, there is no shame in admitting that we can in no way, shape or form do better than the Americans. This does not mean that we should not continue with the preparations that are already under way. In fact, they must be intensified.

Even though we will now block arrivals from the epicentre in West Africa, there is always the possibility that soon, there will be individuals infected in a large number of countries in other continents. We can then have secondary migration of the virus into our country.

There will also be Guyanese – who are one of the most highly distributed populations in the world, returning with the virus. What the closing of our borders means is that we lessen significantly the chances of the virus entering our population. Up to now, even though this strain of the virus known as Ebola has been around for almost 40 years, robust isolation of its infected victims has been the only way to control its spread.

This closure might hopefully not have to be of long duration since we have been informed that there are several vaccines that might be brought on stream in the near future from the US, UK, Canada, and the USSR. It is not entirely a coincidence that after 40 years of not having a vaccine, suddenly there are several potential candidates. It all has to do with spending the money to conduct the research.

When it was just a case of people dying in a far-off Third World country, no Pharma company would deploy the resources. But now that it has literally hit where there are “deep pockets”, it now makes business sense to go all out.

Without being too cynical, as with AIDS, we might be the beneficiary of this unexpected largesse.

Modi’s party heading for victories in State Elections in India

Dear Editor, Surprisingly, several Guyanese are following the elections in India in the states of Haryana (where the Mahabharat War was fought in Kurukshetra) and Maharashtra where Bollywood is located.

Several Guyanese phoned to query my prognosis of the outcome. They are fans of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi governing at the centre.

When I visited the states of Maharashtra and Haryana just recently, most voters told me they could not wait to vote out the Congress incumbents and vote in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP.

Voters told me they were fed up with corruption scams and poor governance. They also told me they were impressed with Modi’s performance at the centre and wanted his party to also govern their states, seeing positive benefits resulting from the BJP ruling at the centre and in their states. It appears that their wish would very well come true as this is how they actually voted on Wednesday.

Exit polls indicate what I projected that the BJP would win both states in spite of going into the election alone (without an alliance partner) as happened in previous elections. The party’s alliance with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra

collapsed as they could not come to an agreement on seat sharing. The Shiv Sena was unwilling to concede a majority of seats to the BJP.

As it is turning out, the BJP may very well end up winning a majority of seats on its own and not needing an alliance. If it comes up short, Shiv Sena would have no choice but to back the BJP in a coalition. Had the two parties come together in an agreed seat-sharing formula, they would have buried the ruling Congress alliance that will manage to hold on to near half of their seats.

In Haryana, the BJP was not interested in an alliance with any major party, because it recognised

it would win alone as people wanted to retire the incumbents. Counting of ballots would take place on Saturday.

If the poll projections are right, it would mean a continuation of the fall of the Congress and a major boost for Brand Modi. The PM’s popularity is still holding four months after his swearing in. As one commentator noted, it would push the BJP to drive a hard bargain on seat sharing while also sending a strong signal to allies that “they would be ill-advised to try any hard bargaining with the BJP, as the Sena did”.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Nigeria willing to help any country eradicate Ebola

Dear Editor, Although we understand the concerns shared by our host country, we wish to state categorically that Nigeria is not an Ebola affected state.

As of today, and for over two months, Nigeria has been cleared of the Ebola virus by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Bank, and the

International Monetary Fund (IMF).

It is on record that Nigeria is the first country in the world to have successfully eradicated the Ebola virus and an official statement is to be made by the WHO to this effect on the October 20.

It is most important that this issue be clarified because we are at a

stage where trade between Nigeria and Guyana is developing.

Presently, both countries enjoy over $1 billion in trade and this figure is expected to increase to over $10 billion over the next year with signs of Nigerian investors looking to invest in Guyana. We wish to assure the good people of Guyana

and the Government of Guyana that the Nigerian Government is willing to partner with any country willing to learn the strategies used by Nigeria to eradicate the Ebola virus.

Thanks, Onoja Atta Onoja Vice President Nigerian Association of Guyana

Guyana mulls joining Islamic Development Bank

Guyana is currently exploring the option of fostering closer cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank, including giving active consideration to the possibility of joining that bank.

This is according to Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, after he met with the leadership of the bank during a visit to Washington DC last weekend.

“The Islamic Development Bank aims to foster economic and social progress and is an internationally-respected development institution,” Minister

Singh said.

“Furthermore, Islamic finance is currently attracting more international attention than ever before. In addition, Guyana is already a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and is home to a large and vibrant Muslim population. It is therefore appropriate that we explore further this option of financial support.”

At the meeting, Minister Singh and the bank's President, Dr Ahmed Mohammed Ali Al Madani discussed opportunities for closer cooperation between Guyana and the bank,

and the process by which Guyana could eventually become a member.

Minister Singh reaffirmed Guyana's interest in being able to access concessional financing from the bank to help fund local projects aimed at further improving Guyana’s physical and social infrastructure and to raise the standard of living for all Guyanese.

The Islamic Development Bank is an international financial institution established in October 1975 with 56 member countries. The bank participates in equity capital and grant loans to

support projects and enterprises in member countries. The bank also establishes and operates special funds for specific purposes including a fund for assistance to Muslim communities in non-member countries.

The bank is also charged with the responsibility of assisting in the promotion of foreign trade, especially in capital goods, among member countries; providing technical assistance to member countries; and extending training facilities for personnel engaged in development activities in member countries.

The position of Speaker has been compromised in unethical fashion

Dear Editor,

According to a news report (name given), a poll was done which found that Raphael Trotman should remain in the Speaker position despite the sex allegations. No one seems to have heard of such a poll being conducted. So questions abound, such as:

How was this poll conducted? When (during what timeframe) was this poll done? Where (place or places) was this poll conducted? Across which/what diaspora (especially political affiliation) of the Guyanese community was the poll conducted? And which poll results were rejected?

Further, what means/method(s) were used to conduct this poll? How can the report refer to 1300 persons of the approximate 800,000 people in the Guyanese community as ‘many’? Was access to the poll granted to the approximate 800,000 people of Guyana? Were any children (potential victims) polled and if so how many? And were victims of paedophilia polled?

If these criteria are not met, I can, therefore, conclude that the report has no merit and it seems that this article from a poll is a farce intent on swaying the public’s support in favour of Raphael Trotman against Johnny Welshman.

The article reveals the prejudiced stance that the news entity has taken in showing it is politically affiliated in its support of Raphael Trotman and the Opposition’s self-interests, and has no interest in justice being

done in the Courts of Law.

The news entity has, therefore, shown with this concocted poll that it is not neutral, or at least biased towards defending and protecting a child or any child of Guyana, especially from paedophilia.

Even the NGOs have shown they will not protest on behalf of Johnny Welshman against Raphael Trotman, showing they support Opposition self-interests and only rally on the call from the Opposition to do protests. These NGOs have, therefore, shown that they are, by extension, arms of the Opposition.

After Johnny Welshman made his allegations public, he has been gagged with an injunction, sued for $50 million, approached with settlement money, approached with ‘hushmoney’, and threatened, all by various persons who have their motives influenced by expectations, pay-offs and rewards.

According to Johnny Welshman, even the lives of lawyers were threatened so as to prevent him (Johnny Welshman) from getting legal representation. These persons may not be agents of Raphael Trotman and his lawyer Nigel Hughes, and/or the Opposition, but won’t Raphael Trotman be indebted to them for their efforts?

Aren’t many of these efforts such as threatening the lives of lawyers also criminal actions? Due to the protection coming from his colleagues in the Opposition and/or their agents,

Cash grant part of macro programme for education

Dear Editor, The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) extends congratulations to the Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, on the commencement of the Government of Guyana’s $10,000 “Because We Care” Cash Grant, for every child in the public school system.

This is a fulfilment of yet another promise of the PPP/C Administration and again reinforces the importance we have placed on development of the human capital of our country.

We see this financial assistance, coupled with the national school uniform programme, the school feeding exercise as well as the free textbooks among others, as all part of a macro programme of our government to advance the education of our people.

The PPP/C, from its inception, has been advocating for free education for all of our people and when we took office in 1992, we immediately began the process of making this a reality.

We have successfully achieved this; out track record is there to prove. In 2013, for example, 15.9 per cent of the National Budget was spent in the education sector, followed by 13 per cent this year. In 1992, it was a mere five per cent.

Raphael Trotman will be indebted and, in return, he will be required to grant favours to those colleagues and/or their agents of the Opposition through his position of Speaker of the National Assembly.

After the injunction, Johnny Welshman could not use the media to voice his allegations, while Raphael Trotman was making full use of the media to sway public confidence in his (Raphael Trotman’s) alleged innocence.

During a press conference after gagging Johnny Welshman, Raphael Trotman said he never represented anyone who was charged with a heinous crime, but yet he took as his lawyer, his very own colleague Nigel Hughes who has a reputation of representing people charged with heinous crimes.

All the above show that the seat of the Speaker is compromised in unethical fashion as all those who seek to exploit the position of the Speaker have rushed to and will rush to the aid of Raphael Trotman, who, in return, will owe rewards of his Office to ‘all-and-sundry’.

It is time the Guyanese diaspora ask whether they’re supporting the self-interests of Raphael Trotman, Nigel Hughes and the Opposition or whether they are serving and supporting the interests of the Guyanese people, including the children.

Regards, Balram Singh

Because of this consistent investment over the past 22 years, we have managed to build or refurbished more than 1000 schools across the country. Today, there are 130 nursery schools across the hinterland, 250 primary schools, and 17 secondary schools.

Seventy-two per cent of teachers spread across the country are trained, compared to 30 per cent trained two decades ago. More than 50 per cent of the teachers in

the hinterland regions are trained, through the Guyana Basic Education Teacher Training Programme, and other initiatives that facilitate distance training.

Ninety-two per cent of the clusters have access to a Learning Resource Centre (LRC). Ninety per cent of the schools have a teachers’ house and 90 per cent are equipped with sanitary blocks, 45 per cent with electricity and 83 per cent with water facilities.

Having achieved universal primary education, our focus this year is on secondary education.

Currently, a modern secondary school is under construction at Kato, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and there is consideration for the construction of one in the Upper Mazaruni.

We have been providing transportation in the hinterland to our school children to ensure that we ease the burden from parents on getting their children to school on a daily basis, while we are providing hot meals at some hinterland schools.

As a result, 74 per cent of our nursery school students are attending school, 81 per cent primary and 82 per cent secondary.

Our efforts over the past two decades are not only recognised at home and in the Region, but also on the global stage and in 2012, President Donald Ramotar was named by United Nations Secretary General Ban KiMoon on his Global Initiative on Education committee.

We in the PPP/C can stand proud of our record in every sector, including education, and again we take this opportunity to congratulate the Education Minister on the rollout of the Government of Guyana.

Submitted by, PPP/C, Freedom House

Frequently asked questions on Ebola virus disease

What is Ebola virus disease?

* Ebola virus disease (formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often fatal illness, with a death rate of up to 90 per cent.

* Ebola first appeared in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks, one in a village near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the other in a remote area of Sudan.

* The origin of the virus is unknown but fruit bats (Pteropodidae) are considered the likely host of the Ebola virus, based on available evidence.

How do people become infected with the virus?

* In the current outbreak in West Africa, the majority of cases in humans have occurred as a result of humanto-human transmission.

* Infection occurs from direct contact through broken skin or mucous membranes with the blood, or other bodily fluids or secretions (stool, urine, saliva, semen) of infected people. Infection can also occur if broken skin or mucous membranes of a healthy person come into contact with environments that have become contaminated with an Ebola patient’s infectious fluids

such as soiled clothing, bed linen, or used needles.

* More than 100 healthcare workers have been exposed to the virus while caring for Ebola patients. This happens because they may not have been wearing personal protection equipment or were not properly applying infection prevention and control measures when caring for the patients. Healthcare providers at all levels of the health system – hospitals, clinics, and health posts – should be briefed on the nature of the disease and how it is transmitted, and strictly follow recommended infection control precautions.

Who is most at risk?

During an outbreak, those at higher risk of infection are:

* health workers;

* family members or others in close contact with infected people;

* mourners who have direct contact with the bodies of the deceased as part of burial ceremonies.

* More research is needed to understand if some groups, such as immuno-compromised people or those with other underlying health conditions, are more susceptible than others to

contracting the virus.

* Exposure to the virus can be controlled through the use of protective measures in clinics and hospitals, at community gatherings, or at home.

What are typical signs and symptoms of infection?

* Sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat are typical signs and symptoms. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.

* Laboratory findings include low white blood cell and platelet counts, and elevated liver enzymes.

* The incubation period, or the time interval from infection to onset of symptoms, is from two to 21 days. The patients become contagious once they begin to show symptoms. They are not contagious during the incubation period.

* Ebola virus disease infections can only be confirmed through laboratory testing.

When should someone seek medical care?

* If a person has been in an area known to have Ebola

virus disease or in contact with a person known or suspected to have Ebola and they begin to have symptoms, they should seek medical care immediately.

* Any cases of persons who are suspected to have the disease should be reported to the nearest health unit without delay. Prompt medical care is essential to improving the rate of survival from the disease. It is also important to control spread of the disease and infection control procedures need to be started immediately.

What is the treatment?

* Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. They are frequently dehydrated and need intravenous fluids or oral rehydration with solutions that contain electrolytes. There is currently no specific treatment to cure the disease.

* Some patients will recover with the appropriate medical care.

* To help control further spread of the virus, people that are suspected or confirmed to have the disease should be isolated from other patients and treated by health workers using strict infection control precautions. (www.who.int)

Guyana to begin testing for Chikungunya

As early as next week, Guyana may be able to begin offering tests for the mosquito-borne viral disease Chikungunya. This is according to Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud.

More recently the disease, which has been leaving its victims in immense pain, has taken a back seat, as concerns mount over the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

But Dr Persaud on Thursday said the local laboratory here now has the capacity to carry out its own testing for the Chikungunya virus.

Samples are currently being sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad for testing.

“The capacity is now there. We are just awaiting some panels of positives and negatives that we would cross check; the method is now in place at the national public reference lab and I am very anxious to start testing locally here,” Persaud told this newspaper during an interview on Thursday.

According to him, some validation is still needed to be carried out on the kits, which were bought through the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

That validation, he noted, will give confirmation on all tests carried out.

“We just need to test the kit, validate it to make sure

that a positive result is indeed positive, to make sure that the result is accurate.”

Dr Persaud assured that the Ministry has competent technicians to carry out the tests and is working to continue training persons in this area.

Meanwhile, the CMO said there seems to be a vast reduction in the number of reported cases over the last couple of weeks, although there are a few persons who are reportedly experiencing some of “the longer sequels of the Chikungunya virus”.

Asked about the county of Berbice, where the first case of the virus was reported, Dr Persaud said that there has been a significant reduction in the number of reported cases there. In fact, more reports of suspected cases are coming from the Georgetown and East Coast districts.

“We had a lot of interventions, although people have still been complaining symptomatically. The main positives are coming from Georgetown corridor between here and the East Coast and the samples and we are monitoring it,” the CMO related.

He said the CARPHA has advised that persistent joint pain may continue for some persons for at least six months after. The recommendation, he said, is for those persons to use the milder pain relievers and avoid cold contact with anything that triggers any underlying problem with arthritis.

Although it is not fatal, the Chikungunya virus has proven to be a major health threat to the populace, with numerous persons complaining of the difficulties endured during the illness and after recovery.

Investigations carried out by Guyana Times had found that regions across the country were crying out for help as hundreds of health institutions continue to be flocked daily with patients manifesting symptoms of the virus.

Chikungunya is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which is also known to spread dengue and yellow fever.

The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is commonly found in many homes. Water collected in containers, old tyres and other vessels provides the perfect breeding ground for these mosquitoes.

At present, there are no specific antibiotic or antiviral medicines that can be used to treat Chikungunya. The disease is treated symptomatically, whereby persons experiencing high fevers are prescribed fever and pain medication.

Guyana restricts visas for people from Ebola-hit West Africa

By Svetlana MarShall

The Guyana Government has placed restrictions on the issuance of visas to nationals of Ebola-hit West African countries as this country takes steps to stave off the virus that has killed over 4000 people already.

Foreign Affairs Minister

Carolyn RodriguesBirkett said in a statement on Thursday that as of September 9, 2014, Guyana’s consulates in West African states were instructed to stop issuing visas to those nationals.

Via her Facebook page, the Minister said: “On September 9, 2014 all of our embassies and consulates abroad have been instructed “by me not to issue visas to nationals from West African countries for the time being. The consulates and embassies have not issued any visas since.”

She noted, however, that this does not stop persons from coming to Guyana from those countries, but that no new visas will be issued. “While this does not constitute a travel ban for persons from African countries, it is one measure aimed at dealing with this deadly virus,” he Foreign Affairs Minister said.

Death toll rises

Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea are the three West African nations to have reported the highest number of Ebola cases. According to online news reports, the death toll from Ebola will rise this week to more than 4500 people from the 9000 infected and the outbreak is still out of control in the West African nations.

Dr Isabelle Nuttall, Director of the World Health Organisation's global capacities, alert and response, said new numbers show the outbreak is still hitting health workers hard despite precautions.

Thus far, 2700 medical workers have been infected and 236 have died, mainly because Ebola victims are most contagious around the time they die.

Nuttall said the focus of the world's efforts should remain on the countries where the outbreak has been spreading out of control: Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

While the ‘visa stop’ action was taken by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, calls are being made for the Health Ministry to step up its game to preventing the virus from reaching Guyana.

Unprepared

Weeks after it was disclosed that all of the country’s ports were on high alert to screen visitors for the Ebola virus, Guyana Times found out on Tuesday that there was actually no monitoring at the Ogle International Airport (OIA), which began receiving international flights last year.

Following this newspaper’s enquiry, a source at the airport said that the Health Ministry has collaborated with the Public Works Ministry and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority to establish a committee, which would

Thursday implement strategies to combat Ebola, if passengers coming through that port were infected.

According to the source, although there is a Port Health Office at the airport, and although there are a number of daily international flights, there was no surveillance activity for the Ebola virus being carried out there.

There are daily flights from Lethem, bringing travellers from Brazil to the airport. Flights also come in from neighbouring Suriname, with LIAT bringing about four flights per week from Barbados.

The source said that surveillance for this virus is an “absolutely necessary requirement”, given the condition in which it has left countries around the globe.

Port Health Officers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) had said that Government is soon to set up its first-ever isolation unit and tent there, even as it continues in its effort to prevent the deadly Ebola from entering Guyana.

Based on information provided that doctors have been stationed at the country’s main Port of Entry to conduct surveillance activities on passengers coming in, and more recently that

Taxi driver remanded for car theft

Twenty-nine-yearold taxi driver

Alton Gaulding, of Lot 196 Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was on Wednesday morning remanded to prison on a charge of simple larceny.

The taxi driver appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that on Wednesday, June 11, at Campbellville, he stole one Axela motorcar PPP 5786 valued $2.4 million, property of Ivla Allicock. Bail was objected to on the grounds of the prevalence, nature, and gravity of the offence. The defendant was remanded until November 14.

1600 medical officers are set to receive training for any outbreak of the virus here, questions have been asked about Guyana’s capacity to detect and treat any suspected case of the disease.

Preparedness

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon said that Guyana’s Ebola preparedness was the subject of a Cabinet forum on Saturday and on that occasion the Health Ministry and its officials presented to the gathering the summary of interventions that had already been made and those that were being planned.

At the meeting, it was highlighted that the Health Ministry’s public awareness campaigns informed the public and health professionals about the disease, its complications and particularly the approach to its prevention, since a specific cure was not available.

The Cabinet meeting

that considered the report of that October 11 meeting strongly supported calls for aggressive travel restrictions by Guyana and the introduction and intensification of surveillance methods at ports of entry, and reassurances were offered that such was being done.

The meeting was also advised about facilities that were already in place and those being readied to function as quarantine and holding areas at ports of entry.

Dr Luncheon said too

that hospitals were being readied for the isolation of suspected or confirmed cases. Procurement of protective gear and necessary medical supplies were also being addressed. The Cabinet considered reaching out to stakeholders, to the Guyanese civil society to ensure that Guyana is protected from Ebola, noting that such was warranted and calls were made for more intense collaboration between the Government and stakeholders in that regard. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

Construction worker accused of assault granted self-bail

Aconstruction worker was released on his own recognisance after pleading not guilty to two counts of assault on Thursday morning.

Clayton Britton, of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, denied both charges before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The first stated that on October 11 at Georgetown, he unlawfully assaulted

Hubert Smith and the other, that he on October 13 at Georgetown again unlawfully assaulted the Virtual Complainant.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant did not oppose bail for the unrepresented man. The defendant was placed on self-bail and a bond to keep the peace and the matter transferred to Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond’s courtroom for November 10.

Turkish Ambassador visits CIOG

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) said it was pleased to welcome Sulé Oztunç, the newly accredited Turkish Ambassador to Guyana.

Oztunç toured the Secretariat of CIOG and interacted with teachers and students of the Al-Ghazali School on Wednesday. She also held a meeting with the

of CIOG, Al Hajj

and other Executive members.

According to a CIOG release, the President of the organisation welcomed the Ambassador and outlined the various activities that the CIOG was involved in. He indicated that CIOG is willing to work closely with Turkey in the realms of health care, education and

the procurement of assistance for humanitarian efforts.

The Ambassador spoke of her delight on her accreditation to Guyana, and her willingness to work on behalf of the Government of Turkey to establish close ties with the Guyanese people. She indicated that she was very impressed with what CIOG was doing for the poor and

needy of Guyana, and in the field of education.

President Ferouz told the Ambassador that he was pleased to be invited to Istanbul, Turkey to attend the Latin American Muslim Religious Leaders Conference from November 12-16. He offered his thanks to the Government and people of Turkey for hosting this event.

Police burn huge ganja crop on Highway

Over the past several weeks, the Police have been successful in their attempts to curb the drug trade and have executed several eradication exercises along the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, with the most recent being on Thursday at Yarrowkabra and Swan.

Members of the Police Narcotics Branch went to the two areas where they destroyed four acres with approximately 22,000 can-

nabis sativa plants measuring one to four feet in height. They also destroyed several nurseries with about 60,000 seedlings and two kilograms of dried marijuana.

The marijuana farm stretched across four fields, which had several camps but no one was there at the time of the raid.

In early October, 15 acres of marijuana were destroyed by members of the Police Narcotics Branch at

Haurauni, Soesdyke/Linden Highway followed by another raid at Yarrowkabra which unearthed a small field. During the first raid at Haurauni, Police destroyed more than 17,000 cannabis plants.

In addition to the marijuana plants, which range from one foot to eight feet in height, 25 nurseries containing approximately 9000 seedlings were destroyed, along with seven camps. The size of the marijuana

field was estimated at 15 acres.

Two days later, ranks of a mobile patrol unit went to Yarrowkabra where the discovery a field about half an acre in size.

There, they destroyed 500 cannabis sativa (marijuana) plants ranging from one to four feet in height. A camp was also destroyed by the ranks. There were no arrests in any of the raids. Police are continuing their investigations.

Eyew tness “Domination and vindictiveness...”

...by PNC

According to the Muckraker, Carl Greenidge says that there’s a “poisonous political atmosphere” in Guyana because of “domination and vindictiveness”. Now if the Muckraker says Carl said this, then you can’t doubt it, can you?

Hey, the PNC and the Muckraker are like the proverbial “batty and po”. The thing is, however, that since the glue holding them all together is a hatred of the PPP/C, they have to always blame the PPP/C. And that’s why Greenidge pretended he was talking about the PPP/C.

But anyone who’s been around would know Greenidge was actually addressing his nemesis David Granger. Granger’s the man who rigged him out of the leadership of the PNC –and Greenidge would never forgive him for that.

After all, Granger was a mere lackey in the Army, tasked with having his troops marching up and down village streets to keep the Opposition PPP in line, when Greenidge was a Minister in the Government of the Kabaka himself!! You can’t ask for more pedigree than that!

What also earns Greenidge’s ire – and causes him to hit out, albeit elliptically – is that Granger’s a creature of Corbin – who was just a hoodlum back in the days of Burnham. He could burn down buildings, beat up unarmed persons, and rig elections – but please...you don’t invite him to dinner. And if Granger’s a fruit of THAT poisoned tree – then as far as Greenidge is concerned, he’s just pure, unadulterated gramoxone.

So when Greenidge talks about “domination and vindictiveness”, he’s simply referring to the petulance and nastiness Granger’s shown, not only to him, but to every other true-blue PNCite who opposed his seizure of the party’s machinery. Now the Muckraker bleated that Greenidge’s position was “strongly supported” by Nagamootoo. Well, why the heck wouldn’t Nagamootoo support Greenidge – when he knows the object of Greenidge’s venom is Granger??

Wasn’t it Granger who wanted “domination” and exhibited “vindictiveness” when he nixed the AFC’s nomination of Nagamootoo as Speaker?? And for whom?? Trotman, who’d just sworn to the AFC that he had a “fatal illness” – so he couldn’t campaign for Ramjattan, who was the AFC’s Presidential candidate. But like Greenidge, Nagamootoo’s too cowardly to come out and “tell it like it is” on Granger’s “domination and vindictiveness”.

He’s more comfortable “jooking” the eyes of his excomrades in the PPP/C, who bid him “sayonara” because they knew he was all talk and no action.

...on paedophilia

Did you notice the protest against rapes in the interior by Red Thread and [Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination] SASOD and a host of NGOs? We fully support the action. Hey!! We’ll support protests against sexual violence, wherever and whenever it rears its ugly head. But as we’ve asked before, why aren’t these groups protesting against paedophilia???

Just because the child mightn’t have complained at the time – as this young man, Welshman didn’t – aren’t the sexual acts by the adult – in this case, allegedly by Trotman – violence?? In our estimation, it’s violence beyond the physical act.

Can you imagine what happens to a young child when a figure he was told to honour and respect commits this sexual perversion?? Think of the psychological damage as the child grows up and starts blaming himself by thinking he had a role in the degradation.

And Trotman, Benschop and all his defenders have the nerve to say that Welshman is “troubled”!! Of course, he’s troubled! If he weren’t troubled something would’ve been seriously wrong with him to begin with.

It isn’t too late in the day for our rights group to begin speaking truth to power.

...against PNC/APNU

But we have to say, this domination and vindictiveness is not only from the big one to the minnows. Look at how the AFC’s treating APNU on the parliamentary agenda. Just because they brought up the big, sexy “no-confidence” vote, the AFC’s rubbing APNU’s face in it!

Guyana faces anti-money laundering scrutiny next week

After being referred to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), Guyana will know its fate on October 30 when judgment will be passed.

In September, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall led a high-profile delegation to Miami where they engaged in a face-to-face interaction with the Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG).

The FATF, through the International Cooperation Review Group’s ARRG, cochaired by Darlene Boileau (Canada) and Maria Fernanda Garcia-Yrigoyen Maurtua (Peru), has been executing a targeted review of Guyana’s deficiencies with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Framework. The meeting with the ARRG formed part of the review process and was also attended by the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga; Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Sydney James; Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Paul Geer; and Adviser to the FIU, Alisha Williams.

On Thursday, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, disclosed that the recommendations that arose from the September encounter would be discussed during FATF’s Plenary Meeting in Paris from October 19 to 24, in the presence of the Legal Affairs Minister. He explained that the discussions would be held at the level of the International Cooperation Review Group before a decision is made and subsequently adopted by FATF.

According to Dr Luncheon, the decision would be made public no later than Thursday, October 2014 on FATF’s website.“That decision would be binding and it would outline FATF’s thoughts and FATF’s instructions as to the way Guyana is to be treated by the other members of FATF worldwide,” he explained.

Gridlock remains

The ruling will be made in the absence of an internationally recognised amended AML/CFT legislation. However, Dr Luncheon said Government remains hopeful that the decision would not lead to further sanctions or greater blacklisting. Fully aware of the major challenges that can befall the nation if further sanctions are imposed against Guyana, the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) was convened on Wednesday after its June meeting, but according to Dr Luncheon, the Opposition remained bent on its old intentions, resulting in further gridlock.

“Surprisingly, the outcome of that October 15 encounter of the PSSC, surprisingly the outcome was most discouraging; the reports are that the Opposition on the PSSC brought nothing new and offered no change in their

earlier positions,” he said.

While the AML/CFT Bill has received the approval of both the Government and the Opposition at the level of the PSSC, the Opposition’s proposed amendments to the AML/CFT Act of 2009 remain the biggest stumbling block.

During a recent interview, the Attorney General said an “exorbitant political ransom” is being demanded by the Opposition for the release of the Bill.

“We have come to the position of accepting the sad reality that in terms of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill of 2013, the Opposition has demonstrated that they are not interested in having the Bill passed,” he had told the Guyana Times According to him, the Opposition parties will do all in their power to ensure that Guyana is blacklisted by FATF due to the non-passage of the AML/CFT Bill.

However, he said there was a possibility that Guyana can be given a further extension to correct its deficiencies when the decision is made by FATF. But it was made clear that the deficiencies can only be addressed with the passage of the required AML/ CFT legislation.

In May, CFATF referred Guyana to FATF after the country was further recognised as a jurisdiction with strategic AML/CFT deficiencies due to its non-compliance with the Action Plan developed with the regional body. CFATF had already sounded an alarm, calling on member countries to safeguard themselves from Guyana with the introduction of countermeasures to protect their financial systems from this country’s ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

AFC’s No Confidence Motion not high on agenda – Dr Luncheon

As Government continues to mull when to reconvene Parliament it said on Thursday that the Alliance for Change’s (AFC) No-Confidence Motion is not high on the agenda.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon made the disclosure during a media briefing at the Office of the President. According to him, Government’s interest in setting a date for the next sitting of the National Assembly is dependent on a number of factors not just the No Confidence Motion. He said there are financial papers to be debated, in addition to outstanding bills that are still at the level of Parliamentary Special Select Committees and reports to be tabled and considered by the National Assembly after being submitted by existing parliamentary bodies.

“Cabinet will continue to advance its legislative agenda in Parliament,” he stressed, pointing out that major attention is being given to the

Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, the Education Bill, the Wildlife Bill and the Telecommunications Bill.

It was also disclosed that during its October 14th meeting, Cabinet considered and approved three other bills to be tabled in the National Assembly. These include the Agriculture Ministry’s Food Safety Bill, the Legal Affairs Ministry’s Motor Vehicle Third Party Insurance Bill and the Anti-Terrorism Bill that combined features of the commitment to AntiMoney Laundering international agenda as well as Government’s anti-terrorism commitments internationally.

On Wednesday, Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman; Government’s Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira; A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Chief Whip Amna Ally, along with other representatives from both sides met but they were unable to decide on a date for the next sitting of

Missing MFK boss: Police insist on DNA test of headless corpse

The corpse which was discovered with the head separate from the body on September 22 at Old Road, Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, has been positively identified as that of missing MFK Trading boss, Mohamed F Khan by his relatives.

However, Police are insisting that a DNA test be done to confirm this.

This is according to Crime Chief Leslie James, who stated that while the relatives have concluded the body was that of Khan, a DNA test has to be performed for verification purposes. James added that the corpse was identified by his underwear and a belt that was discovered along with the body which his relatives confirmed belonged to him.

The body was identified by Khan’s nephew and his former wife who travelled from Venezuela to Guyana

following his disappearance.

James noted that while the relatives are confident about their conclusion, the Police are also awaiting the findings of the post-mortem examination to determine the way forward.

The Crime Chief explained that the post-mortem report is another important factor in the case. The autopsy will be performed today at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary.

Troubles

The businessman who resided in Venezuela after selling his Hadfield Street business left that country on August 21 to visit his attorney here in Guyana. He was expected to spend five days in Guyana and return to his three children and a wife.

After his disappearance, his family members had contacted several of his friends, but, unfortunately, they claimed that they had not seen him.

He was last seen by his close associates a few months ago. On July 9, the 54-yearold businessman was shot to his abdomen by a gunman at La Grange, West Bank Demerara in a failed execution attempt. It was reported that Khan may have entered a business deal that turned sour.

At that time, he claimed that he had sold a property, but the buyer wanted to rob him of millions and he thought that the execution attempt may have been orchestrated by him. The busi-

nessman left the business world about six years ago after he has received death threats. The decomposed corpse was reportedly found by workers attached to the Public Works Ministry who were weeding in the area. The head was reportedly in a black plastic bag that was being carried by a dog. Upon the discovery, the men went to the area from where the dog came and stumbled upon the body. Due to the state of the corpse, arrangements were made for a local pathologist to conduct the post-mortem examination on the spot. This was not done, but rather the corpse was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home. Investigators believe that the man was beheaded before his body was dumped in the area. Several plastic handcuffs were recovered at the scene and were taken as evidence.

the National Assembly. Ally told Guyana Times that she was still in discussion with Teixeira on a possible date. That date, it was explained, will have to be confirmed by Government. The National Assembly Clerk Sherlock Isaac have also explained that in keeping with Standing Order 8 (2) “if during an adjournment of the Assembly, it is represented to the Speaker by the Government, or the Speaker is of the opinion that the public interest requires that the Assembly should meet a day earlier than to which it stands adjourned, the Speaker may give notice accordingly and the Assembly shall meet at the time stated in such notice”.

He further explained that if a date had already been fixed for the next sitting and Government wanted an earlier sitting, representation would have to be made to the Speaker to do just that. He stressed that the Speaker could not on his own fix a date for the reconvening of Parliament.

Guyana questions WHO stats on local suicide rates

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

The Government of Guyana has questioned statistical reports provided by the World Health

Organisation (WHO) and the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) on suicide in Guyana, contending that they are highly bloated.

“The statistics being circu-

lated widely, those statistics overestimate the incidents of suicides in Guyana,” Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon told reporters during a press con-

ference at the Office of the President on Thursday.

According to him, the Government is rather uncomfortable with the media reports on the suicide statistical reports. “Cabinet is satisfied that the reported statistics were not consistent with the records and the recorded data being collected by national entities and national sources, specifically health and the law enforcement system,” he stated.

He maintained that data on suicide cases in Guyana is garnered by the Health Ministry and the Guyana Police Force, explaining that it is the Health Ministry that provides the numbers that form the basis for the PAHO and WHO reports.

However, he further explained that “PAHO and WHO have some statistical devices that they would apply to our numbers to allow the ranking among countries. You see the raw numbers would not allow comparison among countries that report on suicide.”

But when asked to unveil the true stats, Dr Luncheon said the figures have not been made available. According to him, there continues to be a strong call at the level of Cabinet for the raw numbers to be released, but those calls for have not been unanimous.

According to the WHO, Guyana had the distinction of being the most suicide-prone country in the world, based on 2012 data. In September, the WHO report-

Uncle Rafeel got a lot to cover up

People does use plaster to cover a sore. But is still a sore. Even when de sore heal up, de mark does still leff. In fact, it does stay deh fuh life pun some people. And especially when de sore big, it does be hard to cover up.

And talkin bout cover up, it got plenty people wid sore in Guyana which can never cover up. Nuff a dem is sore fuh life. No matter how much plaster yuh put pun dem, dem gon still be sore fuh life. But de plaster does tek plenty different form to cover up.

Some does write letter to de press to cover up. Some does go on Tee-Vee to cover up. Some does write columns to cover up. Plus getta article in de same newspaper on de same day on de same topic to cover up. If yuh doubt call Hannah at de Stabber.

One of dem try a gag order de other day to cover up. He name Uncle Rafeel. He been tryin to cover up a long time. Even when people tell Uncle Rafeel to look after he sore, he ain’t tek dem on to cover up.

Yet Uncle Rafeel turn round and blame dem to cover up. Was then when de lil boy turn round and seh Uncle Rafeel like this turn round ting a long time now. It musbe that Uncle Rafeel ain’t got any feelins even though de sore still deh bout.

He only had feelins when he used to tek money and buy plenty nice tings. That was another plaster whah he try a long time now to cover up. But plaster does only last fuh a certain time. That is why old people seh yuh can fool people some of de time, but not all people all of de time.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Another man wid plenty sore tryin to cover up. He tink he got plaster fuh every sore. From front page comment to front page photo. That’s a lotta cover up. But is also a lotta sore to cover up!

ed that Guyana has a suicide rate four times the global average, ahead of North Korea, South Korea and Sri Lanka.

It is estimated that Guyana has an age-adjusted rate of just over 44 per 100, 000 people based on a 2012 data. For males alone, it was nearly 71 per 100, 000. In raw numbers, there are about 200 per year and 500 attempts.

Since the start of 2014, more than 30 suicide cases have been recorded thus

far in Guyana. Just recently, 16-year-old Alex Persaud of West Coast Demerara committed suicide after he was expelled from school. This is just one of the many cases of suicide that have hit sections of Guyana in recent weeks.

On the international scene, more than 800, 000 people die by suicide every year, with 20 times that number attempting suicide, the WHO said.

Caricom, Turkey to strengthen trade links

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) and Turkey will continue to strengthen their relations with the accreditation of Ambassador Sulé Oztunç, as new plenipotentiary representative of Turkey to the community.

In accepting her credentials on Tuesday, Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said the occasion signalled Turkey’s growing commitment to ensure “the immense potential” of its relationship with Caricom was “fully realised”.

Speaking during a short ceremony at the Caricom Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana, Ambassador LaRocque recalled the first co-operation and consulta-

tion meeting held in Turkey in July between the two sides.

Since that first meeting, he said Caricom had seen results as the representatives of Turkish International Development Agency had come to the region and received projects for its consideration.

Relaying that one included the enhancing of information and communications technology at the secretariat, Ambassador LaRocque added that the community anticipated the development of an action plan that will guide the implementation of the other areas identified at that meeting.

The Secretary General alluded to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

concluded with the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK), which he said would pave the way for the establishment of Turkey-Caricom Business Councils.

“These Councils will no doubt assist in building trade relations between our countries,” he added.

Ambassador LaRocque and Ambassador Oztunc agreed that the Councils would also be a mechanism to spur investment in the region.

The Turkish Ambassador said there had been “positive feedback” in Turkey following that the first meeting and it was a good start which must be continued with more regular interface.

CIOG holds General Council Meeting

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) held its 36th General Council Meeting on Sunday during which Imams were encouraged to achieve unity in their efforts to address the many misconceptions about Islam that are dominant in the world.

According to a release, the meeting was attended by Imams, Presidents and Executives of all Jamaats

in Guyana under the theme: “Upholding Faith and Service to Humanity”. The successful General Council Meeting dealt with Resolution and Appointment of New Trustees to the CIOG.

Maulana Siddiqui Ahmad Nasir delivered the feature address. He encouraged the delegates to work together to achieve unity in these efforts.

CIOG President Al Hajj

Fazeel M Ferouz delivered the charge and advised all present that the Central Islamic Organisation is strong and vibrant in its undertaking to serve the Muslims of Guyana, the poor, and the needy. He further stressed that the Central Islamic Organisation should work in concert with all the Jamaats so that they can effectively carry out the mandate that was entrusted to the Organisation.

Chikungunya affecting Caribbean labour force

Caribbean labour officials are keeping a close eye on the impact of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus on regional workforces and in at least one country there is now an urgent call for an impact assessment in the public service.

Concern about the issue was expressed Tuesday on the margins of the 18th American Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Jamaica Civil Service Association President O´Neil Grant told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the situation in his country is “grave” and is being measured “not just in manhours lost but in man-days”.

Grant said the Health Minister, Dr Fenton Ferguson has already called on private sector employers “to give some consideration to affected workers”.

“An impact assessment is needed to measure the number of man-days being lost in the service,” he said. Schools have been closed on the island, state offices hard-hit by high absenteeism and the private sector is wrestling with financial losses as a result of the disease.

Trinidad and Tobago Labour Minister, Errol McLeod, said the situation was one in which “all hands are being invited to be on deck”.

He said even before the arrival of the Chikungunya virus, whose symptoms include fever and severe joint pain, headache, nausea, fa-

tigue and rash, there was “the general problem of productivity and the extent to which we have been affected adversely by these diseases every now and then”.

General Secretary of the National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) in Trinidad and Tobago, Michael Annissette agreed that Government, employers, the labour movement and non-governmental organisations need to get involved.

“There is need for more involvement of all stakeholders,” he told CMC, adding: “This is not simply a medical issue for doctors.”

“There is need for greater public awareness and the involvement of everybody.”

The Attorney General of St Kitts and Nevis Jason Hamilton said the situation in his country was “not that severe”, but it was only a matter of time before it became an issue requiring greater attention.

School sex video:

Girls deny being drugged, but unaware of taping

By Devina Samaroo

The two St Rose’s schoolgirls caught up in a sex video scandal have denied that they were drugged, but insisted that they did not know they were being taped while performing sexual acts.

The girls told Guyana Times on Thursday that the incident occurred some five months ago at a friend’s house. They admitted that while they consciously engaged in the sexual activity, they were duped into believing that the activity was not being taped.

One of the girls explained that the incident occurred some five months ago and that she did not expect a video would be leaked. She stated that her ‘friend’ who ‘videoed’ the activity reportedly sent it to someone and from there, the video went viral. However, the other girl did not provide any insights to what happened the day they were being recorded.

The first teen explained how her father became aware of the video, “My brother-inlaw had it on his phone and he showed my father… I was at lessons and when I came home, I saw my brother-in-law there and then my father told him to bring his phone and my father pressed play and showed me the video.” The girl said her father was extremely upset at that point and she was in complete shock, “I was speechless; I didn’t tell him anything. He was angry, so he walked away.”

The other teen stated

that the school called her parents and informed them about the incident. Naturally, they were boiling with anger, “They reacted like any other parents would,” the teen noted. Moreover, the girls do not know when or if they will be allowed to continue their studies at school. They stated that they are not allowed to attend the school until permission is granted by the Education Ministry. “Miss Priya Manickchand told us that she would call us back and she would let us know by Monday, which was Monday (that) pass, but she hasn’t called us yet.”

“We’re waiting for the Ministry to tell us what is happening.”

Closure

The girls said that they are in the process of getting counselling which is helping them recover from the incident. Additionally, they stated that their parents are coming around to forgiving them for the incident.

“My father was really upset, he expressed his anger for a while and then he stopped after my cousin spoke to him… He’s trying his best to support me; but he gets angry here and there,” one of the students related. Furthermore, she stated that she did not hate the person who made the video, but she made it clear that they were no longer friends. She mentioned that this experience showed her who her friends truly are.

“My friends were completely supportive; well, one particular one was supportive, but the others weren’t. I know who my real friends are,” the schoolgirl said. She stated that a lot of persons made nasty comments to her, but her friends and the counselling helped her to ignore their verbal attacks, “It’s better that I ignore them and that’s what I’ve been doing.”

The Education Minister had said in a statement that an investigation was launched into the sex tapes; however, “we must as a nation (home, school, community,) address how we will engage with our children in this new world, this new Guyana where information technology presents all the exciting opportunities that we wish to make available to our young people while at the same time exposing them to such risk.

“We can no longer shirk our collective responsibility and bury our heads in the sand. We will have to talk to them about, inter alia, sex, about sex and the use of the computer, about sex and the use of the cellphone, about sex and Facebook, about sex... we will have to engage them as parents and as schools, as churches and temples and mosques. This is not the job of any one person. Together we will have to chart this new course where age-old sex and age-old curiosity and age-old activities can now be broadcast at the click of a button. we can do this, so let us start...”

“The general view is that it has to run its course through the populations of the islands and will become a labour concern at that time.”

When discussion opened on the impact of climate change on labour markets of the Caribbean Monday, Barbados Labour Minister, Esther Byer-Suckoo said closer attention needed to be paid to the persistence of the disease and its impact on the labour force.

Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) President David Massiah said in his native Antigua and Barbuda that “it has not been a serious matter per se, but it is serious from the standpoint of the authorities putting things in place to ensure they can arrest the problem of Chikungunya”.

The costs have not yet been tallied but are expected to make a recognisable dent in the economic performance of several countries of the region.

Region 4 honours top students, teachers

Anumber of students and schools from across Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) were on Thursday awarded for their outstanding achievements at the Theatre Guild, Kingston, Georgetown on Wednesday.

Addressing scores of students and teachers, Regional Education Officer Jenifer Bourne praised the Government’s investments to improve education outcomes in the school system.

She noted that the uniform voucher initiative, the school feeding programme as well as the recently launched “Because we care $10,000 grant initiative” are all driving forces for students’ success.

She also said that while some students excel, there are others who are behind, and on this note, urged teachers to attend all their classes, on time and deliver to the best of their ability.

The education officer en-

couraged teachers to stop all unproductive activities during school hours and unauthorised leave.

Region Four Chairman Clement Corlette said though there have been some challenges in the past, the region must be commended for its achievements.

Assistant Chief Education Officer Leslyn Edwards-Charles said teachers have a pivotal role to play as the students’ futures lie in their hands.

Awards were presented to schools that excelled at the National Grade Two, Grade Four and Grade Six Assessments.

Special awards were also presented to outstanding headteachers, Regional Education Officer Jenifer Bourne and Regional Executive Officer Deolall Rooplall.

The event came to a close with a musical rendition from the Guyana Police Force Band.

Guyana-Jamaica group raises funds for schools

BY TANGERINE CLARKE

The warm greetings that were exchanged by nationals at the first Fundraising Dinner and Dance of the Guyana Jamaica Friendship Association Inc (New York), was a clear indication that benefactors were committed to working together with the Board for the betterment of students back home.

Entertaining music by popular Guyanese DJ FLEXX and festive Jamaican cuisine dished out at the Bayside Adria Hotel and Conference Centre on October 5, helped to raise much needed funds to benefit the Moshabo Primary School on the Essequibo Coast of Guyana and the Aeolus Valley All-Age School in St Thomas, Jamaica.

The monies will go directly to a breakfast programme at both schools to provide adequate nutrition, in addition to the Association’s focused educational programmes that would supply educational material to Sixth to Ninth Graders.

The committee, chaired by Guyanese-American Internist, Dr Frank A Denbow, held its inaugural meeting in January 2014, and adopted a constitution to provide material assistance and guidance to Guyanese and Jamaican students in the US.

The group will partner with non-profit organisations in the Tri-State area and elsewhere to assist Jamaicans and Guyanese in their respective countries, as

well as provide medical assistance to individuals who reside in less affluent areas.

The group will encourage travel between the countries in support of cultural and sporting exchanges between Guyanese and Jamaicans.

Dr Denbow said one organisation would be unsuccessful in reaching out to all schools. As such, GJFA adopted two schools. It hopes that its model would be a template for other organisations to follow.

“One of the endearing features about Guyanese and Jamaicans who came from poor areas, is when they succeed abroad, they give back to whence they came,” said Dr Denbow.

“The committee plans a January 2015 visit with the principal of Jamaica’s Aeolus Valley All-Age,” said Dr Denbow who is keen on collaborating with authorities in the countries, such as the Guyana Amerindian Affairs and Education

Ministries that would better understand the needs of the institutions.

With ongoing programmes planned and bigger fundraising in the works for the New Year, the committee will continue to reach out to the diaspora in the Tri-State area and beyond to expand its programmes, including health missions to the partnering countries.

“As our name suggests, we want to foster good relations between Guyanese and Jamaicans,” said Dr Denbow who named Fly Jamaica, as the first privately-owned airline owned by a Guyanese and a Jamaican, that provide roundtrip flights between the two countries.

“We want to piggyback on this friendship so that Jamaicans can experience the beauty of Guyana’s hinterland, and Guyanese can enjoy the splendour of Jamaica’s Montego Bay, Ocho Rios,” said the professional, adding that GJFA

6 suspected Chikungunya cases reported at Suddie Hospital

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

Six suspected cases of the Chikungunya virus has been reported at the Suddie Public Hospital during the period September to October.

This is according to head of the Statistical and Records Department of the hospital, Shanta Springer.

Springer said investigation forms submitted by doctors to her department have been sent to the Health Ministry’s Epidemiological Department for confirmation.

The hospital official said while the cases are suspected to be the virus, there has been a drastic increase in the number of persons ailing from rashes, joint pains, vomiting and dengue fever.

The health official noted that once a patient visits the hospital with Chikungunya symptoms, an investigation

form is filled up by a doctor after which blood samples are taken. She said while the Health Environmental Department has begun fogging in various areas, residents need to be vigilant and clean their surroundings to safeguard themselves from the disease. Springer is advising persons to visit the hospital if they feel unwell.

Meanwhile, the Region Two Environmental Health Department recently acquired a fogging machine and has been conducting exercises in various communities. A number of public awareness sessions on the Chikungunya virus have also been held.

The virus is being transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Signs and symptoms include fever, severe joint pains, fatigue, nausea, headache, muscle pain, swelling and rash.

plans to have friendly competition in New York.

Jamaican-American

Yvonne J Graham, Associate Commissioner Director, Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Prevention, and former Brooklyn Deputy Borough President who Dr Denbow described as a dynamic person, was on hand to show support for the organisation.

Other prominent nationals, he said, would be invited to ongoing initiatives while the organisation works with innovative learning entities to engage locals to create self-sufficient communities.

The committee includes professionals from the medical, financial and educational sectors.

They are Claudette Powell (Vice President); Chauncey Lee (Secretary); Charles Fuser (CPA Treasurer); Gregory Stall (Organising Secretary); and Karen Wharton (Public Relations). (Caribbean Life)

Stabroek Leo Group feeds Palms residents

The Stabroek Georgetown Leo Group on Thursday fed the largest block of elderly residents at the Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam as it continued its outreach programmes.

The programme was done as a part of World Food Day celebrations. World Food Day 2014 is being held under the theme “Family Farming: Feeding the World, Caring for the Earth”.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), the theme was chosen to raise the profile of family farming and smallholder farmers.

It focuses world attention on the significant role of family farming in eradicating hunger and poverty, providing food security and nutrition, improving livelihoods, managing natural resources, protecting the environment, and achieving

sustainable development, particularly in rural areas. The UN General Assembly has designated 2014 “International Year of Family Farming”. This is a strong signal that the international community recognises the important contribution of family farmers to world food security. Leo Group President Delisa Small, in a brief interview with Guyana Times, explained that the activity was decided upon because the group felt that too often enough attention is not given to older folks.

Small said: “They were there for us and it is time that we be there for them. It may not feel like much, but it means the world to them. It puts a smile on their faces and warmth in our heart.”

The members of the home were elated by the gesture and expressed sincere appreciation to the ‘Leos’.

Agriculture Ministry launches “Eat What We Produce” initiative

By AnAstAciA clementson

Guyana observed World Food Day on Thursday with a grand exhibition and fair at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, during which the Agriculture Ministry launched the “Eat What We Produce” initiative.

The theme for this year’s World Food Day was “Feeding the world, caring for the Earth”.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) stated that the theme was created to put emphasis on family farming and small-scale farmers. The international institution wishes to focus on family farming and its ability to eradicate hunger, poverty and create livelihoods and upkeep the environment.

Meanwhile, the “Eat What We Produce” initiative is a project that encourages persons to get back into their kitchen gardens and grow their own food or buy local food instead of depending on processed foods.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy told the gathering that Guyana should take the “Eat What We Grow” campaign to a new level, and urged that Guyanese show that Brand Guyana is cherished and valued.

“We cannot persuade anyone else unless we show our support for it... World Food Day is when we reaffirm our support of our own…,” he declared. The Minister stated that while over 100 million fewer people in the world

are starving, cautioned that over 800 million people in the world do not get enough to eat on a daily basis.

Noting that in Latin America and the Caribbean, 44 million people would also be without enough to eat, the Minister urged the celebration of family farms which ensure that six billion people eat today.

Observing that Guyanese should celebrate the fact that their country is food secure even as the world celebrates World Food Day, the Minister also acknowledged that while most countries are food secure, more than three billion people are not nutrition secure.

Nutrition security

Non-Communicable Diseases are a focus now of the FAO and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in an effort to target nutrition security, which points to two different issues altogether. “The most tragic thing in the world is that so many children are dying, because they do not have proper nutrition,” the Minister stated.

Declaring that micro-nutrient deficiency should not happen especially to schoolchildren, Minister Ramsammy

observed that Caricom countries are well above the standard of food security, even as he urged persons to consider their nutritional intake. He stressed that agriculture contributes significantly to the

economy of Guyana which remains robust and diversified. He insisted that the traje ctory of development must be led by agriculture. The sector contributes more than 20 per cent to the economy

of Guyana, he noted, pointing to the international economic meltdown and the fact that agriculture was not significantly contributing to the economies of those countries.

UNDP representative in Guyana and acting FAO representative Khadija Musa presented the message from the Organisation. FAO Director General Jose Graziano da Silva stated, in the message, that the theme for the day captures the importance of family farming. Family farming, he noted, while being a major supplier of tradition-

al food, also provides employment and is central to the food supply chain.

The FAO Director General urged continued support for family farms which can respond to changing conditions in the world.

To commemorate the occasion, there were also exhibitions of the various activities that NAREI developed and spearheaded right at the institution. The Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Centre (SSAS) also had a small celebration for the day’s occasion by opening its doors to the public.

GuySuCo calls for arbitration on “Daniels Steven’s matter”

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has said it has rejected Chief Labour Officer (CLO) Charles Ogle’s recommendation that a dismissed mill dock operator be reinstated. The dismissal precipitated five days of industrial action that brought the sugar industry’s activities to a halt in Berbice, as workers of the Skeldon Estate first went on strike and were joined by others.

In a release, the Corporation highlighted that “Mr Daniels Steven ... was summarily dismissed on September 20, 2014 for physically assaulting the Estate Manager of Skeldon Estate”.

It added that the “CLO’s recommendation was made in his capacity as conciliator after two meetings with the Corporation and the Union; the last being October 1, 2014.

“The Corporation’s rejection of the CLO’s recommen-

dation is premised on the availability of statements by workers and staffs who gave evidence that the Estate Manager was neither under the influence of alcohol nor was aggressive towards Stevens, and that on the contrary, it was Stevens who was aggressive towards the Manager, which resulted in him physically assaulting the Manager.

“Prior to the commencement of the conciliatory proceedings, the Corporation and the Union signed a Terms of Resumption on September 24, 2014, that included, among other terms, a resolution of the matter either at conciliation or arbitration. The Corporation having now rejected the CLO’s recommendation, has requested the Ministry of Labour to move the matter forward to the next stage of the procedure, which is arbitration.

“The Corporation wish-

es to restate, as it did in previous statements, that the Estate Manager in his usual night visits to the factory and mill dock met a group of workers that included Daniels Steven who were malingering in the vicinity of the mill dock and cautioned them to report to their respective work stations.

On being cautioned by the Manager, Steven became abusive and was calmly advised by the Manager to heed his advice and report to his work station. Steven subsequently retaliated and approached the Manager in a hostile manner, and in the process struck the Manager in his face. The incident was witnessed by several staffs and workers, all of whom have testified in written statements that the Estate Manager was neither intoxicated nor aggressive and abusive to Steven.

“The Corporation wishes

to point out that there were several incidents in the past at several estates whereby employees who have alleged to have physically assaulted their co-workers or superiors have been summarily dismissed without hearing proceedings.

The most recent being at Blairmont Estate where a cane harvester had physically assaulted a field foreman, and had his services summarily terminated; without a hearing. This decision was communicated to the Union’s General Secretary, and who concurred with the decision.

“Today, the Corporation has been invited by the Ministry of Labour to a continuation of the conciliatory meeting on Monday, October 20, 2014. The Corporation looks forward to the Ministry’s deliberation on this matter in charting the way for an early resolution at the next stage.”

Govt sues Surendra Engineering for contract breach

By Vahnu Manikchand

Just a month after yanking the US$18 million Specialty Hospital contract from Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited, the Government of Guyana has sued the Indiabased 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 on Thursday, Government said that Surendra Engineering was found guilty of fraudulent practices and in breach

Payment Guarantee, which was in breach of the contract; however ,in July 2014 (four months later) it subsequently submitted drafted copies of the Advance Payment Guarantee, Performance Security and Insurance from ‘WORLDWIDE BANKERS RE COMPANY LTD’ 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.

pany had engaged in alleged “corrupt or fraudulent practices” including the false ‘WORLDWIDE BANKERS RE COMPANY LTD’ 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.

Limited (SECL) about its deep concerns about its execution of the contract for the design and construction of the Specialty Hospital,” the Administration said in a statement. It added: “Initially, the Government’s concerns related to delayed milestones and inadequate accountability by SECL for public funds the company had received on signing the contract with the Ministry of Health. Subsequently, the Government of Guyana discovered that SECL’s representative in Guyana had submitted a fraudulent document purporting to emanate from the Central Bank

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 failed to perform their obligations under the terms of the contract and to account for the advance payment of US$4,285,440…that is, submit payment 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 that the company had failed to renew its expired Advance

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.

Fraudulent practices

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 com-

That US$4,285,440 along with an additional GY$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).

Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited was asked to file an Affidavit in answer with the court and serve a copy on the AG Chambers. The matter has been scheduled to be heard for the first time on December 3.

On September 9, the Donald Ramotar Administration announced that it was terminating the contract of the company to build and design the controversial Specialty Hospital, citing fraud and delays.

“The Government of Guyana has today (Tuesday) written Surendra Engineering Company

of Trinidad and Tobago.”

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.

It said in a statement subsequently it recently became aware of various press reports alleging, among other things, that the Government of Guyana had expressed its intention to terminate its Specialty Hospital contract.

On July 21, 2014, BK International filed for and received an Interim Injunction against Surendra Engineering. The injunction, granted by Justice Rishi Persaud in the Commercial Court, followed an Ex Parte Application by way of Affidavit by BK International Inc.

Ian Rodney wins Republic Bank’s grand prize

Ian Adrian Rodney is the lucky winner of Republic Bank’s 12th Annual Deals on Wheels Promotion!

He won a five-day trip to St Lucia while Deandrea Alexander grabbed the second place trip for two to Barbados and Kelsie Andrews was awarded a trip to Trinidad and Tobago. Taking the consolation prizes of a trip to the Baganara Island Resort is Shellon Bovel while Fizal Hussain and Rafina Hussain won a trip to

Kaieteur Falls.

Best Buy Auto Sales received the Auto Dealer Referrals prize.

The drawing took place at the bank’s Camp Street Branch on Thursday.

The lucky winners were randomly selected by one of Republic Bank’s customers Jermaine Alexander.

The bank maintained that the campaign was once again successful and they managed to meet the needs of numerous customers who applied for auto financing loans.

Introduction of VAT was difficult

... but it helped reduce other taxes –

Finance Minister

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said that the introduction of the controversial Value Added Tax was a difficult choice the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration had to make, but he insisted that running a Government was not only about doing what was popular but safeguarding the future of the country.

The rate of VAT has divided the country with the combined Opposition from the inception attacking the tax as being too harsh and burdensome on the populace. They, at one time, had called for the scrapping of the tax, but of recent have been urging a radical review of it, which includes slashing it to around eight per cent. Speaking on the television programme “Political Scope” on the National Communications Network (NCN) on Wednesday, the Minister said that today, VAT has not only contributed significantly to Government revenue, but has also allowed for a reduction in other taxes, such as the income and corporate taxes. He stated that over the past six years, the income tax threshold has more than doubled.

Meanwhile, defending the PPP/C’s run in office, Dr Singh said that from a state of being internationally discredited, bankrupt and infrastructurally-dilapidated just over two decades ago, Guyana today has transformed with brighter prospects than ever before in its history.

According to the Finance Minister, this was a herculean task which the PPP/C Administration undertook imperviously over the past 22 years in office.

Mismanagement

He mentioned that every sector of the economy had declined dramatically.

“The imposition of a programme of mass nationalisation of industries saw foreign investors having their assets expropriated and forced out of Guyana. The financial struggles created by poor economic policies were compounded by mismanagement of public funds. It’s one thing to nationalise, but to nationalise and mismanage is worse. The environment was so unfavourable to investment that the domestic entrepreneurial class left, because they could not survive in the environment of PNC misrule,” Minister Singh recalled. He told NCN that by the time the PPP/C assumed office in 1992, the country was bankrupt.

“There were no foreign reserves and an accumu-

lated foreign debt of over US$2 billion and nothing to show for it. Many institutions of state were non-functional and Guyanese citizens were extremely despondent,” Minister Singh said, referencing a report commissioned in 1990 by the Caribbean Council of Churches in which the state of despair and hopelessness among the populace was prominently mentioned.

Shifted priorities

He said that with the restoration of democracy in 1992 came the reinstatement of hope and credibility in the country as well. “I believe that much has been achieved. Today, institutions are largely rebuilt, democracy is alive and well, we have a free press, a vibrant Parliament, a well-functioning and resourced elections commission, and a judiciary that is highly modernised and independent,” the Finance Minister said.

According to him while the PNC invested more on foreign services and the Office of the President than the social sector, the new Administration shifted its expenditure priorities to invest more in infrastructure and human capital.

He explained that more focus was placed on ensuring that the basic needs of the people, like access to primary education, primary healthcare services and housing, were met. “We, first of all, relooked at expenditure priorities to invest in things that matter. Today every single young employed person can realistically aspire to own their own home.

We looked at establishing a legislative environment that would be conducive to private enterprise development. We removed all controls over the economy, and put in place a strong financial sector,” the Finance Minister outlined. These efforts resulted in rebuilt infrastructure and a return of investors, since the country was no longer viewed as a pariah state.

guyanatimesgy.com

October 17, 2014

The 40th edition of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s annual Deepavali Motorcade begins this Saturday on the East and West Bank of Demerara.

The Sabha will have eight motorcades throughout Guyana which will see thousands of Guyanese lining the streets to enjoy the dazzling spectacle which ushers in the Festival of Lights.

There will be gorgeously bedecked representations of Mother Lakshmi and other depictions from the Hindu Scriptures, a kaleidoscope of lights, devotional music, and spectacular cultural programmes and much more.

On Saturday, the floats will leave from Ruimzigt and Parika Junction and converge at the Ocean View Mandir compound where there will be a grand cultural presentation featuring top Guyanese singers Mohan Nandu, Sookrane Boodhoo, Mona Gowkarran, Rekha Singh, Ian Hardat and others.

On the East Bank of Demerara, also on Saturday, the floats will leave from the Providence Parking Lot and Soesdyke Vishnu Mandir at 18:00h for the Diamond-Grove New Scheme Market Tarmac.

E-Networks Emerging Voices 2014 top winners Vishalie Sukram, Artie Sookhai and Gail Ann Singh along with other outstanding singers who were part of the competition will be performing.

They will be backed by the E-Networks Band, which features musicians from India and Guyana. There will also be performances by members of the Dharmic Sabha’s East Bank Demerara Praant.

On Sunday, October 19, four motorcades will be held in Berbice. In West Coast Berbice, the motorcade will assemble at Bush Lot and converge at the Blairmont Community Centre Ground.

In East Berbice, the floats will assemble at Main and Vryheid Street, opposite

Mourant Community Centre Ground.

All of the motorcades will culminate with cultural programmes and the presentation of prizes.

The Sabha’s Essequibo Praant motorcade will be held on Tuesday, October 21, which will see floats assembling

Church View Gift Shop and proceed to the Rose Hall Community Centre Ground.

In Upper Corentyne, floats will make their way from Crabwood Creek and Number 36 Village to the Tagore High School ground. The Central Corentyne Praant’s Motorcade will move from Bush Lot, Corentyne and Number One Village and converge at Port

Ever since the announcement that Trinidadian Soca Queen Destra Garcia will be performing live at the Gravity Lounge on Saturday evening, soca junkies have been rushing to get their tickets ahead of

Demerara motorcade will be held on Wednesday, October 22. The fabulously decorated floats will assemble at the Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbellville from 18:00h and will move West along Campbell Avenue into Sandy Babb Street, North into JB Singh Road and East onto the Rupert Craig Highway

simply magnificent this year.

At the LBI Community Centre Ground, the stage programme starts at 19:00h with performances by the Dharmic NrityaSangh, Emerging Voices winners, the E-Networks Band, Sookrane Boodhoo, Rekha Singh and others.

at Affiance and Sparta from 18:00h and proceed to the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground where there will be a cultural programme featuring Essequibian talent, along with Emerging Voices winner Vishalie Sukram, first runner-up Artie Sookhai and the E-Networks Band.

The spectacular Georgetown/East Coast

(Seawall Road) to the LBI Community Centre Ground. Guyanese are encouraged to line the route of the motorcade to enjoy the fantastic display of Guyanese creativity. Mandirs, youth groups, families and commercial entities have been working tirelessly on their floats and from all indications, floats will be

New York-based Kuchipudi dancer Khavita Singh will present a special piece appropriate for the festival.

In excess of $3.5 million in cash and trophies will be presented to the winning floats in the small, large and commercial categories. Prizes will also be given for

the most outstanding mandirs in each category and for the best overall designed float. Admission to all motorcades is free and no alcohol is allowed. There will be a number of food stalls offering a wide variety of vegetarian cuisine, mehendi stalls and lots of Diwali shopping opportunities at all venues.

The Dharmic Sabha has also organised rangoli competitions in several schools around the country to encourage student participation in the festival.

On October 26 and November 1, the Mahila Mandalee, the women’s section of the Sabha, will host children’s Diwali parties and concerts at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra in Prashad Nagar, Georgetown and at the Soesdyke Vishnu Mandir, Demerara respectively for some

Up to Thursday evening, all of the general admission tickets were sold out and the VIP tickets have been going like hot cakes. The Chief Executive Officer of the party spot assured patrons that the evening will be an epic one with a mind blowing performance by the soca queen.

All arrangements are in place to accommodate more than 2000 patrons. More so, final work is being done to erect a stage. The soca queen is expected to arrive in Guyana today and will be making several radio and television appearances ahead of Saturday night’s event.

Over the past few weeks, several artistes have performed at the club and have all delivered to expectations. This time around, Destra will take to the stage and she is known for her highenergy performances, harmonious vocal skills and eccentric fashion style. Destra is well-known for

one of the most popular soca anthems “It’s Carnival” (featuring Machel Montano), which was released in the 2003 Carnival season. Some of her later popular releases are “Las Lap”, “Soca or Die”, “Sign”, “Situation”, “We Luv Carnival” and the most popular song of her 2007 releases, “I Dare You”.

The defending champion of the Digicel Duck Curry Competition, Bombay Masala was adjudged the winner of the competition when it was held at the Number 63 Beach on Sunday last.

The competition which saw more than 20 teams cooking up a storm, ended with the Bombay Masala team successfully retaining the title and more importantly, the first prize of $250,000 and a hamper.

Coming in the second spot was Calypso Hut of Kildonan Village, Corentyne which walked away with $150,000, while Ashmin’s Auto Sales secured the third spot and received $100,000. Deojaj Jaikisson and Devish Beopt tied for fourth position and collected $75,000 each.

Apart from the top five,

all other participants were presented with a hamper and a bottle of Guy Gas.

The highlight of the event was the tasting of the more than 20 well prepared samples of curried duck but at the end, it was unanimously decided that Bombay Masala had the taste that the judges liked.

However, the owner of Bombay Masala, Brahma Persaud said that the secret depends on the experience of the cook. Many of the patrons who were at the event had their thoughts about the competition and who they thought was the best.

Some supported the Berbice chefs while others were eager to taste the curry cooked by the reigning champion. After the judging, it was time to boogie down

As the momentum is building up to the November 29 Mega Concert titled “Boom Bastic” at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, there has been a big buzz as to who will be the final act.

To date, international music sensation Shaggy and his band have been confirmed, as the headline act, along with Baby Cham and his wife, Miss O, who is popular for their tune “Pum Pum”. In addition, Christopher Martin, who is no stranger to Guyana, is billed to share the same stage and to top it off, Guyanese artistes Lil Million and Jory Hector will also perform.

Guyanese are now guessing identity of the other act who, promoters claim, is fresh and has been creating a stir. While some thought it might be Jamaican rising star Chronixx, others feel that it might be a female. On this note, the promoters promised to release the name of the final act in the new week.

However, tickets for the show are available at Ashmin’s Trading, High Street; White Castle Fish Shop, Kitty and Hadfield

Street locations; Full Range Record Bar, Regent Street; Nigel’s Supermarket, Robb Street; Dave’s Sports Bar, Grove, East Bank Demerara; Anil’s Cellphone Store, Anna Regina; M&M Snackette, Harbour Bridge; Smart Kid Pharmacy, Diamond, EBD and several other locations.

Regular tickets cost $3000 while the VIP tickets cost $16,000 and are only available at King’s Jewellery World, Quamina Street and the Golden Boy office, Lamaha Street.

with special performances by Trinidadian Adesh Samaroo and Sally Sagram.

The artistes had the crowd in a frenzy as they dished out several of their hits. There was also a bit of humour by the cast of “Nothing to Laugh about 7” led by Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones. To add to the excitement, there were also a number of games that fully engaged members of the audience who won various prizes.

Jyoti Devi Hardat also called “Jo” and “Jay” is a contestant in the Miss Guyana Universe Pageant slated for October 26 at the Pegasus poolside and since her arrival in Guyana a few days ago, she has been creating some buzz as the potential queen to represent Guyana.

This 25-year-old beauty hails from Timehri on the East Bank of Demerara but migrated to the United States since she was a child.

She started her primary education at St Angela’s Primary where she graduated as the valedictorian. She then went to St Stanislaus College, but continued her education at Richmond Hill High School, in New York where she graduated with her High School Diploma with Honours and Merit and also received the President’s Award of Excellence and was inducted into the National Honour Society.

She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at CUNY, the City College in Harlem, New York. Aside from that, she received certification from the CTI (CONNECT Training Institute) after she completed a five-week intensive course in domestic violence.

This young lady has vast experience in pageantry hence her decision to compete for the coveted title. She became involved in pageantry when she first started to help others prepare for the intellectual aspect of this type of activity.

After she weighed the pros and cons of her participation, she decided to use this platform to her advantage for her cause on a wider scale. Her sister’s death was her main motivation for her physical participation in Miss New York USA competition.

“The anger I had built up over the years due to her senseless murder, had ultimately become my secret weapon, my driving force to want to make a difference in our society.”

Her experience thus far has been an inspirational and a learning one experience. Pageantry is a great way to help bring your cause to the spotlight but more importantly, she said, it provides a forum for open discussion as it gives you access to many ears,

eyes, minds and hearts.

She hopes to win the title which will give her the opportunity to represent Guyana to the best of her ability at an international forum through utmost patriotism and support of her fellow Guyanese.

She also expects to build positive relationships with her fellow delegates, since she believes that they can learn from each other.

“Coming into this pageant, I expect to gain a larger audience for my movement against domestic violence through the use of the story of my sister’s murder. I believe that education is the key to prevention of domestic violence and it is my mission to use education to change the mindset of our nation towards domestic violence”.

She believes that in order to win the international title in January, the Guyanese delegate must be smart, confident, personable, adaptable, prepared with sufficient training and able to stand out from the crowd. An important tool, she added, is the support from the Hardat, who is in full pageant mode, said that her greatest role model is the President of the United States, Barack Obama owing to his vast determination, discipline and

On a lighter note, Hardat’s favourite pasttimes include – her time to enhance the lives of others; playing paint ball, and exploring nature, museums and forgotten territories. She also has a fascination with antiques and history –from cars, to architecture, lost

Quite often, her family would usually prepare a variety of Guyanese dishes, from roti and curry to pepper pot and being a lover of good food, she does not think she could choose a favourite since they are all mouthwatering. Her favourite colour is definitely red, since it is the first colour that is represented on the Golden Arrowhead and symbolises the zeal and dynamism

It is also associated with love, which is what her life is filled with and what she is doing her best to bestow unto others. “Love makes the world go round and influences productivity and positive growth,” the beauty

Open minded, happy, and adventurous can be some of the adjectives to describe 24-yearold Guyanese cyclist Scott Savory.

Southland International Inc, a subsidiary of the Pereira Group of Companies, will officially launch Carlsberg Beer, an Original European Brew, at the 704 Sports Bar on Albert and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown, this evening.

Carlsberg is the flagship beer brand in Carlsberg Group’s portfolio of more than 500 beer and beverage brands ranging from alcoholic and non-alcoholic products including Moussy and SOMERSBY Apple Cider which have been on the Guyanese market for the past year.

Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Carlsberg Breweries operates over 100 breweries around the world with more than 165 years of brewing expertise making them the fourth largest brewery in the world behind Anhueser Busch, SABMiller and Heineken.

A refreshing lager beer with a clean, crisp taste, satisfying depth of flavour and a rich, golden colour with an alcohol by volume (abv) of five per cent packaged in 250ml modern attractive bottles, Carlsberg beer is

now available in Guyana through an exclusive franchise distributor relationship with Southland International Inc.

Carlsberg Beer is known to the local market, since it was last marketed in 2006, but now it’s back with an even more attractive and modern packaging synonymous with its rich heritage and authentic appeal to inspire and be relevant to people’s lives today.

At this historic moment for the company, Southland International Inc said it is proud to be the sole and official distributor in Guyana. Consumers who are eager to try this quality brew can now find it in major supermarkets, gas stations and outlets countrywide or can visit their office at 23 Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown (ground floor of the Buddy’s Building).

Also at the launch, several major and exciting announcements by Southland International Inc through the Carlsberg brand will be made as well as giveaways.

RED Entertainment has successfully hosted two editions of “From Jazz with Love” that featured Arturo Tappin and talented local artistes.

To continue its commitment of diversifying the local entertainment industry, RED

TEntertainment is hosting “From Jazz with Love” once again at the Georgetown Club on October 25.

“From Jazz with Love – 3rd Edition” will be an evening of funky jazz and soul featuring Arturo Tappin of Barbados who is considered by most, the smoothest and most soulful saxophonist in the Caribbean.

Tappin entertains with his unique funky jazz bringing a healthy dose of Caribbean sunshine. His dynamic and spirited live performances have won him fans here in Guyana and all over the world.

The event will also feature guest artistes, Phillip 7 from Barbados who absolutely amazed the audience last year with mixed genres of music; Y3K, an eclectic new local band; Yerrodin Bowen, a poetic local spoken word artiste; and Shimuel Jones performing live art.

Jazz lovers will be able to enjoy the rhythms of Caribbean artistes while sipping on wine from the Wine Bar or indulging in a variety of tapas from the Food Lounge that will be served all night long.

This exclusive event adds another cultural touch to the lives of Guyanese adults and will showcase the innovative and exciting essence that RED Entertainment is adding to the entertainment industry.

Part proceeds will be going to the Rotary Club of Demerara to contribute to their very credible ongoing initiatives that focus on improving the lives of Guyanese.

Tickets cost $8000 and are available at Oasis Café, Georgetown Club, and Grand Coastal Hotel.

This very social individual was born in Guyana to Andrew Savory and the late Indira Savory. He has an older biological sister, Kateri Savory and two other siblings Ashley and Christopher Hernandez.

This talented cyclist grew up in Alberttown, Georgetown where he attended St John’s College. After the family moved to the United States in 2008, he attended the Borough of Manhattan Community College, where he studied

him representing his country in and out of Guyana.

He recently participated in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland where he had the opportunity to fly the flag of his native country. But apart from that, he won numerous races in the US.

He has been successful in the Under 25 category tour of Sommerville, and has a few other notable achievements.

As a young cyclist, he has big plans for his future apart from cycling and he is already making that a priority.

He is presently employed with Hoffman Meier Team of Douglas Elliman, one of the best real estate teams in

Liberal Arts.

Savory said he took cycling seriously, since his dad was a cyclist, and like most children in Guyana, a bike was an everyday means of transportation or a recreational tool.

He recalled competing with his friends around his house after school as a youngster growing up and was given an opportunity to race in the National Park where he placed in the top three. The trophy he won motivated him to continue riding competitively.

He considers many things as successes: dearest to him is a clothing drive he spearheads in the US which aims at assisting cyclists in Guyana. Other successes would definitely be

he Guyana Prison Service will be holding its 20th Edition of its presentation titled “Prisons in Concert” at the National Cultural Centre on October 26. The last presentation was held at the Theatre Guild, Parade Street, Kingstown, but due to overwhelming support, a decision was taken to use the National Cultural Centre this time around. Presently, a team of inmates and prison officers are rehearsing for the grand night and are expected to thrill the audience with their various pieces. These inmates and officers were pulled from several correctional institutions across the country including the Mazaruni Prison, New Amsterdam Prison, Timehri Prison and Camp Street Prison.

he says, will open new doors for the next few years in his cycling career.

Savory does not have a role model, but looks up to a few people, with his father being one of them who has taught him some of the best principles of life such as honesty and hard work. He also has an admiration for Mohammed Ali.

This pro is presently participating in the National Five-Stage Cycle race which rode off on Thursday in Berbice. This talented young man makes it his duty to come to Guyana every year to be a part of the event.

He uses the competition to reconnect with good friends and family and more so, to participate in local races. In addition, he uses the time out to distribute some of the clothing from his drive in the US.

Savory’s advice to young riders who want to make cycling a career – he encourages them to get a coach who will make sure they follow a structured programme. More importantly, the trainer will be someone who is experienced and will offer sound advice; hence, their rate of growth will be much faster.

“Also, never ever, ever, give up! Cycling is a very, very hard sport and a very mental one at that, it’s all about pushing your limits on and off the bike, gains are not overnight so just keep pushing.”

New York hence in five years time, he looks forward to great growth and to have a stronger hold of the market.

Nevertheless, he expects to master his art on the bike as time goes by. He is working with a great coach, Matt Kochara and with the two heads together, they’ll work on his weaknesses. So come next season, he hopes to do well and to continue to evolve from there.

Savory is part of the Lupus Racing Team and he is optimistic of making the pro team for 2015. This step up,

On a lighter note, Savory’s favourite childhood memory would be racing bikes around one of his best friends’ Daley Gouveia’s yard in Albert Street, along with Geron Williams, Romel Hernandez and others.

He recalled they would soak the concrete with water and set up different obstacles, which often resulted in them sustaining bruises each day, but as kids, he said, it was a norm and all in the fun.

“It was like a Motor Grand Prix course to us then,” he recalled, grinning fondly at the memory.

He is not married and loves the colours blue and gold. His favourite meal is cook-up rice.

the National Cultural Centre or at the Guyana Prison Service Headquarters at Brickdam, Georgetown and the Camp Street Prison.

Tickets for the event cost $1000 for auditorium rear and $1500 for auditorium front and are available at

Patrons can expect to be left spellbound with the amazing voices and creativity of the group of prisoners who see themselves as citizens of this country. News coming out of the camp proved that they are eager to perform several songs, poems, dramatic presentations and some energetic dance pieces. The performers are being trained by Guyana’s best in the field of theatrical plays – Henry Rodney and Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones. Bearing that in mind, the night promises to be non-stop laughter.

The Guyana Prison Service is calling on the public for its support of this venture which is used to build confidence among the inmates as they prepare to be reintegrated into society.

Companioni leads 5-Stage after 2 legs

Team Coco's Ruben Companioni is in pole position after two gruelling stages of the eighth annual 'Ride for Life' FiveStage, which pedalled off on Thursday.

After finishing second best to Guyana's Alanzo Greaves in the first stage from Corriverton to New Amsterdam, Companioni went one step further on stage two, crossing the finish line first on Carifesta Avenue after the race started at Rosignol.

At the completion of the first day, the top three positions belonged to Team Coco's riders with Companioni ahead of fellow Cuban Carlos Ospina and Camillo Ulloa.

They would look to maintain their stranglehold today when stage three is held from Wales to Parika.

The first stage on Thursday was won by Greaves of Roraima Bikers Club in a time of one hour, 37 minutes, 49 seconds. Greaves was followed by Companioni and Ulloa, while Geron Williams (Continental), Ospina, Robin Persaud (Carlton Wheelers), Shaquille Agard (Linden Bauxite Flyers) and Johan Raboya (Team Coco's) in that order.

Stage two was a clean sweep for Team Coco's with Companioni and Ospina leading the dominance, followed by Guyanese recruits Raynauth Jeffrey and Christopher Holder, Ulloa and another Guyanese Junior Niles.

Meanwhile, stage four will be held in Essequibo on Saturday and the final leg will take place on Sunday from Linden to Georgetown.

WICB ready to mediate, but will only talk to WIPA

In a jolt to the West Indies players, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has made it clear to them that it will "engage" only with the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) in any attempt to break the deadlock between the groups. Dave Cameron, the WICB President, stated in a letter sent on October 10 to the players' representative Dwayne Bravo that the board was willing to play a mediating role, but strictly under the new guidelines laid out in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the WICB and the WIPA in September.

In a letter sent to the WICB on October 10, Bravo had sought an "urgent intervention" from Cameron to facilitate a solution to the growing divide between the players and Wavell Hinds, the WIPA President and CEO. Bravo contended that Hinds had signed the MoU without the players' knowledge and such an agreement would only lead to a signifi-

cant cut in their pay structure. He asked the WICB to not deal with the WIPA until the issue had been resolved.

But Cameron rejected Bravo's appeal, saying WIPA was the "sole and exclusive collective bargaining representative" of the players.

"While we recognise that we may certainly be able to play a role in mediating the apparent issues between yourselves and WIPA – and are willing if invited, to do so; we must make it clear to you

that we recognise and respect the principles set out in the MOU/CBA (combined bargaining agreement) signed by ourselves and WIPA on September 19, 2014 and any involvement on our part could only be in accordance with that agreement. What this effectively means is that we will only engage in discussions relating to the welfare, working conditions and remuneration of Cricketers with WIPA."

Although Bravo has repeatedly stated that the players stood to have a 90 per cent cut in their overall payment, Cameron differed with such a view. He said the new agreement rewarded the performers substantially so the players stood to gain more. "One of the major benefits of this structure is that players' compensation is based on players earning a percentage of WICB revenue; so that we are engaged in a true partnership – where WICB benefits financially, the players will also benefit.

"The agreement also cre-

ates the framework for WICB and WIPA to comprehensively address the use of players' image rights – so that both WICB and the players may benefit in relation to such usage. Further, it creates

the opportunity for players to earn substantial amounts based on merit – by implementing financial rewards for on-field performances."

Cameron asked Bravo and his team to focus on their cricket, contending that a strike would not only hurt the players, but would also drive away sponsors and affect the WICB's "credibility with other ICC Full Members." (Cricinfo)

Troubled West Indies refocus on cricket

There is a series to play for, one that is locked 1-1, but it feels like the series has been wrapped in cling film and left in the freezer. With a cyclone forcing the third ODI to be cancelled, and offfield issues surrounding the West Indies team pushing the actual cricket into the background, it feels like the Delhi ODI took place five weeks and not five days ago.

The cling film will come off in Dharamsala, where West Indies will need to prove themselves all over again. Following an encouraging performance in Kochi, where they made 321 in a massive win, familiar failings returned to haunt them in Delhi, where they gave up their last eight wickets for 45 runs and lost a match they had been in control of.

As a collection of names, this West Indies batting

line-up is pretty handy, even without Chris Gayle and Lendl Simmons. Still, the collapse at Feroz Shah Kotla wasn't entirely unexpected. Exhortations that the players must have heard a million times – 'we need to be more consistent, we need to play spin better' – will probably ring in their ears once again when they gather for their team talk in Dharamsala.

India haven't been at their best in this series either, and it will worry them a little that their batting is yet to click into gear. And not just during this series. India had a collective batting average of over 35 in both 2012 and 2013, but this year they have averaged 31.15 – they haven't done as badly since 2006. Having scored a century every 2.4 matches over the last two years, they have only made four centuries in

18 matches this year.

In a pre-World Cup year, India are yet to decide on their best opening combination and the best fit for the number four slot. The two

remaining matches of this series are their final home ODIs before the World Cup, a sign that audition space is shrinking quite rapidly.

Squads:

India: MS Dhoni (Captain and wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Murali Vijay, Kuldeep Yadav, Akshar Patel.

West Indies: Dwayne Bravo (Captain), Dwayne Smith, Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Jerome Taylor, Sulieman Benn, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson. (Cricinfo)

UCI to review Astana's licence

The International Cycling Union has announced it will review Astana’s WorldTour licence after three of the Kazakh team’s riders failed doping tests in August.

Maxim and Valentin Iglinskiy tested positive for the banned blood-booster EPO on August 1 and 11 respectively and it has now emerged that trainee Ilya Davidenok tested positive for steroids on August 28.

Astana already have a 2015 WorldTour licence in place, but the UCI has now requested they appear before its Licence Commission for an assessment of their “ethical criteria”.

A UCI statement said:

“This follows the serious concerns raised by the fact that two Astana riders Maxim and Valentin Iglinskiy recently tested positive for EPO and the notification this week that llya Davidenok has returned an adverse analytical finding for anabolic androgenic steroids in a sample collected at the Tour de l’Avenir on 28th August 2014.

"As per the UCI Regulations, it is expected that the team will appear before the Licence Commission within the next month for an assessment of the team’s level of compliance with the ethical criteria so that the appropriate measures can be then taken.

Question of responsibility

“It will be for the Licence Commission to determine whether and to what extent the team and/or its management is responsible for recent events. The UCI will

not comment further at this stage.”

Astana voluntarily suspended themselves from last week’s Tour of Beijing following the second Iglinskiy case in order to comply with the rules of the Movement for Credible Cycling, of which they are a member.

The squad, which is managed by Alexandre Vinokourov, himself a former doper, expressed its “deep disappointment” at the two failed tests and consequently announced it would launch an internal investigation.

Ajmal's rehabilitation on track – Saqlain

Saqlain Mushtaq, the former Pakistan offspinner, has said Saeed Ajmal has a 'realistic possibility' of returning to international cricket. The PCB signed a one-month contract with Saqlain, ending on October 24, to work with Ajmal in an effort to correct his action, which was deemed illegal by the ICC. The onemonth term, according to Saqlain, was 'ample enough' time to work on the technical aspects of Ajmal's action.

"There is a realistic chance Ajmal can return with a legitimate action and once I finish I am sure he will be in good shape," Saqlain told ESPNcricinfo. "He will be ready in the next two weeks to undergo an unofficial assessment in a biomechanical

tionally. Even Ajmal, when he saw his videos, admitted his action was not fair. So he understands exactly what he needs to do. He is a quick learner and a fighter and is working so hard to achieve his targets."

Saqlain said his work with Ajmal so far had mostly been confined to his offbreak, and that the next step would be to work on his doosra.

"We just want to ensure that everything should be perfect before we apply for an official assessment," he said.

"We took a month to work on various elements. So I am satisfied with the improvement in the last two weeks. But undergoing an assessment through a proper biomechanics system can further iron out the kinks. In

laboratory. I am hopeful and more importantly he [Ajmal] himself is very optimistic and has done everything that is required."

Over the last 22 days, Saqlain has been working on extensively to get Ajmal to reduce the straightening of his arm to within the 15-degree limit allowed by the ICC. The PCB intends to send Ajmal to England to undergo an unofficial independent assessment at its own expense before applying to the ICC for an official retesting.

Ajmal has a realistic chance of clearing the test, according to the Saqlain, and he said the ICC should also consider Ajmal's medical history while assessing his action. Ajmal has had chronic issues with his wrist, shoulder, hand and elbow following a road accident in 2004. He underwent a detailed medical assessment on Monday at the Shaukat Khanum hospital in Lahore and the MRI reports are awaited.

Davidenok’s case has now rocked the team once again, although he was not racing for Astana at the time of his failed test, which took place at the Tour de l’Avenir under-23 race in France.

The 22-year-old was on Astana’s books, having been promoted from the feeder squad Continental Team Astana on August 1 this year, but the Tour de l’Avenir is contested by national teams and so Davidenok was riding for Kazakhstan. Davidenok has the right to request his B sample be tested. (Sky Sports)

"If you look at Ajmal's history with injuries, he might have recovered but there are certain things he might not able to achieve," Saqlain said. "He is working so hard to get it fixed and bring it within the 15-degree limit. And I can see with my naked eye that he has done a lot work to reduce his flex so far and this is the important part.

"With fresh medial reports we can put our heads together to look at what we can do further. I think ICC should also consider his medical history since no one wants to break the law inten-

case there is some problem we can sort it out instantly and the idea is to go into the ICC testing without any flaw.

"We have done most of the work so far on conventional offspin, but we are now focusing on his strength as well. So we are working on the overall package, including his doosra."

Saqlain, 37, was perhaps the first offspinner to master the doosra, a delivery that spins away from the batsman even though it is delivered with a similar action to the offbreak. The variation spread around the world even after he retired from international cricket, and a few bowlers have mastered it in the last 15 years even though the delivery remains shrouded in controversy, with critics contending it cannot be bowled without straightening the elbow beyond 15 degrees.

"I have always believed you can definitely bowl it with a legitimate action, working on various aspects of your body," Saqlain said. "You can bowl the doosra with your fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder and you can even get it right with your foot positioning. Every individual has his own physique. If you don't have strong shoulders you can execute it through you wrist and fingers and use elbow to bowl a faster one. In either case you have to have strong control over your wrist and ensure it doesn't collapse. And without the kink you can safely bowl a doosra within the permitted flex."

(Cricinfo)

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Pistorius needs to pay for his action – Steenkamp's cousin

The prosecution and defence have finished calling witnesses after four days of the Oscar Pistorius sentencing hearing in Pretoria.

Closing arguments will be heard today before Judge Thokozile Masipa who decides whether the six-time Paralympic champion will be jailed. Her decision could come as early as next Tuesday.

Pistorius, 27, could receive a fine and a suspended jail sentence or up to 15 years in prison after he was found guilty of culpable homicide, the equivalent of manslaughter in the UK, for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013.

He was acquitted of murder after he said he had mistaken Ms Steenkamp for an intruder in his home.

Day four at the North Gauteng High Court began with Ms Steenkamp's cousin Kim Martin telling the court that the athlete

'needs to pay for what he has done'.

"Everybody has suffered," she said. "I feel Mr Pistorius needs to pay for what he's done, for taking Reeva's life, for what he's done to my uncle and to my aunt, what he's done to the rest of my family but also what he has done to his family."

Ms Martin, the first prosecution witness of the day, was completing her evidence to the court after speaking on Wednesday for the first time on how the death of the model and law graduate affected her family.

The next witness to give evidence was Zacharira Modise, acting national director for the Correctional Services, who was asked about the ability of the prison service to accommodate the double amputee.

He said that although some prisons are 'very old', every region has a 'facility where we are able to cater

for people with disabilities'.

Asked by Pistorius' defence lawyer Barry Roux whether his client would be kept in the hospital section of prison, Modise said that would be decided only after an assessment of his needs once he arrived in prison.

Pressed by Roux, Modise indicated that the assessment would find that Pistorius' disability meant he should serve any jail sentence in a hospital wing –rather than be kept with other inmates in the main section of the prison. Roux asked Modise about reports that threats had been made against the athlete by inmates, but Modise said he was not aware of any threats.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel, who began the day wishing Judge Masipa a happy birthday, said earlier in the sentencing hearing that anything but a prison sentence for the athlete would be 'shockingly inappropriate'. (Sky Sports)

Cairns trial likely in October 2015

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Chris Cairns is likely to face his perjury trial in October 2015 following a brief court appearance in London on Thursday.

Cairns, who has been charged with perjury linked to the libel action he brought against Lalit Modi in 2012 for match-fixing accusations made on Twitter in which he was awarded £90,000 in damages, attended Southwark Crown Court along with bar-

rister Andrew Fitch-Holland who faces one count of perverting the course of justice.

The pair appeared in a glass-fronted dock and spoke only to confirm their names as Judge Alistair McCreath gave them unconditional bail to appear for a plea and case management hearing at the same court on January 16. Both Cairns and Fitch-Holland have indicated they will contest the charges.

When the initial charges were laid in September, Cairns said he had "nothing to hide."

"I'm obviously extremely disappointed. However, at least there will now be an opportunity to face my accusers in an open forum, with some rigour and proper process around that, so that I can clear my name once and for all," he said in a statement.

The trial is expected to last around four weeks with players from around the world likely to be called to give evidence.

In submissions during the initial court appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month it was alleged that Cairns wilfully made a statement in the legal proceedings against Modi "which you knew to be false or did not believe to be true namely that you never, ever cheated at cricket and nor would you contemplate doing such a thing".

Fitch-Holland is charged with asking Lou Vincent, the former New Zealand batsman banned for life earlier this year after admitting his involvement in fixing, to provide a false witness statement in support of Cairns. (Cricinfo)

Permaul eyes West Indies recall

– taking wickets is the key

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Left-arm spin-

ner, Veerasammy

Permaul, is eyeing a recall to the West Indies line-up. However, in order to get the attention of the West Indies selectors again, the highly rated spinner must first stamp his authority during the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League’s (PCL) Regional Four-Day and NAGICO

Super50 Tournaments, starting November14.

The 25-year-old, who is a part of the Guyana Jaguars 15-man squad, insists that once he bowls to his best and takes wickets regularly, he will have a good chance of catching the eyes of the selectors once more.

“Right now I’m concentrating hard on my bowling because I know all I need to do is to continue taking wickets. I just have to be consistent during the

upcoming regional tournaments and once that has been achieved it’s up to the selectors,” Permaul said on Thursday during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport.

Permaul, who played his last international game in December, last year, has been pushed down the pecking order by other spinners around the Region.

However, rather than rolling over and playing dead, Permaul is working feverishly to improve his

game.

“I am training everyday in order to keep fit,” he said.

The spinner indicated that like most other cricketers he went through a bad patch, but remains confident of his return to the regional side.

Permaul has so far taken 12 wickets from four Tests and eight wickets in six ODIs. He has also claimed 26 T20 scalps.

Permaul has taken 240 wickets from 64 FirstClass games, snaring nine 10-wicket hauls, and 10 in one match. He has also claimed 59 wickets in 43 List A games.

The talented spinner is among the retained players chosen by the local franchise. The other retained players for Guyana are: Devendra Bishoo, Narsingh Deonarine, Assad Fudadin, Leon Johnson, Christopher Barnwell, Ronsford Beaton, Anthony Bramble, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Trevon Griffith.

Barbadian all-rounder Raymond Reifer, along with Guyanese opening batsman Rajendra Chandrika, middle-order batsman Vishaul Singh and fast bowlers Keon Joseph and Paul Wintz complete the Guyana Franchise.

Sanjay’s Jewellery golf tournament set for Sunday

Registration is in full swing for this Sunday’s Sanjay’s Jewellery golf competition at the Lusignan Golf Course, according to information emanating from the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), East Coast Demerara.

This Classic Golf Tournament offers to some fascinating play as the prizes are enterprising with three souvenir gold Golf Clubs up for grabs.

According to Club President David Mohamad, “We at the Lusignan Golf Club are very appreciative for the support that Sanjay’s Jewellery is giving to the LGC and golfing in Guyana. We would certainly be delighted if other sponsors – individual or corporate – would support the sport in a similar way.”

Mohamed noting that the LGC ground is in great shape, and golfers will find the outfield well cut.

Sanjay’s Jewellery, which has over 1000 jewellery pieces on display to choose from, offers also a wide variety of watches, colognes and perfumes for men, women and children.

In the jewellery section, Sanjay’s has religious jewellery, wedding bands, rings, chains, necklaces, earrings, bangles and bracelets in 12, 14, 18 and 22 carat gold as well as a variety of diamonds. Alternatively, a customer can simply order their own design and Sanjay’s will make it in 24 hours and with a motto that says ‘creating memories, one piece at a time’.

This Sunday’s tournament will be the second by

the business entity for the year. The first tournament was held on March 22.

Played under a new format, the tournament attracted some 44 golfers with the Deos taking top honours.

The two-person partner tournament, which combined scores using 3/4 of the handicap, saw a very competitive showing from all the pairs. Club Captain Chatterpaul Deo and Joanne Deo (a father-and-daughter team) won the closely fought tournament with a combined

"Sarwan is far from washed up"

That’s the belief of Gus Logie, who last week drafted the stylish outof-favour Guyana and West Indies middle order batsman into the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force side for the upcoming Professional Cricket League (PCL) in the Caribbean.

“I believe so. You never say never. At 34 years old, once you are hungry enough. Once you are willing to put the work in, I have no doubt his talent will come to the fore once again,” Logie said when asked in an interview following last Monday’s draft at the Accra Beach Hotel whether Sarwan can force his way back in the regional team.

score of 144, followed by the pair of Haresh Tiwari and Ravi Persaud, who scored 145.

Third place went to the Cummings brothers, Roy and Andre. Closest to the pin went to Alfred Mentore and best gross was taken by M Diddanauth.

As usual, Sanjay’s Jewellery will have a full crew of staff and well wishers on hand for the aftertournament festivities and presentation. Tee off time is 09:30h.

“Once he produces the scores, I think it is up to the West Indies selectors to give him an opportunity but at this point in time, I think he knows he is going to be here and he will want prove his critics wrong,” noted Logie, who will coach the Red Force when the PCL bowls off on November 14 with the first round of four-day first-class matches.

“I was also tempted to pick Fidel Edwards because Fidel again brings to the table the experience. I think what we want is players who have proven records at that level and I think people like Fidel and Sarwan have proven records at that level.

“I am looking forward to that motivation for him to come out there and prove everybody wrong that he’s quality player and that he can produce the goods at the highest level,” added Logie.

The former West Indies batsman and coach also hinted that Sarwan would provide leadership to the team in terms of his experience as a captain of many teams.

“He has captained national and county teams. He comes with a wealth of experience [but] I think his general work ethic is what we are looking for him bringing and I am certain the players will warm to him.”

Logie also reckons that Sarwan could be the catalyst for Trinidadian spectators returning to watch regional cricket.

“Apart from that, you look at even the commercial side of it. Having Sarwan in a country like Trinidad, where there is so much support for Guyana cricket and for Guyanese players of that sort, I think it will be a great fillip for the people to come out and see someone of his class play for Trinidad and Tobago,” noted Logie.

Logie said Barbadian fast bowler Fidel Edwards, who wasn’t drafted by any of the six franchise teams, was also considered for selection.

“But I think the negating factor was that we still have a lot of players available to us, especially our seam attack in a play-for-pay situation. We have [Ravi] Rampaul, Kevon Cooper, so that makes it a little bit more difficult,” Logie said.

Meanwhile, Logie confessed he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of coaching the West Indies team again.

“Well, you never say never but I think that my focus right now is to make sure the Trinidad and Tobago franchise benefits from my experience and my expertise and the players themselves respond in a more positive way,” he said. But Logie said he has not applied for the West Indies’ head coach job, vacated by the departure of Ottis Gibson.

“I have to talk to my agent and my family first,” Logie said with a laugh. “Well, like everything else, if you are a coach, you aspire. Just like you tell players, you want them to aspire to play for the West Indies when they do their national duties, as coaches, we want to aspire to coach at the highest level and to also bring a level of success, and expertise to whatever position it is.

“Some of us have been there and we’ve done that but at the end of the day, if the opportunity does present itself again, I will just take it in stride,” Logie said.

Logie, who coached the regional team to the Champions Trophy title in England in 2004 but quit soon afterward, said he has put that issue behind him.

“Like everything else in life, you have ups and downs. You win some, you lose some. I think I’ve had a good run like everybody else.

“Even after the Champions Trophy, if I was involved with the West Indies, I wouldn’t have gone to Bermuda and achieved what I did with some of the Bermudian players and the Bermudan cricket landscape. You leave legacies wherever you go. It’s been good so if the time comes again to come back, that’s how it is,” he said.

BCB/NBS Second Division cricket in Berbice…

Mohabir slams unbeaten 152

Opening batsman Vishal Mohabir slammed the highest individual score to date when play in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) sponsored New Building Society Limited Second Division 40-over cricket competition continued last weekend.

Mohabir made an unbeaten 152 for his team Young and Restless in their match against Canefield. His knock which included 21 fours and four sixes spearheaded his team to a massive 318-5 in 35 overs, the highest score by a team in the competition so far, eclipsing the 316-6 in 35 overs made by Cotton Tree Die Hard against D’Edward Warriors.

Below are the sum-

marised scores from the games played:

At Goed Bananen Land: Young and Restless beat Canefield by 152 runs. Young and Restless 318-5 in 35 overs (Vishal Mohabir 152 not out, Hansraj Ishmael 40, Sasenarine Sukhdeo 38, Tilak Singh 3 for 55). Canefield 166 all out in 30.2

Brisbane Heat sign specialist Badree

The Brisbane Heat has signed the world’s number one international T20 bowler for this summer’s KFC T20 Big Bash League.

West Indian leg-spinner Samuel Badree will join New Zealand legend Daniel Vettori as the Heat’s slow bowling options for BBL|04. Badree is currently the number one ranked bowler on the ICC’s official Player Rankings, a position he has occupied since starring for the West Indies at this year’s World T20 championships in Bangladesh.

The 33-year-old Physical Education teacher from Trinidad and Tobago (TT) claimed the Windies best ever T20 figures of 4-15 from four overs on the way to finishing with 11 wickets at 10.27 with an economy rate of 5.65. Badree, a T20 specialist who has played more than 100 Twenty20 matches and taken more than 100 wickets in his career, was a member of the victorious Chennai Super Kings squad at this month’s Champions League T20 tournament.

It was his efforts for the TT Red Steel at last year’s’ CLT20 when they were in the same pool as the Brisbane Heat which sowed the seeds for coach Stuart Law.

“Samuel bowled really well against us and throughout the Champions League, so we kept an eye on him after that,’’ he said.

“He’s a different sort of leg spin bowler but very effective.”

“We know we will have two world class spinners for the majority of the tournament and we believe Samuel will bring to the table with us what he has done around the world with such success.”

“You look up his record with the West Indies and the domestic teams he has played for and it is first rate. We’re sure he is going to be keen to tick the same box with us.”

Law said the Heat hoped the Trinidadian would be available for the entire BBL series.

Badree and his family will join Brisbane in December ahead of the opening BBL|04 match against the Sydney Thunder at ANZ Stadium on December 21 and the Heat’s first home game against Kevin Pietersen’s Melbourne Stars at the Gabba on December 28.

The Heat have now signed 17 of their 18 players for BBL|04 , with the signing deadline to complete their roster by December 5.

The 2014-15 Heat squad is now: Samuel Badree (Int), Joe Burns, Daniel Christian, Ben Cutting, Ryan Duffield, Peter Forrest, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Chris Lynn, Alister McDermott, Dan Vettori (Int), Shane Watson, Nathan Reardon, Cameron Gannon, Mark Steketee, Nick Buchanan, James Peirson.

overs (Dinesh Balgobin 52. Dinesh Gopaul 2-23, Keishar Gangaram 2-28, Vishal Mohabir 2- 55).

At Number 73, Number 73 Young Warriors beat Number 71B by nine wickets. Number 71B 97 in 19.5 overs (Lakeram Latchman 5-7, Sahif Jamesay 3-28. Number

73 Young Warriors 98-1 in 14.4 overs (Lakeram Latchman 60 not out).

At Goed Bananen Land, Betsy Ground Triple Star 263-7 in 40 overs (Kishan Sobhai 58, Wahmeshwar Sobhai 57, Devindra Ramoutar 27 not out Collis Greaves 2-30, Devanand

Cyril 2-41). Goed Bananen Land 148 in 28.5 overs (Imran Harrinandan 48, Lakeram Jugisteer 3-18, Outram Imandin 2-19, Lawrence Bassant 2-27).

At Kendall’s Union, Courtland All Star beat Kendall’s Union A by six wickets. Kendall’s Union

A 186 in 32 overs (Daniel Baker 68, Brian Baker 37 Keon Sinclair 4-26, Delon

Crandon 2-13). Courtland All Stars 188-4 in 26.2 overs (Dwayne Crandon 53, Leroy Bristol 49, Keon Sinclair 25 not out, Chris Yadram 2-2) 8. At Cotton Tree: Cotton Tree Die Hard 277-7 in 35 overs (Roshan Gaffoor 82, Romesh Boodhram 37, Patel Jairam 36, Abdul Subhan 37 not out, Omesh arjune 238). Number 3 125 in 20 overs (Taje Singh 3-7, Akram Rahaman 3-30, Azad Haroon 2-24). At Chesney: Fyrish Road beat Sand Reef by four wickets. Sand Reef 91 in 23.3 overs. (Hassan Hussain 4-23, Zamin Hamid 2-18, William Das 2-19). Fyrish Road 92-6 in 22.3 overs (William Dass 31 not out, Zafraz Baksh 2-10,Tamesh Jagmohan 2-15).

Companioni leads 5-Stage after 2 legs

Miller joins West Indies squad for India tour

West Indies Cricket Board advised today that Nikita Miller will join the team for the fourmatch One-Day International Series against India in India. Miller is a replacement for Lendl Simmons, who returned home due to injury.

The 32-year-old Miller made his debut for West Indies back in 2008. He has so far played 45 ODIs. He has 40 wickets at 36.5 runs each.

FULL SQUAD (with shirt numbers):

47. Dwayne Bravo (Captain)

62. Sulieman Benn

46. Darren Bravo

98. Jason Holder

59. Leon Johnson

33. Nikita Miller

55. Kieron Pollard

88. Denesh Ramdin

14. Ravi Rampaul

24. Kemar Roach

12. Andre Russell

88. Darren Sammy

7. Marlon Samuels

50. Dwayne Smith

75. Jerome Taylor

Davydenko: Russia's

world number 3 retires

Nikolay Davydenko has retired from tennis at the age of 33.

The former world number three acknowledged his frequent struggles with injuries had forced him to end his playing career after 15 years.

"I had a lot of injuries over the last few years," Davydenko said. "They are still causing me discomfort."

The Russian reached four grand slam semi-finals, two at Roland Garros and two at the US Open, and helped his country win the Davis Cup in 2006. (BBC Sports)

BCB/NBS Second Division cricket in Berbice…