Guyana Times Daily

President prorogues

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Govt determined to continue development over next 100 days

Pensioner found dead in WBD home

Ramjattan accused of inciting violence after prorogation of Parliament

Taxi driver shot, robbed at Enmore

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Govt determined to continue development over next 100 days

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali

said the Donald Ramotar Administration will continue to work over the next six months to ensure that development continues throughout the country following a decision by the Executive to suspend sittings of the Parliament.

Speaking during Television Guyana’s flagship Current Issues and Analysis Show on Monday, Minister Ali said President Ramotar acted in the interest of Guyanese when he blocked attempts by the Opposition- controlled Parliament to stymie development and jeopardise several critical pieces of legislation that could transform the country’s development.

He said the Government over the coming months would ensure that there is no stoppage in the goods and services provided to the Guyanese populace.

“Our development trajectory outlined in the 2014 budget and our manifesto will continue to form the basis through which developmental works will continue now and in the future. We cannot afford to standstill nor can we allow a stop to the economic growth and development of our country,” Minister Ali insisted during the interview.

He rejected notions that during the period of prorogation that the Executive would seek to seal and undertaken deals through the signing of contracts or other programmes which are not aboveboard or in the interest of the people.

Ali maintained that Government was committed towards working to fasttrack projects and other developmental incentives that the Guyanese people expect.

He argued strongly that it will be business as usual for the Government which has an obligation to fuel economic growth, expansion of the private sector, improvements in the standard of living of citizens and the strengthening of programmes aimed at deepening the democratisation of the state, even in these perilous times.

“No effort will be spared in ensuring our national interest to safeguard our public investment, expand social services, and deliver to the people of Guyana, improved living conditions,” the Minister said.

He said that the Government’s work over the period of prorogation will continue to focus on opening up new opportunities while improving the prospects for working people.

“Investment in Government services critical in the achievement of various policy imperatives such as universal secondary education, improved and expanded housing, developing

a safe and secure environment and accessing better health-care are not subject to political rhetoric and thug-and-wars of our times,” Minister asserted.

He said the services outlined falls “above the political fray and are in the people’s interest”.

Minister Ali said the rhetoric that seeks to divide, threaten, and destabilise cannot be in our national interest.

“All politicians must be mature, professional and show respect for the provisions of our Constitution. They must allow the democratic application of the Constitution to work by giving space and time for consensus building and recommitment to the passage of important legislation like the AML [Anti-Money Laundering] Bill that would secure the future of our financial and reduce the cost of doing business,” Minister

Ali advised.

He also warned that Government is cognisant of the fact that at this time, political sentiments has the ability to generate varied reactions but it is the maturity of Guyanese politics and the application of nationalistic thinking and putting the country first that would separate political opportunism and mischief from nationalists and patriots.

“The people has entrusted all of us with their trust to act in a responsible manner on their behalf. We must therefore in our speech, actions and pronouncements exercise the responsibility that the people expect,” Minister Ali admonished.

He advised that the services offered by State agencies, Government ministries and all other branches of the States would continue unabated.

Earlier on Monday, in a statement to the media, President Donald Ramotar committed towards abiding by the laws and continuing his spate of reforms and Government services during the period.

“Your Government will continue to attend to the provision of basic goods and services. Your Government intends to abide strictly to the Constitutional provisions relating to this period. I will not allow any interruption of the stability and progress of our nation. Further, we will be keeping all stakeholders abreast of developments,” he said.

Prorogation of Parliament…. Private Sector concerned about future of business sector – calls for mature, lawful actions to prevail

The Private Sector has voiced its concerns about the future of the business sector over the next few months after a decision by President Donald Ramotar to suspend the National Assembly.

In a brief statement issued hours after the president’s announcement, the PSC expressed its disappointment over the continued absence of political compromise between Government and the Opposition.

“It is obviously not a situation conducive to a stable business environment or encouraging to business investment,” the release stated. Nevertheless, the sector remained hopeful that good sense will prevail as Guyana’s interests dominates over what it calls potentially destructive narrow political intent.

Meanwhile, prominent businessman Gerry Gouveia, in a brief comment to the Guyana Times also voiced his disappointment at the manner in which the situation played out. He noted that this is a direct result of the lack of political compromise between the legislators of the country.

However Gouveia pointed out that persons should understand that the President’s actions of proroguing Parliament is not illegal but is provided for within the Constitution. He further underscored that the President’s claim that his intention behind this decision is to facilitate dialogue with the Opposition.

As such, he hopes that this

is achieved so that Parliament can be reconvened at the earliest time possible.

The businessman called on Guyanese to comply and adhere to the rule and laws of Guyana, stressing that any other actions will result in the disruption of the economy which will in turn affect job creation and hurt the working class.

During his address to nation on Monday ahead of the first post-recess sitting of the National Assembly, President Ramotar said that he resolved to exercise his Constitutional options to either Prorogue or Dissolve Parliament, paving the way for hosting of General Elections.

“Consistent with my earlier position and in accordance with powers conferred on me by Article 70 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic

of Guyana, I earlier today issued a Proclamation proroguing the 10th Parliament,” the president stated.

Ramotar explained that his decision was not taken lightly, noting that that it was the only option he had to ensure that life of the 10th Parliament was preserved. He reassured the public that during this period of prorogation, his Government will continue to engage the parliamentary Opposition.

“It is, however, my genuine desire to have the prorogation of the 10th Parliament ended sooner were my Government and the Opposition to reach an agreement for a return to normalcy. Further were these entreaties of cooperation by my government to be unsuccessful, I would then take the necessary steps for the holding of early General Elections so that the democratic will of our people can be freely exercised,” he posited.

Only last week, President Ramotar had announced that the much anticipated Local Government Elections (LGE) will be held during the second quarter of next year. He did not state a date, explaining that it is highly dependent on ongoing discussions with GECOM on their preparedness.

The president noted that the elections body needed at least six months to prepare for the elections. However, GECOM over the past months has claimed that it is prepare for the hosting of both Local Government and General elections.

PPP/C hopes for political dialogue during prorogation

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is hoping that the combined parliamentary Opposition would use the prorogation period to engage in dialogue with Government.

With the prorogation of Parliament, sittings of the National Assembly have been discontinued for at least six months before it could be recalled.

This disclosure was made by PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee moments before President Donald Ramotar made an official announcement that Parliament had been prorogued on Monday Rohee said the move by the President remains the best option for the country. It also gives Government and the Opposition the chance to settle on issues.

“The prorogation of Parliament will provide the political space which is necessary at this time for nurturing political maturity and continued dialogue with the Opposition and the resumption of the 10th Parliament,” Rohee told Journalists at the party’s Robb Street office.

He said the party supports the view that prorogation will sustain the life of

the 10th Parliament, unlike total dissolution.

But questions were posed about the party’s and Government’s plans to convince the Opposition to hold discussions when it has already indicated that it was not interested in any further talks.

Opposition Leader David Granger had already declared that the time for talking had come to an end.

He contended that previous discussions held with the President have not left any room for further discussions, pointing out that he has exhausted his negotiations with the Head of State.

Rohee in response said

Government could only do so much, pointing out that Granger had passed up the offer for dialogue with Government, saying that he has washed his hands on any further engagement with the PPP administration.

Shut the door

“By his own statement, Granger has shut the door on political dialogue; a useful practice often used by politicians in times like these. Regrettably, Granger has resorted to strong Army militaristic means to resolve what could have been through dialogue.”

Rohee said Granger’s reference to “Armageddon and throwing down the gauntlet” leaves much to be desired, “now that he has achieved what he had set out to do after gaining the leadership post; that is to replace his leadership with ex-military personnel and others with paramilitary and gangstertype orientation that is now the reckless driving force heading the PNC…”

He related that he has been involved in trade negotiations for a number of years, pointing out that one does not always get what he wants.

“What will happen when a situation like that arises

is that the parties will have some breathing space and then return to the negotiating table. We can’t tell, we just have to create the opportunity for it to happen,” Rohee said.

He noted that his party denounces the dictatorial behaviour being portrayed by the PNC and the Alliance For Change (AFC) in the wake of the PPP/C administration’s move to utilise enshrined constitutional tools to address the current impasse in the National Assembly.

He said from all indications, the Opposition believed that it was okay for them to proceed with the NoConfidence Motion, “but it is

heresy that the PPP to utilise constitutional means at the disposal of the President to thwart the Opposition’s nefarious game plan”.

“The fact of the matter is that the President is using what is constitutionally available to him. And while the No-Confidence Motion is also a constitutional mechanism, it appears that it is okay for the Opposition to proceed with that, but not so for the Government.”

He said his party is confident that the current “dark disruptive forces” will not succeed. The correlation of social and political forces as well as the overwhelming majority of Guyanese prefers a pass that would allow for peaceful and other development of the country rather than the chaotic anarchistic role by the PNC”. In his address to the nation, President Donald Ramotar had alluded to two options available to him under the country’s Constitution.

On Monday, in a televised announcement, the Head of State declared that Parliament would be prorogued because the Opposition had refused to rescind its decision to move ahead with its No-Confidence Motion.

Crisis averted: President prorogues Parliament

BY JOMO PAUL

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

This prorogation came on the day the combined Opposition, the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) had intended to pass a Noconfidence Motion against the Ramotar-led Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

Though the move was a cause of utter vexation to the Opposition parties, President Donald Ramotar had insisted that the proclamation was made so that the Opposition would not stall development.

In an address to the nation on Monday afternoon, Ramotar said “Consistent with my earlier position and in accordance with powers conferred on me by Article 70 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana, I earlier today issued a Proclamation proroguing the 10th Parliament”.

The President also said that though the decision to prorogue the National Assembly was taken, it was not the original plan. He had hoped that his earlier warnings to the Opposition would be heeded, but instead went ahead with its anti-developmental stratagem that revolved around the NoConfidence Motion.

The President contended that his “appeals to return to normalcy, to constructively address the many important issues confronting us in Guyana, appear to have fallen on deaf ears… my decision to exercise this constitutional option was not taken lightly, but it was the sole recourse that was left to me to ensure that the life of the 10th Parliament was preserved”.

He stressed though the Opposition may run with the belief that his Executive decision was made on the basis of politics, it was not.

He further emphasised

that if the No-Confidence Motion was debated and passed, there would have been a developmental standstill and certain tensions would have arisen.

Practical choice

“Some may ask why is it that my Government has gone this Constitutional route and not go along with the debate. The answer lies in the practical choice between an atmosphere of confrontation, as the NoConfidence Motion debate would fuel or that of possible accommodation, as a prorogued Parliament can facilitate, if there is a genuine intent on all sides. I also want to assure all that my decision ensures that the life of the 10th Parliament is preserved up to a maximum of six months, as permitted by the Constitution of Guyana.”

Ramotar said he is hoping that the Opposition uses this period of time to rehash issues of national import so

that when Parliament resumes in six months, there will be a clear indication of what will happen going forward.

It should be noted too that President Ramotar has offered to end the prorogation in less than the maximum time should a consensus be arrived at between the Opposition parties and Government to return the National Assembly to a state of normalcy.

“It is, however, my genuine desire to have the prorogation of the 10th Parliament ended sooner were my Government and the Opposition to reach an agreement for a return to normalcy. Further, were these entreaties of cooperation by my Government to be unsuccessful, I would then take the necessary steps for the holding of early General Elections so that the democratic will of our people can be freely exercised.”

On Sunday, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr

Roger Luncheon stressed that more talks were needed as well as more time by the political leaders and proroguing Parliament could actually lead to a solution being found.

Over the past weekend, Government Ministers and Parliamentarians from the ruling PPP/C administration stood in unity with President Donald Ramotar as they explained a series of well-coordinated programmes, the rationale and intent of his decision.

Monday’s sitting of the National Assembly will mark its first post-recess meeting after a period of confusion by the Opposition and the Speaker about who is empowered according to the Standing Orders of Parliament to set the date for the meeting.

APNU and AFC have also been meeting with the public at various forums over the weekend with the aim of rallying more support for their unpopular decision to bring down the Government via the NoConfidence Motion.

In fact, both Opposition parties have agreed to suspend the Standing Orders to allow the No-Confidence Motion to be discussed first as a matter of priority, ahead of a set of critical bills related to Government’s business.

The AFC and APNU have also been meeting to strategise their collective actions to avoid and block attempts by the Government in Parliament to suppress the motion for a more constructive approach.

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

Prorogation

Today, for the first time since Independence, Parliament was "prorogued". Since June of this year, the populace has been educated to the nuances of the Parliamentary "No-Confidence" Motion through its introduction by the AFC and supported by APNU. It is clear that Guyanese will have to become familiar with this other, somewhat arcane, practice of Parliament, and this editorial is a preliminary to contribute to this objective.

Very simply, the prorogation of a Parliament results in the termination of a session of that Parliament and its principal effect is to put an end to all its unfinished business. The latter "dies" on the Order Paper, while none of the Committees that might be considering other business can sit during the period of the prorogation.

All business will have to be reintroduced as if they never existed during the next session. In Canada, however, where there have been several recent instances of prorogation, their legislature has given unanimous consent to a motion to reinstate a bill in a new session at the same stage it had reached before prorogation. The President may consider offering this option to the Opposition.

As can be inferred from the above, the severe repercussions of a prorogation should force all concerned that it should be exercised lightly. In the Westminster Parliamentary system that we have inherited from the British, the powers of Parliament gradually expanded by assuming prerogatives that were once solely at the discretion of the Monarch.

However three have remained with the Head of State in most Commonwealth jurisdictions – “prorogation”; “dissolution”, which ends the Parliament altogether, thus requiring an election; and summoning a new “Parliament” or session.

These prerogatives were retained in our Constitution when it was drastically revised in 1999-2000 after nationwide consultations and recommendations and then unanimously approved by the PPP/C, PNC and other smaller parties such as the WPA during that Parliament. The power to prorogue must have been retained for a purpose: the very purpose, in fact, which President Ramotar is seeking to achieve.

Faced with the Opposition totally unwilling to consider passing even Bills such as the AML/CFT, or the Telecommunications Bill to deregulate the vitally important ICT area, while insisting on their No-Confidence Bill that would dissolve Parliament and plunge the country into immediate elections, the President has provided a breathing space in which hopefully saner, more patriotic voices may prevail. Voices that would speak up on behalf of Guyana's development, rather than for narrow partisan political interests.

Our maximum period of prorogation is six months and while technically the President can summon Parliament at the end of that period to prorogue it again, this we believe would go against the spirit of why the prerogative was retained. We are heartened by the President's announcement that he would be willing to summon Parliament even before the six months if the Opposition would work together with him on some concrete objectives for the development of the country.

We would like to suggest to the President that he announces the objectives he is shooting to achieve in six months very clearly and challenge the Opposition to cooperate on this minimum programme. We would also suggest that the President commit to elections, latest at the end of the six month period, whether or not the Opposition cooperates. This certitude of plans for the next half year is imperative to instill confidence in the minds of the citizenry that will most likely be bombarded by all sorts of Opposition scare tactics starting from tonight.

The leader of APNU said he is "enraged" at the President use of his prerogative: yet he was totally sanguine about the AFC's No-Confidence Motion, which in fact he promised to support. While the latter motion would have totally dissolved the Parliamentary process and plunged the country into new elections, the President's path at least offers an opportunity for completing the present parliamentary agenda.

Loudest complainers for the public not the most anxious for its welfare

Dear Editor,

This letter is in response to Barrington Braithwaite’s. What does the lion say to his friends before they go out hunting for food? – “Let us prey!”

Cartoonist Barrington Braithwaite of ACDA, and an open PNC supporter, is very bothered why convicts are jailed for violating the laws of Guyana. A Magistrate who sentenced “two persons, including a teenager to six months’ jail for leaving Guyana illegally” has drawn fire and brimstone from the cartoonist and Freddie Kissoon.

The cartoonist’s protest was registered on November 7 titled, “Has this Magistrate evaluated how six months in prison can transform someone?” The outspoken Mr Braithwaite wants to know how can a Magistrate know all this and still sentence citizens for attempting to leave the country illegally. “This is unthinkable in the Guyanese context,” he wrote.

Philosopher Edmund Burke did caution that: “It is a general popular error to suppose the loudest complainers for the public to be the most anxious for its welfare.”

Either both Mr Kissoon and Mr Braithwaite have lost their minds or all Guyanese are in-

sane and these two are not.

Guyana’s biggest problems are unemployment, crime and racial prejudice; maybe a lot more. Either law enforcement by the Police, courts and Home Affairs Ministry are trending to better job performance, or they are not.

Why do both Afrocentric experts find fault with the upholding of law and order? How quickly they impugn the justice system which is by no means perfect.

To realistically expect any co-joined power sharing to become, as he wrote, “the answer to the tragic artificial social problems created by the (note well) intentional mismanagement of the economy by the PPP/C Government” and effectively serve as the ultimate do-all, end-all “cure” of Guyana’s political problems is outright fantasy.

Both Mr Braithwaite and Mr Kissoon could not care less who are outright troubled by what they advocate and advertise. Most alarming is their outrageous belief that any violation of the law should not be punished.

What is extremely frightening is Mr Braithwaite’s outlandish admission that it “seemed not to resonate as it should, among those who are allowed to think independently”. Are we expected to believe

all others who disagree must change for them?

Because of Guyana’s democracy and press freedom, both are privileged and “allowed to think independently” with freedom of speech guaranteed, to advertise anarchy.

'What freedom of speech does not allow is forcefully shoving such perversions which impose and expand their superfecund mayhem onto the tired and poor yearning to breathe free.

What is pitifully wrong in Guyana is how “unthinkable” fanaticism evidently thrives among some in our midst.

Burke’s admonition that “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing” has never been so relevant, as it is an urgent clarion call for interventional sanity. With absolutely no legal qualifications, Mr Braithwaite wants to know: Has this learned Magistrate evaluated how six months in prison can transform someone?”

Mr Braithwaite’s bleeding heart would insist that the rights of the convicted should trump the rights of all others. For Mr Braithwaite to play prosecutor, magistrate and defence lawyer, all combined, when he actually wrote “couldn’t a fine have more suited the transgression or

even some mandatory community service”, tells more than he realises about his presumptuous empowerment to lecture the judiciary.

Whether it was an alternative, it was the Magistrate’s prerogative, not his. Mr Braithwaite actually reminded us that a crime report on August 15 also “stated that our jobless (population) between 18-25 years old compose the bulk of our law breakers, that is our criminal population”.

The PNC’s solution is to feed, clothe and house them all over again within National Service. What will that produce for consumption or export? How are those when convicted capable of paying a fine to avoid imprisonment?

Where accord exists between Guyanese is contained in Mr Braithwaite’s singular observation: “We (Guyanese) have in 2014 sunk to the lowest as an independent nation.”

Thirty years after George Orwell’s 1984 (1984-2014) what he wrote is so true. “War is peace”, “anarchy is order”, “lies are truth”, “extremist is pacifism”, and “craziness is sanity”; all best witnessed in Guyana.

Thank you, Sultan Mohamed

It is the combined Opposition’s mistaken belief

Dear Editor,

The combined Opposition, led by the AFC, was on a Noconfidence mode and they were very enthusiastic about it. It was their mistaken belief that with the No-Confidence Vote, there would have been an automatic “expulsion” from office of the ruling party.

They are of the opinion that No-Confidence means an immediate end to the PPP/C Party. This Anansi story has never occurred anywhere in the civilised world and most certainly cannot happen here.

So, I do not know who gave Moses Nagamootoo that bright idea. Nevertheless, we could not take their threat as idleness, because as we speak con-

sultations have been held with a superpower to overthrow the Government and seize power by force.

I say no more on this issue until such time when I will unveil that plan. First and foremost is the fact that being a minority party, that is the AFC, trailing in the rear with seven seats, how can they command a majority and take hold of the Government?

They cannot accomplish this extraordinary act of accomplishment alone; hence, their many backstreet discussions as to the way forward. The question is, how could we navigate our way through this?

How could we AFC and

PNC/APNU be accommodating of each other without some degree of confusion being generated out of it all? This is the plight of these two over-ambitious, rabidly obsessed, power hungry parties. This is the real issue.

And if this is not enough, they have the electorate with whom they have to contend with, these are the real people whom they have to get their votes. The people of this great country are not convinced that either of the two is capable of governing this nation.

Firstly, the PNC (APNU) which ruled for 28 unbroken years in which we were levelled to the ground and made a mocking-stock to the en-

tire world. The misery, the suppression of our freedoms among other ghastly deeds of that party. These are the things the electorate has uppermost in their minds and I dare say wouldn’t be so stupid to allow to happen again.

So we are left with a tiny minority group called the AFC who are piggy-backing on the likes of a despicable PNC/ APNU. They too want to rule this part of the world. But that piggy-back operation of theirs angers the people, and come next election they will pay dearly for it.

Sincerely, Neil Adams

Respect, acceptance for tolerance and culture

Dear Editor,

It is interesting to learn that Keith Burrowes in his column in another newspaper envisages the cultural movement in Guyana. I would like to point out to Burrowes that culture is used broadly but understood vaguely.

I think Mr Burrowes is talking and thinking about the culture of inter-marriage. Inter-marriage will destroy all culture of human existence. Their values and morals will be of a low standard, and they have to develop a different culture that calls for tolerance.

By looking at African and Indian movies, Mr Burrowes will never get any clear insight of their religious culture. What type of culture Mr Burrowes believe or understand?

Culture is a development, of the environment routine activities in a community of people. It is considered to be the basis of individual behaviour in diverse circumstances. Culture is very closely associated with civilisation.

However, the two terms are distinct and different from each other and cannot

be used interchangeably. A special aspect of a high culture can be termed civilisation. If people desire to be benefited by society, it is imperative that they care equally for the benefits others receive from them.

According to Hinduism/ Sanatana Dharma, cultural practices, leads us to the supreme Lord by putting it into practice. It is a spiritual connection to realised God.

Civilisation is related to the broad etiquette and style of living. Culture can be transmitted only among people possessing a similar attitude. Culture brings beauty and civilisation brings utility.

What benefit society can gain culturally by looking at movies? Movies are dangerous to everyone’s culture. Burrowes should know that kids must not be allowed to look at certain type of movies.

Prior to Guyana’s Independence, we had a peaceful way of living culturally. The Hindu Guyanese was labouring in the field planting rice and sugar cane, the Afro Guyanese were Christians taking all the teaching and civil ser-

vice jobs. You had to be Christians to get those jobs. Everyone was happy doing what they were doing and have to do.

When Jagan and Burnham went to England for Independence, they came back with Proportional Representation or no Independence. Burnham was bought out; Burnham betrayed the trust of Guyana.

This brought a change to society, culture and tolerance. What culture and tolerance you are talking about, Burrowes? The Hindu people have that culture and tolerance. They bear the burden of this country on to now.

Burnham’s PNC gave all the African Guyanese white-collar jobs, regardless of qualifications. They still own most of the top jobs which they inherited from the Burnham Government.

Hindus are being robbed and killed on a daily basis since 1964. The 1964 racial crisis allowed the Hindus to build their own schools in their areas and gave teaching jobs to Hindus. At that time these schools were the best in the country.

There is still a racial imbalance in the country. Mr Burrowes, in a good Hindu house, the wife/mother is given the responsibilities to take care of the home and built that culture and must have tolerance – this is embedded in a Hindu life.

In regards to African Guyanese, cultural tolerance is needed and yet to develop. When I was in South Africa, I was told that Africans ( Zulu) do not want to work. I tried to get an idea about African culture in South Africa but nothing to get from them (Zulu). They claim they are hunters and that is what they know. But in changing times, in Guyana, Hindus and Africans learned to live, adopt and bring their culture with them to the outside world.

Sanatana Dharama/ Hinduism is the only universal religion in the world, which is millions of years old. Over the thousands of years, European and others, archaeologist, surveyors, philosophers and modern scholars, travelled to India to investigate India, and only found records for about 5000 years ago about

Ancient India.

NASA reported that their aerial photo showed that the handmade bridge between Sri Lanka and India is 1.1 million years old, which is from the Ramayan Bridge, built by Bhagwan Hanuman.

Sanatana Dharama, as mentioned by Mr Burrowes’ articles, was originated by the Hindu Rishies from Bhagwan Omkar, the Cosmic Energy, which produces the Vedas and the Vedic Dharma. Culture, civilisation and everything are in there to learn.

While India carries with it many traditions, it has managed to retain the secular character of its polity, while in many countries especially from the Third World, a secular authority has crumbled in face of conflicting traditions.

The Hindu religion is unique in the sense that it is the only surviving major religion today that has retained a continuous link with its hazy origins in antiquity.

Hinduism has no founder, no code of belief, it never had any religious organisation that wielded temporal power over its followers. Sanatana

means continuing. The religions of the Mesopotamians, ancient Greeks and Romans were similar to Hinduism. But they were replaced by Christianity and Islam.

Sanatana Dharama (Hinduism) is a store-house of tolerance and culture. It is stated in the Rig Veda that: “The truth is one but sages call it by different names”.

Consistent with this tradition, India through Sanatana Dharma is a secular country even though it was divided partitioning on religious lines.

Traditionally, Hindus showed their intolerance by withdrawing and avoiding contact with those whom they held in contempt, instead of using violence and aggression to strike fear in their heart.

Hinduism is the only religion in the world which showed remarkable tolerance towards other religions in difficult times and under testing conditions.

Again, Mr Burrowes, culture is used broadly but understood vaguely.

Sincerely, S N Singh Florida, USA

How alienated are Indo Fijians to Afro Guyanese in their own country?

Dear Editor,

Dr Henry Jeffrey in his column on October 29 titled, “Fiji and Guyana: No peace in the context of ethnic alienation”, is on a weird copycat journey of the resolution of Fiji problems for Guyana.

His analysis is extremely lopsided and falling down. The only issue that is common in Fiji and Guyana is that both countries’ bureaucracy actively marginalises their opponents. Can peace prevail when a large ethnic group is alienated from their country’s Government?

After this single commonality, all other things fall apart. The native Fijians are the original inhabitants, while Indo Fijians are the descendants of indentured servants. The native Fijians totally stock and control the Fijian bureaucracy, inclusive of the armed forces.

Guyana’s native Amerindians are its original inhabitants. All others are descendants of either African slaves, indentured servants of Portuguese, Chinese and of course Indian extraction. So what entitles one over the other to the exclusion of the Amerindians?

By Jeffrey’s fantasy, the original native should be dominant. Would Jeffrey be willing to concede that our Amerindian population should totally replace Afro Guyanese in the civil service and armed forces? He is most welcome to do so.

But he cannot speak for anyone else, as he has no empowering mandate. In fact, even if Jeffrey were to concede that Amerindians must

supplant Afro Guyanese descendants, by what authority will he implement it?

What is accurate for Fiji absolutely does not apply In Guyana. Why? Guyana’s bureaucracy is overwhelmingly Black by their dominance in the civil service and armed forces.

In Fiji, the original natives currently make up the armed forces, the civil service and the Government. Democracy has previously allowed Indo Fijians to form the Government, but this has not been acceptable to the military. They have overthrown every democratically elected Indo Fijian Government.

What Jeffrey knows, but is timid to acknowledge, is that many Afro and Indo Guyanese advocates are convinced their economic, cultural and political interests are not adequately served by the other.

Whether Jeffrey prefers Guyana to be partitioned along racial lines as per Eusi Kwayana’s brainchild, or other more realistic alternatives, I will not await his input. As far as Guyana is concerned, some form of federalism can be the solution for ethnic political Government accommodation.

Guyanese will still be citizens of the same country. Shared Government is a recipe for more intense Government deadlock disasters.

The current Opposition majority can cripple the entire country democratically and bring the Government down, as is likely to hap-

pen. With the current native Fijian military Government, Indo Fijians have no input in its operations.

The Indo Fijian’s prescribed role is to be spectators playing a supporting role. Fijian Indians cannot legally own land. When land leases are granted by the native chiefs, they are just minimal, that is, five or ten years. Indians, therefore, cannot build or invest in the country’s long-term economic expansion.

The choice for Indo Fijians is either to remain in private business or immigrate overseas. In Guyana, Blacks are not forced to leave at all by the predominantly Indo Guyanese PPP/C Government. They are actively encouraged to own as much land as possible and diversify into private enterprise.

When one examines Black Governments in Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname in comparison to the native Fijian Governments, the political similarities of discrimination are most evident.

Caribbean Black Governments actively institutionalised race-based politics in personnel recruitment. In effect, they stunted and many cases destroyed the economies of these countries.

Trinidad’s Black-based PNM Government purposefully gerrymandered the electoral boundaries to rig all elections after coming to power by one seat in 1956. They effectively ruled Trinidad for some 40 continuous years. That ex-

tra seat which they got in 1956 came primarily from Indian Presbyterian and Muslim Trinidadian voters.

Indo Trinidadians’ wake-up call came after Trinidad’s Governor General Sir Clarence Ellis bluntly told the PNM’s Kamaluddin Mohamed that he could not be appointed as Prime Minister to succeed Dr Eric Williams, because “Trinidad was not ready for an Indian Prime Minister”. Guyana’s Black based PNC rigging of elections is now history. While they stacked Guyana’s armed forces and civil service against Indians, it has been

repeatedly challenged. The same Black discrimination against Indians is accurate for Surname.

In Fiji, its Indian population is again seeking political representation by supporting the native military Government. The military leadership promised them racial and cultural security as long as they do not seek political power.

Where Jeffrey is critically in wonderland is the reality that Blacks in Guyana do not face the same political and economic exclusion as Indians in Fiji. However, I readily concede that Guyana cannot continue in racial

harmony with Indians or Blacks both feeling politically marginalised.

How they provide reassurances to each other is the question on the front burner. What Guyana needs is to rapidly move away from centralised power, which will satisfy all ethnic political players to transfer to federalism.

Guyana is made up of more than six races who are expecting to get their own niche. It will begin sooner, but not later.

Sincerely, Vassan Ramracha

Page Foundation

Ebola questions and answers

Has the first patient to become sick in this outbreak, known as “patient zero” been identified?

Reports in the medical literature and elsewhere have attempted to identify the patient who might have been the initial person infected in the West Africa Ebola outbreak. It’s important for CDC to learn as much as it can about the source and initial spread of any outbreak.

With regard to the West Africa Ebola outbreak, tracing the lineage of how Ebola has spread thus far can help CDC apply that knowledge toward better prevention and care techniques. The knowledge gained in this work might entail details about specific patients. CDC generally refrains, however, from identifying particular patients in any aspect of an outbreak.

Why don’t we restrict travel?

CDC does not recommend stopping travel from countries with Ebola outbreaks. Travel restrictions balance the public health risk to others, the rights of individuals, and the impact of the recommendations on the welfare of the countries with Ebola outbreaks. They are based on the least restrictive means necessary to protect the public’s health. The key to controlling this epidemic is to focus on stopping the spread at its source, and international

humanitarian assistance must continue.

Every day, CDC works closely with partners at US international airports and other ports of entry to look for sick travellers with possible infectious diseases. CDC and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are now conducting enhanced entry screening of travellers who have travelled from or through Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Active postarrival monitoring means that health officials maintain daily contact all travellers from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone for 21 days following their last date of exposure to Ebola.

Post-arrival monitoring is an added safeguard that complements existing exit screening protocols, which require all outbound passengers from the affected West African countries to be screened for fever.

On October 27, CDC released Interim Guidance for Monitoring and Movement

of Persons with Potential Ebola Virus Exposure. This updated guidance focuses on strengthening monitoring of people potentially exposed to Ebola and for evaluating their intended travel, including the application of movement restrictions when indicated. This interim guidance has been updated by establishing a “low (but not zero) risk” category; adding a “no identifiable risk” category; modifying the recommended public health actions in the high, some, and low (but not zero) risk categories; and adding recommendations for specific groups and

Through these changes, CDC and state and local health departments seek to support people who may have been exposed to Ebola, while also continuing to stop Ebola at its source in West Africa through the valour of our healthcare workers who serve. These changes will help ensure any symptoms they might develop are monitored and a system is in place to quickly recognise when they need to be routed to care. (Excerpt from CDC)

Teen temper tantrums: 3 steps to stop the screaming

You thought “The Terrible Twos” were bad. Now you’re dealing with “The Terrible 13s,” and it’s just as bad, if not worse.

When you ask your child to help around the house, enquire about school or say no to something they want to do, your teen explodes. When she was two, she cried, kicked and screamed on the floor. At 13, she’s yelling, slamming doors, storming out of the house and screaming, “You can’t control me!”

The key to stopping your teen’s outbursts is to teach him about his ability to influence— specifically how he can have positive influence on you and other adults that will win him more freedom and less supervision.

Why don’t tantrums go away?

To understand the “why” behind teenage temper tantrums, it’s important to recognise two of the normal aspects of adolescence: self-centredness and entitlement. Teens have a strong desire to advocate for themselves because at this age, their world revolves around them and their needs. They also feel entitled to get those needs met. When needing to make a decision, many teens think they don’t need to consult their parents. They want maximum freedom: no parental input and minimal parental supervision. This is a normal part of adolescence.

daily: the status of their peer relationships and the impact of peer pressure. Research shows that one of the biggest stressors in adolescent life is the quality of peer relationships. The ways in which teens respond to the status of their peer relationships, and to peer pressure, often greatly affect how they regulate their moods. When those relationships are going well, teens are easier to get along with. When they’re going badly, kids get stirred up,

unreasonable you’ll never give him any control over his own life. In reality, you’d probably give him more control if you felt you could trust him to make good decisions.

You can give your teen more control by using these three steps. But before you take the first step, realise that the solution to teen tantrums does not happen when one is in progress. It happens when things are calm and no one is confrontational.

doors get slammed, and you get called foul names.

When teens are being disrespectful and screaming, parents often don’t think about these other stressors. You have to ask yourself, what is this fight or tantrum really about? Is it really about the fact that he doesn’t want to clean his room, or is there some other stressor triggering this behaviour?

How to stop tantrums: positive and negative influence

Then add in the stressors that cause teens to worry

If you look at a tantrum in progress, you’ll likely see a teen who looks out of control and who believes you’re so

Teach your teen the difference between positive and negative influence When trust exists in your relationship with your teen, she has plenty of positive influence with you. You have confidence in her; therefore, you’re more confident about pulling back on supervision. Your teenager may not realise how much influence she has with you, and how she erodes it by doing things that destroy trust.

For example: You tell your 14-year-old daughter that she can’t go to a party on Friday night because you don’t know if any adults will be present, and you suspect kids will be drinking. If your daughter screams, “You’re an idiot” and locks herself in her room, it does more than make you angry; it erodes trust and her ability to influence you in a positive way because she’s reacting with disproportionate emotion. When teens are able to accept “no” for an answer and not make a federal case out of it, it builds trust and positive influence with parents. You can role play what that looks like with your teen. Let’s go back to the party scenario. After the blow-up has blown over, you can show her a better way to respond that gives her influence. For example: “Mom, I’m really angry and disappointed that you’re not letting me do this. But I want you to know that even though I’m angry, I’m going to follow the rules. I hope at some point you’ll reconsider.”

When kids manage emotion gracefully and honestly like this, it has huge positive influence with parents. Also, as you teach the difference between positive and negative influence—and manage your own emotions in a calm and reasonable way— you’re modelling the behaviour you want to see in your teen.

Look for what’s legitimate in what your child wants and coach them on their strategy for getting it Often when your teen is acting out, beneath the outburst is something legitimate that he wants. But the way he’s going about it is completely inappropriate. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

APNU/AFC supporters protest over prorogation of Parliament

– leaders say

By Jomo Paul

As President Donald Ramotar on Monday issued a proclamation order which effectively led to the prorogation of the National Assembly, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) supporters converged in front of Parliament Building in a hyped protest against the President’s executive decision.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene of the protest, some protesters had stormed through the police barricades at Parliament Building as they joined other APNU/AFC supporters calling for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP\C) Government to step down.

The protest, which continued for well over three hours, saw about 250 APNU protesters parading on Brickdam in front of the National Assembly. Some of the protesters were prevented from going in front of the Parliament after Police Officers reinforced the cordoned-off areas.

It must be noted that there was a heightened Police presence at the protest as the Guyana Police Force took precautions for the worst eventuality. Further, parliamen-

more ahead

prevailed and the protest remained peaceful. Meanwhile, the growing group of protesters surged forward to greet AFC Parliamentarians Moses Nagamootoo, Nigel Hughes, Cathy Hughes, Trevor Williams, Dominic Gaskin and General Secretary

“Ramotar has dissed the Parliament”. According to Nagamootoo, “dialogue cannot take place with a dagger to Parliament’s throat”.

In fact, Nagamootoo contended the President’s moves come strictly because the PPP\C was afraid of a general election and the

tary guards took added steps to ensure the integrity of Parliament Building against the protesters who appeared to be extremely agitated by the President’s decision.

Some of the protesters could be heard hurling remarks such as “we here and we vex, wuh we doing, wuh we doing, we going down the streets” and other remarks such as “shut down the town” all in a distasteful attempt to create a ruckus.

Nonetheless, good sense

David Patterson.

AFC Vice Chairman and presidential hopeful Nagamootoo told the protesters that while he had seen proclamations that Monday was “D-Day”, it was not. In fact, he said that it was a “day of infamy and shame”, labelling the prorogation proclamation as “bizarre”.

Nagamootoo further contended that with the issuance of the prorogation proclamation, President

Party wanted to use the six months to do as it pleased with the Guyana’s treasury.

The AFC Vice Chairman urged a “vibrant people’s struggle to take the People’s Parliament back.”

When asked what was the way forward, Nagamootoo said that “everybody eventually bows to the wishes of the people”, contending that protests should not be ruled out as a form of outcry against the suspension of the Parliament.

Meanwhile, shortly after a special parliamentary Opposition meeting convened by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, APNU Co-Chair, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine told protesters to brace themselves for more protests in the coming days. Roopnaraine contended that “democracy is alive and well here on the streets. Democracy died a little today in that place behind us”.

While the supporters of APNU and the AFC continued their demonstrations, business continued as normal in all other parts of the capital city with a large portion of citizens seemingly disinterested in the scene being caused by the two Opposition groups and their agents.

EU recruits experts to support capacity building within GECOM

The European Union has recruited two experts to support the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in its capacity building exercises.

According to a release, the initiative was undertaken as a result of a request by GECOM and the Government of Guyana. The experts are an International Technical Assessor (ITA) and an Information Communication Technology Specialist (ICTS). They are being funded through the EU-Guyana Technical Cooperation Facility.

Both experts were selected based upon their profound experience in their respective specialised areas. The evaluation panel included GECOM’s Deputy Commissioners representing the various political parties. Both experts have done work internationally including assignments within the Caribbean.

The ITA, Alexander Grey, has been engaged in some 30 technical

assistance and election observation missions as he worked along with and for Election Management Bodies around the world. He is expected to advise GECOM in compliance with and further streamlining of international standards for elections.

The United Kingdom (UK) specialist will also be assisting the Commission and its staff in adopting good practices as they prepare for and conduct future elections.

On the other hand, Daniel Piret specialises in providing ICT consultancy on governance and elections and has been doing so for the past four decades. He will be taking up responsibility for the provision technical assistance to GECOM’s Information Technology Department.

This assistance includes critical analysis of the systems and operating procedures within the various departments of GECOM. The Belgium ICT expert has also been tasked with recommending the most suitable

computer programmes and systems. The two specialists were recruited for a maximum of 119 days. They were welcomed on Monday by GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally and the EU Ambassador to Guyana, Robert Kopecký. According to EU, this specific form of support to GECOM is part of a longterm partnership of Guyana and the EU, while making it lucid that it has no direct bearings to the current political developments in the country.

President Donald Ramotar last week announced that the muchanticipated Local Government Elections (LGE) will be held during the second quarter of next year. He did not state a date, explaining that it was highly dependent on ongoing discussions with GECOM on their preparedness. The President noted that the elections body needed at least six months to prepare for the elections.

AC Technician gets $250,000 bail for Mocha accident

The driver who struck the mother of the four killed along the Mocha Public Road, East Bank Demerara on Friday was brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine- Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.

The defendant, Delroy Welford, entered a notguilty plea to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving after the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied upon request by Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru. It was alleged that on November 7 at Mocha Access Road, Welford drove motor vehicle PPP 9521, in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Carol Stephens- Dawson, 44. Welford was represented by defence counsel who told the court that his client was an air conditioning technician who resides at Lot 77 Quamina Road, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. He noted that Welford has been in Police custody since the ac-

cident, assisting them with the necessary investigation.

The court heard that on the day in question, the defendant was driving North along the access road at a fast pace while the Virtual Complainant (VC) was walking along the edge of the road. Welford told the Police that a vehicle was approaching in the opposite direction with bright lights which

blinded him, causing him to swerve and hit the woman. The defendant picked up the VC and took her to the hospital.

According to information received by Guyana Times, the 44-year-old victim who resided at Barnwell North, Mocha Village, was walking aimlessly in the middle of the road in the vicinity of the Fourth Bridge when she was struck. StephensDawson was tossed into the air by the impact of the crash and landed in a nearby trench, this publication was told. Due to the darkness of the area at that time, it took several minutes to find the woman among the bushes.

She was subsequently rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where she was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical attention, but died on her way to the institution. She reportedly sustained injuries to the head and several broken bones. The woman leaves to mourn her four children, mother and four siblings.

Welford was granted bail in the sum of $250,000 on the conditions he lodges his passport and reports to the Providence Police Station every Friday.

His matter is set to be called again on November 24 before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Eyew tness Cleaning up...

...the Green muck??

We aren’t surprised that now he’s turned 80, Hamilton Green’s seeking to rehabilitate his image. As fellas get closer to the hereafter, they get anxious about where they’re heading. Especially those who don’t look forward to stoking fires for the rest of eternity in that place that reeks of sulphur.

While nothing happening up here’ll change their appointment with the horned fella in red tights, they want to leave “a good name”.

But while we understand Green’s motive, what’s the excuse of the state newspaper for writing a hagiography – that’s the writing of the lives of saints!! – for the old Burnham-thug?? We know the present generation’s used to Green being routinely bitch-slapped by several female Town Clerks and might be raising their eyebrows right now.

But all it means is that “time longer than twine”. And Green, the mere mention of whose name once caused grown men to pee in their pants, is nothing but a toothless poodle. But it also shows the dangers of putting power in the hands of men like Green – who’re bereft of any redeeming qualities. Don’t be surprised when they just abuse their position just to prove their manhood.

Green’s claim to fame was dropping hints – wink! wink! – that he was “Burnham’s nephew” – but it was actually his willingness to do Burnham’s dirty deeds during his treacherous climb to power. But Green didn’t stop then. In 1974, it was he on the UG Council who blocked Dr Walter Rodney’s appointment to teach. It was he who coordinated his “condign” beatings of demonstrators against the dictatorship, with the House of Israel.

But when you start doing dirty things, it inevitably percolates into your psyche. And this it did with Green –in spades. What’s the point of talking about giving some cricket gear to Chanderpaul, when in the same breath Green denies he had anything to do with the death of his wife – the brilliant and beautiful - Shirley Field-Ridley. To glimpse her qualities you only have to know that she was Minister of Education under Burnham.

A lot of people believe that Hoyte got rid of Green from the party because of the latter’s insatiable ambition. Maybe. But it also had to do with Hoyte’s certainty that Green’s hands were stained with the blood of his wife.

That alone will make him burn in hell!!

...the Opposition’s mess

Well, you have to take your hat off to President Ramotar. Rather than prolonging the agony of Guyanese he announced quite early in the day – just when your Eyewitness was putting together this piece, as a matter of fact – he’d prorogued Parliament. And gave some rather compelling reasons for doing so. Now there can’t be a Guyanese out there – on both sides of the aisles – who didn’t see that the Opposition’s been chomping at the bit for a fight with the Government.

Now even though the President clearly explained that the prorogation offers all the parties a chance to simmer down and work for the good of Guyana outside Parliament – where everyone seems compelled to score points, APNU and AFC still ended up trying to create mayhem outside the Public Buildings.

As we have emphasised before, three years into the Ramotar Administration, the Opposition’s made it clear it doesn’t intend to let him complete his full term of office. Nagamootoo and Ramjattan, especially, have never accepted the legitimacy of the President. Sadly, it’s all about sour grapes. They’ll burn in hell too!

...Muckraker’s gutter language?

Minister Manickchand berated the Muckraker for calling “a female public officer...a whore”. The rag insisted they never used that word. Well, what about when they named the public officer a “night nurse” ... who...”had nothing to doing wid sick people and provided comfort fuh lonely seamen in de night”??

Isn’t like quibbling over whether a “backtracker” is doing “human trafficking”??

tuesday, november 11, 2014

Pensioner found dead in WBD home

Apensioner was on Monday morning found dead, bounded and gagged in his home at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD) about 06:30h.

The dead man was identified as Claude Class, 79, of Samaroo Street, Pouderoyen.

According to reports received, the man was found motionless on the floor of the old wooden house with a piece of cloth tied to his mouth and his hands tied behind his back with a piece of cable.

His house was also ransacked. Police are working with the theory that the man was strangled to death during a robbery.

They could not confirm if anything was taken from the man’s house since he lived alone. The discovery was made by one of the man’s friends who went to visit him.

When Guyana Times visited the man’s home on Monday evening, the front door was wide open and there were signs of clothes and other items scattered inside.

The surroundings are quite bushy; hence, persons in the neighbourhood could not have detected any unusual movements during the night.

From information gathered, the man was last seen on Sunday evening sitting

on his platform as he called out to persons traversing the area.

One man recalled that every time he passed the house, Class would call out to him in a heavy voice.

He stated that he was shocked upon learning of his demise, claiming that Class never troubled anyone in the area. The man further stated that whoever committed the act was heartless.

Another man who resides in the area stated that he attended the SeventhDay Adventist Church in the community and after he found his church burglarised, he went to the station to make a complaint and it was then he learnt of the unfortunate death of Class.

He, too, stated that Class would walk the roads without troubling anyone and thought that it had to

“Bleach-laced” beverage victim released from hospital

After being admitted to the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital for consuming what she believes was a “bleach-laced” beverage, Shelly Gomes was on Saturday released from hospital.

According to her family, Gomes purchased the drink at the Rose Bud Cafeteria in Fogarty’s on Friday around 09:20h, and almost immediately after, she consumed it.

Gomes was admitted to the hospital in critical condition after she consumed the substance.

Her mother indicated that the family was awaiting results to confirm the identity of the substance her daughter consumed. She said the doctors will call them as soon as the results are known.

Additionally, Gomes’ mother stated that the bottle with the remaining beverage is with the Police for testing.

A family member disclosed that the Police only made contact with them to get a statement from Gomes, but did not update them on the investigations.

It was also revealed that

Banks DIH Limited made contact with the family, but they (the family) were unwilling to relate the contents of the conversation.

Gomes’ mother stated that she would not disclose any other information until she was advised by her Attorney.

Nevertheless, a source told this newspaper that Gomes just wants compensation for her hospital bills. When Guyana Times visited the hospital on the morning of the incident, Gomes’ father was very aggressive in demanding an explanation for what occurred.

Sources at the Rose Bud Cafeteria revealed that the batch of beverages was bought directly from Banks DIH Limited.

Several attempts were made to contact William Fogarty Limited Managing Director and Consultant Oscar Phillips to confirm this statement, but he was not in office.

Observers are left to wonder whether the drink in question was expired, how long ago the batch was purchased, and what of the others in the batch.

have been some mischievous guys who would normally ‘smoke’ who might have committed the act.

He stated that Class had three children, but would not allow them in his house at any given time.

“He always accuses people that if they go in his house they would thief his money so due to that his relatives hardly visit him,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Police have questioned several persons around the area but came up empty-handed. They are continuing their investigation. The man leaves to mourn his three children and grandchildren.

His body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home and is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Taxi driver remanded for gold chain theft

Forty-three-year-old

Gregory House was brought before the Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a simple larceny charge.

It is alleged that on November 8, at Georgetown, he robbed Virtual Complainant (VC) Natasha Sheriff of one gold chain valued $65,000 to which he pleaded not guilty.

The court heard that on the day of the incident, around 14:45h, the VC was walking along when the defendant approached and snatched the chain from her and ran away. However, he was unable to run far , since the VC raised an alarm.

Persons nearby assisted in nabbing the defendant, of Lot 60 Red Rose Street, Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, and awaited the arrival of the Police.

When the Police came, the defendant was told of the offence, arrested and taken to the station.

The defendant was represented by Attorney-atLaw Paul Fung-A-Fat who made an application for bail. The Attorney noted that his client has a wife and four children and operates a hire car. He also said that his client had no pending or prior matters in the court.

However, the Police Prosecutor, Bharat Mangru pointed out that the defendant was convicted of a similar matter and also has a matter before Magistrate Faith McGusty. With this, he objected to bail, citing the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence as well as the defendant’s pending matters.

House was remanded to prison until November 28 when he will reappear before Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Ramjattan accused of inciting violence after prorogation of Parliament

B y M ichael y ounge

Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader

Khemraj Ramjattan on Monday warned Government that President Donald Ramotar’s decision to prorogue or suspend sittings of the National Assembly could result in a violent reaction from people within society who are frustrated.

This is the second time Ramjattan is on record as sending this much more than subliminal message to the Executive.

He is quoted in another section of the media earlier on Monday as saying that he hopes that “all hell does not break lose in the streets before that time by the frustrated masses spontaneously reacting to the PPP/C’s lawlessness.

The PPP/C is provoking protests…”

Speaking during a short event held at the Public Buildings where the Speaker made the announcement, Ramjattan called the actions of the ruling Government “evil” and announced that his party will not be part of any talks with the PPP under duress.

Provocative talk

“They are playing with violence,” he warned during his speech before going on to say that “they want to provoke us into violence, but we are smarter than them. They know that that road has always led to them circling wagons and … securing victory.”

Ramjattan then went on to say, “We have to ensure that their action must have a reaction”, promising in part to ensure that the prorogation of Parliament

here is “regionalised and internationalised”.

The AFC Leader appeared shocked and frustrated at the manner in which the President acted which resulted in the nullification of their NoConfidence Motion against the Government. The Government, he said, took away a means by which the people and their representatives could unseat the Executive.

“Do you know what you are talking (about). People are going to spontaneously react to the frustration that they can’t get the Government out. This PPP/C is provoking that which could be very serious to itself,” he stated.

Choosing to address only the Indian Guyanese constituency, Ramjattan said that they must be aware of the party’s possible plans to exploit them.

“This is exactly where

Taxi driver shot, robbed at Enmore

Imran Khan, a taxi driver of De Hoop, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, was on Monday morning shot to his left shoulder and relieved of $1.5 million by two bandits on motorcycle.

The robbery occurred about 11:30h at Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

A Police investigation revealed that Khan was contracted by a businessman to transport him to a city bank to transact business, but on his way back home, he stopped at a business place at Enmore, leaving a bag in the vehicle.

The Police stated that while Khan was waiting in the vehicle, two men rode up on a motorcycle. As they approached the car, one of them pulled out a handgun and discharged a round hitting the taxi driver to his left shoulder and took away the bag with the money.

They then made good their escape. Police believed that the two men might have tailed the car from Georgetown.

Khan has been admitted to hospital for treatment. Police are continuing their investigation.

the PPP/C wants us. And they are going to get their people if people started demonstrating and things run bad out there, to beat us East Indians and then they will play it on NCN,” he said with the intention of taking advantage of the race card.

Meanwhile, a senior Government Official strongly condemned

Ramjattan’s incitement of violence and racial tension in the society.

The official said Ramjattan appeared to be carrying a specific line and may be hinting at some clandestine plan which he is the only one knowledgeable of.

“Government has taken note of Ramjattan’s wickedness. It is clear that Ramjattan has no confidence in the collective intelligence of the Guyanese public. He should revisit the track record of thuggery and organising unrests.”

“We are monitoring the situation on the ground. Government will not allow the Opposition to sow seeds of discord among our people. Ramjattan will not play East Indians here. They see right through him and the mischief he is trying to create.”

“Burnham used the same type of esoteric language during the 1960s to provoke violence between the races, and it is disgusting that 50 years later, Ramjattan seems determined to taken us down that path of destruction once again,” he concluded.

Prezzi show dem he can do it

Alotta people used to run dem mouth and seh de Prezzi is a weak man. Dem seh de Prezzi can’t mek decisions. Dem even seh de Prezzi doin whah other people seh and that he ain’t strong enuff to be a Prezzi. Rum Jhaat, who can’t even run he own party, was one of dem who seh so. Green Jah, who can’t even control Oscar de bite man and Vanessa de kiss woman, seh de same ting. Stoopert had side wid Green Jah. But since he turn to Poopert, not even Green Jah want he.

Plus Nagga Man went along wid de flow, as he accustom to doin all he life. De only flow whah Nagga Man used to control by he self is de flow from a flattie. But nowadays de flow is from a large because Nagga Man believe in de more de merryer. Just that wid Nagga Man, is de more he get de stupider he get.

Well, de Prezzi do it just yesterday even though dem seh he can’t do it. If any ting, is Rum Jhaat, Green Jah and de rest of dem who can’t do it. If any of these men still had any doubt, de Prezzi show dem how he can do it. And if dem still doubt, de Prezzi might just decide to do it again fuh dem. In fact, if any ting, is Rum Jhaat, Green Jah and de rest of dem who can’t do it. One time de Prezzi had dare dem straight to dem face to do it.

That was when de Prezzi had tell dem to do it when dem threaten de Prezzi wid No-Confidence Motion. De Prezzi simply tell dem “do it”. Up to now, not Rummie, not Greenie and not Nagga ever stand up to do it.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! No body ain’t sure if de problem is de ‘standin up’ or de ‘doin’. Or it could be both, because none of dem never stand up to do it!

Special radio frequency to address carjacking

– new Taxi Service Association President promises

Throughout the years, carjackings and taxi drivers being brutally robbed have been a concern that was swept under the carpet.

Only recently, a special radio frequency was installed in several taxi services in Guyana to address the grave issue of carjacking in the nation.

Just last month, Tej Budram, 34, was carjacked on the Corentyne Coast.

News reports indicated that Budram was transporting four men along the Number 19 road when he was attacked, bounded with his own clothes, thrown into the trunk of his car, before being dumped in a ditch in the vicinity of Courtland/Fyrish.

At the third Annual General Meeting of the Guyana Taxi Service Association (GTSA) held on Saturday last at Cara Lodge, newly-elected President Vibert Pooran of Green Ice Taxi Service said carjacking was a priority issue on his agenda.

Speaking with Guyana Times, GTSA Public Relations Officer Patrick Brassington stated that these “special” radio frequencies will provide a connection between the taxi service dispatchers’ radios and the A Division

(Georgetown) Police radio.

Brassington explained if the taxi driver is in a dangerous situation, he can contact the dispatcher using a code word. Subsequently, the dispatcher can contact the Police via the frequency with details of the situation. The Police can then immediately respond.

Brassington said this method can assure prompt responses to carjacking situations as the Police would be updated when carjackings are happening.

However, he noted that drivers would not be able to directly contact the Police via the frequency, only the dispatchers of the services will be allowed to do so.

The PRO said this method can be effective, but he asked that the drivers not use the frequency for silly purposes.

Brassington noted only a few services have installed this frequency, namely Green Ice Taxi, Oasis Taxi, Cyril’s Taxi, Patrick’s Taxi Service and Indian Chief Taxi Service, among several others.

The PRO estimated that there are over 100 taxi services in Guyana, and was bewildered that only a few servic-

es had expressed interest in installing this system.

Brassington stated that the Association will soon be issuing letters to all the taxi services in Guyana, inviting them to join the Association so they can benefit from this initiative.

The Association is hoping to have the letters distributed after its first executive meeting on Thursday 13. Taxi services which are interested in having this feature in their operations can contact GTSA’s Secretary, Dawn Alert on 622-0722.

Brassington is urging all taxi services to come onboard as they could provide ideas to improve the situation of taxi drivers in Guyana.

“Your input could make a difference,” the PRO told the owners of taxi services.

Additional plans for the year include customer service, training for drivers and dispatchers of taxi services, maintaining a uniform pricing policy, and maintaining a retention period for taxis benefitting from the tax reduction, which was lowered to at least three years.

Cabinet approves National Drug Plan

– to be launched soon

With Guyana holding a troubling record on drug trafficking, the long-anticipated National Drug Strategic Master Plan has been approved by the Cabinet and is currently being printed.

This was confirmed by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, who told Guyana Times that the plan was approved in full without any amendments by Cabinet.

The Minister further disclosed that the document is expected to be launched sometime in mid-November.

Previously, Rohee has stated that financial resources will have to be made available to the various Government agencies and departments that will be playing an active role in the implementation of the National Drug Strategic Master Plan.

The National Drug Strategic Master Plan comes at a time when calls are being made from all stakeholders for Government to implement measures to curb the increasing narcotic trafficking activities in Guyana.

Heavier penalties

The final draft of the master plan was completed by the taskforce. This document will empower the necessary agencies to tackle the drug trade head-on, and, more so, stipulate heavier penalties for those who are found culpable of trafficking narcotics.

Since the previous National Drug Strategic Master Plan expired in

2009, there has been talk about crafting a new plan.

The last master plan was unveiled in 2005 and lasted for five years. The $650 million plan comprises extensive measures to eliminate the scourge of narco-trafficking and its spin-off effects.

The Home Affairs Minister and, to a greater extent, the Government, came under fire after it was revealed that Guyana has links to the Mexican and Italian mafias.

In August last, during a search of one of the creeks branching off from the Waini River, a self-propelling semi-submersible (SPSS) vessel was discovered about two miles in, along with a camp consisting of three structures: the accommodation, workshop and generator areas.

Transporting narcotics

Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh had told the media that their intelligence is confident that the 65-foot long submersible vessel was constructed in Guyana since there were materials and information gathered at the camp that suggested same.

Additionally, Singh stated that it has been built for the sole purpose of transporting narcotics from Guyana across the Atlantic Ocean, most likely heading to Europe or Africa.

Over the years, concerns have been expressed by the Opposition political parties as they continuously reiterated calls for the National

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

Drug Strategic Master Plan to be reinstated. Opposition Leader David Granger, as recently as last Friday, highlighted the importance of such a plan to curb the illicit activity.

In the recent National Drug Report for 2012, compiled by the Taskforce on Narcotic Drugs and Illicit Weapons, it was stated that CANU had intercepted 103.66 kilograms of cocaine valued some $93 million and 111.564kg of cannabis (ganja) valued in excess of $20 million.

During this period, 33 cases were made out and 36 persons charged. Further, the Guyana Revenue Authority’s Enforcement Unit seized 561.78kg of cocaine, valued $504.9 million, for which two cases were made out and two persons were charged.

In total, 151 people were charged for cocaine trafficking and/or consumption, in a total of 139 cases.

No definite word Scotiabank retrenchment will affect local operations

bout one week after

AScotiabank Toronto, Canada issued a press release announcing changes to be made to the structure of the Bank, the local operations said it was unable to predict if these changes would impact Guyana.

Scotiabank Guyana said: “Over the coming months, as we move forward, we will continue to provide our employees and customers with more information. This will take some time and, therefore, we do not have detailed information on local impact at this time,” the statement read.

It continued: “In recent years, our International Banking Division has worked to build our market position, both through organic growth and selective acquisitions.”

The Bank said the growth has served Scotiabank well, but has also created “some

overlap and duplication of services throughout our footprint”.

“As a result, we undertook a review of our operating model and international distribution network and found opportunities to strengthen our retail presence by investing in areas that are going to improve the speed and quality of service for our customers.”

On Tuesday last, the Bank of Nova Scotia set aside nearly half a billion Canadian dollars to cover the cost of shutting down overseas branches and terminating 1500 jobs, two-thirds of them in Canada.

Scotiabank will close or downsize approximately 120 branches in its International Banking Division. The Bank said it would book a restructuring provision of approximately Cd$148 million in the fourth quarter, main-

Indira Naik and troupe thrill Guyanese

Indian classical singing sensation, the versatile Indira Naik and her amazing musicians mesmerised Guyanese audiences in two historic concerts at the Theatre Guild, Kingston, Georgetown and on the lawns of the famed Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC), West Coast Demerara.

The great sufi /classical singer, together with her troupe, visited Guyana as part of the tour which already took her to Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Barbados, and St Vincent.

Naik’s visit was organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi, India, with the Indian High Commission in Guyana coordinating the Guyana leg of the tour in collaboration with the ACIC and the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman (GUSIA).

Under bright stadium floodlights, the picturesque ACIC looked its best, as hundreds of Guyanese of all religions came together to listen to Naik and her troupe as her voice and music resounded into the air on the lawns of the complex, with the décor befitting such an international event.

She thrilled the audience with her versatility, singing

ghazals, qawaalis, Bhajans, old Bollywood songs as well as even an “Indian” version of a Bob Marley song.

But it was her four musicians who struck the audience with their mastery of their respective instruments. Ustad Mohammed Rashid Khan on the violin, Suprit Surendra Gaikwad on the keyboard, Janab Samar Abbas Munawwar Khan on the tabla and Amar Sangam Das on the guitar gave performances which will be remembered forever.

Naik comes from a family of artistes with a Bharat Natyam exponent mother and a sitar-playing father.

Classically trained in the Patiala Gayaki, Naik’s music is a tribute to age-old traditions set against the backdrop

of modern times. Over the past three decades, she has been educating herself on the intricacies of Indian music, learning from Guru Satyanarayan Singh, Pandit Dayal Thakur and Pandit Vithal Rao. She continues her riyaaz under her present Guru Shri Mohinderjeet Singh.

The sufi singer has not only built a sterling reputation for herself in India across its length and breadth, but has also achieved success abroad, enthralling audiences with live renditions of sufi, ghazals, bhajans, thumris and filmi songs the world over, including in the US, the UK, Portugal, Canada, South Korea and Brunei. Each year, she tours the UK and the US extensively, taking her music to foreign shores.

ly to cover employee severance costs.

The Bank expects to save Cd$120 million annually as a result of the restructuring, but the full benefits would not be seen until 2016.

As of the end of the Bank’s third quarter, it had almost 87,000 employees worldwide, including more than 36,700 in Canada.

Scotiabank has a long history in the Caribbean and remains the pre-eminent bank throughout the Region. This year, the Bank celebrates 125 years of operations in the Region and 46 years in Guyana.

It has been implementing a number of operational efficiency initiatives for some time in the Caribbean Region and will continue to do so to ensure that it can provide customers with better service in the most efficient way.

tuesDAY, november 11, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Guyana Foundation continues grassroots projects across Guyana Amid quarrel, Vibert Pooran elected Taxi Association President

Over the past few weeks, the Guyana Foundation continued its grassroots projects in different communities across the country.

These projects targeted vulnerable groups that are often overlooked, and whose pressing needs have been ignored for too long.

In the remote community of Santa Rosa in Region One, the Foundation recently handed over a quantity of blankets and curtains to students living at the secondary school dormitory.

These items were generously donated by the Thompson family from the Cayman Islands, in response to a Guyana Foundation assessment reporting on the dilapidated state of the dormitory.

The students living there, who are from farflung, isolated areas in Region One were very thankful for the items donated, and stated that it will help improve their living conditions.

The Foundation also facilitated the donation of six barrels of stationery and school supplies to students attending both the Primary and Secondary schools in Santa Rosa.

These items were donated by Gary Wills from Canada, with assistance from his friends, family members, and work colleagues.

Meanwhile, the Foundation continued its mental health programme with a care programme for individuals living on the streets of Georgetown.

A team from the organisation distributed a hot meal, along with a care package consisting of a tooth brush, toothpaste, soap, a hand towel and toilet tissue.

The team met with,

Market, Bourda Market, and the Parliament Buildings.

Many of the individuals encountered were struggling to deal with various forms of mental health problems, and were very grateful for the encouragement they received from the volunteers.

The Foundation would like to acknowledge and thank Gerard Khan for designing and spearheading this project and Shirvington Hannays, of Canada, whose generous financial donation covered all expenses associated

and offered encouragement and support to 130 individuals around Kitty

with this project, to mark World Mental Health Day.

Amassive quarrel erupted during the third Annual General Meeting of the Guyana Taxi Service Association (GTSA) on Saturday.

The conflict arose after there was a tie between the two presidential candidates Vibert Pooran of Green Ice Taxi Service and Hemwantie Khan, the current President of the Committee which represents Sheriff Taxi Service.

After the tie was announced, a member questioned the authenticity of the new taxi service Khan claimed to be representing.

The taxi service, Khan’s Taxi Service, is a newlyestablished business by Khan, but several GTSA Management Committee members were unaware of this revelation.

Additionally, another member revealed that one had to be the owner of a taxi service to be elected President.

However, during Khan’s reign, she was not the owner of Sheriff Taxi Service but merely a representative. These comments caused a storm which delayed the electoral process and caused one of the voting members to leave.

After several minutes

elapsed, the members voted again and Vibert Pooran emerged the victor, winning 7/13.

Due to the conflict which arise, the members were charged to develop a more profound Constitution.

Nevertheless, the new President vowed to address the issue of carjacking in an effort to guarantee the safety for taxi drivers.

Other future plans, presented by Secretary Dawn Alert, included customer service training for drivers and dispatchers of taxi services, maintaining a uniform pricing policy to help alleviate the ad-hoc fare structure that some services operate with and maintain retention period for taxis benefitting from the tax reduction lowered to at least three years.

Members also called on the Bureau of Standards to ensure quality auto spare parts are brought into the country.

Alert also highlighted the assets the Committee owns which include one laptop computer, one laptop bag, one printer, one wireless mouse, one filing cabinet, two flash drives, one staple machine and one paper puncher.

The financial report pre-

pared by Maurice Solomon and Company was also announced during the AGM.

During the last meeting, the members highlighted their main area of concern was the unwillingness of some car owners to paint their cars in yellow.

This matter has been resolved and the main priority now is the safety of drivers. The committee plans to now work with the Police to tackle criminal activities at a faster rate.

The AGM was held at the Woodbine Room of Care Lodge Hotel on November 8.

The elected members are Vice President Michael Bailey, Treasurer Emsley Baptiste, Trustees Sunil Persaud and Nawab Abdool, Public Relation Officer Patrick Brassington and Secretary Dawn Alert.

The other committee members are Hemwantie Khan, Victor McKenzie, Gaynor Ramdan and Mohamed Baksh.

Guyana Taxi Service Association was registered in November 2010 to establish a body to work with all registered taxi services in Guyana in order to institute standard rules and regulations, which all members are required to follow.

Artist Greaves celebrates ripe age in advance

– with art exhibition

Stanley Greaves cannot wait on November 23, when he will officially turned 80, celebrating the occasion in advance with an art exhibition titled “Dialogue with Wilson Harris”.

The exhibition by Greaves is a collection of 24 paintings inspired by the novels of renowned Guyanese writer Theodore Wilson Harris, commonly known as Wilson Harris.

Greaves was more than delighted to have his finest collection first displayed in his home country and shared this great milestone, among his Guyanese friends and fans.

Greaves, born in Georgetown, is a Guyanese painter and writer who is one of the Caribbean’s most distinguished artists.

In Guyana, Greaves taught at Sacred Heart Primary, St Stanislaus College, Berbice High School, Queen’s College, and was the first head of the Division of Creative Arts at

the University of Guyana from 1975 to 1986.

Harris, born in New Amsterdam, is considered one of the most original and innovative voices in postwar literature in English.

He was initially a Government surveyor, a field that exposed him to the grand landscape of the savannahs and rainforests, which formed the basis of his literary work.

Greaves’ collection consists of paintings artistically depicting the poetic nature of Harris’ literature.

In honour of his 80th birthday celebrations, Greaves chose to have his artworks displayed at the Castellani House.

Surrounded by musical melodies from Ras Camo Williams and Osaze, various friends and fans salute the legendary Greave.

Deputy Chairman of Castellani House Management Committee Philbert Gajadhar opened the ceremony by formally introducing Greaves as an out-

standing sculptor, writer, poet, musician and artist.

“A lot of us were inspired by his work… Stanley’s work serve as an inspiration to me,” Gajadhar stated.

Additionally, Vanda Radzik and Konya Addo both recited emotive poetical verses, each for their dear friend.

Radzik also reflected on Greave’s distinguish-

ing style when he writes his poems; all in uppercase and each poem sequentially numbered.

“Stanley, as ageless and as timeless always, your work on wood, in stone, in metal, in paint, on paper with ink, as graphics, as poems, are each and all are varied and as wondrous as ever.”

Politician and academic,

Dr Rupert Roopnarine also shared his fondest memories with Greaves to the gathering. He reminisced of the time when he and Greaves were working on a documentary for an art exhibition throughout the Caribbean.

The project was “ballooned in such a way” that it was incomplete, but Dr Roopnarine said his experience with Stanley was worthwhile.

“Everything that I think about art… really has to do with having been with Stanley… he was and remains my teacher.”

Also delivering his well wishes to the Guyanese legend was Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony. He too described Greaves as a great poet who has made significant contributions to Guyana.

The merriment was an artistic atmosphere of great music, spectacular dances, the reunion of friends and the bonding of everyone with a youthful passion for art.

The exhibition continues until November 29.

tuesDAY, november 11, 2014

CIDI employee killed in Providence accident

– four fatal accidents over weekend

An employee attached to the Caribbean International Distributors Inc (CIDI) was in the wee hours of Monday morning killed after being struck by a black Honda

CRV in the vicinity of the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Davon Andray Bellamy, 29, of Lot 114 Providence, East Bank Demerara was reportedly struck down by the SUV Honda heading in a Southerly Direction about 01:00h.

The now dead man was attempting to cross the Providence Public Road when he was struck down.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the young man died on the spot. At his home on Monday, his cousin Thelma Cupidore related that she was at home when she received the dreaded news.

As she arrived at the scene, she recalled seeing her cousin’s broken body on the roadway as Police conduct their investigations.

The elderly woman stated that she last saw him alive on Sunday afternoon

when she returned from church. He was in the yard washing his clothes after which he left to go out with some friends.

The woman went on to say that she later learnt that he was drinking with a few friends at a popular bar

Region 4 Chairman says Nabaclis Road not on repair list

Even though the Nabaclis Road has been in a deplorable state for years, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Chairman Clement Corlette has said that the road is not on his list of roads to be fixed.

According to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Chairman, there are a number of ministries currently looking at roads, and if there is some amount of communication between the various ministries, the roads that really need fixing, will be fixed.

Sources told Guyana Times that the construction of roads is based on advice provided by the region to the Local Government Ministry, but could not say if the state of the Nabaclis Road was communicated to the Ministry.

Roads in Haslington, Golden Grove, Beirut, Enmore and some areas in Paradise have been repaired, but the Nabaclis main road and some other roads in Dazzle Housing Scheme have not been re-

paired.

Corlette claimed that though the road is within the area under his watch, he is unable to act as the RDC is only given a small amount yearly to look into road repairs.

However, some residents said even if this is so, they are dumbfounded as to why the Nabaclis main road is not fixed since it has been in a terrible state for years, when other roads in better shape are being repaired.

The Region Four Chairman went further to say that he had contacted the Public Works Ministry to find out whether the Nabaclis main road is on their list of roads to be fixed, and was told “yes” by a “Mr Vaughn”.

According to Corlette, though the official answered in the affirmative, he did not say when work will commence. Guyana Times was unable the verify the Regional Chairman’s comments on the pronouncement of the Public Works Ministry official.

Residents of Nabaclis

in Providence and left to urinate at the side of the public road. It was on his way back he was struck down by the speeding car.

He was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, but despite causing the accident, Cupidore noted that the driver did not stop to render assistance.

He was later arrested, she noted. The woman explained that Bellamy lived by her for a while. His father, she added passed away and his mother left the house some four years ago and never return.

“I don’t even know if her son is dead,” Cupidore added.

His only brother left for Grenada and was not heard from again. She said Bellamy was her company despite she lived in one section of the home and he lives in the other.

She said the death was a blow to her and described him a very quiet person.

An eyewitness told Guyana Times that the young man would have received severe bodily injuries, including broken bones and a wound to the head.

He noted that there was no way that he could have survived the accident.

The man, Phillo also noted that the after the accident, the driver drove to his home at Mocha, East Bank Demerara and parked his vehicle, but upon receiving information about his whereabouts, the Police went to his home and arrested him.

He is in custody assisting with investigations.

and the Dazzle Housing Scheme have expressed dissatisfaction with the state of things, saying that the roads are scheduled to be fixed every year but it keeps being pushed back.

One Dazzle Housing Scheme resident remarked at one time that he was puzzled as contractors had abandoned work midway through the project while some streets are done and some are not.

The same can be said for the Nabaclis main road as adjacent streets have been repaired.

Taxi drivers have also expressed displeasure using the Nabaclis main road. Courtney (only name given), a taxi driver from Golden Grove said he has had to change his tyres on several occasion due to the state of the road.

Another taxi driver, Andrew (only name given) said he had to change the shocks for his vehicle, pointing out that the money could have been used on other things.

The lad and his father were reportedly attempting to cross the Public Road after purchasing ice-cream when he was struck down by the motor vehicle which overtook another.

On Saturday evening, Pensioner Hemchand Ramjewan, 65, of Hubu Back, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) was killed in a hitand-run accident along the De Kinderen Public Road, West Coast Demerara.

This was the fourth accident to have occurred over the weekend. On Sunday morning, Christopher Baichan, 19, of Lot 56 Oleander Garden, Ogle, East Coast Demerara met his demise after the driver of a car lost control upon hitting a ditch at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara and subsequently crashed into the St Paul’s fence. He was the front seat passenger. Also on Sunday, Saieed Mohamed Yusuf, six, of Lot 21 Hyde Park, EBE was killed by a speeding Toyota pickup at Farm Village, East Bank Essequibo.

Antigua opposition wants National Hero status awarded to Lester Bird reversed

The opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) has launched a petition geared towards reversing the award of National Hero recently conferred on former Prime Minister Lester Bird.

In a release on Sunday, the UPP said it has been inundated with calls “demanding that action be taken to register our collective disgust” at the award conferred on Sir Lester during the 2014 Independence Ceremonial Parade November 3.

“The regime over which Lester Bird presided has been written about by credible and respected political analysts. Bird’s failure to take decisive legal action against these persons to clear his name points convincingly to his culpability in these unprecedented acts of corruption,” said former Prime Minster Baldwin Spencer.

The party plans to submit a signed petition to Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, in the hope that he will reverse the former prime minister’s Most Exalted Order of National Hero award. Bird, 76, was named a Knight of the Most Exalted Order of National Hero

(KNH) “for his contribution to national development as an outstanding sportsman, lawyer and parliamentarian for 43 years – including 10 years as prime minister.”

The event was boycotted by Spencer and members of his United Progressive Party (UPP). (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Murder trial of former cop postponed as juror suffers from CHIKV

ST ANN, Jamaica --

The murder trial of former cop Jeffrey Peart and his sister Roxanne Peart was postponed in the St Ann Circuit Court this morning

(Monday, November 10) due to the absence of a juror who was said to be suffering from chikungunya.

The St Ann Circuit term, which should have been

“Shy” Rihanna

completed last week, was extended in order to accommodate the trial of the siblings charged with the 2012 murder of taxi operator Delroy Frame. (Jamaica Observer)

poses topless in December edition of ELLE

NEW YORK,

United States, Monday November 10, 2014 – Barbados’ pop princess Rihanna seems to be short of a few clothes again.

This time, the “Unapologetic” girl is flashing her flesh in the December edition of ELLE magazine in which she poses topless while confiding she is “shy.”

In what is said to be one of her most revealing spreads ever (in more ways than one), the “Diamonds” star stuns in several daring couture gowns while spilling the beans on everything from her hangover cure (“Ice, Chinese food! And an upside-down trash can and towels, preferably next to the toilet”), to her biggest fear (childbirth).

The “Talk That Talk” singer also disclosed that if she wasn’t a pop star she would be “a wife,” claimed that “any man that tells me what to do is sexy!” and confessed that the last time she was star-struck was when she met “Breaking Bad” star Aaron Paul at the Spike Awards.

The 26-year-old superstar recently placed fourth on Forbes 2014 highest paid women in music list – quite an achievement given that she hasn’t released an album

since 2012.

That’s about to change, however, with the news that she is currently putting the finishing touches to her eighth studio album, rumoured to be titled “Lost Files.”

The buzz has left fans holding their breath, especially given that this is the first time in Rihanna’s career that she has taken more than a year off before releasing new music.

In October, a tracklisting of the album surfaced online and caused a sensation, although it is not clear if it was legitimate.

The listing featured a song entitled “Real Talk,” which is reportedly a collaboration with the superstar’s on-again, off-again Canadian boyfriend Drake.

Calvin Harris, who corroborated on one of Rihanna’s megahits “We Found Love,” has confirmed that he will not feature in the forthcoming album.

Bahamas Faith Ministries leader Myles Munroe and wife killed in plane crash

Bahamas officials are reporting that a Lear 36 excutive jet carrying nine people including Faith Ministries International leader Dr. Myles Munroe, crashed Sunday on approach to the island of Grand Bahama.

According to the Associated Press, “it crashed about 5 p.m. local time Sunday while attempting to land at Grand Bahama International Airport.” Preliminary reports indicate that the plane was flying low due to poor weather and hit a crane on its approach to the airport.

The Bahamas Tribune is also reporting that Munroe’s wife, Ruth, was among the victims. The passengers travelling on the executive jet were reportedly on the way to a Faith Ministries conference in Grand Bahama. A message was posted to the Myles Munroe International Favebook page indicating that the Global Leadership Forum would continue.

Many supporters took to Twitter to post condolences and convey their sense of sorrow following the tragic event.

The Associated Press said “police and fire authorities were on scene and a full investigation would begin at daylight on Monday.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

St Vincent reeling from three

murders committed in 15 hours

The police are investigating three murders on the weekend that have brought the homicide count this year to 36.

“Police can confirm that for the past 15 hours or so we have received reports of three murders,” Detective Station Sergeant Trevor Bailey told reporters on Sunday in Kingstown Park, where Keon Lawrence was found dead near a riverbank.

Residents of Kingstown Park which borders the capital, said they heard explosions in the area late Saturday.

Bailey told reporters that Lawrence’s body has an injury to the face.

“What we can say, the body has an injury, but the extent of it, we are unable to say. We await the result of a post mortem examination,” he said.

In August, Lawrence survived a gun attack here, during which he received two gunshots to the chest and a broken arm.

Late Saturday, homicide detectives responded to two calls, the first being in the interior agricultural district of Marriaqua, where the body of Lawrence Marks was found in Yambou around 7 p.m.

“His body was discovered at the side of the road with what appears to be a gunshot injury to the head,” the detective said.

Three and half hours later, Damien Bloucher, 26, died after being attacked by two men in Glen.

“It is reported that he was at the side of the road with other friends when he was attacked by two men. He was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, however on arrival he was pronounced dead. He had what appeared to be gunshot injuries about his body,” Bailey said.

Asked if police are working with any theories, Bailey said the investigations were still in the early stages.

“All the information

that is coming to our desk is being collated, and at this point we will not confirm or deny whether we are working on any specific theories,” he said. He further said that police “can’t say at this moment” if they suspect any link between the killings.

The detective urged citizens to resist violence.

“It has been a tragic weekend for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the message from the police, we are asking the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be more tolerant and to desist from all these gun-related offences.”

The killings come just three weeks after a peace rally in Glen, where there have been several murders since June.

It is widely speculated that some of the killings are related to drug deal gone sour, but national security officials have only said that this is a rumour they have also heard. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Not enough facilities catering to deaf students – JAD president

KINGSTON, Jamaica –Executive Director of the Jamaica Association of the Deaf, Iris Soutar, says addressing the needs of deaf children and young adults is proving to be a significant challenge.

Speaking at the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Monday Exchange, Soutar said the association is currently catering to some 300 people -- from pre-school to continuing education – with

only 12 facilities to accommodate them.

She said what this means, is that “the average child who is deaf has to attend school outside of their communities”.

Soutar said as a result the situation places economical strain on families which often result in deaf children not attending or dropping out of school.

Additionally, Soutar said a significant amount of deaf students are ma -

triculating to the secondary level without even attaining grade-four literacy.

The executive director said the association is working to address this situation. She said the process first involves acknowledging that the language of the deaf is not English but instead is a visual one.

Children then use it as a stepping stone to learn English, Soutar said. (Jamaica Observer)

Nigeria school blast in Potiskum kills dozens

At least 46 students have been killed by a suicide bomber at a school assembly in the north-eastern Nigerian town of Potiskum, police have said.

A suicide bomber dressed as a student is believed to have caused the blast at the boys’ school in Yobe state . Police suggested the militant group Boko Haram carried out the attack.

Yobe state’s governor has shut all public schools around Potiskum and criticised the government for not tackling the group.

In a statement governor Ibrahim Gaidam said: “Urgent action must be taken right now to restore a fast-waning public confidence by doing whatever it takes to stop the escalating violence.”

Boko Haram has targeted schools during a deadly fiveyear insurgency aimed at es-

tablishing an Islamic state. It is waging a sustained campaign to prevent children from going to school. It believes girls should not attend school and boys should only receive an Islamic education.

However thousands of people, not just schoolchildren, have been killed by the group.

Iran and West end round of nuclear talks, outcome unclear

Iran, the United States and the European Union ended two days of highlevel talks on Tehran’s nuclear program on Monday with no immediate sign they had bridged gaps ahead of a Nov. 24 deadline for an agreement.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that minimal progress was made in the talks in Oman. “After hours of talks, we could make little progress,” the official said.

“Still differences remain and still we have gaps over issues.”

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the talks among Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and EU envoy Catherine Ashton had been “tough, direct and serious.”

She gave no further details, but said that they were “continuing to chip away at

a very challenging issue.” Kerry was leaving Oman late on Monday for an AsiaPacific meeting in Beijing. Diplomats from Iran and the “P5+1” countries - the five U.N. Security Council members, plus Germanywere due to resume talks in Muscat on Tuesday ahead of a last-ditch push in Vienna next week to meet the Nov. 24 deadline.

The discussions aim to yield an accord that would put verifiable limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment work - and any other potential path to a nuclear weapon - in return for a gradual lifting of sanctions.

As they had begun an evening session of the closeddoor talks at a luxury hotel, Kerry and Zarif were cautious. Asked whether the negotiating teams were making progress, Kerry merely replied: “We are working hard. We are working hard.” (Reuters)

Around the world

Obama pressures FCC for strong net neutrality rules

US President Barack Obama on Monday struck a blow to large cable and wireless companies by publicly pressuring the federal communications regulator to adopt tougher rules that would treat Internet providers more like public utilities.

On 17 October the Nigerian government claimed to have negotiated a ceasefire with Boko Haram.

But two weeks later the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, denied these claims and said in a video: “We have not made ceasefire with anyone. We did not negotiate with anyone. It’s a lie.” (BBC News)

Shares of major Internet service providers Comcast Corp (CMCSA.O) and Time Warner Cable Inc (TWC.N) fell sharply after Obama said ISPs should be reclassified to face stricter regulations and banned from striking paid “fast lane” deals with content companies.

“Simply put: No service should be stuck in a ‘slow lane’ because it does not pay a fee,” Obama said. “That kind of gatekeeping would undermine the level playing field essential to the Internet’s growth.”

Obama’s detailed statement on the issue of “net

Israeli woman and soldier killed in two knife attacks

Two Israelis have been killed in separate knife attacks in Tel Aviv and the occupied West Bank.

The first attack in Tel Aviv targeted a soldier. A Palestinian from the West Bank city of Nablus was arrested.

An Israeli woman was later stabbed to death near the Alon Shvut Jewish settlement in the West Bank. The assailant was shot by a security guard.

The stabbings come at a time of heightened tension between Israel and the Palestinians.

At the weekend, Israeli Arabs threw stones at police in mainly Arab towns in Israel after police shot dead a young Arab man, who had attacked them with a knife.

Prime Minister Benjamin

Netanyahu has vowed to crack down on the violence.

The West Bank attack took place at the entrance to the Alon Shvut settlement.

Site of knife attack in West Bank, 10 Nov

The attacker in the West Bank crashed his car then got out to stab those at a bus stop

The attacker tried to run over people in his car, hit a concrete barrier then got out of the vehicle, reports said.

He then stabbed the 26-year-old woman along with two other Israelis at a bus stop. The two injured men were taken to hospital.

The attacker was shot several times by a security guard and was taken from the scene in a serious condition, emergency services said. (BBC News)

neutrality,” a platform in his 2008 presidential campaign, was a rare intervention by the White House into the policy-setting of an independent agency. It came after nearly 4 million comments, many resulting from consumer advocates’ online rallying efforts, flooded the Federal Communications

Commission in response to Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposal of new Internet traffic rules in May. Wheeler’s proposal would have prohibited ISPs from blocking any content but allowed them to make “commercially reasonable” deals with content providers to ensure smooth and fast traffic. (Reuters)

Ukraine’s currency plunges as ceasefire fears grow

Ukraine’s currency lost nearly 5 percent of its value on Monday after a weekend that saw the heaviest shelling in a month hit the main rebel stronghold in the east and signs that Moscow had dispatched troops and tanks to reinforce separatists.

The prospect that a twomonth-old ceasefire could collapse and all-out war return to eastern Ukraine has weighed down theeconomy and helped drive the currency 12 percent lower since the central bank abandoned an unofficial peg a week ago.

The country of 46 million people is near bankruptcy, dependent on international loans, and deeply in debt for natural gas toRussia, the

former imperial master it accuses of waging war on behalf of separatists on its territory.

The central bank offered to sell dollars on Monday at 15.2 hryvnias to the dollar, an all-time low and 4.8 percent lower than the last auction on Friday.

The bank abandoned a peg of 12.95 to the dollar a week ago, leaving the currency in free-fall. It said on Monday it believed the fall would now stop and the currency would settle between 15 and 16 to the dollar.

After fighting over the summer that killed 4,000 people, a truce has largely held between government forces and separatists in the east. But it appears to be fraying in recent days. (Reuters)

L’Aquila quake: Scientists see convictions overturned

Agroup of Italian scientists convicted of manslaughter for failing to predict a deadly earthquake have had the verdict quashed.

The seven men had been given six-year jail sentences after an earthquake devastated the medieval town of L’Aquila in 2009, killing 309 people.

The verdict triggered alarm, with some saying that science itself had been put on trial.

On Monday an appeals court cleared the group of the manslaughter charges.

Judge Fabrizia Ida Francabandera ruled that there was no case to answer.

“The credibility of Italy’s

entire scientific community has been restored,” said Stefano Gresta, the president of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology.

The seven men - all leading scientists or disaster ex-

perts - had been members of a committee convened in L’Aquila in March 2009 following a series of tremors in the region. Days after they met, a 6.3 magnitude quake struck the town in the middle of the

night.

L’Aquila residents, Nov 2014, court hearing

L’Aquila’s residents at the hearing showed their disappointment with the verdict

Many of L’Aquila’s medieval buildings were destroyed, and some locals blamed the disaster committee for not providing adequate advice.

Prosecutors in the subsequent trial said the experts had offered falsely reassuring information to residents.

According to Reuters, they noted that one committee member had said there was “no danger” from the tremors. (BBC News)

tuesDAY, november 11, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

No-Confidence Vote nixed

– Opposition condemns Ramotar’s move

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

The No-Confidence

Motion against the Donald Ramotar Administration has been halted with the President proroguing Parliament. But the Opposition said the battle has just begun; promising that the No-Confidence Motion will return to the House.

As rage filled the air, the Opposition in the absence of the Government mourned the decision on the No-Confidence Motion as Speaker Raphael Trotman confirmed their worse fear.

Trotman reported that the Proclamation for the Prorogation of Parliament was submitted to the House at approximately 08:45h on Monday. Describing the suspension of Parliament as “most unfortunate”, the Speaker said the elective House of the People’s Representatives has been muted; dubbing it an undemocratic move. He disclosed the situation has been further compounded by the fact that no date has been given for the restoration of normality.

Swarmed by the press in the Parliament Chamber, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) under the stewardship of the Speaker condemned the Government, declaring November 10, 2014 as a “Dark day for Democracy in

Left with no other choice, AFC’s Moses Nagamootoo spoke of what could have and should have happened.

According to him, had the President allowed democracy to prevail, the NoConfidence Motion would have been approved by the National Assembly, allowing for snap elections within 90 days following the resignation of the Government. He argued that constant breach of the Constitution by the Donald Ramotar Administration had triggered the No-Confidence Motion, explaining that billions of dollars have been withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund although the National Assembly had signalled its objection.

Due to these illegalities, Nagamootoo said APNU’s Member of Parliament Carl Greenidge had

moved a motion to have Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh face the Privileges Committee for the unlawful spending of $4.5 billion. The AFC had also filed a complaint to the Guyana Police Force, contending that the Finance Minister had committed a criminal act.

Compounding the situation, he said is the President’s refusal to assent to crucial bills that have been passed by the National Assembly, in addition to his continuous failure to operationalise the Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

An indictment Nagamootoo said failure by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration to face the consequences of their action, is an indictment on their part. By prorogu-

ing Parliament, he said November 10, 2014 should be remembered as “The Day of Infamy and Shame (DIS)”. He said Guyanese must take note and respond appropriately.

“Our representatives have diss this National Assembly, has diss the people of Guyana and we hope that our people are listening and are paying attention.”

Nevertheless, with the prorogation of Parliament, all matters on the Order Paper are now dead. Referencing directly to the No-Confidence Motion, Nagamootoo said it will be reintroduced whenever the President reconvenes Parliament for a second session.

“We will hope Sir as much as this Parliament will be prorogued and the slate is wiped clean, of this motion, I ought to have

moved today, that will not deter us from coming back again to bring this motion whenever Parliament reconvenes.”

APNU Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge echoed similar sentiments as he ranted and raved over the prorogation of Parliament.

“All of the motions, including the motion of Privilege will be brought back to this Assembly as soon as the President exercises the options which are available to him in the Constitution and that is to recall the House.”

Greenidge in his lengthy remark accused the Government of proroguing Parliament to buy time.

“One has to ask what they are going to do with this time. The individuals and businesses, Chinese nationals, Indian nationals, PPP/C associates who will give whether it is broadcasting licenses, gold mining licenses, land grants and the like.” But Greenidge warned that the Opposition will not honour any such agreement signed under duress.

He added: “The international agencies and the foreigners and responsible corporate entities based in Guyana know that they are in the presence of a pariah of a Government and for as long as the Government has that status, any agreement that the Government signs with them will be reopened.”

Opposition Leader David Granger said the proclamation has effectively paralysed the parliamentary process and muted the voices of the people’s legitimate representatives in the National Assembly. Though the people of Guyana spoke in November 2011, which resulted in a majority Opposition, Granger said President Ramotar has clearly turned a blind eye to their request.

“President Ramotar has now single-handedly engineered a constitutional crisis. The main purposes of the proclamation are to allow the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to avoid parliamentary scrutiny.” Additionally, the prorogation of Parliament, he contends seek to prevent debate on the Opposition’s No-Confidence Motion; prevent the holding of Local Government Elections; prevent debate on financial excesses and impropriety; protect the reputations of ministers from parliamentary sanctions and allow the PPP’s campaign for General and Regional Elections to proceed.

Despite this gigantic step taken by the President, the Opposition Leader said APNU and by extension the AFC will not accept this denial of democracy. Guyanese, he said should take action.

Region needs skilled nationals

– Caricom SG tells UG graduates

Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretary General Irwin LaRocque has extended an invitation to University of Guyana (UG) graduates, saying that there are opportunities in the Region for them to develop themselves.

LaRocque was at the time delivering the feature address to graduates at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus’ 48th Convocation on Saturday.

He told the students that the Caribbean does not want to lose its young generation, and as such, they should remain and be of service to the Community.

LaRocque informed the graduands that they were fortunate to be among the less than 15 per cent of citizens in the Region with a university education.

On that note, he said it was now up to them to determine which path to take in applying and using the knowledge and skills that they acquired at UG.

“In such an interdependent global economy, the deployment of resources wherever they are best suited and most needed is a critical success factor. You may wish to pursue your careers

right here in Guyana, elsewhere in the Caribbean Community or in the wider world, but given the advances in ICT [Information Communication Technology], I would urge you to seek to serve the wider world from right here in our community.”

The Caricom Secretary General urged that they apply for the skilled citizen’s certificate in order to seek professional opportunities in any of the 12-member countries participating in the Caricom Single Market and Economy.

According to LaRocque, thousands of certificates have been issued to date and he added that hopefully by next year, the next batch of graduates will be able to obtain their certificates online.

This, he said, is an example of the opportunities that the community provides for skilled citizens to advance their own careers and pursue their personal goals, while at the same time contributing to the development of the Region.

LaRocque remarked that the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas allows for the free movement of the skilled

Community nationals such as university graduates.

The Secretary General pointed out that such provision was expressly made in recognition of the critical role that young skilled people play in promoting the prosperity and security of the Region.

Remains committed

On this note, he said the Community remains committed to achieving the objectives of the CSME, particularly the free movement of skilled nationals, providers of services and for establishing businesses.

“I am aware of the difficulties still being experienced at the ports of entry in some of our member states by those who seek to exercise their rights of freedom of movement and to hassle-free travel. Certain category of citizens has the right to work and live in any participating state; that is the free movement of skills provision. Also all Caricom nationals have the right to an automatic stay of six months, subject only to circumscribed exceptions; that is the hassle-free provision.”

According to the Secretary General, there

my hope that the new intake of law students at this university would have no difficulties in gaining access to regional law schools by the time they end their tenure here.”

The Secretary General continued saying that in order to build a strong community, the skills taught in educational institutions ought to be the ones needed.

have been some problems due to the inconsistent application of the agreed rules; however, training at the relevant points of entry is continuing in order to reinforce good practices and reduce difficulties.

On the other hand, LaRocque spoke about the admission of non-University of the West Indies (UWI) graduates to the Law Schools of the Council of Legal Education, noting that the Guyana Government has brought this to the attention of the Conference of Heads of Caricom.

He underscored the con-

straint that limited spaces available for non-UWI graduates has on the ambitions of the many aspiring lawyers in the Caribbean, including Bachelor of Law graduates of UG. However, he outlined that this was not only a Guyana problem, but a regional one which required a Community solution.

“Heads of Government have asked the Council for Legal Education to consider all available options for a permanent way to facilitate equitable access to legal education in the Region. It is

“To do this, educational institutions, public policymakers and the Private Sector must collaborate more closely. The business community knows what skills it needs now and in future, it can help design training relevant to deliver market which directly improves the employment opportunities for graduates like yourself.”

LaRocque further told the graduates that as they bask in the glow of the occasion, they should not think of this day as the end of something, but as the beginning of the rest of their lives.

“Up to now, you have been focused on discovering and generating knowledge, now you have a different calling to disseminate and apply that knowledge,” he said.

tuesday, november 11, 2014 |

Trotman paedophile allegations

CJ to rule on Welshman gag order today

Chief Justice (acting)

Ian Chang is expected to rule on an injunction and subsequent motion filed against an injunction he granted House Speaker Raphael Trotman which effectively bars alleged child abuse victim Johnny Welshman from making utterances about his alleged abuse to the public.

Welshman has accused Trotman of sexually abusing him as a young child when he was left in his care.

Welshman, who coldly refers to Trotman as “Uncle Raphael”, had taken to the courts contesting the injunction which barred him from making further statements against the Speaker.

Since then there has been a series of court hearings, with each ending in controversy as one party continuously accuses the

other of lying.

Last Tuesday, Welshman’s Attorney, Peter Hugh, told Guyana Times that the case was adjourned for the Chief Justice to make a decision after the last hearing on Tuesday, November 4.

Meanwhile, Communications Officer attached to the Office of the Director of Public (DPP) Prosecutions, Liz Rahaman on Friday confirmed that the DPP was still in the process of reviewing the file, Johnny Welshman vs Raphael Trotman et al.

Rahaman explained that the file was being given due attention, but did not state when the DPP will complete her review.

Welshman on Tuesday demanded that the Opposition parties A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and

the Alliance For Change (AFC) fire Trotman from his position as Speaker of the National Assembly.

“I, Johnny Anthony Welshman, am letting Guyana know that I am ready to go to jail 10 years, 20 years because what Uncle Raphael, Colin and my father did to me is wrong. They are saying I must come to a mutual understanding and go back to Trinidad and Tobago. I was born in this country; I am not going back to no Trinidad and Tobago,” said a very emotional Welshman.

On Monday, Welshman staged a one-man protest against the Speaker of the National Assembly outside of Parliament.

During his demonstration, he was verbally assaulted by representatives and agents of the AFC and APNU.

Businessman granted bail on unlawful possession of firearm and ammo charge

Twenty-six-year-old Robert Hussain, of Lot 478 Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, was on Monday placed on $600,000 bail each for two offences –illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The defendant appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before the Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

It is alleged that on November 7 at Vreeden-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, he had in his possession a revolver when he was not a licensed firearm holder, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The second charge read that on the said day, he allegedly had seven rounds of matching ammunition and he also pleaded not guilty to that charge.

The matter was prosecuted by Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru, who informed the court that on the day in question, the Police took minibus GKK 1892 to the station and carried out a search. During that search, the defendant was the only occupant in

the vehicle and while conducting the search on the defendant, the firearm and ammunition were found in his pants waist.

Hussain was represented by Attorney-at-Law

Peter Hugh who noted that his client was a businessman and owned Twisters

Digital Audio.

Bail was objected to on the grounds that special reasons must be advanced. However, the objection was overruled and bail was granted to the defendant.

The matter will be recalled on November 30.

LIAT in multi-year agreement with Sabre Corp

Sabre Corporation on Monday announced it has expanded a multiyear distribution and technology agreement with LIAT Airlines, which is based in Antigua.

According to a release from LIAT, in addition to bolstering their commerce strategy with the agency channel, LIAT has implemented enhanced capabilities that enable seamless connectivity and access to pricing, availability, data and ticket changes for every booking within the agents’ workflow.

Under the renewed deal, LIAT implemented a technology upgrade to a set of solutions developed by Sabre for electronic ticketing delivery to the airline and travel buyers alike. Agents booking LIAT flights in the Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas, the US, United Kingdom and France can now issue electronic tickets and manage

changes on behalf of travellers.

In the release, David Evans, CEO for LIAT, said: “Our new agreement with Sabre, and the technology they provide to us, will help in continuing to position LIAT as an airline of choice for intra-Caribbean travel for consumers around the globe. It also allows us to strengthen our partnership with travel agencies as a valuable revenue stream and for them to build upon their customers’ loyalty.”

Instant booking confirmation

Julia De Jesús, Vice President for Sabre Travel Network in the Caribbean and north Latin America, said: “Sabre’s differentiating technology in the distribution space makes travel ecommerce more streamlined and rich in capabilities valuable to agencies and travellers. We continue to support LIAT’s distribution strategy

through the widest reach to subscribers, expanding access to valuable air content across the agency channel.”

It was noted Sabre’s capabilities address agents’ needs while managing airlines’ inventory and reservations, as they provide instant booking confirmation and access to last-seat available inventory, among other workflow improvements.

For the airline’s business, its expanded full-content distribution via Sabre’s agency subscribers combined with ticketing capabilities, will allow them to focus on revenue generation, marketing and operational efficiency.

According to the release, Sabre’s travel marketplace plays an important role in facilitating the marketing and sale of airfares, ancillary services, hotel rooms, rental cars, rail tickets and other types of travel, to more than 400,000 travel agents and thousands of corporations who use it to shop, book and manage travel. It is one of the world’s largest marketplaces, processing over $100 billion in estimated travel spend.

LIAT has marketed its services and fare classes in the Sabre travel marketplace since 1996, partnering with agencies and corporate buyers. The airline currently flies across 17 destinations in the Caribbean, including Barbados, St Vincent, Trinidad, Dominica, Martinique, San Juan in Puerto Rico and St Maarten.

Gaskin launches first novel Ashgabat Verdict

“Action packed”, “thought provoking” and “suspense filled” were some of the words used by book enthusiasts last Friday to described Ashgabat Verdict written by jeweller and Alliance For Change (AFC) member Hans Dominic Gaskin.

The book, published by Gaskin, was launched at Moray House before a sizable gathering.

The writer said it took him 10 years to successfully complete the novel, noting that he wanted to be known as a writer like his father, Malcolm Gaskin.

The author said he “felt a bit short-changed” as he was never encouraged to pursue that path, but he persevered as it was something that he really wanted to do, thinking “it would be a satisfying experience”, and it was.

The writer said he “was left with a feeling of wanting to do it again”.

<<Ashgabat Verdict>> is an action thriller that tells the story of greed, revenge, loyalties and justice, with the setting being all the way in the gas-rich Central Asian nation, the Republic of Turkmenistan.

The novel centres around the protagonist Kevin

Author Hans Dominic Gaskin

Bradley, an American exGreen Beret turned international trouble-shooter who is hired by Anton Nazarov to help find the person who is killing off his family, one by one.

Bradley gets embroiled in the conflict with the thinking that it will be a cut-anddry assignment, but sees himself being in the centre of something much bigger,

requiring all his expertise to fight against.

A good experience

Gaskin said that he enjoyed writing the book and the power that it gave him as he was the mastermind that moved the black pieces as well as the white pieces in whichever direction he wanted them to go, “killing persons or beating them up

on a whim”.

The author said he always had a little notebook that he carried around with him that both soothed and energised him as he wrote what he felt at the time; thus, creating the various characters and plots.

Gaskin said that he came up with the plot of the novel from his readings on the Turkmenistan-AfghanistanPakistan-India Pipeline (TAPI), which is a proposed natural gas pipeline being developed by the Asian Development Bank.

The pipeline will transport Caspian Sea natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan into Pakistan and then to India.

TAPI has been in negotiations for the last 15 years, Gaskin said, and has its own geopolitical challenges that he found interesting.

The author said he knows there would be questions regarding the setting for the novel, but he really did not want to do a story about something that persons could right away identify as Guyana.

He said he wanted to thrill and excite and be original as a Guyanese.

Dr Paloma Mohamed, playwright and winner of the Guyana Prize for litera-

ture, was called upon to do a review of Gaskin’s work. She said that the book is “richly entertaining, thought provoking, teasing yet believable, engaging dialogue and had no confusing cleverness” that usually puzzles readers or takes away from really understanding what the novel is saying.

Mohamed said she was not happy at first about the anti-climactic end that the writer had given, but understood the underlying moral of the story when she looked at the front where there was a quote on forgiveness and vengeance having no positive results for the future.

The reviewer also pointed out that the “curious apathy” that was given to the female anatomy by the characters, the portrayal of male dominance and pragmatic outlook that all or most of the characters seem to subscribe to.

She said there was so much detail in the novel of science and spying that she thought that Gaskin probably had a double life that allowed him to write about these things so knowledgeably, evoking so much emotion and twists that make one uncertain of what to expect next in the novel.

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

A friendship may develop into a serious partnership. Although this is a time for change, stability can be yours if you plan your actions carefully.

Put your effort into getting ahead financially. Then focus your attention on the home front. Don’t hesitate to pamper your mate.

You can make changes that will enhance your appearance as well as your reputation. Don’t be afraid to try something unusual or daring. Be ready to entertain and be entertained. This is just the beginning of something good.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Be cautious while travelling. Keep your emotions contained, and don’t let your mood interfere with the task at hand. Then you can release some tension by taking part in an evening of entertainment.

Your generosity will lead to financial setbacks or difficulties with children. Be extremely careful with your money. Someone close to your heart may try to curtail your freedom. It’s time to weigh the pros and cons of this connection.

The possibility of a romantic interlude with a work associate is present. Make sure you carefully consider things before you proceed. Don’t let your decision be one that damages your reputation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Problems with weight will plague you if you are overindulgent. Plan social activities that involve physical exertion. Someone you love will get upset easily if you have been preoccupied.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Concentrate on behind-thescenes activities. This is not the time for you to be front and centre. You can make alterations in your living arrangements and tie up some prosperous real estate deals.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

You should be trying to meet and mingle with individuals who can provide you with information and mental stimulation. You need to shake things up, learn, meet new people and challenge yourself.

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

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

If you put in extra hours at work, financial reward will be yours. Discuss your work and money situation with someone important so that he or she feels informed and not neglected.

You can gain popularity by voicing your opinions and ideas. Correct any bad habits that you may have picked up. Don’t get involved in gossip that could hurt someone’s feelings.

Take care of any lingering health problems to avoid an illness that could put you out of commission later. Concern yourself with family matters and taking care of correspondence.

Players could return early from corruption bans

The ICC has approved changes to its anticorruption code which will allow banned players to return to domestic cricket before the end of their penalty if they meet certain criteria.

The amendments have been previously discussed by David Richardson, the ICC chief executive, and were ratified at the latest board meeting in Dubai.

They are currently most relevant to the Pakistan trio of Mohammad Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif who were banned for their parts in 2010 spot-fixing case at Lord’s. However, of the three only Amir, who is currently 22, appears to have a decent chance of being allowed to return before his ban ends in September 2015.

The PCB has previously been in discussions with the ICC over relaxing Amir’s ban which momentarily prompted talk of an unlikely return for the 2015 World Cup but the player himself admitted that was not realistic but will now hope to at least be able to return to a cricket pitch ahead of next September.

“The revised Code makes provision for a banned player to gain an early return to domestic cricket in certain circumstances,” the ICC chairman N Srinivasan

said. “When exercising his discretionary powers in this regard, however, the Chairman of the ACSU will consider a number of factors, including the level of remorse shown by the player, his/her cooperation with the ACSU’s education programme and/or if the player has helped the ACSU by disclosing all information that, in turn, has helped it to enforce the Anti-Corruption Code in respect of others engaged in corruption conduct.”

Butt was handed a 10year ban with five years suspended and Asif seven with two years suspended. The pair will be 31 and 32 respectively next September but there are doubts as to whether they have com-

plied with all the conditions of their suspended bans.

Other amendments to the anti-corruption code including giving the ICC the ability to suspend players for other “exceptional circumstances” - such as when charged by police - and also for players to voluntary suspend themselves after being charged under the Code, but who have yet to be suspended by ICC, and the period of that voluntary suspension would be credited towards the ultimate ban should a player be found guilty.

An option has also been introduced to allow a player to admit an offence early in the process and agree a penalty to avoid the need for a full tribunal. (Cricinfo)

Prosecutors said Monday their application to appeal against Oscar Pistorius’ manslaughter conviction and fiveyear prison sentence will be heard in a Pretoria court on Dec. 9.

It wasn’t yet decided if the Olympic runner -- who is in jail in the same city -- would attend the hearing, his lawyer said.

Prosecutors have said Pistorius should have been found guilty of murder for killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Their appeal against Judge Thokozile Masipa’s initial verdict and sentence has “reasonable prospects” of success, they said.

Masipa found the double-amputee athlete not guilty of murder for shooting Steenkamp through a toilet cubicle door in his home, ruling that Pistorius did not intend to kill when he fired four times.

Pistorius, a multiple Paralympic champion who ran at the 2012 Olympics on carbon-fiber blades, was instead convicted of culpable homicide, or manslaughter, by Masipa because she said he acted negligently. Pistorius testified he mistook Steenkamp for a nighttime intruder in his home when he killed her in the predawn hours of Feb. 14, 2013.

His five-year sentence means he could be released after serving 10 months in jail to complete the sentence under house arrest at his uncle’s luxurious home, a punishment previously described as “shockingly light” by prosecutors.

If Pistorius is found guilty of murder on the appeal, he would face a minimum of 15 years in prison.

Pistorius’ defense team “would be very nervous” if the case was referred to the Supreme Court of

Samuels left out of Jamaica squad

Senior West Indies middle-order batsman Marlon Samuels is in breach of selection policy and so does not qualify to represent the Jamaica Franchise in the new Professional Cricket League starting on Friday, the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) has announced.

Samuels was not included in a Jamaica 13man squad named last week for their opening game against Windward Islands Volcanoes, beginning Friday at Sabina Park.

He has been accused of violating section 1.1 of the JCA’s selection policy, which states that players must participate in local cricket when not representing Jamaica, the West Indies or any other competition sanctioned by the JCA, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) or the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The section has been in existence for close to two years, the JFA has explained.

“He (Samuels) is not qualified to represent Jamaica in the upcoming regional first-class tournament,” JCA Chief Executive Officer Courtney Francis told The Gleaner. “This is on the basis that he is in breach of the JCA’s selection policy.”

“He (Samuels) needs to play 80 per cent or more national competitions, or oth-

erwise give an acceptable reason for his absence. This includes if he being on West Indies duties, or provide evidence that he is injured and cannot take part in national competitions,” said Francis.

“He got dropped for the New Zealand and Bangladesh series and was supposed to turn out for Melbourne during the (twoday) Senior Cup and he did not.”

Samuels, who scored two centuries in three matches for the West Indies oneday team before their abandoned tour of India last month, was expected to play a lead role for Jamaica in the revamped four-day tournament. The selectors have named Tamar Lambert, allrounder David Bernard Jr and wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr as the squad’s most recognised batsmen.

Newly capped West Indies Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood,

Nkrumah Bonner, Shacaya Thomas, André McCarthy, and John Campbell are the other specialist batsmen. Meantime, West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor is expected to miss Jamaica’s first two matches in the regional tournament.

Taylor, who was also part of the West Indies illfated tour of India, has requested time off to deal with personal matters.

“He (Taylor) has asked the JCA for some time off to take care of some personal matters and it was granted,” said Francis.

“He is expected to turn out for training next Friday, which means that he is set to miss the team’s second game away to Barbados next weekend as well.”

The Jamaica selection panel is headed by Wavell Hinds and includes Robert Haynes, Delroy Morgan, Wayne Lewis, and Cleveland Davidson.

Pistorius’ appeal hearing set for Dec 9

Appeal, legal expert Marius du Toit said, because of the chance of a murder conviction. South Africa’s National Prosecuting

Authority also said Monday it had been informed by Pistorius’ defense lawyers that they would oppose the appeal. Prosecutors must first apply

to Masipa for permission to ultimately appeal her decisions in the Supreme Court of Appeal. Their initial application will be heard next month by Masipa at North Gauteng High Court, the Pretoria courthouse where Pistorius’ seven-month murder trial was held.

Pistorius can attend the hearing and apply to be released from prison on bail if the appeal goes ahead, prosecution spokesman Nathi Mncube said. Pistorius’ lawyer, Brian Webber, said he hadn’t discussed with his client if he would appear in court or if they would seek bail.

Pistorius, who turns 28 this month, is serving his manslaughter sentence in Kgosi Mampuru II prison, where he has been temporarily moved to a new cell because of a flood started by another inmate who was arguing with guards, South Africa’s City Press

newspaper reported on Sunday. Prosecutors believe Judge Masipa may have made an error by ruling in September that Pistorius had no intention to kill in Steenkamp’s shooting death. Prosecutors have cited a section of South African law called dolus eventualis, which says someone should be found guilty of murder if they foresaw the possibility of a person dying through their actions and went ahead -- as they argued Pistorius did.

“The NPA reiterates that the decision to appeal was taken on the basis that it believes there exists reasonable prospects of a successful appeal based on a question of law,” the state prosecuting body said in its statement.

The NPA wants “clarity” from the Supreme Court of Appeal over the principle of dolus eventualis, it said. (ESPN)

GIFA launches non-profit entity in Guyana

The Guyana International Football Association (GIFA) launched its nonprofit organisation on Monday to aid in Guyana’s football.

The organisation which is registered in New York, USA will aim to assist Guyana’s through a variety of ways according to a press release sent to Guyana Times Sport.

Further, GIFA shed some light on the lengths they will venture to in order to help develop Guyana’s football with the following iniatiatives.

Creating a University to provide young footballers necessary skills both socially and academically, community outreach programmes, organising school tournaments and events, building a national football

academy and much-needed footballing facilities and representing the needs of Guyanese players based abroad.

The Press release also related that “we hope to be able to unite Guyanese fans across the world and help develop the quality of football in Guyana through effective marketing, management and delivery of the game in the country.”

FICA calls for return of FTP

The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) has urged the ICC to consider reintroducing a Future Tours Programme (FTP)style framework if it hopes to prevent player pull-outs in future. In the aftermath of West Indies’ withdrawal from India - an act both FICA and the ICC condemned as a “disaster” - the ICC on Sunday warned players who may be involved in future mutinies they could face sanctions but FICA said that will only address “part of the problem” and more must be done to ensure tours go ahead.

“We think it’s important in all circumstances that international cricket has reasonable protection against arbitrary and unexpected player action,” Tony Irish, executive chairman of FICA, told ESPNcricinfo.

“However if the ICC really wants to deal with the whole problem then it should look to do more than simply tak-

ing action against players.”

FICA, which represents player associations around the world, would like to see member boards held accountable for their touring commitments, much like they were when a binding Future Tours Programme was in place. “A country board couldn’t just withdraw its team from a tour, or suspend future tours to another country,” Irish said. “Countries had to operate within the rules of the FTP framework.”

The previous FTP made provision for tours between Full Members - theoretically guaranteeing home and away series over an eightyear cycle - and although countries were free to decide their own itineraries, the ICC had a minimum stipulation of two Tests and three ODIs for all series, except in an extreme cases like Zimbabwe, who played oneoff Test on their return to the format.

For example, when the BCCI was unhappy about

what it called Cricket South Africa’s unilateral release of fixtures last year and initially threatened not to tour at all, the FTP was the reason India were obliged to travel for the least number of matches.

Since the ICC’s restructure in April, that has changed. There is no longer a binding FTP and members can negotiate with each other to form a schedule. This has raised concerns from the less financially stable nations that they will be isolated in the new system, the effects of which have yet to be fully realised. Still, FICA remains worried that “international cricket should not be based simply on bilateral agreements” and wants the ICC to have a hand in ensuring members meet their touring responsibilities.

Asked whether the threat of exclusion from T20 franchise leagues such as the IPL, hinted at by the ICC, would serve as enough of a deterrent for players to uphold their international commitments Irish said he did not think that was an appropriate sanction and could also be subject to a legal challenge. “I’m not sure that effectively banning any individual from a T20 league is a reasonable way to punish collective action taken in another context and such ban may well constitute an unlawful restraint of that player’s employment rights,” he said. (Cricinfo)

Oscar commits to Chelsea

Brazil midfielder Oscar has signed a new contract with Chelsea that commits him to Stamford Bridge until 2019.

The 23-year-old joined the Blues from Brazilian side Internacional in 2012 on a five-year deal and helped Chelsea win the Europa League in his first season in England.

“I have enjoyed playing here for two years and now I have five more, so I am very happy,” he told the club website.

This season he has made 15 appearances and scored four goals.

Oscar, who played at his home World Cup this year, has started 92 times for Chelsea and scored 27 goals.

“I am so happy because I love playing for Chelsea and living in England,” he added. (BBC Sport)

Windies Women set for ODI clash with Aussies

West Indies Women will square-off with Australia Women on Tuesday in a topof-the-table clash in round two of the ICC Women’s Championship.

The early pace-setters are seeking to cement their advantage in what is set to be a thrilling series opening in Sydney and continuing at the same venue on Thursday before moving to Bowral on Sunday.

“Our previous trip to Australia was for the ICC Women’s World Cup five years ago and we did not have much success, so we want to continue working hard and making progress to leave a lasting impression,” said Merissa Aguilleira, the West Indies captain.

“We need to remain focused because it will be a tough contest. We top the standings right now and want to be there when the series is finished.”

Australia, the reigning world champion, and the West Indies are on equal points after the first round, but the Caribbean women occupy the top spot due to

their better net run-rate.

Australia blanked out Pakistan while the West Indies brushed aside New Zealand in first round matches.

“During the series against New Zealand, we had a mission - we wanted to win every game and we accomplished it. We gave evidence that we were maturing as a team,” said Aguilleira.

“We had players coming out in every match and putting their hands up and performing. There is still room for improvement however, and we are looking forward to this new challenge against Australia”.

The matches will count towards the ICC Women’s Championship, a qualifying tournament for the ICC Women’s World Cup.

Later this month, India will host South Africa in another second round fixture while the schedule of Pakistan-Sri Lanka and England-New Zealand matches will be announced in due course.

“We are looking forward to the second round of the ICC Women’s

Championship when we take on the West Indies, whom we currently share top position on the points table,” said Meg Lanning the captain of Australia.

“We are expecting a fierce contest for the top spot on the ladder and we have a squad that is well equipped to prevail” The Australia-West Indies series will be livestreamed via the Cricket Australia website.

Squads Australia (from): Meg Lanning (captain), Kristen Beams, Alex Blackwell, Nicole Bolton, Jess Cameron, Sarah Coyte, Rene Farrell, Alyssa Healy (wkt), Julie Hunter, Jess Jonassen, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry, Elyse Villani West Indies (from): Merissa Aguilleira (captain/ wkt), Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Subrina Munroe, Shaquana Quintyne, Tremayne Smartt, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor. (Windies Cricket)

Wawrinka crushes Berdych at World tour Finals

Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka crushed Tomas Berdych for the loss of only two games in his opening match at the ATP World Tour Finals.

Wawrinka won 6-1 6-1 in 58 minutes - the most onesided contest since the season finale moved to London in 2009.

It is the fifth year in a row that Berdych has lost his opening match at the O2 Arena.

“Unfortunately it was my worst match of the whole season, and I kept it for the start here in the World Tour Finals,” said Berdych.

“My game is about hitting the ball nice and clean, then you can create something, but at the beginning I didn’t have that at all. I hit so many frames.

Stanislaus Wawrinka

“I have to sit with my team and make the right things for the future days.”

It was a fifth consecutive victory over Berdych for Wawrinka, who said: “For me, when I play against him it’s always tough, but I can always find a solution.

“I’m really happy with

the way I handled the situation.”

Berdych only narrowly avoided a 6-0 6-0 defeat against Djokovic in Beijing in October and he endured another humiliation at the hands of Wawrinka in London. (BBC Sport)

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The Pakistan batsmen continued their plunder in the UAE, their relentless accumulation spanning 171 overs snuffing out New Zealand’s hopes of victory and ensuring the visitors would face a severe trial by spin to save the first Test in Abu Dhabi. Their performance was the first time in Test cricket that all of the top-five batsmen made more than 80 in an innings; three of them went on to score hundreds that flattened a flagging New Zealand attack.

The home side’s achievements were numerous. Ahmed Shehzad improved his best Test score, and his 169-run stand with Azhar Ali made it the first time Pakistan had had two 150plus partnerships for the first two wickets. Azhar went past 50 for the fourth time in five innings, Younis Khan made his fourth hundred in five innings, and Misbah-ul-Haq completed a hat-trick of centuries. Pakistan ended on 566 for 3 - the first time they had declared in four successive Test innings - and gave the weary New Zealand openers seven overs to survive.

Brendon McCullum, who was opening for New Zealand once again instead of Hamish Rutherford, and Tom Latham were able to negotiate a varied attack from Pakistan’s four specialist bowlers, but that did not take anything away from it being the home side’s day.

Pakistan had reason to celebrate in the first half-hour of the second day, as Shehzad pushed Trent Boult through cover to bring up the century stand with Azhar, who then clipped Tim Southee through midwicket to pass fifty. With no assistance for the seamers, McCullum turned to offspinner Mark Craig in the sixth over of the day, and it wasn’t long before Shehzad advanced and lofted him over the long-on boundary.

McCullum deployed unusual fields to try and conjure a wicket. During his second spell, Southee bowled with a slip, a short backward-point a

silly mid-off and a short cover, and sometimes a silly mid-on too. He got the ball to reverse a bit, but Shehzad found the gap at cover with his drive to pass 150. While Shehzad had his aggressive moments, Azhar’s accumulation was serene. He swept, flicked and drove, scoring consistently against pace and spin.

New Zealand nearly completed their third wicketless session out of four, but in the final over before lunch Corey Anderson bowled a bouncer despite the wicketkeeper BJ Watling standing up to the stumps. Shehzad ducked under it. Two deliveries later, Anderson once again bounced Shehzad, who tried to hook and missed. The ball crashed into the right side of his helmet and caused Shehzad so much pain that he dropped his bat on the stumps as he wheeled away and collapsed to the ground. It was a while before he was able to get up and walk off to concerted applause from the sparse crowd, having made a careerbest 176. Shehzad was taken to hospital where a CT scan revealed a minor fracture to his skull.

New Zealand had to wait 53 overs for their first wicket, another 63 for their second, but the third did not take as long. Azhar was on 87 when Ish Sodhi drifted a legbreak on to leg stump, beat the batsman in the length, and spun it sharply past the forward defence

to hit off stump. It was an inspirational delivery, but it could not galvanise New Zealand, and their standards slumped further. Younis glanced the seamers when they drifted on to his pads, swept Sodhi when given time to get down low and free his arms and pulled dismissively off the back foot when he dropped short. Seven of Younis’ first eight boundaries were between fine leg and deep midwicket. Misbah went after Sodhi too, slogging him over the midwicket boundary, but the bowler was unlucky not to dismiss the Pakistan captain. After being swept for four, Sodhi induced a mis-hit from Misbah, but watched Craig mis-judge the catch at point. In his next over, Sodhi drew another miscue from Misbah, but Jimmy Neesham put down an absolute sitter at cover. Misbah responded by pulling the legspinner through midwicket and mid-on for boundaries, and even played a reverse sweep.

Pakistan scored 124 runs in the second session, and after tea Misbah and Younis motored unperturbed towards a declaration total. They were neck and neck in the race to a hundredboth were on 99 at one point. Younis got his off 141 balls, Misbah off 162, and they trooped off the ground with seven tired New Zealanders in tow. (Cricinfo)

What to expect at National School Championships MCYS/EBFA U-13 League prizes handed out

By TreisTon Joseph

The National School Championships is less than a week away and the mere thought of competition has begun the adrenaline rush of athletes across the nation.

With the event shifting to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground, Base Camp Ayanganna, a number of facets might just be intriguing to watch unfold at the 2014 edition of the event.

Records

While the event will be held at the GDF ground, which is possibly one of the fastest grounds in Guyana due to the amount of wind that aids athletes, a number of records might be in jeopardy especially in the sprint

the competitive edge to do just what a number of others have tried to do and failed at.

Breaking the long standing record might just be one of the biggest story lines coming out of the event when it begins on November 17.

While there are a number of other records that can be broken, the possibility of them being broken might just be too slim to be broken.

Rivalries

While there will not be many rivalries heading into the event, some might just be created as new talent is prospected at the event.

The only note wordy rivalries thus far are that of Jevina Sampson facing her club mate Natricia Hooper in the under 18 category and

petition when the event runs off from November 17.

George is one of Guyana’s brightest stars as well as Yaw; Samuels who have represented Guyana on a few occasions will rule the under-16 female category while the Griffith sisters will be in high mode in the under-18 and especially the under-20 category.

New timing system

The new automatic time system is expected to be used at the event which might provide some intrigue with the some of the times recorded especially in the sprints.

Once the system is used, it should provide a more accurate reading of how fast Guyana’s top junior talent actually are instead of relying on manual time keep-

defending champions; North Georgetown (District 11) is in a position of vulnerability.

Having witnessed their inter-zones it can be said that the team is definitely lacking in talent, no disrespect some of the exceptional athletes on the team.

Normally a strong pointy in their sprint relays, North Georgetown is lacking in both male and female star power compared to times past.

They are also lacking in both the teacher’s and cycling categories as a number of their stars have graduated.

So who will be the top pick to win the entire event; while the defending champs are never one to count out of the race, District 10 (Linden/Kwakwani)

events.

The number one record too keep your eyes on might just be the boy’s under 20 100 metres. Two athletes will have the chance to break the record in Kevin Abbensetts and Tevin Garraway, both of whom are capable of doing such especially with the aid of the wind.

Barring injury both Garraway and Abbensetts will provide each other with

as eluded to earlier Kevin Abbensetts taking on Tevin Garraway in the boy’s under-20 sprints.

Outside of those two rivalries, track and field fans might have to hope for new ones to form at the event.

Dominating performances

Cassesy George, Jason Yaw, Avon Samuels and the Griffith sisters from Linden should face any sort of com-

ing that has proven to be eye opening on more than one occasion.

This will definitely tell the athletes how much more work they need to put in, in order to better themselves and raise their standard of running.

A new champion

While this might be a bold prediction, a new champion is highly possible as the

– Pluck, Padmore and Supareddy cop individual awards

Grove Hi Tech, Herstelling Raiders, Agricola Red Triangle and Kuru Kururu Warriors along with the top individual performers were all rewarded at the weekend when the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport (MCY&S)/ East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-13 League presentation took place at Grove Playfield.

Grove Hi Tech emerged as champions ending unbeaten in five games with Herstelling Raiders taking the runner-up spot followed by Agricola and Kuru Kururu Warriors as third and fourth respectively.

Director of Youth within the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, Gillian Frank, in brief remarks before presenting the prizes congratulated the youths for their excellent performances during the tournament.

Frank told the players that her ministry will con-

tinue to work in harmony with the EBFA to ensure that the development of the youths is priority, pointing out that they also sponsored a youth academy during the August holidays that attracted over 100 youths.

“We will remain committed to your development and in collaboration with the EBFA will continue to sponsor this tournament,” she said. The top individual ballweavers were also complimented by Frank for their performances that saw them being rewarded.

Herstelling Raiders’ Nidu Supareddy was named best goalkeeper, being beaten once by Grove in their opening game. Threvon Pluck, Captain of Grove Hi Tech, who earned the most valuable player accolade, also ended as the joint top leading goal scorer along with club mate, Kevin Padmore; the two ending with five goals each.

BCCI receives letter of apology from WICB

The Board of Control for Cricket in India

(BCCI) says it has received a letter of apology from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for the sudden and dramatic cancellation by the senior West Indies cricketers from their tour of India.

are high favorites while West Demerara (District Three), East Coast (District four) and New Amsterdam (District five) are dark horses to win the event.

Overall expect the highest level of junior competition that Guyana can provide and is bound to provide entertainment and drama on one of the Guyana’s grandest stages.

BCCI Secretary Sanjay Patel said on Monday that the WICB has sent “an apology letter” for the decision by its players to pullout in the middle of the tour at the height of an internal pay dispute, leaving five fixtures still to play, including three Tests.

“We have received a letter from WICB a couple of days ago,” Patel told media persons on Monday.

“It said that they are apologetic and bankrupt and they urged us to re-

solve the issue through the Disputes Committee”.

Reports from India quote a reliable source in the BCCI as saying that the world’s richest cricket body has informally proposed to WICB to part with 50 percent of their income earned through revenue sharing of ICC till 2023. It is estimated that WICB stand to gain US $100 million from the ICC during the next eight-year cycle and BCCI wants at least US $50 million of that amount, paid through installments, to compensate for the loss of revenue.

BCCI has decided to reply to the WICB’s letter after consulting with its members during the annual general meeting in Chennai on November 20.

tuesday, november 11, 2014

GNRA National Senior and Junior Championships… Young Chanderpaul leads Tiger XI to victory

Braithwaite, Persaud crowned champions

There was a changing of the guard when Lennox Braithwaite and Peter Persaud were declared the senior and junior champions respectively at the end of Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) National Senior and Junior Fullbore shooting Championships on Sunday at the Timehri Rifle and Pistol ranges.

Braithwaite, who is also the reigning West Indies Individual champion, won the ‘X’ Class championships with a grand aggregate of 398 points and 43 Vs in the championships shot only at 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges over the three days of competition.

Braithwaite shot 144 with 10 Vs in Sunday’s competition after starting the final day on 254 points with 29 Vs with scores of 50.6, 44.3 and 50.5 at the three ranges.

Last year’s winner Ransford Goodluck took top honours on the final day with 144 points with 12 Vs and individual scores of 50.7, 49.4 and 48.1, but he had to settle for second position with a grand aggregate of 395 with 31 Vs.

National captain Mahendra Persaud placed third with 394 points with 25 Vs. He had a final day score of 146.11 and individual scores of 50.4, 50.4 and 46.3.

Leo Romalho finished fourth with a grand total of 391 with 28 Vs and recorded 145.11 on day three with scores of 46.1, 50.6 and 49.4 while fifth place went to vice captain Dylan Fields who shot a grand aggregate of 387.30 and final day scores of 48.4, 48.3 and 48.3 (!44.10).

In the ‘O’ Class, Peter Persaud reigned supreme with a grand aggregate of 378 points with 24 Vs two points better than the second place finisher although he was up-

staged by Inspector Dane Blair who was the final day winner with 142 points with Vs. Persaud shot 135.6 while Lt Col. Retired Terrance Stuart was overall second place with 376.22 edging out Sherwin Felicien who recorded 376.18 to end third.

Blair was fourth with 361.20, Major (ret’d) Chaflin Velloza was fifth with 231.4 and Colin Loncke sixth with 201.2. Prizes will be presented to the winners during the annual presentation ceremony billed for next month.

Persaud wins GT Beer/Citizens Bank golf tourney

Patanjalee “Pur” Persaud continued his impressive form this season when won the fifth Citizens Bank Players Championship, while Pacifiers carted off the GT Beer team title at Sunday’s GT Beer/Citizens Bank sponsored golf classic at the Lusignan Golf Course, East Coast Demerara.

With over 48 golfers in attendance, the day’s play provided an exciting battle for supremacy as 12 teams competed in the foursome tournament and individual prizes at stake including the prestigious Players Championship.

After five hours of gruelling competition, Persaud, who shot net 65, came out victorious, beating into second position Vijay Deo on 66, while Canadian-based Jaipaul Suknanan placed third with net 67 in a close contest.

Previous winners of the Citizens Bank Players Championship are Mohanlall “Santo” Dinnanauth, Andre Cummings, Patrick Prashad and George Bulkan. Sunil Lauton had the best gross of 73.

Meanwhile, Pacifier, led by veteran golfer Patrick Prashad (77), captured the team title with the lowest combined net score of 281. The other members of the team were Vijay Deo (66), Roy Cummings (69) and Mahendra Bhagwandin (69).

Second place finishers were Crown Mining with net 284- the players were Pur Persaud (65), Lakeram Ramsundar (74), Sookram Deosaran (72) and Permanand ‘Max’ Persaud (73), while third place went to Lusignan Super Stars with net 286. The players were Kaylyn Tiwari (68),

Troy Cadogan (75), Sunil Lauton (71) and Munaff Arjune (72).

Lindel Harlequin, Senior Manager- Credit and Marketing of Citizens Bank who spoke at the presentation ceremony said the Bank was extremely pleased to sponsor the tournament in observance of its 20th Anniversary being celebrated this month.

He presented the sponsorship cheque to President of the Lusignan Golf Club David Mohamed who thanked Citizens Bank and Banks DIH Limited for sponsoring the tournament.

Mohamed also expressed gratitude to Clifford Reis, Chairman of Banks DIH Limited and Citizens Bank, for his support and participating in the tournament. The tee off was done by Citizens Bank Managing Director Eton Chester.

Witnessed by a fairsized and vocal crowd, Tiger XI thrashed hosts Meten-MeerZorg West by nine wickets in a feature 30-over cricket match on Sunday.

The visitors were without ace batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who had to leave for an overseas engagement.

Batting first, MetenMeer-Zorg West were reduced to 36-4 in eight overs, before Seymour Evans lashed a quick-fire 82 from just 42 deliveries, including with eight sixes and four

fours, to lead a batting revival.

He was supported by Adrian Johnson, who scored 23, and Emanueal Chrisnauth (22) as the home team posted 189 all out in 29.5 overs. Bowling for Tiger XI, Dodnauth Singh grabbed 5-41.

In reply, Tiger XI, spearheaded byTagenarine Chanderpaul, easily reached the target, coasting to 193-1.

The young Chanderpaul showed his class, scoring a responsible 90 with four sixes and eight fours. He was

well supported by Vishnu Rukhram, who made 63 with three sixes and four fours. Former Guyana opener Krishna Arjune chipped in with 28 not out.

At a simple presentation ceremony, Tiger XI received the winner’s trophy and Meten-Meer-Zorg West the runner-up trophy. Seymour Evans was named Best Batsman, Doodnauth Singh Best Bowler, while Chanderpaul copped the Man-of-the-Match award. All trophies for the game were sponsored by Odyssey Transport Services.

Macaw easily win MLC sports

Morgan’s Learning Centre (MLC) held the third edition of their sports on Sunday at the Carifesta Sports Complex ground where Macaw house was named as the victors.

Macaw house amassed 249 points for the win leaving Falcons in a distant second with 169 points. Raven house was third with 148 points while Toucan brought up the rear with 125 points.

The race of the according to the organisers was the teacher’s race that saw Hubern Collins emerging as the victor followed Rodrick Gordon and Orin Morgan . According to Gordon who is in charge of the winning house, “the sport is growing every year and it was fun for the kids that don’t usually get to run at school sports,” he mentioned.

Afernee Headecker was one of the top stars of the event producing the goods in the middle distance categories.

Bishoo, Reifer, Permaul and Johnson go through fitness test

National captain Leon Johnson, Guyana’s lone overseas player, Raymond Reifer and spinners Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul underwent a rigorous training session on Monday at the Georgetown Cricket Club as Cricket Guy Inc said it would take no chances with the players fitness ahead of the opening round of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional Four-day competition, starting on Friday.

Guyana will face the Leeward Islands at the Guyana National Stadium.

The four players went through a nearly two and half hours test under the supervision of head coach, Esaun Crandon and assistant coach Rayon Griffith and other support staff.

Griffith told Guyana Times Sport after the tests that he is please with the fitness level shown by the four players.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Cricket Board on Saturday released the 13-man squad for the game against Leeward Islands.

The full squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Assad Fudadin, Rajendra Chandrika, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Trevon Griffith, Vishaul Singh, Narsingh Deonarine, Raymond Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Christopher

Devendra

Ramdin cast aside, replaced by Emrit as TT captain

Rayad Emrit will captain the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force team for the duration of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day competition.

This after the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) executive approved the recommendation from the national selectors to replace regular skipper Denesh Ramdin with Emrit and to appoint middle order batsman Jason Mohammed as vice-captain.

The wicket-keeper batsman, Ramdin, took over the T&T captaincy from Daren Ganga in 2011 and was appointed West Indies Test captain earlier this year, replacing Darren Sammy.

Emrit led the T&T in the 2014 season earlier this year when the Red Force finished runners-up to Barbados in the

last month and the TTCB, during their AGM, condemned the actions of the players.

In a press release last Tuesday, the TTCB said that Ramdin would have been unavailable for most of the regional season which prompted their decision to make Emrit captain.

TTCB president Azim Bassarath had noted that the T&T selection committee, chaired by Alec Burns had made the recommendation about the captaincy however he insisted that no decision was taken regarding the captaincy and that such a decision would be taken at the executive meeting over the weekend.

TTCB executive have also decided to reappoint Manohar Ramsaran as manager of the T&T side. Ramsaran was first appointed to manager

four-day competition.

The TTCB executive met over the weekend and finally resolved the T&T captaincy controversy which erupted when Ramdin said he was being victimized after he was axed at T&T captain during a meeting with the TTCB last Monday.

Ramdin was part of the West Indies ODI squad that abandoned their tour of India

the T&T side last year, taking over from Omar Khan on a one-year period. The TTCB selectors met yesterday to finalise the T&T Red Force squad for the first round PCL match against Barbados, bowling off on Friday at the Queen’s Park Oval. The TTCB is expected to announce the squad today.

(Trinidad Express)