Guyana Times Daily - December 25, 2014

Over 100 denied Guyanese Christmas

thursDAY, DeceMBer 25, 2014 | guYAnAtiMesgY.coM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, December 25 – 05:00h-06:30h

Friday December 26 – 08:30h-10:00h

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

Thursday, December 25 – 06:30h-08:00h

Friday December 26 – 07:15h-08:45h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika departure:

Thursday, December 25 – 19:00h and 06:00h

Friday December 26 – 20:00h and 07:00h

Supenaam departure:

Thursday, December 25 – 19:00h and 06:00h

Friday December 26 – 20:00h and 07:00h

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers can be expected in the morn with heavy rain showers dominating throughout the rest of the day. Thundery showers can be expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

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

Thursday, December 25 – High Tide: 06:47h and 19:05h reaching maximum heights of 2.67 metres and 2.73 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:19h and 12:37h reaching minimum heights of 0.42 metre and 0.57 metre respectively.

Friday, December 26 – High Tide: 07:36h and 19:57h reaching maximum heights of 2.60 metres and 2.62 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:07h and 13:29h reaching minimum heights of 0.50 metre and 0.65 metre respectively.

Dynamic Airways woes: Over 100 denied Guyanese Christmas

– airline’s next available flight on Saturday

Troubled airline Dynamic Airways has once again let down hundreds of passengers who were on their way home for the holidays to experience an authentic Guyanese Christmas.

According to information received, scores of passengers who were scheduled to travel to Guyana for the holidays were told that they could not do so until December 27. This is according to an article published in the New York Post.

A source at the John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York revealed to the Guyana Times that some passengers from the flight that was delayed on Sunday still were in the US and were placed on subsequent flights; as such, the backlog kept building up.

The New York Post has reported on Wednesday that yet another 100 passengers were left stranded at the JFK Airport, when they were supposed to board a jet to Guyana at Terminal 1 about 07:00h that day. The already frustrated passengers were informed that they will not be able to travel until the day after Boxing Day (Saturday, December 27,) since no other plane would be available until such time.

Fuming

Some of the passengers had been stranded since Sunday after there was a two-day delay due to maintenance issues. Sunday’s delay saw some travellers being flown back home on Tuesday morning while others had to remain due to

over booking. Additionally, the NY Post reported on Wednesday that by 09:00h, several fuming stranded passengers had to book hotels, return home or make other plans after receiving news of the delays. However, about 45 passengers remained at the JFK Airport, holding up signs

until after Christmas. A few passengers related that they had to use Caribbean Airlines to ensure that they got home in time for Christmas.

One man uploaded a video from the JFK Airport showing the long line of passengers who are awaiting a flight back to Guyana. In the video up-

at the Dynamic Airways terminal, as they protested against the inefficiencies of the airline.

Many remigrant Guyanese who were planning to return to Guyana for the Christmas holidays will not have the opportunity to experience an authentic Guyanese Christmas as a result of the unreliability and inefficiency of the USbased airline.

The Guyana Times was made to understand that some passengers were forced to change airlines after being informed that there would be no flights

loaded on Wednesday, an elderly woman related that she was at the airport since Tuesday evening without anything to eat or drink.

“I don’t know what’s going on. We sleeping on the floor and nobody telling us anything about what’s going on,” she vented.

She expressed her disinterest in travelling with the airline in the future.

Another woman said: “This Dynamic is no good. I’ve been here four days and four nights; no food, nowhere to sleep, nowhere to bathe, brush your teeth, nothing to eat.”

Since its return to the Guyana market with promises of new and improved services in late November after initial problems, Dynamic Airways has been a letdown to the travelling public and failed to uphold its commitment of better service.

Local representative Captain Gerry Gouveia had told this newspaper last month that local aviation authorities had given the greenlight after the airline would have provided some additional documents requested. Based on the approval granted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Dynamic Airways has up to June 9, 2015, to operate in Guyana and is allowed to only sell tickets for the approved period (November 22-June 9).

With the Tourism Ministry touting its promotion to have more Guyanese return home especially for the holidays, this puts a damper on the spirits of overseas-based Guyanese. Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali told the Guyana Times that he spoke to the operators of the airline and they assured him that all arrangements were in place to have smooth flights following the delays on Sunday.

Additionally, he noted that discussions were held with members of the private sector to ensure that visitors, whose numbers have increased this year, are well-treated, to a truly ‘Guyanese Christmas’.

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

Christmas musings

It is said that "Christmas comes but once a year", but businesses have not been found wanting in strenuously trying to change that state of affairs. And no wonder. During what has been dubbed the "Christmas Season", most retail businesses generate almost a quarter of the revenues that they would for the entire year.

But even though this "commercialisation of Christmas" is universally bemoaned by the thoughtful and the Christian faithful, no one seriously believes that it can be reversed. Ironically, it is an enduring reminder of Karl Marx's contention about the power of the profit motive.

Be as it may, even those who rail at the change of focus from the event commemorated - the birth of the founder of the Christian religion - being reduced to a footnote, also engage in the orgy of shopping. Who wants to be Scrooge?

And so it was that the crescendo of shopping that began to build from the first week of December, rose to its climax yesterday - producing epic traffic jams in Georgetown and every other township. The cash registers kept ringing all day long and into the night, nicely segueing into the music of the Christmas Eve parties that are also de rigueur at "Christmastime".

It was also nice of the major Opposition party APNU to resist the threats from its partners, the Working People Alliance (WPA) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) to "take to the streets". From one level it was a very pragmatic decision, since the protestors might have found it impossible to squeeze through the massed crowds in the streets of Georgetown.

But from another, it highlights the need for the two larger parties not to succumb to the importuning of the minnows: they are fighting for survival and will take extreme positions to gain publicity.

And so it is today, that the smell of cakes and chickens baking in ovens (not at the same time, one hopes) will waft through the air. Christian families returning home from Church to a Christmas lunch or dinner will be joined by other Guyanese from all the diverse faiths that co-exist in this great land.

There are those who only point to what ails the country, and while one would have to concede that we still have a way to go before we can rest on our laurels, surely at this special time of the years we can all concede that there has been substantial progress in our lives.

We have to only look at the stores to which everyone flocked with such abandonment: they were all a chock-full of every good and device imaginable. Gone are the days when one could not even buy cheese or chalk in a store.

The cars that created gridlock on the streets are just another sign of increased wealth: moving from the "PDD" registration series in 1992 to "PTT" in 2014 means that 200,000 vehicles - not counting buses - entered the country in 12 years. If in the USA's "Great Depression" of the 1930s, their great President Franklin D. Roosevelt promised "a chicken in every pot", President Ramotar can claim to have delivered "a car in every driveway".

And Guyanese can now have driveways, since more than 100,000 house lots have been distributed since 1992 and cheap mortgage rates have been facilitated by the Government with the banks so that homes can be built.

While Christmas commemorates the birth of Christ, it is his message of living a moral life that resonates with his followers and others. But it is very difficult to live a moral life if one cannot fulfil the basic needs for one's family.

The present Government has worked assiduously to create the living conditions in Guyana within which the humanity of all citizens can flower in dignity. There is still some ways to go but we have come along way.

We wish all of Guyana a "Merry Christmas".

Memories of yesteryear Guyana Christmas

Dear Editor,

Celebrating the Christmas season years ago is etched in the minds of Guyanese nationals settled in North America. So many fun happenings and events were associated with the season prior to the 1990s, although life was difficult.

And during the season, people of different ethnicity put aside differences and got together for celebrations – going for a trip to the town from the rural areas or visiting relatives and friends, worshiping, and children playing with toys.

The season growing up as a child prior to the 1990s was a unique experience that people looked forward to with great expectation.

In New York, they often reminisce about the basket of memories left behind celebrating the end of year season – there was not much around the country, but people had a joyous time with the little available to them.

It used to be peaceful (except for the period of the kick down door banditry) and the races largely lived together. They had to because life was tough with starvation conditions and lack of freedom.

The Christmas season in years gone by (and still does today) offered the opportunity for renewal within the home (unless already done for Diwali or Eid). Old curtains were replaced with those reflecting the season.

The house was completely redecorated. The walls were repainted. New furniture and carpet may be acquired.

In some homes, polishing and varnishing of old furniture and the floor were done. New cushions would be in place along with new spreads on the beds and new pillows to welcome the new season – similar to what is done in North America among many Caribbean people.

The lawns were immaculately kept and tree trunks white washed. The yard was clean. The Christmas tree in the home, if affordable, or a tree on the front yard was lit up with moderate amounts of colorful lights.

There were some decorative lights in or around the home; but black out was always a problem in the 1970s and 1980s, while electricity was almost non-existent prior to that period.

There existed none of the lavish decorations and trimmings that brighten up entire neighborhoods as compared with the earlier period.

There was a special sound in the air (music –bells, both religious and secular, western and Indian songs, church bells, special radio programmes). There was much joy illustrated by laughter, blow horns, whistles, popping toy guns, crying dolls, and engines of toy vehicles, etc.

There was (still is) a certain smell (curry and massala dishes, the fruit cake, ginger beer, sorrel, mauby, redone furniture and new curtains, bed spreads, etc.). There was a special aromatic scent wafting in the air that was very appetizing.

People sent Christmas cards overseas to relatives and friends. The cards were imported reflecting the temperate conditions in these countries – white snow, leafless trees, etc. But today, the pictures are more reflective of Guyanese realities of warm sunshine reflecting our environment.

Christmas time was associated with phone contacts and radio messages with loved ones across the seas. People looked forward for radio programmes that carried telephone greetings recorded and packaged as a programme aired on Christmas Day or Boxing Day or New Years Day. Everyone gathered around the radio hoping for a shout out.

A phone call or telecommunication prior to the 1990s was almost impossible. Most of the international calls were from America, Canada, and United Kingdom because most Guyanese could not afford the cost.

Today, people call one another at Christmas time regardless of location with many calls originating from Guyana thanks to cheap in-

ternet phone rates and magic jack. We gathered around the radios (no TV then) listening to recorded messages from loved ones overseas. Christmas goods and services used to start early (end of November) and as such radio started Christmas programming much sooner than say in North America –around mid-November right after Diwali and Eid celebrations. What a joy it was to hear an overseas greeting.

The season was (is) associated with the masquerade band performing and playing its unique brand of music on special instruments, accompanied by colorful costumed characters dancing.

The masquerade band would move along the streets and roadways entertaining – (men in women clothing dancing) for a donation. The performers would stop in front of a house, playing and dancing and even entered into yards dancing for the entertainment of the household that responded with donations.

Today, the masquerade bands perform in parts of Flatbush for donations and some even get sponsorships.

The Churches had nativity plays. Schools held concerts and parties and students sang carols. Some of these are still practiced in Guyana.

A Christmas wish

Dear Editor, Christmas and General Elections are two special occasions and even though they are of contrasting moods, they are equally important occasions that practically every Guyanese look forward to.

No one can safely say one is more important than the other as they are both integral in the lives of the citizenry, but many would agree in the order of seriousness, that General Elections would get the nod.

Generally speaking, how could one imagine life without Christmas, the joys and festivities behind it, and not holding political parties accountable for their stewardship of the country?

The people need Christmas to give thanks to the Merciful Lord and to celebrate their hard work at the end of the year and they need election to bring lazy and inept political leaders to book.

What Guyanese really want is for those whom they vote into power to make life for them comfortable, by providing opportunities, so that they can live life in jolly spirit as through it is Christmas.

Elections is therefore a time for seriousness, but seriousness, though important, is just one aspect of life, and occasions like Christmas provide a balance, being an occasion of goodwill, joyousness and an even a time to forgive foes or persons for wrongs committed.

It is because of this reason that Christmas stands out, remaining an important part of the lives of Guyanese, irrespective of their religion or political affiliation.

Given the culture in Guyana, and it is not one that is unique here, elections have been a period that not many are too fond about since it is a time associated with spear campaigns, wild accusations, enmity and the

springing up of rumour mongers.

The accusations range from being serious to mockery and in some cases on outright hilarity, but Guyanese and the major political leaders over the past two year can give credit to themselves.

Commendably, even though the cold war among opposing politicians will not end anytime soon, they have managed to put a stop to the violence after the results have been announced.

Before, the period used to be an occasion of fear, uncertainly, robbery and infrastructural destructions, generally, activities inconductive to development and inimical to the goodwill and progressive spirit of the people.

The past two elections have indicated that Guyanese have matured and have realised that violence and destruction are not the way forward for their country.

From the upbeat Christmas spirit, it appears that the electorate, who has been enduring the hostile Government/Opposition verbal tussle, wants the peace and goodwill to continue, notably in 2015.

Guyanese thought out the year have been weary of the political stalemate, which has bedeviled the country over the past three years, contributing to the prorogation of Parliament.

This negativity will not do the country any good and it is important that the positive spirit continues in the New Year, since as aside from election, business and life should continue without fear and disharmony.

Whatever the result, it must not in a negative way affect the development of Guyana and upliftment in the lives of all Guyanese.

The spirit this Christmas from the general mood of

Guyanese appears to be pointed in the direction that they are not prepared to let politics put a damper on their celebrations.

February next year will also be an important occasion for all Guyanese, the celebration of Mashramani, a celebration of our rich culture and unity in our diversity.

The goodwill generated during the Christmas season and the ebullient spirit expected from Mashramani 2015, should indicate to politicians that Guyanese embrace each other as one people and one nation with a common interest for the peaceful development of their country.

This should be a yardstick for them to work together in the best interest of all and for the continued development of this dear land. This would be the Christmas and New Year’s wish of the electorate

Name withheld by request

Guyana is a terrific place to visit!

Dear Editor, I’ve been in Guyana a month now – and have had a superb time with family and friends in the beautiful land of our birth.

From the newspaper reports and famous scribes’ daily missives, I was expecting a hell-hole of a country heading into the eternal abyss. The naysayers and prophets of doom have painted a picture Guyana as a virtual hell - tormented by perpetual fire and brimstone.

What I re-discovered, however, was a paradise or sorts. I do realize that my perceptions of life in Guyana is skewed by the fact that I have not been residing in the country for long. However, what I’ve experienced so far has been an oasis of sorts.

For now, let’s forget the myriad of problems that plague the country – politics, crime, noise pollution, corruption, high cost-of-living, Styrofoam and plastic bottles clogging the drains of Georgetown and elsewhere,

the threat of chickengunya, dangerous driving – we can go on and on.

For the moment, let us appreciate the beauty and blessings of the people and country – and be thankful.

The second day I arrived, I saw a kiskadee and a blue sakie in my friend’s backyard. I love the tropical flowers and plants in Guyana. I am amazed at the increased standard of living of the typical Guyanese.

Guyanese seem to be eating, writing, speaking and living better – compared to five years ago. I love eating the cook-up, metagee, dal & rice and coconut chokha. I particularly loved the opportunity to saa-neh (the last dish) in a popular Georgetown restaurant (and cha-ha-te) my fingers with the left-over dal.

It is refreshing to see how Guyanese have come a long way in the harmony and respect that they have with each other. Guyanese offer support to those in need – irrespective of ethnic differences.

Memories of yesteryear...

The season was (is) associated with giving gifts even among the very poor. Toys, games and clothes were some of the favorite children’s gifts; today it is electronics. Children were told that their gifts were brought by Father Christmas and that they should hang socks and swore not to be bad or use curse words. Gifts were opened on Xmas morning with squeals of delight from the children.

Christmas was a time for family get together. Families prepared an assortment of curried meats, and other dishes, cakes and other goodies served with traditional home made drinks. Relatives, friends and co-workers were invited for a hearty meal.

But one did not need an invitation for a meal; it was traditional for families to ex-

pect uninvited visitors some of whom may be complete strangers. Everyone looked forward to a delicious meal on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day.

Among the main items served were home made (black or sponge) cake, ginger beer, mauby or sweet drinks. One was lucky to get a piece of imported apple, grapes, walnuts, dates, etc. even be-

From page 4

fore they were banned.

Some were still smuggled in the country during the ban; even cherries, raisins, prunes, citrons, etc were smuggled into the country to make cake in spite of the crack down by authorities to discourage their consumption. The men took to drinking for several days as factories were not grinding cane or milling rice. The season was also a

It is truly beautiful to see how the ethnic plurality of the country plays out in the day-to-day life of Guyanese; I was at a ‘wake’ this past week, and it was touching to see the genuine love and support given to the bereaved. For the 4 weeks I’ve been here, I’ve only experienced black-out about 4 times during the night – lasting between 10 to 30 minutes. (Wished it had lasted longer; all the neighbours’ and “wedding-house” booming music came to a sudden stop; the peace that ensued was just too short!)

The weather has been great; the sea breeze refreshing, and it is therapeutic to see behold the mango and coconut trees side by side.

I wish all my fellow Guyanese ‘Merry Christmas’ and a terrific New Year. God bless Guyana!

Devanand Bhagwan

time for new clothes and new movies and a visit to the horse race or to town to enjoy ice cream and other delights. Many people would go to the cinemas to view hit movies from India or Hollywood.

Oh what memories they were yesteryear growing up as a child from what it is today!

Vishnu Bisram

Four killed in West Berbice accidents

Four Berbicians have been cut down in separate accidents two days before Christmas as the road carnage continues even as 2014 comes to an end.

The life of a New Amsterdam Multilateral School Student (NAMS) was cut short the day before Christmas Eve when the car her father was driving slammed into a parked motor canter.

Dead is Yonette Branche of McKenzie Street, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). The 16-year-old was a backseat passenger at the time.

Police in a release said “the driver of motor car PLL 4691 was proceeding along the roadway allegedly at a fast rate when he lost control of the vehicle and collided with a parked motor canter”.

Yonette, who was in the motor car received injuries and was taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival, the release said.

At the time, Yonette’s father Alfred Branche was driving and her mother was in the

front seat. There was also another passenger in the backseat.

According to one eyewitness, Branche was not been driving at a fast rate. The man said he was being given a lift home by the family who had visited Georgetown to do business and collect a small barrel.

“We left Georgetown just before dark and I nodded off and woke up about three times. I woke up and looked at the time, an hour and a half and only Mahaica we reach. We seemed to be taking forever the get home, the eyewitness said.

He explained that each of the backseat passengers did not have much space.

“In the backseat, I was at one side and Yonette was at the

other side and there was a box between us.”

Yonette was asleep when the incident occurred so too was the other passenger.

“She was sleeping with her head leaning on the win-

dow. When I heard the impact, I woke up and saw both the husband and the wife holding on the steering wheel and he started arguing over her holding on the steering wheel. When I looked at Yonette, her face looked normal from my side but she was not moving.”

It was later discovered that the student who was preparing to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations next year received an injury to the left side of the head.

Eyewitnesses say persons stood looking on and rendered no assistance although several requests were made to get the injured teen out of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, three persons are now dead after a car slammed into a utility pole, breaking it and leaving live wires on the ground. The accident occurred at West Coast Berbice during a car race on the night before Christmas Eve.

The accident left two dead on the spot while a third was electrocuted while trying to render assistance to his racing pals.

Dead are Rakesh Sukdeo also called “Cerex”, Deva Rishi Jainarine also called “Pash” and Chaitram Mangru, all of West Coast Berbice.

Police in a release confirmed that Sukdeo, 33, of Bush Lot Village and Jainarine, 35, of Bath, were in motor car PMM 8763 driving along the roadway allegedly at a fast rate, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with the utility pole.

At the time, Jainarine was the driver. The release said Mangru, 27, of Bush Lot Village went to render assistance to the injured persons, but unfortunately came into contact with an electrical wire and was electrocuted.

Both Jainarine and Sukdeo were on their way home. Parisram Ramkissoon, the cousin of Mangru and who was the backseat passenger, said they were in front when the other car disappeared.

“About one hundred feet away I heard a loud sound and when I turned I didn’t see ‘Pash’ so ah say ‘boy shake back’, an we turn and go back and we see ‘Pash’ hanging on the post an mi other cousin ‘Cerex’ he leave hanging on the car.”

According to Ramkissoon, he suggested that he will go and try to assist “Cerex” out of the car which was turned over and in a ditch. However, he said Mangru after realising the difficulty in getting to the car, suggested that he (Mangru) make the trip to the car since he was the more athletic of the two.

Ramkissoon said after Mangru disappeared into the slope, he heard no sound from him and called out to him, but got no answer.

“When I go and peep over ah see him lying with his hands out stretched and I realised something wrong and I start to call out for help,” a tearful Ramkissoon related.

He explained that there were electric wires from the broken utility pole on the ground.

“The wire was so red with fire nobody could do anything.” He said staffers from the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) arrived on the scene and disconnected the wires, allowing persons to be able to remove the three bodies.

Meanwhile, Sukdeo’s wife Denise Benjamin told the media that he had left home about 08:00h for work and was expected back home during the evening.

According her, she was informed of the tragedy about 21:40h.

“He call me around 7 ‘0’ clock an say he dea cutting he hair. Me call back like about half an hour after an he say that they get plenty people at the barber shop when he finish he gon come.”

Sukdeo leaves to mourn his wife of five years and three children. The couple has a child together. His first wife died from electrocution seven years ago.

Elderly Berbice woman burnt to death

Alate afternoon fire tore through a Manchester Village, Corentyne Berbice home Wednesday leaving an elderly woman dead and millions of dollar in losses.

Dead is 76 year old Norma Moore called “Aunty Norma”.

The fire of unknown origin started around 16:30h.

A neighbour recalled seeing flames coming from the upper flat and raised an alarm. She said when they ventured closer they heard “Auntie Norma” calling out for help.

The neighbour related that public-spirited persons rushed to assist but the house was heavily grilled. A man, who said he knows Moore recalled that he was at a bar a few houses away and heard people shouting fire. He said he along with two friends got up and rushed over to the burning building but the upper flat of the house was covered in thick smoke. He recalled hearing her cries for help, and seeing her running from window to window in a bid to escape the blaze. “We tried to break the door in the bottom flat to get upstairs, but after we passed the wood door there was the grill but the fire got intense so we had to retrieve”.

The fire tender arrived at the scene approximately 15 minutes after the alarm was raised and managed to contain the blaze from spreading to the nearby houses.

However, the upper flat was almost destroyed by the time they arrived. Residents assisted in getting the hoses setup and some were even seen combing the debris to locate the body of Moore. Fire fighters eventually found the charred remains of 76-year-old about an hour and half after combing through the rubble. Alicia Yarrick who lives with the elderly woman, said she left to go to an internet café’ a short distance away to call her dad who resides overseas. She related that the door to the upper flat was left open and is not sure if the elderly woman closed it after she left. Moore was described as a very loving and caring woman. Amidst sobs Yarrick spoke of their elaborate preparations for Christmas Day, noting that Moore “was really looking forward to this Christmas.” According to Yarrick minutes before she felt they were talking about how nice the house looks with the decorations and how she wanted to go to church on Christmas Day. When her body was discovered and identified several relatives and villagers collapsed amidst wailing. Her body was found in the back of the house. Moore has no children but was described by many as being the mother of many. Her husband passed away a few years ago and most of her other relatives reside overseas.

8-seater vehicles released from wharf after deal struck

– Sattaur says no more for 2015

After spending months collecting residue on a local wharf, over 50 various types of eight-seater vehicles were on Wednesday released to their owners after a deal was struck in time for Christmas.

The vehicles of varying brands were reportedly imported from Japan, but Guyana’s Customs laws provided no defined path for the clearing of the vehicles.

Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur on Wednesday confirmed that the vehicles were released to their respective owners after an agreement was arrived at.

Initially, there was some confusion under which class the vehicles would be booked. The owners said the vehicles were imported for public transportation purposes. However, this was contested by the tax body given the design of the vehicles and the fact that minibuses usually have more seats.

Sattaur explained to the Guyana Times that the decision was made that the addition-

al seats necessary would be custom fitted to the vehicles to ensure they are in compliance.

“Up to now they are at the wharf clearing them, so we have that sorted out ... we had some compromise on the matter,” the tax chief said.

He, however, warned that persons would not be able to import any more of the vehicles and the exception was only made in considering that the vehicles were already paid for and shipped to Guyana.

He contended that after this batch of 50+ vehicles, no one else will be allowed to import them, warning that if they do so, the vehicles will remain stranded on the wharf until they are returned or dealt with otherwise.

Conditions

According to the Commissioner General, the vehicles “look like buses but are not the normal types of buses”.

He further explained that they are similar to the buses that usually traverse Route 46 (Durban/ Lodge).

Woman jumps to death off Harbour Bridge

The body of an unidentified woman was found in the mouth of the Demerara River moments after she reportedly jumped off of the Demerara Harbour Bridge on Christmas Eve.

The woman was reportedly seen climbing onto the rails of the Harbour Bridge by the driver of a car which was passing at the time. He immediately alerted bridge officials who without any hesitation established rescue teams and went into search of the woman.

At the scene, the deceased’s footwear and an umbrella were found. After the more-than-45 minute search, the woman’s body was taken

out of the river. She was reportedly clad in a pair of blue jeans and a pink top.

General Manager of the Bridge, Rawlston Adams, when contacted, said they received the distressing news some time after 12:00h.

Adams explained that as soon as they got the news, at least two rescue boats were deployed to the area, but they were unsuccessful in saving the woman. The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) was also called in to assist.

The General Manager confirmed to media operatives that an investigation has been launched into the incident.

Subject to conditions set out below, with effect from January 1, 2015, the GRA said in a release it will not permit motor vehicles, including the following, to be entered, modified and registered in the B Series for use as public transportation, once they have

been imported after December 31, 2014:

1. Toyota Noah (Model # ARZ60)

2. Toyota Voxy (Model # ARZ60)

3. Toyota Liteace (Model # KR52)

4. Toyota Grand Hiace (Model # ACH)

5. Toyota Alphard (Model # MNH)

6. Toyota Regius (Model # RCH)

7. Nissan Serana (Model # TC)

The GRA said it had taken the decision in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Previously, persons were required to modify vehicles which were manufactured with less than 10 seats to allow for them to meet the requirements of the Excise Tax Act in order for them to qualify for concessions for public transportation. However, the GRA has been advised that these modifications are in contravention of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act.

“Persons should note that ve-

hicles that have already been registered for use as public transportation will be allowed to continue operations for a maximum period of five years. Provided that approval is granted, all original seats behind the driver must be completely removed and replaced with eight modified seats including flip.

The eight modified seats together with the driver and one passenger seat next to the driver. This means that for the purpose of registration these vehicles will be registered with 10 seats.”

The release added that all applicants granted special permission to register motor vehicles in the B Series must submit their Income Tax Returns annually to the Post Approval Section of the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division of the GRA, to confirm that they are using the vehicle for public transportation and that they are tax compliant. Failure to comply will result in the non- issuance of future Road Service Licence and the prorated taxes will become due and payable.

Convalescent Home kids expect a bright Christmas

Though not as bright as it used to be, Christmas at the Red Cross Convalescent Children Home is expected to be very exciting this year.

When the Guyana Times visited the Durban Backlands facility on Christmas Eve, the children’s bright smiles and bubbly laughter lit up their spacious playroom. When this publication arrived, another visitor had come. The smiling young man had in his hands two bags of toys for all 23 children of the home which is run by the Guyana Red Cross Society, with occasional support from the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s Child Care and Protection Agency.

The children were in utter glee when they each received their gifts, something they have become accustomed to during this time of the year.

But one child stood out and that was five-year-old Sasha, who has become close to the heart of the sponsor, a frequent donor to the home. Sasha has been living at the home for quite some time, and, like many of the other children, found herself there after she was taken away from her home. She stands out to that donor, because

Little Sasha is the lone female among the 14 children within her age group. She holds the gift she had received moments before

she is the only girl among the 14 children within her age group. The other females are little babies and are kept in another spacious room.

The Convalescent Home is provided under a community outreach programme of the Guyana Red Cross Society. It provides residential care and support for children five years and under, promoting their safety, welfare and physical, mental and emotional development, with the ultimate goal of family reintegration, foster care and or adoption.

But even though age five is the stipulated age for oc-

cupancy at the facility, they retain some older children. Caregivers have fallen in love with nine-year-old David, a child of special needs who was born with a rare condition. He is said to be and has proven to be one of the more jovial children there.

Another older child there, is nine-year-old Brittany, who, although she lies in her crib all day because of Cerebral Palsy, has the most amazing smile that could melt any heart.

Senior caregiver at the facility, Orika Forde said although it was a daily challenge, working with the children is a joyous experience. She has been at the facility for some seven years and has seen children come and go.

Children are brought to the facility by the Child Care and Protection Agency, if their living conditions are not found to be conducive for their overall physical and social development.

The parents are granted visiting rights and could have their children back in their homes, if it is found that they are capable of shouldering that responsibility.

“Once the environment is child friendly, they get to reunite back with their families,” Forde told the Guyana Times

But while the children are there, and while they depend on kind-hearted donors for their daily meals and sometimes clothing, they all have each other, and that has turned out to be a beautiful thing. They laugh and play with each other, and even at their tender age, Guyana Times observed, they have established that special bond that is often times seen resonating between biological siblings.

Forde admitted that things are not always bright with the organisation, but it was known to receive many donations during the Christmas season.

“The children go on a daily basis by donors, by people bringing stuff for them, like the medical teams and those things and they try their best however they can to bring whatever they can”

“It’s ok for now, because they are having toys and they know what it is like to enjoy Christmas,” the senior caregiver said.

There’s no doubt that the children at the Red Cross Convalescent Children Home are destined for great things. More than that, they are wishing all Guyanese a merry Christmas and a Happy, Happy New Year.

Brothers to spend Christmas day in jail for attempted murder

Two brothers charged with intent to murder were refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Michael Bishwanauth, 36, and Mahase Bishwanauth, 49, both of Lot 36 Fourth Street, La Penitence, Georgetown, were not required to plead to the indictable offence which read that on December 21 at La Penitence, Georgetown,

they unlawfully and maliciously wounded Jamal Corwin Joe with intent to commit murder.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant opposed bail for the duo on the grounds of the nature and gravity of the offence. He

further objected stating that Joe is still in a serious condition at a city hospital.

The prosecution’s objections were upheld and both men were remanded to prison until December 29.

Eyew tness

“Easy

like Sunday Mornin’...”

...on the politicians and wannabes

This being Christmas and all, your Eyewitness will take off his “jade coloured” glasses (“jaded”....You get it?? Jeez!!) about stuff in the news. So what if his last minute shopping was ruined by the half-hour rain yesterday??

So what if he feels like he’s been pummelled by cavorting gorillas? He can console himself that jumping over the puddles, and not landing on the higglers on the pavement, actually gave a “spring” to his step! And then, he DID manage to avoid being locked out from hearth and home by bringing home some gifts.

Your humble Eyewitness is an easy-going fella. His anthem is Lionel Richie’s “Easy like Sunday Mornin’.” And he’s going to present a “kinder, gentler” persona this Christmas morning.

He read about that carpetbagger Thomas - the fella who simply spoke to folks and assumed their “endorsement” of his plans - allowed that he might’ve been a tad “rash” in his execution of said plans. You think??!!

But no “Doubting Thomas” this! He claims not to be deterred by the almost total blanking of his “Conference” by every “big name” in the book. (And Thomas did seem to’ve cogged every big name in the book!!) He claims the event was a “phenomenal success”. Imagine that!! Think what it would’ve been if it wasn’t only Lalloo Ram in attendance!! “Resounding success” wouldn’t be enough, would it?? “Extra-phenomenal success??”

A few Guyanese might actually be “Doubting Thomases” and think Dr Dr Dr Thomas is engaging in a bit of puffery. You know?? “Bigging himself up”, as the kids would say. But then Guyanese aren’t used to dealing with US trained con-men like Thomas. For this fella, the rule is: There is nothing named “bad publicity”; ALL publicity’s good publicity. And by this criterion, Thomas has really been phenomenally successful.

Thomas had challenged for the PNC leadership. Did anybody take notice?? He’d taken the Government to the CCJ on the 2006 elections. Did anybody give a hoot?? But now?? Wow!! He actually got the President of Guyana to denounce him!! Can you imagine how much his stock (literally) has risen after this?? Higher than the Dow Jones - which has just broken a historic high of 18,000!!!

Listen folks. Thomas is one of those fellas who comes out of the woodwork to get funding from the various US agencies when the the latter want to get a job done in a foreign country where they don’t want folks to know they’re behind the job.

So these denunciations from the Government are already on Thomas’ website. For when he bids for the next round of intervention!!

...on Christmas

Your Eyewitness is at peace. Last night he went carolling. Times have changed. There aren’t as many dogs yapping at him and his merry Carollers as they meander through the streets of his native place. Some folks were so appreciative they invited us into their homes and offered egg-nog and black cake.

Now your Eyewitness will let out a closely guarded secret. He’s into carolling mostly because of the egg nog and black cake!! There!! It’s out in the open? And your Eyewitness feels so virtuous! But he has to say... things had gotten pretty brown with the black cakes for a while there under Burnham. Folks had been stumped when the English fruits had been banned. But look how inventive his fellow Guyanese were!! Local fruits!! Black cake fuh so!!

And your Eyewitness is at peace. It might also have to do with the increasing amount of liquor folks were putting into the black cake!!

...with wishes

Your Eyewitness would like to take this opportunity to remind all those he might’ve skewered over the past year, that there’s no real malice intended. Politics is a tough business. And as Harry Truman said, “If you can’t stand the heat...get out of the kitchen.”

thursday, december 25, 2014 |

Work place accidents down by 20% ...

but authorities still concerned

Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul has reported a 20 per cent drop in industrial accidents this year compared to the previous year, but said much more needs to be done to make workplaces accidentfree.

Delivering an overview of the sector for 2014, Dr Gopaul said industrial accidents remain a source of concern, noting that some 421 were reported this year, with some 320 in the agriculture sector, 10 in the mining sector, 77 in the manufacturing sector, two in the forestry sector and 12 in other areas.

This represents a 20 per cent drop from last year when 530 accidents were reported.

The Minister implored workers to see themselves as joint advocates to ensure that workplaces are accident-free.

Unfortunately, during the course of the year, nine persons lost their lives due to industrial accidents, and Minister Gopaul expressed the hope that 2015 will be a year of no fatalities.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act has several regulations governing mining and quarrying, and are at the chambers of the Attorney General for final vetting before they are gazetted. This act will be proceeded with early in 2015.

Meanwhile, in 2014, a total of 1244 complaints were lodged with the Ministry, of

which 821 or 66 per cent of those were resolved. While in 2014 more complaints were lodged, less were closed nominally, and this was due to the fact that many of the complaints were related to the mining industry.

Here, both employers and their complainants seem to always be out of touch with the Ministry.

“We have always had to move swiftly to track them down and to move swiftly to resolve those matters.”

Further, of the 1244 complaints, only 24 or 1.9 per cent were related to non-payment of wages below the national minimum wage. This is an indication that the national minimum wage is now settled and those persons, despite some amount of resistance, have now accommodated the request. A small number of persons made requests for

the minimum wage to be paid and wages to be investigated.

Out of the complaints, the sum of $31.5 million was recovered on behalf of workers, representing $4.2 million for annual leave, $1 million for overtime, terminal benefits $12 million, wages $13 million and $18.2 million for complaints being in the pipe line.

Fantastic job

During the course of 2014, $49.7 million was received on behalf of workers filing cases with the Ministry. The Ministry did a fantastic job in recouping benefits for workers, Dr Gopaul said.

In addition to these, the sums collected represented out of court settlements against employers and the number filed in 2014 was 141.

The number of matters closed was 38 and the number of employers taken to court in 2014 totalled 57. The number of charges was 362 in 2014, with 130 cases pending and filed, including paying wages, failure to give severance pay, in lieu of notice, grant leave with pay and small national minimum wages offer.

On a separate matter, the Tripartite Committee has been unable to work on one area, which is the social compact. This will continue but will need major stakeholders to get onboard. While Guyana has done quite a lot of work in that area, there is still the

need for the goodwill of everyone if Guyana is to arrive at a situation where Trinidad and Barbados are leading the way.

If Guyana was leading the way in the Caribbean on labour matters, this would point to last year, when Guyana was the only country in the Caribbean to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 189 which gives coverage to domestic workers.

Making some major decisions on labour issues, Guyana can complete that process by being the trailblazer in the Caribbean on industrial relations issues.

It was in that regard that training was conducted to sensitise both employers and employees with respect to their rights and obligations within the framework of the various related legislations.

The department conducted 51 workshops, with 17 in the last quarter of the year.

The Department of Labour inspected workplaces to ensure compliance for labour legislations, as well as to determine whether or not transfer of learning took place.

A total of 597 inspections took place, an increase of 12.6 per cent over last year. Breaches were detected and employers were asked to deal with them, the Minister reported.

One arrested for Vryheid’s Lust

robbery

Hours after two gunmen relieved Ramchand Narine of Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara of over $2 million, the Police were successful in apprehending one of the men while the other is on the run.

According to Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Police Force, Ivelaw Whittaker, the Police are looking at other leads that may lead to the arrest of the other person (s) involved in the robbery. He added that the Police will continue their investigation.

However, speaking with the Guyana Times on Wednesday, Narine recalled two unmasked gunmen confronted him in front of his house as he disembarked his car after he returned from a city bank. The bandits might have trailed him from the bank.

Narine explained that he was on his mobile phone when the men approached, giving him little reflex time to grab for his firearm.

“I was on my phone and when I turn around, they had the gun pointing to my head. Another pushed his hand in my pocket and take away my firearm.” After the robbery, the two attempted to escape in a vehicle, but the brave businessman col-

lected his licensed firearm and went after them.

He ended up in a dead end street. As the businessman entered the street, he saw the getaway car heading in his direction, so he exited his car with the gun in his hand. After the gunmen saw the businessman, they reportedly exited their car and escaped on foot.

The businessman said that he did not discharge any round from his shotgun since he was not in range. He was quite upset by the ordeal but thanked God that he was alive.

He noted that it was a risky endeavour to be a businessman in Guyana as robbers and bandits target you.

“When you got to do business in this country, you got to be strong, because this is the nonsense that does happen.”

He vented his anger that the bandits do not have any consideration or regard for “how hard citizens work for their money” and the value of someone’s life.

The robbery was caught on surveillance video, which was handed over to the Police. When asked if he has confidence in the Police to find these perpetrators, the businessman noted that all he can do is “hope and pray”.

Rain scares Regent Street vendors

By Royden James

Aheavy downpour which lasted for about two hours on Tuesday evening scared some Regent street vendors who had stocked up for the Christmas season.

Guyana Times early on Thursday browsed through Regent Street where some of the vendors expressed their dissatisfaction about the situation.

According to one vendor, Shalom Reece who sells ornaments, noted that it is sad that they (vendors) are paying to vend and cannot do so comfortably.

“This situation is getting

from bad to worse, the rain fall for about two hours yesterday, by the time we put down our foot you surprised to see the height of the water, so I am asking whoever is in charge to come and look into this, because they are talking about removing persons who sell, but still they are collecting money from us, as soon as lil rain fall, this whole place flood out” a very frustrated Reece said.

Another vendor whose name was only given as Cheryl said she was forced to close her stall early.

“Well I had planned to work throughout the night because you know that everyone would do their late

Christmas shopping and so.

Well last night I was forced to go in early and close my stand at 7, I know for sure that I have lost a lot from not selling last night, this Government really need to do something man, this is eye pass, every time the rain falls is the same thing we are tired of it man” she added.

This minor flood came just one month after various sections in and around the Capital City were severely inundated with flood waters following heavy downpours. This resulted in the closure of some city schools and some businesses.

Waters were as high as 12 inches in some ar-

eas. Central streets such as Camp, Regent, and Lamaha were almost entirely covered by water.

Also, the congestion became almost unbearable along these main thoroughfares, as drivers tried to manoeuvre vehicles through the flooded roadways.

The Government had made provisions for the rainy season by cleaning and clearing drains in around the city while vendors along Regent Street indulged in cleaning drains to ward off flood waters from the anticipated rainy season.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) also acquired mobile pumps to remove excess water from the land but some persons are claiming that the preparations were not enough.

A runnin mate fuh Christmas

Today is Christmas Day and next year gon be de general elections whah de Prezzi promise. De Prezzi gon be busy today wid plenty runnin around wid he lifetime mate. A lotta people to visit and a lotta people to visit he and he lifetime mate. And hope dem Prezzi guards run behind de Prezzi and don’t bother run and slap no body.

But all de time de Prezzi mind gon deh pun he runnin mate fuh next year elections. Even Cement Roti seh so. Plus plenty people in de Pee-Pee-Pee seh so. And a lotta dem runnin to be de runnin mate.

Some of dem even runnin down de Prezzi to be de runnin mate and some of dem runnin down one another to be de runnin mate. When all is said and done, is a lotta runnin around goin on to be de Prezzi next year runnin mate. And today wid all de rummin, dem gon talk nuff bout all de runnin and who ahead of de runnins to be de runnin mate. Some gon even run away from dem mate today and run back tomorrow. On de other hand, some gon run around when dem find it hard to find dem mate.

But by de time de Prezzi mek de announcement, some eyes gon be runnin water and some gon run away very far fuh a long time never to run back.

One of dem who do that a while back is Rum Jhaat. He still runnin since he start runnin although he ain’t goin no where. And as fuh de Nagga Man, he run till he run past No Gel Hugly. Well, Hugly he self been runnin till he get run over by he own runnins.

Despite all this runnin, Christmas Day is a good day to stop all de runnin around and enjoy de day wid friends and family.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But remember to run home and not drive home. And if yuh have to drive, watch fuh dem who runnin wild. Merry Christmas

AG hosts Christmas party for children, elderly

Attorney General Anil Nandlall Tuesday hosted a party for over 250 persons at Annandale, East Coast Demerara. It saw the attendance of persons form Annandale, Buxton and Lusignan. Seventy-nine elderly persons were among that number as well as 171 children.

The Minister underscored the importance of the elderly who were integral to the development on the country. He also addressed the young children, citing the importance of the young generation in the further development of the country.

Those gathered were entertained with Christmas

music, puppet skits and balloon tricks. Food and sweets were shared to everyone and subsequently the children were given gifts much to their enjoyment, while the elders were given hampers. The AG thanked all who contributed towards making the party successful.

National Library staff reflects:

A Christmas without Gillian Thompson

By Devina Samaroo

It’s truly heartbreaking to lose a loved one. It’s even more heartbreaking to lose that person during the festive holiday season.

Gillian Thompson, who was the Chief Librarian of the Guyana National Library, met her demise on Christmas Eve last year in a two-vehicle crash at North Road and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

One year after her tragic death, staff members of the National Library were greeted with painful flashbacks of happier times when Gillian was around for the holidays.

Work colleagues and friends noted that her loss definitely puts an immovable damper on Christmas.

“Of course, it’s a sad time because last year time like now, we were having great fun…she was there sharing out gifts and she made sure everybody had something,” Pamela Thompson, a graduate assistant in the accounts department, friend and work colleague recalled.

Everyone described Gillian as a holiday person as she used to get extremely excited about Christmas.

“Last year, during this time, we had a little promotion at Fogarty’s, and we were there… we sang together… we went shopping.

I went with her to pick up her turkey ham because she really wanted her turkey ham,” another colleague reminisced.

Even those staff who did not have more than a work relationship with her noted that Gillian always made the holidays special and make them feel at home all throughout the year.

“I thank God for the opportunity to get to know her. She was a nice person. She was a mother figure to us,” Sandy Thompson said.

While staff members will always be reminded of her death as the holidays

approach, they noted that they will gradually grow to accept the painful reality.

“Today I’m reflecting and trying to enjoy the memories as they come because they don’t leave you as people do,” Pamela Thompson stressed.

“We miss her being around, but it’s life and we have to cope with it,” another staff member reiterated.

One person who was almost in tears at the thought of her dearest Chief’s death was Teressa Barrow, technical services supervisor.

“My Chief was always a pleasant person, we had a good relationship and I will always miss her for that.”

Barrow told this publication that Gillian was sincerely a generous person.

She pointed out a situation when her son, who resides in Trinidad, was ill and “her Chief” did not hesitate to grant her leave so she could see her son.

“She was so lovely.”

Barrow told this newspaper that she was at the mechanic when she heard the horrid news about Gillian’s death.

She said that she received a phone call from her children’s father who informed her of the accident.

Barrow did not believe him. She wanted to know what “madness” the man was talking about because it was only “yesterday” they were all together having a good time.

But afterwards more phone calls bearing the sad news started coming in and she just left her vehicle at the mechanic and rushed to the hospital.

“It feels like it just happened. Everything is still so clear.”

Correy Peters also reflected on the day she heard the news.

“I remember last year, and it’s in my memory so often, I remember we were sitting in my department, and a staff from another branch got a phone call and so she asked for an excuse and all

she started to panic and feel weak when she heard her colleague’s exclamation.

“It wasn’t a nice Christmas at all.”

Gillian will always be remembered at the National Library as a great asset in Guyana’s fight against illiteracy.

During a simple remembrance ceremony at the National Library on December 15, family, friends and co-workers honoured the vibrant woman, who gave her life to ensuring the education of Guyana’s youths and making sure everyone in her vicinity wore a smile.

self had prevented him from getting to know her as much as he would have liked.

Thompson’s brother, Clement, later informed those in attendance that Gillian will still continue to be a source of joy though the Gillian Thompson Literacy Fund (GTLF), which her family has set up in her honour in pursuance of her noble goal of getting persons to realise the joys of reading.

I heard she say “Who died for the library?!” Peters said

Petamber Persaud, Chairman of the National Library Committee and a man known for his unique way with words, was at a loss on Monday when he tried to reflect on the great contributions of Thompson, a woman with a unique sense of duty and consideration.

He reminisced that she was always on the go and much involved in accomplishing the goals of the National Library to educate youths, and this in it-

The foundation’s website lists it as a medium to positively impact the literacy of students, children and families, with particular focus on those aged 15 and below. Its mission is detailed as improving literacy by facilitating reading and writing success of students, children, and families across communities, regions, the nation and the global Diaspora.

12 CHristmas messages

Spirit of peace, goodwill will propel Guyana forward – PPP/C

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) extends Christmas Greetings to all Guyanese in particular our Christian brothers and sisters on the festive season of Christmas which is a festival to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Christmas has evolved over the centuries into a national institution which has transcended the boundaries of race and nationalities. It is a time when people across the globe look out for each other and extend a hand of friendship to families and friends and those in need.

The PPP/C takes this opportunity to remind Guyanese not to lose sight of

the core values of peace, humility and compassion even as we celebrate this auspicious occasion of Christmas.

This Christmas is being observed at a time when the country is confronted with severe challenges to our democracy by Opposition forces who seem determined to turn back the wheels of progress and prosperity.

The PPP/C is however confident that this spirit of peace and goodwill which characterise this season of the year will serve to further propel this country of ours to a brighter future where all Guyanese will be able to realise their potential and contribute fully to the task of nation building.

One again, a Happy Christmas to one and all!

APNU: Let’s rekindle the Guyanese spirit of goodwill

Christmas is a time to rejoice in Jesus Christ’s miraculous birth and marvelous message to all mankind. It is also a time to rekindle the Guyanese spirit of goodwill.

The message of the Gospel of St Luke in the Holy Bible: “… on earth, peace, goodwill to all men” is as valid today as it was two millennia ago. Jesus Christ’s earthly mission changed the course of human history. His Ministry of Mercy and compassion continues to change our lives every day.

Jesus Christ’s advent makes Christmas a special, sacred season. The annual celebration of His birth is a reminder of the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Prophet Isaiah in the Holy Bible of His advent and incarnation as the “Prince of Peace”.

Guyanese of all religions have also been inspired by prospect, promises

and prophecies of peace and have been encouraged by the season’s sense of social responsibility. Ordinary people, social organisations and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have been reaching out with compassion to cheer and care for their brothers, sisters and children in difficult circumstances.

Our partnership recognises the service of our nurses, pilots, public servants, seamen, soldiers and other workers who maintain our public services so that others could be safe and comfortable at this time. We remember the aged, our children, the poor and other vulnerable citizens. We are grateful for their service and sacrifice.

We join all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora in making Christmas 2014 a day of “peace and good will”. Happy Christmas to all Guyanese!

Remember the needy in our celebrations – AFC

Christmas is a time that holds great meaning. For Guyanese, it is that time of the year when we come together to share gifts and well-wishes, re-kindle relationships and form new friendships, all in the spirit of goodwill.

As we celebrate and relish the joys of this season, let us spare a thought for those whose season is overshadowed by grief and despair; those who lost a parent, sibling or other loved one due to domestic violence, a speeding or drunk motorist or whose grief was brought about by the suicide of a loved one.

Let us spare a thought for those who lost personal belongings or whose liveli-

hood was affected by the recent floods.

Let us remember in our hearts and prayers the many persons who are battling cancer. Say a prayer for the less fortunate, especially the children who did not get a toy or new clothes this season; things that many take for granted.

This Christmas Season let us reflect on the enduring message of Christmas; that of hope. It is with hope of a brighter future that we find the strength and courage to face the many challenges that confront us each day. May the hope for a brighter future fill our hearts this Christmas Season and may we share that joy with all. Season Greetings from the Alliance For Change!

GTUC: Practise what Jesus taught

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) in joining the world to celebrate the birth of the Christian Messiah calls on all to put His philosophy into practice.

GTUC particularly calls on the Government to give up the condemned and rejected practices of Caesars of old and live up to the good and peaceful expectations represented in this Season of Hope and Love for all Mankind.

For the time is now to respect the laws and institutions of State which are founded on teachings of equality and justice, amplified in the life of Christ.

In recognition of the life of Christ, this is an opportune moment to recall the values He detailed during his time on earth, which continue to impact the world over.

His was a sojourn among humankind marked by revolutionary thinking and actions. His was the teaching and practice to create a New World Order where Justice and Fair Play would reign supreme.

And to this end He set about the task of calling attention to societal injustices and inequalities, challenging the status quo and entrenched thinking.

He taught and led by example, as the Holy Book recounts His teachings on humility, equality, economic fair play and universal approach of attending to and dispensing justice.

His philosophy that good relations/administration/ governance be underpinned With compassion and respect for the voice of the ordinary man and dispossessed remains relevant.

His was a teaching that toppled the notion and practice that might is right as He advocated the value for all to be held to the standards and play by the same rules. In that He crusade the earth and dwelled among the scribes and Pharisees, rank and file, Jews, Gentiles and all, preaching and practicing oneness based on universal value as essential to peace, justice and goodwill, when enforced, still serve mankind well today.

Further, that He was forthright in His condemnation and rejection of a corrupt system of Government that fleeced and abused the masses, which was also present in religion and resulted in the cleansing of the temple, where He overturned the money changers’ tables and dove sellers’ benches, bear testimony of leadership by example and teaching through practice (Matthews21:12 NIV).

In that the philosophy of Christ, 2014 years later continues to shape modern civilisation as seen in established laws and institutions, local and international, which when obeyed ensure equity and justice among humankind, is testimony to its potency.

The GTUC therefore calls on the believers in Christ doctrine to reassert themselves and spread these fundamental tenets of good life and governance in a new and progressive wave of liberation theology.

As He admonishes: “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching” (John 14:23 NIV). The GTUC is prepared to stand with all Guyanese to embrace these fine qualities to make a Guyana better place for all.

“Make

meh children happy for de Christmas,

don’t worry ’bout me”

– homeless man

Raj Kumar said those words to Guyana Times in tears, as he spoke sparingly about the children he sees occasionally.

Kumar, a father of two, does odd jobs around Bourda Market. He has a clear bag that holds all of his worldly possessions, which he hides under a piece of plywood which is his bed and has been his bed all through this year. Raj Kumar is home-

at the moment.

Kumar proudly states that his children are well taken care of. He shared that only last Friday, the two children, 14-yearold Julie and 12- year-old Suraj visited him for their Christmas presents, and while he himself had no plans for the Christmas holidays, his “philosophy” is to “make me children happy for Christmas”. No one should worry about him, he

less.

With tears slowly descending his cheeks, Kumar tells this publication that his children visit him when they can and it is terrible for them when they see him in this state. However, nothing can be done about this

added. Kumar does not beg on the streets or depend on the provisions of Good Samaritans who donate to the less fortunate. He talks of an aunt who has a stall in Bourda Market and who allows him to pack

up the stand, clean it and also do errands for her and other persons around the area for pay. Most of his money goes to his children’s care.

Kumar told this newspaper that he has been on the streets for 15 years now and surprisingly he still has a sense of self and purpose. He has not allowed the disillusionment of being on the street to affect his approach to people nor his ability to go after what he wants.

However, Kumar admits to being disadvantaged somewhat by a lack of an education. The 35-year-old said he is unable to get any other job that may assist him with a home for himself as he has never been to school. His parents, he said,

were so decidedly poor that they could not afford to send him to school.

His life on the streets began when his parents died in 1999. He said the house where they lived were not his parents’ but his aunt’s and when his parents died, his aunt put him out and sold the house.

“It’s rough ‘cause I ain ge no way fuh live,” cried Kumar.

However, his compatriot Folisha Raneka Daniels stated unequivocally that she has never had a good Christmas and the holiday has come to mean little to her.

She spoke about the experiences she believes people generally partake in for the holidays, like clean-

ing up, the hustle bustle of shopping and just the general feeling of being cheerful.

But she has been on the streets for “quite some time” and it is a pretty difficult life, so celebrating Christmas is not a possibility.

However, she informed this publication that she and “dem same boys (on the streets) does guh out… we does dress up and ga lang we way”, and this was all that can be hoped for Christmas Day.

The 30-something- yearold recalled one relatively good Christmas: it was years ago when she had a

home and her children. She had bought them gifts for the holidays, she laughed, but as children would they had broken them that same day.

When asked her reasons for being on the streets, Folisha seemed a bit confused. She remarked that there was “no sense explaining… (as) only who feels it knows it.”

She continued that it was not “only in the house you guh live nice” as there are challenges in having a home just as much as there are in living on the streets –one can only “praise the almighty God”.

thursDay, December 25, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

How Christmas truce led to court martial

“All the way down our lines... Scots and Huns were fraternising in the most genuine possible manner,” Lieutenant Edward Hulse wrote to his mother after Christmas 1914.

“If I had seen it on a cinematograph film I should have sworn that it was faked.”

The centenary of that moment in World War One is now being celebrated as a triumph of shared humanity over the butchery that engulfed Europe, a day when troops along the Flanders front met after four months killing each other to sing carols, exchange gifts and play football in No Man’s Land.

Less well known is that some British soldiers would later face punishment for an hour of friendship with their enemy.

Some of those fortunate survivors of 1914 were to pass three more

Christmases in the trenches, observing no more broad truces as horrors fostered hatreds, but also because generals took pains to stamp out what they feared as a

threat to “fighting spirit”.

In one largely forgotten incident, a repeat of that first famous ceasefire the following year saw one of Hulse’s fellow officers in the

Scots Guards put on trial at a court martial.

Unlike Hulse, killed at 25 in March 1915, Captain Iain Colquhoun survived the war and recorded how

he faced military punishment for again exchanging Christmas cigars with his German foe, and allowing both sides to bury their many dead.

“The Major General (Lord Cavan) is furious about it,” Colquhoun wrote on Boxing Day 1915. His commander wanted to know why specific orders had been disobeyed that there should be no repeat of the 1914 camaraderie that so shook the general staff.

Christmas lights and machine guns

On December 25, 1915, the 28-year-old Colquhoun had written in his diary: “A German officer came forward and asked me for a truce for Christmas. I replied that this was impossible. He then asked for three quarters of an hour to bury his dead. I agreed.

“Our men and the Germans then talked and exchanged cigars, cigarettes etc for quarter of an hour and when the time was up I blew a whistle and both sides returned to their trenches.

“For the rest of the day ... not a shot was fired. At night, the Germans put up fairy lights ... and their trenches were outlined for miles ... It was a mild looking night with clouds and a full moon and the prettiest sight I have ever seen. Our machineguns played on them and the lights were re-

moved.”

After another 10 days on the front line near Lille, marked in the diary by shelling and sniping but also drinking and gambling with fellow aristocrats of the Guards Division, Colquhoun returned to a billet in the rear to find himself under arrest.

Charged with conduct to the prejudice of good order and of military discipline for “approving of a truce with the enemy”, his fivehour trial on January 17, 1916, heard evidence in person from General Douglas Haig, the British Supreme Commander.

Found guilty, Colquhoun escaped, however, with a reprimand.

That Prime Minister Herbert Asquith was his wife’s uncle and Asquith’s son was his Defence Counsel may have helped. He also felt the Army understood the spirit of Christmas, writing:

“Everyone who knows the facts of the case all say that it was a monstrous thing that the court martial ever took place.”

The case did not blight Colquhoun’s career. He rose to high rank but remained popular with his troops even after the war, showing concern for the welfare of those who fought beside him like Private Alexander Macdonald -- this writer’s grandfather. (Reuters)

GYM-G hosts grand Christmas party for orphanages in Region 6

By Joel Ally

The Global Youth Movement – Guyana (GYM-G), a part of its many outreaches, has this year managed to host a grand Christmas party for children of four orphanages in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) last Saturday at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School.

This exciting event saw over 130 orphans from the various orphanages entertained by the executives and members of the GYM-G team including the NY Enforcers and Save Abee foundationall youth-friendly organisations that contributed to the success of this event both with their sponsorship and overall contribution.

The children were engaged in carolling, musical chairs, face painting and a host of other exciting activities that generated precious similes. They were also given an opportunity to showcase their talents by singing, dancing and poetry for which they were given special prizes. The children

were treated with a variety of Christmas goodies.

The highlight of this event, however, was Santa Claus who came with specially packaged gifts for all of the children. GYM-G was able to secure gifts for each of the children present with their names attached and delivered by Santa Claus.

In addition, this event was graced by the presence of Miss India Guyana 2014 Divya Sieudarsan who assisted with the distribution of gifts. Overall, the event was a successful one.

GYM-G is a locally registered Non-Governmental Organisation that is led by youths in the service of youths across various regions in Guyana. Since GYM-G’s formation in 2011, it has been celebrating the contributions of young people and highlighting the challenges they face. To date, the youth organisation stands strong in its effort to make a positive difference in the lives of young people across Guyana in communities that are most vulnerable.

9-year-old cancer patient

“I

Ppray for Jesus to heal me”

eople often say death is a funny thing.

They say when you look death in the eye, you are usually fearless, your soul becomes courageous and your mind is tranquil. But then, when death finally hits you, when it suddenly hits you, no matter how prepared you are for it, no matter how accepting you are of the fact that you are going to die, the truth is, you simply are not.

That is why people often say, that deep down, we all wish for a miracle, no matter how impossible it may seem.

Javier Anderson was eight years old when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancer that gruesomely attacks the bones. It is a common type of childhood-bone cancer.

Sadly, Javier was diagnosed in December 2013, casting a huge pall over the Christmas festivities for himself and his family.

Now this Christmas time, Javier is bedbound in the paediatric ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital as the cancer is now attacking his lungs.

When Guyana Times visited Javier, the young lad had only one wish.

“I want to be better. I

want to be healthy. I want to be strong again,” the fragile young boy struggled to say.

“I pray for Jesus to heal me.”

According to Javier’s mother, Lizanna Anderson, her son is only breathing via one lung, because the cancer is eating the other.

A valiant Javier said it was extremely difficult to breathe, and even more difficult to talk. He was definitely a fighter.

“This boy, he is the type of child that makes a parent proud. He is the type of child that makes any parent proud to be a parent,” Javier’s grandfather Gerald Browne said, almost in tears.

Browne noted that he can hardly look at his grandson, because the pain is too overwhelming.

“Why you think I’m here backing him: I can’t look at him, it’s not anything but it’s just that, when I look at him like that, it hurts me. It hurts to see him like that.”

Browne says it deeply pains him to see his dearest grandson in a sickly and fragile state because whenever he looks at him, he remembers the energetic boy he used to be.

“He wasn’t always like this, you know. He was chubby and he used to run. This boy cudda run. I used to take he out and you should see how fast this boy cudda run.”

Javier was an A student of the North Georgetown Primary School, always

bed

scoring in the 90s at his exams; however, he was unable to complete this term at school, as the cancer took its toll on him – he even had his left leg amputated to stymie the disease.

Before the amputation, Javier had just learnt to swim. Regrettably, it ap-

pears he will never be able to swim again.

But, miracles do happen.

Although he will be spending Christmas buried in physical pain in a hospital bed, Javier said he is looking forward to Christmas as it is his favourite time of the year.

He reminisced on all of his beloved Christmas traditions such as watching the Home Alone Series, eating pepper-pot, and playing with a remote controlled helicopter he received a few Christmas ago.

What is more, he cannot wait to receive the many visitors he’s expecting on Christmas Day.

Although his mother, grandmother and grandfather perceive their nimble little boy drowning in his reality, they will forever remain optimistic.

“I’ve accepted everything; it wouldn’t come as a shock for me, even though I hope and pray for the best and miracles do happen,” his mother said.

She noted that she and her son often talk about death and the consequences and they are both prepared to face it.

According to Anderson, her son cannot undergo any

more surgery; therefore, they will just have to wait patiently and in anxiety for the end to come: the end of his life, or the end of cancer.

However, his grandfather cannot accept this fact. He told the Guyana Times that he would love for a second opinion about the situation.

He noted that the doctors said Javier was too sickly to travel abroad for better healthcare, as he may collapse on the airplane.

Nevertheless, he is very grateful that his grandson is alive for just another day, and he intends to cherish every moment he has left with him.

From the outside, many may perceive Christmas for this family as a sad one.

But, according to Javier’s mother, Christmas has never lost its essence, its magic and it never will because love and togetherness is all that matters.

When Guyana Times visited Javier and his family at the hospital, love and togetherness were indeed abundantly present. And we ask that you pray for this little boy, that his Christmas wish comes true.

Children in D’Edward Village feted by Gill family, Region 5 Chairman

Last Sunday, Harry Gill continued the annual tradition he started in New York, hosting Christmas parties for several children in Guyana. This year, he was ably supported by his wife, Deedra, and daughter Maria, in bringing Christmas cheer to 60 children living in the D’Edward, Cotton Tree and Rosignol areas.

The Gill Family Christmas Outreach Party was held at the D’Edward residence of the Gills, and was attended by Region Five (East Berbice-Corentyne) Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth.

By allowing wife Deedra to hand-pick the underprivileged children in the communities, the family ensured only children from poor families benefitted.

In the past, monies were sent to friends in Guyana to organise this annual event, but Gill expressed disappointment that every year, the occasion was used to fete children of friends and their relatives as opposed

to reaching out to the truly needy the Christmas party was intended for.

The children all had a wonderful time, and were treated to lots of holiday goodies by the family.

Make Jesus’ message the motifs of our celebrations – PNC

The miraculous birth of Jesus Christ – celebrated by most Christians on the 25th December – is recorded in the Gospel according to St Luke as heralding an era of “peace on earth and good will toward men”.

The Christian spirit of charity continues to inspire Guyanese of all religions. Ordinary people everywhere reach out with compassion and generosity to help their brothers and sisters in distress.

We call to mind the plight of the aged, the poor and other vulnerable citizens. We remember our servicemen and soldiers who will spend this joyous fes-

Jesus’ humble birth took place in a common manger in a tiny town in an obscure country. He was able, nevertheless, with a small band of disciples, to preach a gospel that transformed the world in a most fundamental way and created a remarkable Christian civilisation of which we are all heirs.

tival separated from their families at sea and on our far-flung frontiers. We recognise the service of our nurses, servicemen, technicians and working people who maintain our utilities, sanitary facilities and security services to ensure that citizens could be safe and that the nation could be secure.

Christmas has become more than a religious festival when we rejoice in Jesus’ miraculous birth and his marvelous message

to mankind. It has become an occasion to rekindle the Guyanese spirit of goodwill and to be grateful for the service and sacrifice of others.

The biblical promise of peace on earth and goodwill toward men, however, remains unfulfilled. Guyanese are urged on the occasion of this sacred festival – through thought, word and work –to make Jesus’ message of mercy and his Ministry to the poor and needy the main motifs of their celebration.

Our leaders should take a cue from Christ – GAWU

It is repeated eve-

ry December: the Christian Festival and Season of Christmas now tends to envelope all of Guyana’s peoples in its celebrations, in some form or the other.

This does not happen in other societies where Christians might be in a minority, where there is intolerance or where there is continuous conflict.

In Guyana, however, the universal messages of hope, sharing, charity and the joy humans need are easy to embrace. Additionally, Christmas precedes and includes the dawning of a new calendar year, accord-

ing to the western counting of time. And a new year always signals hope and new beginnings.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins the Christian community and all Guyana in the celebration of Christmas 2014. The union’s thousands of members comprise a significant proportion of Guyana’s workforce. They all use this season to be family-oriented, to be generous and, in the case of devout Christians, to relive the story of the birth of their Messiah, Jesus.

The Guyanese people always yearn for those behaviours to inform their

Rice farmers receive over $3M in outstanding payments for Christmas

Rice farmers from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) will be having a joyous Christmas now that they would have received partial payments from prominent rice millers on the Essequibo Coast.

Over $3 million in payments were issued to farmers from the Golden Fleece Rice Investment, Wazir Husain and Ramlakhan Rice Mill. Farmers were seen in lines at the various mills as early as 06:00h on Christmas Eve.

According to General Manager of Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Jagnarine Singh, Monies were made available to millers in the form of advances to make payments.

He said that in an effort to facilitate the late payments, the negotiations were held with stakeholders and monies were made available to millers even though the rice shipment has not yet been shipped.

Singh said that this was a way of helping millers as well as farmers to improve the rice industry. Singh, along with General Secretary of Rice Producers’ Association, Dharamkumar Seeraj visited the coast on Christmas Eve and conducted several meetings with farmers and millers as it relates to payments.

Several farmers expressed gratitude towards the rice stakeholders for making sure they received payments for the holidays.

leaders’ actions. Recent evidence emanating from the political leaders does not persuade us that positive cooperation, putting Guyana first, is imminent. What a pity for a people who collectively join Christians in one aspect of positive harmony.

It is GAWU’s hope that impending elections some-

time in 2015 will not sully the national fabric any further. Campaigning can be civil, dealing with issues and programmes, rather than personalities and assassination of character.

GAWU looks on the brighter side of the new year 2015 as we all, as one people, enjoy Christmas 2014.

Christmas is a time for love, sharing – GPSU

Traditionally, Christmas arouses that spirit of goodwill in people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or culture.

It is that season of love, sharing and festivities that are intended to contribute to an environment of joy and happiness, reducing tension and conflict and encouraging more pleasant and harmonious relationship which manifests itself in a spirit of generosity, caring, compromises, giving and sincerity in expressions for best wishes.

Unfortunately, in Guyana for some time now, citizens generally and more especially workers in the public service have been repeatedly maneuvered to act in conflict with the previous wonderful experiences that they have enjoyed during this time.

These tests and trials of our strength, fortitude and

determination rather than weaken us had made us more resolved to struggle for better conditions of work and values which are important to us. We must endeavour to rise above all provocation and display that quality of character which had made us the beacon of public service struggles in the region.

Despite the large sums of money spent by Government on parties which give the facade of a caring employer while the workers have very little to put on their tables, let us remember the reason for the season and share goodwill among each other.

Even as we enjoy the little that we have, I urge you to spare a thought for the persons in our society who are less fortunate and endeavour to continue the struggle for a united prosperous Guyana. Peace, goodwill, happiness and a Merry Christmas to all!

GGMC to miners: “Invest or you’re in trouble”

By Jomo Paul

With increased calls for miners to get more support from the Government and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Chairman Clinton Williams has said miners should consider investing in other fields.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Williams acknowledged that indeed miners are faced with tough times given the current low prices; however, he opined that they should have made adequate preparations.

Experts had predicted that 2014 would have been a bad year for the price of gold, noting that the precious commodity would fall below US$1050 per ounce.

While the natural resource did not fall to that level, it came close and resulted in miners calling for more support.

But given that fact, Williams explained to Guyana Times that miners should have taken a pattern from what is happening.

He said that large miners are fond of taking their earning and investing them in other sectors. These sectors include spare parts, hospitality, agriculture and other low-risk areas.

“The exploitation of our

natural resources has to be done with the cognisance of value-added, if not valueadded then they have to invest in other sectors,” said the GGMC Chairman.

Williams further related that unless miners adopt a positive attitude towards the idea of value-added, then in times when the price for gold runs low, they will be placing themselves in an uncomfortable position.

“Invest or you’re in trouble... unless you put it in other sectors then you are in trouble,” warned Williams during the interview.

With the latest slump in price accompanied by a 22 per cent drop in gold declaration, Guyana Times understands that a lot of miners are in debt and are unable

to pay workers or machinery installments.

One miner explained that he abandoned the trade and returned home to work as a taxi driver because “it just wasn’t going anywhere”.

According to Thomas (only name given), he came out of the mining sector some months back after the prices became unbearably low.

“It was almost like I wasn’t working for a profit, I have a wife and child to take care of and the bush can’t do that right now,” said the taxi driver.

Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) Trevor Williams had said that calls for miners to aggressively cut production costs will fall on “deaf ears”.

According to the AFC MP, officials are calling for cost cuts without actually showing the miners how

transport, air transport is also a challenges, malaria and other illnesses all challenges,” said Williams dur-

they can go about achieving it.

He explained that at present, miners are dependent on several sectors, including transportation.

“You cannot cut much cost when prices are not falling. If food remains the same, fuel remains the same, transportation remains the same, the roads are not built and properly developed, the truck drivers call for heavy prices to

ing an exclusive interview with Guyana Times.

He added: “So if the areas of costs cutting could be identified, then we can see them progressing.”

Gold declaration as at December 20 has decreased by 22.61 per cent when compared to 2013, while gold purchased by the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) has decreased by 41.24 per cent for the same period. In 2013, the gold industry declared a total of 481,087 ounces of gold which represented a 9.7 per cent increase over the previous year’s figure.

The overall quantity of gold exported for the two periods being compared are down by 22.73 per cent. Additionally, the value of gold exported by dealers has increased by 10.86 per cent, while the revenue garnered by the GGB decreased by 43.48 per cent during the comparative periods. The total revenue for the two comparative time periods fell by 23.45 per cent.

Bosai apprentice killed in freak accident

An apprentice attached to privately owned bauxite mining company Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) lost his life Wednesday morning following a freak accident at the company’s East Montgomery mines location in Linden.

Dead is 20-year-old Bertrand Pollard of 508

Block 22, Wismar, Linden who was killed after being struck down by a heavy duty vehicle attached to the company. The accident occurred at approximately 08:45h. According to information received, Pollard had just finished servicing a company Backhoe along the roadway and was about to cross to the other side of the road when he stepped in the path of the

oncoming vehicle which was being operated by a BMGGI employee.

Information from a senior official attached to BMGGI indicated that the driver had stopped to give way to another vehicle however as he was about to take off Pollard stepped into his path, apparently unaware that the driver’s view was obscured given the tall dis-

tance it was off the ground.

The vehicle was reportedly on its way to dump overburden at the mining location.

The senior personnel further related that Polland was on the left side of the vehicle and the driver who was unaware of what had transpired continued driving.

According to information received the driver was

not driving at a fast rate but struck Pollard with the front of the vehicle who was eventually crushed by its wheels.

The company official noted that it was only after other personnel at the location shouted and alerted him he stopped the vehicle.

The driver reportedly fainted after he saw Pollard”s lifeless body on the ground and had to be hospi-

talised as a result. He was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC). Officials of BMGGI visited the relatives of the deceased at Block 22 following the accident. The company is expected to cover funeral expenses.

Pollard was attached to the company as an apprentice for approximately two years and was expected to graduate next month.

Around the world

IS captures Jordanian pilot after warplane crashes in Syria

Islamic State (IS) militants have captured the pilot of a Jordanian warplane that crashed in northern Syria, Jordan’s military has confirmed.

The jihadist group claimed it had shot down the jet with a heat-seeking missile near the city of Raqqa. It published photographs showing the pilot, who has been named as Flight Lieutenant Moaz Youssef al-Kasasbeh.

This is the first US-led coalition aircraft to be lost on IS territory since air strikes began in September. Jordan is one of four Arab states which have bombed targets in Syria.

The confirmation that a Jordanian pilot had been captured came in a statement carried by the state news agency, Petra. “During a mission Wednesday morning conducted by several Royal Jordanian Air Force planes against hideouts of the IS ter-

rorist organisation in the Raqqa region, one of the planes went down and the pilot was taken hostage,” a military source was quoted as saying.

“Jordan holds the group and its

supporters responsible for the safety of the pilot and his life,” the source added. The source did not name the pilot, but Petra published a photo of Flt Lt Kasasbeh above its report. (Excerpt

Japan, wary of North Korea, works to secure infrastructure after Sony attack

Japan, fearing it could be a soft target for possible North Korean cyber attacks in the escalating row over the Sony Pictures hack, has begun working to ensure basic infrastructure is safe and to formulate its diplomatic response, officials said.

The hacking of the US unit of Tokyo-based Sony

Corp has been seen in Japan largely as an American problem, but the officials said the Government is now moving actively to confront the issue after President Barack Obama blamed North Korea and vowed to respond “in a place and time and manner that we choose.”

Cyber defence experts, diplomats and policymak-

ers worked through the weekend at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s office to launch the effort, said one official involved in the process.

The Government is working to ensure that in response to any threat, its basic functions could continue in the face of any cyber attack, while maintaining such essential services as

the power grid, gas supplies and transport networks, he said.

He declined to offer details. The Government’s National Information Security Centre, working through various ministries, is pressing companies to improve their security from cyber attacks, the officials said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

scientists use skin cells to create artificial sperm and eggs

A microscopic view of sperm fertilising an egg

Scientists have made primitive forms of artificial sperm and eggs in a medical feat that could transform the understanding of age-related diseases and fertility problems.

Researchers in Cambridge made the earlystage sex cells by culturing human embryonic stem cells under carefully-controlled conditions for a week.

They followed the success by showing that the same procedure can convert adult skin tissue into precursors for sperm and eggs, rais-

ing the prospect of making sex cells that are genetically matched to patients.

The cells should have the potential to grow into mature sperm and eggs, though this has never been done in the lab before. The next step for the researchers will be to inject the cells into mouse ovaries or testes to see if they fully develop in the animals.

British law prohibits fertility clinics in the UK from using artificial sperm and eggs to treat infertile couples. But if the law was revised, skin cells could poten-

tially be taken from patients and turned into genetically identical sperm or eggs for use in IVF therapies.

Skin cells from a woman could only be used to make eggs because they lack the Y chromosome. Those from a

male might theoretically be turned into eggs as well as sperm, but Azim Surani, who led the work at the Gurdon Institute in Cambridge, said that on the basis of current knowledge, that was unlikely. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

German writer finds Trinis among IsIs

After an account by a German author, now back from examining the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Iraq and who encountered recruits from TT in Mosul, National Security Minister Gary Griffith has confirmed there are 12 TT nationals who are with ISIS, mainly persons who were involved in crime and gang-related activities in TT.

Griffith was contacted on Tuesday following breaking reports from former German politician Juergen Todenhoefer, who spent just over a week in the ISIS-controlled city of Mosul, Iraq, and two other similar areas in Syria and Iraq. Granted unprecedented access, he spoke to ISIS fighters and child soldiers. Todenhoefer, 74, who had objected to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, had negotiated for the visit with the radical Islamic group for seven months but at the end he said he returned home pessimistic.

He filed a report detail-

ing issues he noted during his visit, including sex-slavery trauma, how extremist groups raised money and other matters. He said ISIS was stronger, more brutal and harder to confront than he had expected and found ISIS followers highly motivated and supportive of the group’s brutality. He said he “met child fighters bearing arms” and encountered recruits from around the world, including US, UK, Sweden and TT.” The numbers included 14 Americans.

Todenhoefer said he was struck by their brutal zeal and the scale of their ambition to carry out “religious cleansing” and to expand their territory. He is quoted as saying: “They are the most brutal and most dangerous enemy I have ever seen in my life... (it’s) terrible to feel people can be enthusiastic about killing hundreds of millions of people. “There’s an enthusiasm I have never seen before in war zones. They are so confident, so sure of themselves.”

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

Amazon Indians raid remote Peru village

Authorities in Peru have decided to evacuate a remote Amazon community after it was raided by members of an indigenous tribe.

About 200 MashcoPiro Indians armed with bows and arrows arrived at Monte Salvador looking for food. They are said to have killed domestic animals and taken cooking pots and other metal goods.

No-one was injured, but police say it is safer for villagers to move to a bigger town. This is the third time this year that the MashcoPiro Indians have arrived in Monte Salvador searching for food and metal objects.

But last Thursday they

came while most of the villagers were away and ransacked their homes before retreating into the forest.

The villagers say they also killed some of their animals. Two days later, the Mashco-Piro Indians returned and the villagers fled.

The Peruvian Police are sending boats to take them to Puerto Maldonado, a busy town in South-eastern Peru near the borders with Bolivia and Brazil.

A local indigenous organisation (Fenamed) has asked the Government to protect the Mashco-Piro’s land, much of which has been taken over by logging concessions and drug-traffickers. (BBC News)

thursDAY, December 25, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Kwanzaa celebrations commence on Friday

...ACDA urges more embrace of festivities

“Habari gani” (how do you do?) is the phrase one will be hearing on Friday when the first candle for the Kwanzaa holiday will be lit to commemorate people of African descent and their culture.

Kwanzaa is almost 2000 years younger than Christmas but it is celebrated right after the globally acknowledged season to bring people of African descent together in one mind to think of black history and culture all around the world.

Persons have indicated that it is quite synonymous to the American based holiday ‘Thanksgiving’, as it recognises the importance of giving thanks for all the good the past year would’ve yielded. Not surprisingly, the black holiday originated in the United States of America where the Black Nationalist movement of the 1960 was in full bloom. Dr Maulana Karenga, professor and black activist, is the creator of the holiday as he wanted blacks to be different and see themselves differently.

According to a website, Karenga had created seven principles (Nauzo Saba) that embody the seven-day holiday. Every one of these principles, as the week passes on, is highlighted and given significance daily. It is tradition to light a candle from

the candle holder, Kinnara, every day as one celebrates a principle.

Umoja (Unity) is highlighted with the lighting of the first candle and also the principle that is given most significance in Guyana, since the celebration was started by African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) 18 years ago. The black candle, which is in the centre of the Kinnara holder, is always the first to be lit so it has come to be known as the Unity candle with the first Kwanzaa principle celebrated. On this day, December 26, a unity gathering is held at ACDA near Thomas Lands. It’s where families, communities, and the nation come together to celebrate unity.

Clementine Marshall, who organises the yearly ACDA celebration in Guyana, said Kwanzaa is not a huge celebration “yet”, but expects it to be like Emancipation, which has grown tremendously in Guyana. She informed Guyana Times that a number of villages have joined the celebrations. For instance, where Unity (Umoja) was the only Kwanzaa principle given much significance in Guyana, now Mahaica, Linden and Firish in Corentyne have joined the celebration, focusing on the

other principles.

Marshall stated that she already see the potential if this continues – a village highlighting all seven of the Kwanzaa principles and the celebration itself being much acknowledged in Guyana.

ing of like-minded persons as persons from all across Guyana and even from overseas come to celebrate together.

Other principles highlighted during Kwanzaa are Self-determination

Kwanza aims to draw attention to the importance of family unity in all societies

The coordinator remarked that the celebration usually starts at 10:00h on the 26th with African dances and songs and a special libation ceremony. It is until later in the day that the candle is lit by a child and a feast follows.

Kwanzaa is also known as a time to give thanks; it is also called a harvest festival.

However, Marshall opined that the best fact of the celebration is the meet-

(Kujichagulia); Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima); Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa); Purpose (Nia); Creativity (Kuumba); and Faith (Imani).

With the recognition of each of these days, a candle on the Kinnara is lit.

Kwanzaa was meant to be an alternative to Christmas, as mentioned above Karenga wanted blacks to be different. However, recognising

that this limited the number of blacks that would give recognition to the holiday, he opened it to facilitate all persons of African descent, no matter their faith.

Thus, many African Americans who celebrate Kwanzaa do so in addition to observing Christmas.

This is also the practice for a very few Afro-Guyanese in Guyana.

However, there is still some controversy about whether it’s acceptable to practise both when self-determination is one of the principles the holiday tries to evoke.

Critics state this may actually violate the integrity of the holiday.

For people who celebrate both holidays, Kwanzaa is an opportunity to incorporate elements of their particular ethnic heritage into holiday observances and celebrations of Christmas.

Guyanese certainly believe so, as both holidays celebrate quite positive values and how can one violate the other when it is the overall celebration of what is good in the world in both instances.

The Kikombe cha Umoja: The Unity Cup - represents family and community. It is filled with water, fruit juice or wine. A little is poured out to remember the ancestors. The cup is shared between people and each person takes a sip.

Also there is the Mazao, the Kinara (the Candleholder), which represents the days, and principles of Kwanzaa; Mishumaa Saba (the Seven Candles) are placed in the Kinara. Black, red and green are colours of the Bendera (African Flag); Muhindi (the Corn) and Zawadi (Gifts) are other symbols for Kwanza.

Eric Phillips, a member of ACDA, said “family unity” is the ideal for Kwanzaa, and it is what Guyana needs in all its communities as there has been a recognisable break in the role of families.

Phillips agrees that Christmas does indeed celebrate the same values as Kwanza; however, he says these are seen in more detail in the African holiday, as “it’s more encompassing”.

He posited that Christmas epitomises faith in God, while Kwanza advises faith to be placed in each other – this is seen more so in the collective principle (Ujima).

For Kwanzaa, seven symbols are used during the week of the celebrations: Mkeka, a woven mat made of fabric, raffia, or paper. The other symbols are placed on the Mkeka. According the website, it symbolises experiences and foundations.

Shoppers may receive environmentally-friendly bags

Guyanese shoppers can now make a significant positive impact on improving their environment when they shop.

Under the Clean Green Guyana Campaign, being administered by the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry and funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), shoppers at major supermarkets may receive an attractive and sturdy re-usable bag in which to place their groceries and other purchases instead of putting these in plastic bags that harm the environment.

Research shows that a significant proportion of

waste generated in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), on the whole, is comprised of non-reusable, single-use products, including plastic bags, plastic bottles and Styrofoam containers.

Such non-reusable waste constitutes approximately 10 per cent of the waste from Guyanese households, the largest proportion after biodegradable or organic waste that makes up about 50 per cent of household waste.

These non-reusable plastic items are devastating to the environment and are stressful to the solid waste management system, both because of their volume and the fact they photo degrade,

Selected shoppers at participating supermarkets may receive one of these attractive and sturdy re-usable bags

breaking down into smaller, more toxic petro-polymers, which eventually contaminate soils and waterways.

Disposable plastic bags are especially visible and danger-

ous threats to the environment that frequently appear in the litter of many Region Four communities. Supermarkets and other enterprises distribute these freely to customers

who have come to expect being provided with plastic bags when they shop. However, by using a re-usable bag such as the ones being distributed under this initiative, shoppers may help mitigate the serious environmental threat that plastic bags pose.

In fact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) estimates that using a reusable bag can save the use of six plastic bags a week or 288 bags a year.

The re-usable bags are currently being distributed at all branches of Bounty, DSL and Survival supermarkets.

Shoppers that receive a bag are encouraged to bring this

bag with them whenever they shop to place their purchases in rather than in plastic bags. Besides making a very important contribution towards a clean and green Guyana, shoppers also earn a chance to win a hamper in January of next year every time they use their re-usable bag. The Local Government Ministry, through the Clean Green Guyana Campaign encourages all Guyanese to play their part in making the environment clean and green by using a re-usable bag instead of plastic ones when shopping. Supermarkets that would like to be part of this initiative are welcome to call Guyenterprise.

Miss World 2014, Rolene Strauss of South Africa, Chairman of the Miss World Organisation Julia Morley and a team are expected to visit Guyana early next year.

The main objective of the visit is to advance projects related to the prevention of domestic violence in Guyana by providing critical funding for various initiatives established to end the scourge. By winning the beauty with a purpose segment of the Miss World competition, Miss Guyana World, Rafieya Husain managed to arrange a visit of a team to Guyana.

For this competition, contestants were judged on the basis of the value they have added to society and for the first time ever, there was not one but five winners declared for the competition namely Guyana, Indonesia, India, Brazil and Kenya, outshin-

Ting some 117 other beauties from across the globe.

The Anna Regina, Essequibo, born young beauty grew up in Georgetown, before relocating to the United States at age 11. She is currently a third-year Business Administration student.

Husain’s platform for the competition was domestic violence and she has been working to highlight the scourge, bringing awareness to people about the implications domestic violence victims face. She revealed that she was once a victim of domestic violence, which motivated her to take an active stand against the societal scourge.

In October, Husain commissioned a $3 million outreach centre in Three Friends Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to aid of

the fight against domestic violence.

In the same month, Husain visited several secondary schools in Georgetown, where she spread awareness about the dangers of teen dating violence (TDV), which is also part of her “Shatter the Silence” campaign.

The beauty queen through several fundraising events raised some $4 million, of which a portion went to spreading cheer to children at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

A donation was also made to the Guyana Red Cross and Guyana Help and Shelter.

She also secured a plot of land in Region Two and renovated a building in the area to create an outreach centre intended to provide advocacy, education and preventative measures to help families and communities live in harmony, and ultimately end domestic abuse.

he master of Lovers’ Rock Beres Hammond will return to Guyana on January 3, 2015 for a mega concert promoted by McNeil Enterprise and Hits and Jams Entertainment.

Hammond, a reggae singer known in particular for his romantic lovers’ rock and soulful voice, will share the stage with rising Jamaican reggae star, Romain Virgo. The concert which is billed “More Beres” will be held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara. The concert intends to blend the mature sounds of Hammond with the contemporary style of Virgo who hails from the Parish of St Ann’s and rose to prominence after winning Digicel’s Rising Star competition in 2007.

Virgo recorded his first hit record “Mi Caan Sleep” on the Penthouse label and several hit followed, including “Wanna Go Home”, “Live Mi Life”, and “Alton’s Medley”. In June 2010, VP Records released his debut album, self-titled Romain Virgo.

While Virgo would be making his first appearance in Guyana, Hammond on the other hand is a household name here, in the Caribbean, North America and Europe and has wide crossover appeal. Hammond’s hit

list stretches for miles and includes “I feel Good”, “Putting Up Resistance”, “Rock Away”, “No Disturb Sign”, among many others.

Appearing alongside the Jamaican duo are local artistes Jackie Hanover, Super Ray and the Mingle Sound Machine. Early Bird tickets go on sale from Friday, December 19. Early Bird VIP tickets are priced at $16,000 while the general admission is $2500 each. The early bird ticket sales end this Saturday at Ashmin’s Store, High Street, Georgetown.

Over the past two years McNeil Enterprise and Hits and Jams Entertainment have collaborated to promote some of the best concerts held in Guyana which featured international artistes including R Kelly and John Legend.

Come rain or sun, Westsiderz Entertainment’s “Boxing Night Chutney Celebration 2” slated for Tuschen Community Centre ground will be held. All plans are moving apace for one of the most anticipated end of year events.

The event will see several local artistes taking to the stage with one mission and that is to perform to the satisfaction to the audience –patrons who have supported them throughout the year.

The lineup includes Guyanese Chutney sensation, Prince JP; Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited Star, Princess Halima; Aamir Khan; Bunty Singh and oth-

er chutney soca monarch 2015 contestants.

These artistes will be backed by 71 Sound System with a special appearance by Deejay “Golden Chyld”. The Ishara Dancers will also be there to thrill the audience with their excellent dance pieces. In addition, three other artistes are slated to perform including “Eric” from Caribbean Hotshot Band and two from the United States of America.

Taking into consideration that it is a holiday, the promoters are allowing everyone into the venue free before 20:00h, and a cover charge of $1000 at the gate after.

The event is sponsored by A&A Travel Service, A&S

Lumber Yard, Westsiders Furniture Store, Deals on Electronic, Cell Phone Plaza, A&Y Auto Sales, Star Cars Auto Sales and Carib Beer and Sky Vodka. Person can also shop at the above stores and receive free tickets.

It is that time of the year again for sharing and giving and the Guyana Police Force is taking the lead this holiday season as they attempt to rebuild the image of the Force.

This year, for the first time, the force will be hosting an event titled

The Nirvana Humanitarian Society presents a live stage show titled “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” on Saturday, December 27 and Sunday, December 28, at the Nirvana Centre, Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara.

The main feature of the twoday event will be the enactment of the Disney classic Snow White

and the Seven Dwarfs. The role of the wicked witch is being played by Sangeeta while Snow White is being played by Anna and Mark as the Prince.

The seven dwarfs are Meera, Jagdesh, Abhi, Guvieya, Ritesha, Rashana and Lokesh and will see the actors all dressed in red and white. Apart from the play, there will be the variety show

featuring dances, skits and poems performed by young actors and actresses who have been a part of the society for quite some time. There will be two viewings – one at 16:00h and the other at 19:00h. Tickets cost $500 for adults and $300 for children and are available at the Nirvana’s Centre. Apart from the stage show there will be lots to eat and drink.

Member of the GPF’s choir performing at an event

“Christmas at Eve Leary” which is billed for Saturday, December 27, at the Force’s headquarters at Young Street, Georgetown.

There is a packed programme planned for the evening which will commence at 18:30h.The evening will see several dance pieces, singing, skits and poems by members of the Force, Police youth clubs and Scout groups and popular local entertainers.

This is the first time

such an initiative has been undertaken by the Police Force as they continue their community outreach programme. As such, members of the public are invited to the activity which is absolutely free.

Warner, Watson to play in Boxing Day Test with India

Opener David Warner and all-rounder Shane Watson took part in training on Wednesday as injury scares eased for Australia ahead of the Boxing Day Test against India.

The pair returned to training during a Christmas Eve session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Watson, who was dazed when struck on the helmet by a bouncer on Tuesday, took on a bowling machine in the indoor nets before moving outdoors.

The blow sparked concern Watson might have sustained serious injury, coming after Australian batsman Phillip Hughes was killed by a bouncer on November 25.

Warner, batting for the first time since hurting his thumb in the second Test victory over India in Brisbane last week, passed himself fit and insisted he would keep up the “banter” with the tourists.

“It was a bit sore when it

Chelsea midfielder

Nemanja Matic believes his side can win an unprecedented quadruple.

No club has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup in the same season.

But Matic, who rejoined Chelsea from Benfica for £21m in January, said: “I think it’s possible. We have a chance.”

The Premier League leaders are in the Capital One Cup semi-finals, the last 16 of the Champions League and have yet to start their FA Cup campaign.

hit the splice and toe of the bat, but that’s to be expected,” Warner said. “It’s going to be quite painful, but I can bear that pain and get out there on Boxing Day.”

Indians Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma have all been fined for their conduct in the fourTest series, as has Warner after a heated exchange in the first Test in Adelaide.

“If it requires a little bit of banter to get the other person talking, that’s what is going to happen,” said Warner.

“I like to go at them, to try and get them to bite back at me when I go out there and bat. At the moment it’s working,” Warner added.

Indian attempts to rile Mitchell Johnson backfired with the fast bowler taking four wickets and smashing 88 runs in a match-winning performance in Brisbane.

With batsman Mitchell Marsh ruled out through injury, Joe Burns is likely to be given his Test debut. The

Serbia international Matic, 26, added: “I don’t want to say that we’re going to but we’re going to try. We

Queensland batsman, 25, has been linked with move to Somerset next year, but his Test call-up may have put paid to that.

Fast bowler Ryan Harris is fit after missing the second Test with injury, and he could return at the expense of Mitchell Starc, though Peter Siddle is another strong option on what is his home ground.

India trail 2-0 in the series and must reverse a 23-year losing streak in Melbourne to stop Australia regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

All-rounder Akshar Patel has replaced the injured Ravindra Jadeja in India’s squad for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests.

Patel, who turns 21 in January, is a left-arm spinner who has taken 14 wickets in nine one-day internationals but has not played a Test.

Jadeja has a shoulder injury and will return home to undergo rehabilitation. (Sky Sports)

have quality. I am confident, I believe in my team, my team-mates, so everything is possible.”

Manager Jose Mourinho has already played down Chelsea’s chances of a quadruple.

“We don’t speak about it,” he said. “We have our feet on the ground.”

Chelsea meet West Ham at home on Boxing Day in the Premier League, play Championship side Watford at home in the FA Cup third round and have been drawn against Paris St-Germain in the last 16 of the Champions League and Liverpool in the League Cup semi-finals. (BBC Sport)

WADA takes 3,000 samples from Russian athletes

Around 3,000 samples have been taken from Russian athletes by officials investigating claims of widespread doping in the country.

The World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) launched its investigation following allegations made in a German television documentary.

Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko confirmed a Wada commission had now visited the country at his request.

He said: “They took around 3,000 samples to be checked in laboratories.”

Mutko told the sports agency R-Sport: “I wrote a letter to Wada, in which

I said very precisely that we were open to receiving any commission and ready to show everything.

“A commission from Wada has already been to visit us, which included three people who were led by the director of science.

“We will continue to work along this route and we are completely open.”

Programmes aired by the German broadcaster ARD in December contained a number of allegations including one claim that as many as 99% of Russian athletes were doping.

There were also allegations of cover-ups from within Russian athletics, while the International Association of Athletics

Federations (IAAF) came in for criticism.

It was claimed that a list of 150 suspicious blood samples, including one from a top British athlete, were not properly investigated by the sport’s world governing body.

The allegations were denounced as “lies” by Russia’s Athletics Federation, while the IAAF launched its own inquiry.

Earlier this month, Wada announced its former chief Dick Pound would head up an investigatory commission looking into the German documentary’s claims but said it would not start work until 1 January. (BBC

Tamba Bavuma to debut for South Africa against West Indies

– “We know we are much better than we showed at Centurion,” says Chanderpaul

Tin the

West

Boxing Day.

Bavuma, 24, is next in line if South Africa continue a policy of seven batsmen and four specialist bowlers.

A vacancy for another batsman was created by an injury to wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock which led to AB de Villiers keeping wicket in Centurion, a role which he is set to continue.

Bavuma is the sixth ethnic black cricketer to play in a Test for South Africa and the first batsman.

In almost 23 years of Test cricket since a united cricket board was admitted to the International Cricket Council in 1991, cricket officials have been trying to increase the number of Test players from South Africa’s largest racial group.

Fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, who took 390 wickets in 101 Tests, is the only black African to have held down a long-term place in the Test team.

Next best is Monde Zondeki, who played in

six Tests, while Lonwabo Tsotsobe played in five and Mfuneko Ngam and Thami Tsolekile in three each – none of them batsman.

The hosts went with an all-pace attack in the first Test victory at Centurion, where South Africa won by an innings and 220 runs.

The pitch at Port Elizabeth is considerably less

bouncy, and both sides are expected to field a spinner. In the absence of the injured

Robin Peterson, the Proteas are likely to field leg-spinner Imran Tahir, with Kyle Abbott set to make way.

Proteas batsman Faf du Plessis said: “I think conditions like this will probably bring them (West Indies) more into the game, it will be more even conditions.

“Centurion was seaming and if our bowlers get a wicket like that they are dangerous. The PE wicket is a lot slower and spin does play more of a role so I think their bowling attack will be a lot happier.

“Their batting unit will also be happier, the ball will probably not be as quick and won’t seam around, it will be a normal PE wicket, so it will suit their style of play.”

The West Indies have won just once in 13 Test in South Africa, and it came in Port Elizabeth back in 2007.

Three of the current squad played significant roles, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul (104) and Marlon Samuels (94) the mainstays of a strong

first innings, while fast bowler Jerome Taylor had match figures of 6-112.

Chanderpaul played down the significance of conditions at St George’s Park.

“We know we are much better than we showed at Centurion,” said Chanderpaul but he acknowledged the difficulties of taking on what he described as “the best bowling attack in the world”.

“The guys we have here are the best in the Caribbean,

that’s the reason why they’re here. They’ve all scored runs in the past, scored a lot of hundreds in regional cricket.”

Chanderpaul and Samuels will again be key players in what appears to be a fragile West Indian batting order. Both will be seeking to improve on their performances in Centurion where Samuels made 33 and 17, while Chanderpaul was out for 21 and four.

Dale Steyn, who took 6-34 in the second innings at Centurion, has taken 21 wickets in four Tests in Port Elizabeth and warned that although the pitch was slower, he could be effective because he is not especially tall.

“I’m a bit skiddier so when I bowl a bouncer guys tend to play a little bit more whereas at Centurion guys can get out of the way because of the bounce,” he said.

Earlier this year, Steyn produced a match-winning spell of fast reverse swing bowling against Australia at St George’s Park. (Sky Sports)

Clarke hopeful of World Cup return

Michael Clarke has said he is recovering well from the surgery on his hamstring and hopes to be fit in time for the 2015 World Cup.

Clarke suffered a serious injury to the tendon component of his right hamstring on the final day of the first Test in Adelaide and underwent surgery last week; recovery from such an operation can take months. In his column for the Daily Telegraph newspaper, Clarke said he felt no pain while walking and was eager to start off with the second stage of his rehabilitation programme.

“The biggest thing for me at the moment is getting back on the field for the World Cup,” he said “I have been told by medical staff that I am in as good a condition as I can be a week after undergoing the surgery. There is no swelling and no pain when I walk. I can’t wait to begin stage two of the rehab process which involves starting to run again.”

In the immediate aftermath of the injury, Clarke had admitted that he might have played for Australia for the last time and he might need to consider his cricket future. However, deciding on surgery was a clear indication that he retained the desire to come back and play for Australia again and the team physio, Alex Kountouris, later said

that reports from the surgeon who had operated on Clarke had been positive.

Clarke also backed senior players, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin, who have faced batting slumps recently. While Rogers struck fifties in both innings of the Gabba Test, Watson and Haddin have scored 72 and 21 runs respectively in four innings of the series so far. Clarke said it was crucial to have experienced players in the team when youngsters like Joe Burns were coming through. Burns was picked in the Australia Test squad in place of the injured Mitchell Marsh and could make his Test debut against India on Boxing Day at the MCG. Clarke also hoped that Rogers, Watson and Haddin would be a part of the team for the Ashes tour to England next year.

“Personally, I hope all three of them are on the plane to England for next year’s Ashes series,” Clarke added. “They bring so much more to the table than just their batting. It’s crucial to have experienced guys like these in a team when you’re bringing through youngsters like Joe Burns. “I know how much I benefited over the years from the knowledge passed down to me by the seniors, and I’m sure Joe will be no different. I wish him all the best.” (Cricinfo)

Shalom Driving School, lot 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. Enjoy 20% discount. Phone: 227-3869, 622-8162, 644-7052, 227-3835

meDItatION

Learn transcendental meditation and gain deep rest, eliminate stress, increase creativity & Intelligence; improve memory, self confidence & relationship; improves health & longevity. Reduces Insomnia & Hypertension. Bring peace and happiness. For new introductory lecture contact the teacher Ashoke 609-3701, Sherlock at 225-2243 or Elton 609-3443

Why meditation? Sunday 4pm Monar Education Institute. 192 Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, Georgetown. Science of Spirituality. Tel: 225-0630 / 698-0582 www.sos. org

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 2750322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

Healthworld Holistic Centre offers clinical psychotherapy for suicidal thoughts, attempted suicides, depression, stress, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, homicidal thoughts, hallucinations, loneliness, conflicts, anger management, relationship & sexual problems, paranoia and much more. Call +592-621-0552 and make that appointment now before it’s too late. 12:00-6:00PM. Mondays-Fridays. Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

UK immigration and

Eccles: two flat executive concrete house; three bedrooms upper, two bedrooms lower (separate flats). Price negotiable. Tel: 602-2135

Eccles: Build your own home in a modernized, gated community. Lot size 60’x100’ $7.5M. Call: 2272913, Cell: 689-3033.

Eccles: Commercial lots $14M. Call: 227-2913, Cell: 689-3033

one two-storeyed concrete building with four apartments at Fort Ordinance Canje. Size: 50 x 30 feet. Contact Indera Gupta at Telephone: 627-3095 for further details.

USA

matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/ visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 6553105. Email: balwantpersaud@ yahoo.ca

l aND FOR Sale

32 Acres of transported land located at Lot 5 Plantation Content, Mahaicony, ECD; from the public road to sea shore. This property is ideal for residence, business, aquaculture, agriculture, etc. Price: $175,000 (USD) or best offer. For more information or to make an offer please call Pooran at 813319-4219 (Florida, USA) or email rpooran@tampabay.rr.com

Parfaite Harmonie $1.2M, $1.3M, $1.4M, $1.5M, $1.8M & $3M, Providence $6M (100ft x 50ft), Herstelling $5M (110ft x 56ft), Eccles $6m. Call 652-2018,218-5591

HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES. 24hrs miracle line 322-5081/337-4510/3374259/337-4021/337-3070/3375103 For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues. Call now. Jesus cares.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 679-4672

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS

EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO

MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

4x4 Nissan Titan fully powered Immaculate condition $3.5M. No reasonable offer refused. 622-7740

One PPP series Mazda Axela in excellent condition and one white 2007 unregistered BMW, Price negotiable. Call 679-5842.

We buy all low income and high income land in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling & Parfaite Harmony. Call 652-2018, 218-5591

One business/ residential transported property located at Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara. Property presently houses a variety store and beer garden. Price negotiable. Call 6618802 for more information.

Two storey house in good location; Lot 55 Section ‘B’ Non Pariel-First Street, ECD ($12m or best offer. Quick sale preferred. Contact 6518901.

For specialised repairs and servicing to all types of BMW vehicles, Lexus, Mercedes, Sedan etc. Diagnostic testing available. All job backed by three months warranty. Call 686-9995 for more information and location. Mobile emergency service available.

K. Lakeram, Building Contractor: carpentry, masonry, tiling, plumbing, painting, drawing of plans, etc free estimates, general home maintenance. We’re prompt & reliable. Section A Diamond, new Scheme, EBD. Phone: 216-0671, 622-0267, 692-8464. Email: klakeram.construction@gmail.com

Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit; bad luck; evil sickness; spells; reuniting lovers and prosperity to business etc, Call 612-6417, 220-0708.

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 592-690-1824 from 10:0016:00h Email:anew-life@live.com

Former Test player: Bravo paid price for role in strike

An ex-West Indies player has labelled Dwayne Bravo’s axing as West Indies OneDay captain as “suspicious” and believes the all-rounder has paid the price for his role in the controversial abandoned tour of India last October.

Bravo, who was replaced as skipper by 23-year-old Jason Holder, was also dropped from the 15-man squad to tour South Africa next month, along with the experienced duo Kieron Pollard and former captain Darren Sammy.

Bryan Davis, who played four Tests against Australia in 1965, said the group that toured India was West Indies’ best squad and opined that the raft of changes that had taken place were as a result of the players strike.

“I believe it has to do with the abandonment of the tour of India,” Davis told the Trinidad Express newspaper.

“Dwayne Bravo has suffered the consequences ... I

am only judging by what the WICB said that there would be no discrimination. They could cover it up and talk about transition, but the timing was very bad.”

He continued: “I was surprised from the point of view the Board said there would not be discrimination against those who went to India, so I was expecting a similar team to the one that went to India.

“If that was the best team at the time, I don’t see anything that happened between then and now to create any changes.”

In announcing the squad on Saturday, the WICB said the recommendation for the change in captaincy had come from the Clive Lloyd-led selection panel and approved by the board of directors.

Lloyd said in a statement that now was the best time to make a transition to youthful leadership.

Significantly, the move comes on the cusp of the

World Cup campaign set to begin in Australia and New Zealand in February.

“I see nothing wrong with Jason Holder being captain, but the question is the timing. If you are going to change to a younger captain why not do it before the India tour?” Davis queried.

“Why now when you just have the South African series and straight into the World Cup? The young captain does not have time to get experience on the field of play and bond with his team. The best time to have done this would have been after the World Cup, I would have thought.

“If you were thinking about a transition to youth, that should have happened after the World Cup.”

Bravo was the spokesman for the squad in India as they battled the WICB and the players’ union, WIPA, over the contentious new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

On his return to the Caribbean, the 31-yearold all-rounder was part of emergency meetings involving WICB and WIPA officials, and St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, which were aimed at resolving the impasse.

Davis said it was hard not to find a connection between the squad changes and the occurrences in India.

“I find the timing is suspect, because of what happened in India. It seems a little suspicious.” (Jamaica Observer)

Windies touchdown for...

There has been no word yet on the arrival of left-hander Narsingh Deonarine, a replacement for the injured Assad Fuddin.

West Indies won the last Boxing Day Test here seven years ago, when they beat the hosts 128 runs, but went on to lose the threematch series 2-1.

Yesterday captain Denesh Ramdin warned detractors not to write West Indies off just yet.

The tourists were humiliated by an innings and 220 runs on the fourth morning of the opening Test at Centurion on Saturday, to send them 1-0 down in the three-Test series.

West Indies now head into the second Test starting Boxing Day in Port Elizabeth, a venue where West Indies pulled off their only success on their last tour of South Africa seven years ago, when they won by 128 runs.

Ramdin is taking hope from that performance.

“The first hour, on the first day of the Test match was good, getting three wickets for a little bit of runs [but] we didn’t as-

sess it well going forward. Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers came together and had a brilliant partnership and we didn’t bowl in the areas we want to that would have created more opportunities,” Ramdin said.

“Our last memory there we won a Test match and from this game, we would like to take some of the positives when we go down there,” he told reporters.

“We should be having that little bit of confidence from the last time we won but having said that, cricket plays on the day and everyone needs to come up with their A game.

“We’re 1-0 down in the series and it is tough to beat this South African team which is the number one team [in the World] but I think we have some fight in us and we can give them a good fight down in Port Elizabeth.”

West Indies put in a poor showing all-round at Centurion. They reduced the hosts to 57 for three after winning the toss and bowling in good conditions, but allowed captain Hashim Amla (208) and AB de Villiers (152) to add

from back page

a record 308 for the fourth wicket and propel South Africa to 552 for five declared in their first innings. In reply, the Windies were dismissed for 201 in their first innings and following on, were bundled out for 131, to suffer their heaviest defeat in South Africa.

Ramdin said the West Indies attack was good enough to bowl South Africa out twice but needed to be disciplined.

“Having Kemar Roach out was a blow for us and we had to make up with the other guys,” he added, referring to Roach’s ankle injury in the final session of the opening day that ruled him out of the series.

“I believe we have the resources, I just believe we need to adjust to the pitches here. I think we bowled too short,” he contended.

“The results that we got on the first morning of the Test match, guys got caught behind and if you look back at it, you can say we were [guilty] of bowling too short to AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla [allowing them] to score square of the wicket.”

(Trinidad Guardian)

By TreisTon Joseph

Standing at 6’3”, Jason Yaw is as imposing as they come when talking about the perfect specimen for 400 metres running.

Vitamalt,

Mist WDFA KO Cup

Jason Yaw: a diamond in the rough Den Amstel pegged as favourites against Slingerz

The talented 16-year-old is without a doubt Guyana’s top youth and junior male athlete as well as a top five 400 metres sprinter.

Yaw’s 2014 was one of mixed results where he showed his capability but sometimes just did not perform up to his standards.

However, Yaw’s achievement at the South American Youth Championship has erased any doubts of how special a talent Guyana has the opportunity to mould into a world star, perhaps to the magnitude of Jamaica’s Usain Bolt or America’s Michael Johnson.

For those who might be wondering, Yaw shattered the 12-year-old South American Youth Championship 400 metres record and broke the 47 seconds barrier at the meet for the first time in the histo-

Jason Yaw

ry of the games to win his first major title in a time of 46.79s.

In addition, Yaw had his last five training sessions being done on the road due to the flooded grounds of the National Park, which is his regular training venue.

The Running Brave Athletics Club athlete boasts superior strength and an above average leg turnovers for his height. While not the

most explosive runner, Yaw has the ability to generate power in a quite unique way and once improved upon, this can only result in a significantly improved version of the athlete in 2015.

If this isn’t reason to progressively plan the future of this amazing talent, then what will be?

Serious commitment

Usain Bolt in his early days hid from training and the Police had to be summoned to find him. While Bolt was just playful at the tender age of 15, it speaks of how serious the Jamaicans took sport in order to call the Police to find the now Olympic athlete.

Guyana needs a similar approach in terms of how committed we are to Yaw.

To have such a talent in Guyana, let alone in the whole of South America, an entire continent just to put the magnitude of the situation into perspective, should be the sole impetus not just of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), but also

of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Government to ensure that Yaw develops into the kind of star he potentially can be.

The Government, the GOA, the Private Sector and the AAG has a chance to put their money where their mouths are, and while the GOA and the Government did well for Rugby in 2014, when it comes to athletics, there is no other sport that brings global recognition to a country quite like track and field, with the exception of football.

So why not start by developing a young talented athlete who still has an unknown amount of potential to tap into? Only time will tell.

But for now even as Yaw has made strides to recognise his own uncanny ability, he will only progress as far as he is allowed to with the current system in place.

Hopefully, Yaw does not fall by the wayside as so many have before him and hopefully 2015 will see the rising of a global star.

Astar-studded

Slingerz FC might be in for the game of their lives when they suit up to face host Den Amstel in the final of the Vitamalt / Aqua Mist sponsored West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Knockout Cup set for Boxing Day on Friday.

Slingerz, who are regarded as the strongest team on the West Side, has had a sub-par showing in the tournament thus far by their standards, while Den Amstel has been a goal-scoring machine.

Boasting a number of former national players, Slingerz have not been as captivating as they were last year while Den Amstel have shown top team chemistry with their crisp passing and confident finishing.

Den Amstel will need the in-form goal-hungry Delon Lanferman, who showed no mercy to an infelicitous Wales unit to end the tournament on a high with a solid performance against the Slingerz side that have shown that they can defend well.

Lanferman will be supported by the likes of Travis Hilliman, Andre Hector, Morris Charles, Marvin Henry and Ryan Hunter, who are all capable of tilting a game in their favour in a flash.

On the other hand, the only consistent performance for Slingerz FC has come from the lethal feet of Tichard Joseph, who displayed his power in their last two fixtures and is definitely a serious threat to any backline even from 30 yards out.

Joseph’s goals have all been scored from long distance and he should draw close attention from the defence of Den Amstel.

However, such a ploy can leave Den Amstel open to the dangerous

threats of players such as Devon Millington and the wily Anthony “Awo” Abrams.

The game is expected to be well-attended by fans of both sides which should provide an electric atmosphere.

Meanwhile, in the third place playoff, the Uitvlugt Warriors will face Pouderoyen in the consolation game.

Pouderoyen is a defensive minded team and makes it hard on opposing teams to score as Slingerz FC can attest.

They will be depending heavily on Adrian Giddings, Tenie Lopes, Clement Browne, Marvin Frank and the experience Delon Garraway to lead their quest for victory, while the Warriors will no doubt be aiming to gain solace for their disappointing semi-final display.

Another motivating factor for them could be to win back the support of their fans following their unceremonious exit in the semi-final against Den Amstel.

Whatever the outcome in both matches, what is certain is that fans are in for a treat tomorrow at the Den Amstel Community Centre Ground.

Up for grabs will be $1 million for the winner, $500,000 for the runnerup, while the third and fourth place finishers will take home $300,000 and $200,000 respectively.

Horse racing season to culminate on Friday

– over 60 horses will be in action

By Rajiv Bisnauth

The horse racing season for 2014 will culminate on Friday when the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) hosts its traditional Boxing Day meeting at the club’s track at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, from 12:30h.

Horse racing fans are expected to be in for a treat, since, according to chief organiser and President of the KMTC, Cecil Kennard, over 60 of the country’s best racehorses have entered , inclusive of Guyana’s only A class animal, Score’s Even.

Organisers have added a race for K Class animals. Further, several changes were made from the original programme.

The organisers have

changed the feature A3 and Lower race to A1 and Lower. Also the G1 race has now been replaced by a F1 race.

The feature event on the day’s card will run for six furlongs for a top prize of $1 million, while the second place finisher will receive $500,000. Horses that place third and fourth will receive $250,000 and $125,000 respectively.

Other events billed for the day are the D3 with a winning purse of $500,000; the G3 for a $300,000 winner’s purse over five furlongs; and the J3 for $150,000 winner’s stake over five furlongs.

The owner of the winning horse for the I1 and F1 races will collect $250,000 and $320,000 respectively.

Further, Kennard stated that the entrance fee for adults is $1200, while children under 10 will be admitted free and children between 10 and 16 years old will be admitted into the venue for $600 each.

Programme and parking cost $300 each. Eight races are billed for the day with race time set for 12:30h.

Meanwhile, the race is being conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and, according to Kennard, the rules of the local governing body would be rigidly enforced.

ECCB VP dies

The President, Executives and Clubs of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) regret the passing of their first Vice President Samaroo Jailall, who died at the Woodlands Hospital after feeling unwell on Wednesday, December 24.

Jailall was recently reelected to serve as first Vice President of the ECCB. He was also the former President and the current Secretary of the Lusignan Sports Club.

Jailall, 42, who held a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, was the Finance Officer of the Guyana Improving Teachers Education Project (GITET); the University of Guyana Structure and Technology Support Programme (UGSPS); and the National Hinterland School Feeding Programme (NSP).

He also served as Assistant Secretary of the Demerara Cricket Board and Secretary of the Competitions Committee 2009-2011.

“It is with great shock, sadness and disbelief that our dear brother Sam has passed away. His untimely passing will greatly affect all of us and has unquestionably created a huge vacuum in the administration of cricket on the East Coast Demerara and by extension, [in] Guyana.

“Samaroo served Guyana’s cricket diligently and with distinction, in several capacities. He was a self-effacing individual who always put his priorities in order but chose cricket in particular, above everything else. He was an able cricket administrator who did everything for the betterment of the sport. He will be deeply missed,” a press release stated.

“We would like to express our sincere condolences to his relatives and friends, especially his wife Sharon and three children: Chris, Christine and Kishan.”

The press release went on “our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and may the memories of Samaroo and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. Rest in Peace our dear brother”.

B y R ajiv B isnauth

Ex-West Indies batsman Ramnaresh

Sarwan on Wednesday told Guyana Times Sport that there may be a possibility he would be available for the NAGICO Super50 limitedovers regional tournament in January in Trinidad and Tobago.

Sarwan has been ruled out of the WICB Professional Cricket League Four-Day Tournament, after withdrawing from the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force squad prior to the secondround game against the Leeward Islands.

The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) confirmed that the former West Indies righthander had pulled out of the squad for “personal reasons” and has returned to his native Guyana.

“I will try to be a part of the Trinidad and Tobago

Red Force squad for the Super50, but all depends on this project moving along,” Sarwan said.

Sarwan, a veteran Test player, was picked up in the PCL draft as the only non-Trinidadian to represent the Red Force.

Sarwan, the out-of-favour Test batsman, was selected by Trinidad and Tobago as a second-round pick, while Barbados allrounder Raymon Reifer was chosen by Guyana as a first-round pick.

They were the only two players chosen by teams based outside the territory of their birth as regional franchises chose to stick with their zonal players.

A former Guyana and West Indies captain, the right-hander has played 87 Tests, 181 One-Day Internationals and 18 Twenty20 Internationals.

However, he has not played a Test in three years and an international match in over a year, be -

cause of loss of form and fitness.

He has turned out for Leicestershire in the English County Championship for the last two seasons.

Super50 Tournament

Meanwhile, as part of the West Indies Under-19s long-term build-up for the next International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup in 2016, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has included the Under-19 team as part of the eight-team tournament.

The Combined Campuses & Colleges will also compete

The Under-19s have been drawn in Group B next to the Jamaica Franchise, Leeward Islands Hurricanes and hosts Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, while the composite university side has been drawn in Group A along with reign -

ing champions Barbados Pride, Guyana Jaguars and Windward Islands Volcanoes.

The preliminary competition will be played in a non-elimination format with each side playing the others in their group once.

Two matches will be contested each day at either the Queen’s Park Oval, the T&T Cricket Board’s National Cricket Centre (NCC) in the central Trinidadian community of Couva or Shaw Park in Scarborough, the capital of Tobago.

The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals at the Oval, where the group winners play the runners-up from the opposite group in a one-off match for a place in the Grand Final on Sunday, January 25 at the same venue.

The Pride kicks off the tournament against CCC at the NCC on Thursday, January 15.

Cameron: Selectors decided on Holder as ODI captain Windies touchdown for crucial Test Sarwan not ruling out Super50 return

West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameron says that the decision by the board to approve a recommendation for rookie fast bowler Jason Holder to be appointed new one-day international (ODI) captain was unanimous.

The WICB selectors, chaired by Clive Lloyd, recommended the 23-yearold Barbados pacer as captain of the ODI squad ahead of the five-match series against South Africa and just two months before the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Holder takes over the reins of team from seasoned all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who has been sacked after just 19 months in charge, and was also dropped from the 15-man squad named to face the South Africans.

“I don’t have anything to say. I think you should speak to the selectors,” said Cameron.

“I don’t pick the team ...

Dave Cameron

. You will have talk to the selectors and they will give you their philosophy on why they picked the team. It is not for the president to talk about.”

Holder has played one Test and 21 ODIs since making his international debut in February last year.

He has been widely viewed as having leadership qualities, having already served as vice-captain of the West Indies A team as well as of the Barbados Tridents

in the Caribbean Premier League.

“The captain of the team has to be approved by the board,” declared Cameron. “The recommendation came (from the selectors), and the board was unanimous in its approval.”

In the meantime, the Trinidad and Tobago director on the WICB, Baldath Mahabir, has weighed in on the debate, saying that it is very rare the board would dispute the recommendations from the selectors.

“What we were asked to do was to approve the change in captaincy. The board does not get involved in team selection at all ... . You would have seen Mr Lloyd’s justification and the board approved it. It did not come with a removal,” Mahabir explained.

“It came with a recommendation for Jason Holder to captain the team and it is very rare that the board will turn down a recommendation from the selectors.”

(Jamaica Gleaner)

Embattled West Indies touched down at Port Elizabeth on Tuesday afternoon, to start preparations for the crucial Second Test against South Africa starting Boxing Day.

The visitors, still smarting from their heavy innings and 220-run defeat at Centurion in the First Test, arrived to a distinctly

Caribbean-flavoured ceremony, involving dancers and steel pan orchestra.

Following a rest day, the Windies will hold their first training session today evening, as they beef up preparations for the Test they must win if they are to have any chance of clinching the three-match series.

They are expected to be

joined shortly by left-arm seamer Kenroy Peters who was called up last weekend to replace injured fast bowler Kemar Roach. Barbadian Roach has been ruled out of the series after injuring his right ankle during the final session of the opening day of the first Test.