Guyana Times Daily

New list of prequalified Pharma suppliers ... awaiting

National Tender Board's approval

The Ministry of Health is awaiting the approval of the National Procurement and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) on a new list of prequalified suppliers of medical drugs for the health sector, a top official of the Ministry of Health has confirmed.

Government had invited tenders for new pre-qualified suppliers following which an evaluation was conducted. Guyana Times was told that this process has been completed and a list has been submitted for approval. Contacted on the issue on Thursday, Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran declined to comment on when the new list would be announced. He however said that his Permanent Secretary Leslie Cadogan will in the coming days issue a press statement on the issue. Cadogan too could be reached for a comment.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon following his post -Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President on Wednesday, had told reporters that tendering for pharmaceuticals has ceased and will resume when the new list of pre-qualified suppliers is announced. He said too that the Ministry of Health was working diligently to complete the assessment and evaluation of the companies that have applied.

“Minister Ramsaran provided an update to Cabinet about two weeks ago about the task of getting the prequalification procedure completed, but until the results come from the tender board to Cabinet, there is no possibility of us pronouncing on its completion.”

Shortage

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by officials at several regional hospitals about possible shortage of drugs if there is a delay in the selection of the prequalified suppliers. Already for this year heads of a number of these hospitals have spoken out against the late supply of drugs, which was mostly associated with quirks at the new drug bond at Diamond. When asked what measures would be taken should there

be any emergency need for drugs, Dr Luncheon told reporters he hopes this does not happen. He however, said that Government has the option of sole-sourcing, as this was still legal should there an emergency.

Third time

Towards the fulfilment of its mandate to provide the best health care for the citizens of Guyana, the procurement process for pharmaceuticals and medicines by the Government of Guyana through the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GHPC) and the Health Ministry was revisited for the third time in the past decade. In Guyana, medicines and medical supplies are procured through two mechanisms: open bidding and via bidding by pre-qualified suppliers. The latter was recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Bank for comprehensive country purchases so as to address the complexities and scale of the pharmaceu-

tical supply chain. The last change in procurement was at the end of 2010, when, following the recommendation of the Auditor General, medicines and certain medical supplies began to be procured through a system of competitive bidding to produce the list of pre-qualified suppliers. This list would be compiled after an open tender process, using public tendering modelled after a WHO model. It was stated quite clearly that the list would be valid between 2011-2013. A “Prequalification Questionnaire” by the National Procurement Administration and Tender Board spelled out the criteria necessary for compliance, even as it noted that the traditional international suppliers PAHO/WHO, the UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP and IDA were automatically qualified.

New list

In line with the expiration of the 2011-2013 Pre-qualified List, towards the end of 2013, there was an advertisement soliciting suppliers for 2014-

2016, from Guyana and members of Caricom to be prequalified and be added to the list of international suppliers that once again were defined as being compliant. What this meant was that the NEW GPC would have to once again stand in line and be evaluated along with other local and Caricom companies. The other bidders are Trinidadian companies ANSA McAL and Western Scientific Company as well as locally-based Telcom Solutions (Guyana) Inc, Meditron Scientific Sales, International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA) and Global Healthcare Supplies Inc.

Local companies

This year, the Application for Pre-Qualification explicitly spelled out the point system that was utilised in the 2011-2013 criteria, which will be used once again. There are 200 maximum points that could be allocated to bidders according to how they score on a number of questions in the categories of General Information, Financial Capacity, Infrastructure, Previous Experience, Established Linkages, Manufacturer/Distributor Information, Quality Information and Product information. Additionally, in the interest of the integrity of the process, three unnamed experts were selected by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to select local pre-qualified suppliers, based on their ability to satisfy the publicly stated criteria.

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, letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Summer break

Schools across Guyana, with the exception of a few private institutions, will be closed from Friday for an extended period of approximately six weeks. This is quite a lot of time our children, particularly young people, will have on their hands and they must be encouraged to utilise it constructively.

While some persons utilise this time to do remedial academic work to catch up with the rest of their colleagues, others choose to go off on summer camps hosted by religious/youth groups or other organisations including the Government-sponsored programmes. Some use the summer break to just laze around or get involved in unwholesome activities which sometimes land them into serious trouble with law-enforcement authorities.

Many of our young people are falling prey to the use and trafficking of illicit drugs and criminal activities, and in the process completely destroying their lives and a great future they could have had if better choices had been made and the necessary support systems were put in place to ensure their proper upbringing.

It comes as no surprise when our elders criticise the manner in which our young people behave. But it will take much more than that to help this segment of our population reform themselves and lead more productive and rewarding lives. To begin with, institutions such as the family and religious groups need to take up their roles more seriously, as had happened before.

Historically, the older generation had managed to transmit their beliefs, values, traditions, customs and institutions to the younger members of their societies and had contributed in some way to their disciplined upbringing. This was achieved largely through the impact of agencies of socialisation, such as the family, religious organisations and the schools to a large extent. The impact of these institutions has been challenged and undermined by new forces, particularly television and the Internet, and the pop culture as a whole.

If our adolescents are to move from the less mature and irresponsible ways of thinking and acting, to making more mature and responsible judgments and engaging in activities that are the hallmarks of a socially productive adulthood, certain support systems must be provided. Hence, there is need for a more holistic approach to issues involving young people and the kind of future that is being created for them.

In addition to the various interventions being made by Government at both the national and community levels, there are numerous organisations including the private sector, which could rise to the occasion and contribute more towards saving our youth population. They need to come on board and sponsor programmes that would see our children and young people become well equipped with the necessary skills to develop themselves and the society as a whole. Coordinating and sponsoring such programmes during the ‘summer break’ when children are away from school for a long period is a good way to start.

There is certainly need for more effective youth programmes geared towards changing the lifestyles of young people in our society. These programmes should include assessment and identification of ways to build competency and skills supportive of healthy behaviours, to help persons as they mature into adulthood. Such programmes need to be engaging and interesting in order to attract youths, and they should have elements of excitement and challenge to retain participants’ interest.

Successful programmes typically incorporate specific components, such as providing a sense of belonging, promoting a supportive relationship with adults, and affording opportunities to enhance decision-making and leadership skills. Sport could also play a very important role in bringing the youth population back on track so that they could interact with their peers and elders in a more meaningful and dignified manner.

It’s well known that those who have achieved success in life or have gone on to do great things, are the ones who have utilised their time wisely. Our young people should be encouraged to do the same.

Power sharing makes matters worse for black self-sufficiency (Part One)

Dear Editor,

The TUC’s Mr Lincoln Lewis indulges in frequent letters to the press in competition with the Mayor of Georgetown. Who is the winner so far? Singlehandedly he could solve all of Guyana’s problems, just like Georgetown’s finest, most evident in his resent letter.

It matters not why such prominence neglect their respective official duties and obligations to suffer society for so long with increasing garbage. It’s more an eagerness to ‘big up’ faded images, most superficial, by public displays of much public caring to influence national priorities.

Guyanese good fortune is to have such gifted men writhing in agony, blackened, bruised and battered in big battles against bwana’s bestial badness to boldly make things better. A feral skirmish only provides excellent cover to escape our habitual capital disgrace because none of us are at fault, as everyone knows, or so it seems. But nimble evasions do keep our contentiousness well alive, requiring the “other” on the streets, to give a damn – like always – because it’s patriotic.

Again beating pan for power sharing, the TUC advocate would again sad-

dle our poor calabash porknockers with voyages for more of the same “gee me moh” state handouts dependency despite his heroes yesterday’s bankruptcy of our little Guyana. Let’s not inquire why the striving for magnificent emancipated black economic self-sufficiency is again off the burner.

Somehow, this refurbished endeavour when compared and predetermined by race provides the most lucrative and easier transformative haul and carry bounty. Best prioritised through power sharing, rather than through the good old fashioned way of hard work, it again seeks to promote the “small man as the real man”. It has certainly not been an easy readjustment considering hard work amounted to nothing during slavery when slaves were never paid but treated as property.

Power sharing based on race will never work. With compulsory power sharing, race would have already automatically predetermined the outcome, so what is there to discuss anymore? Which agenda is to determine when roti is substituted for cassava bread to eat mongoose curry? No more free and fair elections, no more democracy.

They will no longer be necessary or required. Race, again, would have predetermined everything in advance. Who will guard the national treasurer behind closed doors to prevent “one for me and one for you” done with a nudge and a wink by those at the top?

Obviously, PPP/C Government acquiesce will also give credibility for the PNC to make it a repetitive defining priority onwards. What’s the nexus between the PNC and Linden anyway except race? Immediately on becoming PNC Leader, Mr David Granger asserted ownership of black tragedy as national priority which explains why no apology will be forthcoming.

Why all this futility of leading his horse to eat, make merry and drink up? Mr Granger is adamant all sides committed atrocities of equal proportions, therefore all should apologise. So while mystery completely surrounds the 1964 bombing of the Son Chapman boat where mostly black Guyanese died, it has now become a PNC exclusive owned event, courtesy of Mr Granger’s instigation – on what basis please?

Black race solidarity or deep sincere concern of embracing all hu-

man beings who suffered regardless. If it’s for either reason, how does the PNC’s omission of all the 1600 Indo Guyanese either killed or terrorised at Wismar escape “equality” of PNC consideration?

A few Indo Guyanese are still enamoured with the PNC and Granger to accept him as their leader. But in Chile, that same man completely ignored the 1964 Wismar massacre like it never happened. His long speech was promptly deleted afterwards from the Internet. The Indian based PPP/C leadership has by their ideology always completely ignored the Wismar tragedy for reasons we all know. Few Guyanese know much about it by our national indifference. It is common knowledge that the PPP/C has lost much support because it is out of touch with Guyanese.

Because the PPP/C has completely misread and taken its traditional support for granted, it is now paying the price. They will only dissolve Parliament for new elections once they have soothed their supporters’ feral anger. Does it really trouble them?

Respectfully, Sultan Mohamed

National effort needed to address issues facing men, families

Dear Editor,

The Caribbean Voice commends the local media for its focus over the last couple of months on suicide, domestic and sexual abuse, relationships issues and violence. We urge that alcoholism and substance abuse be added to the list. Also we still urge that the media’s focus include public service ads/ announcements so that these issues remain on the front burner and redress begins to impact people’s consciousness.

Incidentally, while we are quite puzzled that the Guyana Chronicle and the Kaieteur News, with one exception, have chosen not to publish our letters, we are still at a loss to understand why none of the media provided coverage to recent anti-suicide activities by students in Black Bush Polder, on the Essequibo Coast and in New Amsterdam.

We also commend the efforts of individuals like Magistrate Krishnadat Persaud, with his counselling centre at Springlands, funded out of pocket, as well as Ravi Dev, Eric Phillips, Dr Faith Harding and others, in helping to provide much needed services and interventions. Ditto for entities such as

the Guyana Foundation, Red Thread, CADVA, NJASM and others, that have been dedicating time, efforts, finances to help redress social pathologies and empower people.

And we are aware that there are a number of individuals working on the ground voluntarily doing outreaches and counselling. Thus we strongly urge the media to support these individuals and organisations by highlighting their efforts, by providing information about them so the public can access their help and by appealing to others to join and/ or support them.

In previous letters, we referenced the many past and present programmes and plans of the Government, which can create a national framework for redress, if centrally coordinated and expanded to encompass all corners of the nation.

In this context, we reiterate our call to Reverend Kwame Gilbert and the NCF to see the cancellation of the Dr Myles Munroe visit as a blessing in disguise that now allows them to employ the funds in conjunction with various umbrella religious entities – Guyana Council of Churches, Dharmic Sabbha,

Central Arya Samaj, Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana and others –to help provide relevant clinical training for priests, pandits, moulvis, imams and selected individuals from churches, mosques and mandirs nationwide.

This would, in itself, create a national network of responders, enable referrals nationwide and ensure utilisation of local human resources for the long haul. Thus, we urge those entities and individuals that have come together to fund Dr Munroe’s visit, to recognise that his visit would be dwarfed by the reach and impact of umbrella religious entities.

Surely a national effort to bring about redress to all the issues facing men and families is what this is all about? And in this process maximal reach and utilisation of resources is the key.

Sincerely, Norkah Carter

Devv-Ramdas Daniel

Judy Deveaux

Annan Boodram

Bibi Ahamad

Collis Nicholson

Ramkarran has become a sad shadow of himself

Dear Editor, I note former PPP member Ralph Ramkarran joining with the likes of Hamilton Green, Christopher Ram, Freddie Kissoon, Mark Benschop, the AFC, and PNC’s APNU to write an article in a bitter tone that he has become known for.

He condemns the approach taken by the Executive in addressing the outright meddling and unprofessional and undiplomatic behaviour that was the conduct of the US Ambassador. He contends that if Cheddi had to deal with the matter, he would have picked up the

phone first and tried to resolve same.

It is sad that the goodly gentleman didn’t learn anything from Cheddi. For if he, Ramkarran, had picked up the phone and called any number of persons, including his own brother, who is Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Ramkarran would have learnt that Brent Hardt’s unacceptable behaviour was indeed discussed with him behind closed doors numerous times.

Ramkarran would have learnt that despite those discussions behind closed doors, the Ambassador con-

tinued to flout diplomatic norms and conventions and that this culminated in the Ambassador denigrating and openly condemning the President of Guyana, the General Secretary of the PPP, and the PPP/C Government. This was the latest of the Ambassador’s folly to which the Government appropriately responded.

I think that Ramkarran has become a sad shadow of what he used to hold himself out to be. Imagine instead of him writing sense likened to the writings of Justice Duke Pollard and Dr Henry Jeffrey on the matter, he chooses to

A great blessing for our developing country

Dear Editor, I welcome the Sun and Sand Hotel, and also the Marriott, two five-star hotels to our great and wonderful country of sun, sand, and pristine jungles. These hotels have their websites, which automatically markets and attracts, and at times they go on certain special marketing campaigns, with links. They are known to partner with airlines and other marketing agencies. This, in my opinion, is a great blessing for our developing country.

Having visited India and having had the opportunity of staying at the Sun and Sand, I enjoyed the perfection of its most exquisite service. The ambience of the environment and display of the rooms, banquet halls and the environment was one of total elegance.

These kind of hotels naturally draw people of stature internationally by their mere presence, coupled with the fact that Guyana has enormous tourist attractions, in particular our resorts in jun-

gles and those close to the city.

Visitors to Guyana, housed by these hotels, will have the opportunity to visit the Amazon rainforest, and conduct fresh and salt water fishing, bird watching, and not only witness the lifestyles of our various indigenous peoples, but live and interact with them.

Our blue water lake in Linden, caused by unique formations, could be another marketing tool used by Sun and Sand to attract people to Guyana. The cultural resplendence of our five races in weddings and religious ceremonies are another dimension which can be marketed to bring those who wish to witness cultural diversity and have the experience. Those in Europe, China, Japan, Africa and North America are hungry for our sun and cultural history and diversity.

I am also a member of the Marriott Hotel, which I welcome to Guyana with all my heart. While in China,

Malaysia, India and North America, I experienced the service which was impressive.

Marriott will also bring numerous visitors to Guyana, and provide lounges and conference centres and entertainment halls that will be truly good for Guyana. I believe that the presence of these brand name hotels will raise the general standards of hotels in Guyana and the service.

I compliment the Government of Guyana for making Guyana attractive for international hotels, businesses and corporations, since our country needs development and opportunities. We need to provide some tax holidays and incentives.

I call on all political entities to support growth and development in our country and for our people to always be respectful, encouraging and giving support to tourists, living as one people in harmony and love.

Sincerely, Roshana

Khan

Kudos for the World Cup organisers

Dear Editor,

In the respective order of FIFA, CONMEBOL and CBF: Federation of International Football Associations, South American Football Confederation and the Brazilian Football Confederation, in addition to the Government, respective ministries, labour force and volunteers – a hearty thank you for organising and hosting the 20th Edition of the FIFA (2014) World Cup finals.

Of course, as a Guyanese first and foremost and a South American, the deep sense of feelings and visualising of the artistry, scenic beauty, and creativity of the opening ceremony, within the Brazilian cultural expressions and identities, were indeed the most captivating moments.

But with breathtaking, electrifying, entertaining, and boring performances in matches as expected, Brazil, undoubtedly, you have delivered meaningfully and successfully. And I dare say the month-long tournament comprising 32 teams, resulting in 64 matches now at the final stage, will emerge as the most financially profitable with the largest attendance, surpassing the 3,587,538 achieved in the USA, in 1994.

South America is hosting the tournament for the fifth time – Brazil twice after 64 years; Uruguay, the first host and a two-time winner; Chile; and Argentina, also a twotime winner.

write sentiments similar to Hamilton Green and Freddie Kissoon.

He is causing those of us who thought he may have been badly treated in his quest to be President of this country to be glad that other folks were wiser, saw through, and turned him down.

Sincerely, Todd A Morgan

While not foregoing the releasing of the doves, from a spiritual standpoint, “a symbol of peace”, to the “naysayers and prophets of doom”: shut up and put up – Brazil has delivered efficiently, professionally and magnificently, against the backdrop of protests, cost over-runs, strikes, delays, accommodation and transportation woes, etc.

The completion, construction, and refurbishing of 12 stadiums in the corresponding number of cities, in a timely manner with extended deadlines, yet still was successful and defied all logic of the proWestern propaganda media, that was microscopic in its quest of unearthing a minuscule flaw.

The final is now a European/South American affair! Whichever country prevails come July 13 when the final whistle is blown and the curtains come down, at the end of the proceedings, football, once again, will be declared the “ultimate winner”! Are FIFA’s continued developmental plans bearing fruit? Three of the four semifinalists shared 10 titles between them, a better script could not have been presented for better viewing! At the end of the day, football, the world’s most entertaining, emotional and electrifying with the largest viewership worldwide, continues to maintain its status quo. As a consequence, kudos is in order for the respective organisers.

Respectfully yours, Lester Sealey

Friday, july 11, 2014|

GECOM to Rohee: “We’re ready for elections”

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally has dismissed allegations that the entity is not adequately prepared to host Local Government or General Elections amid concerns raised by the ruling Peoples Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C).

When questioned on Thursday by Guyana Times on statements by the Government that GECOM is not ready to stage elections, the Chairman said “and I am just as repeatedly saying we are ready”.

On Wednesday, both Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon and PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee had said the Commission is not in a state of preparedness for the elections.

At the weekly postCabinet press briefing, Dr Luncheon stated that GECOM’s Chairman and Commissioners have a re-

sponsibility to inform the voting public about their level of preparedness for the holding of either General and/or Local Government Elections.

“We have always accepted that GECOM has to signal its preparedness to hold whether Local Government or General Elections. It would be interesting if GECOM’s Chairman or members of the Commission were to be consulted on their

awareness on preparation on both Local Government and General Elections and for them to advice on what seems to be a perspective that the Americans are out there pushing,” the Cabinet Secretary told reporters.

Meanwhile, Rohee had also articulated that information originating from GECOM indicated that some 585 constituencies have been identified among the 71 Local Authority Areas.

He noted; however, that the party is of the opinion that eligible voters might have been omitted from the voter’s lists. Rohee said the PPP is not confident that enough ground work and consultation have been done by GECOM to ensure that eligible voters will be correctly placed on their respective constituency list.

Physical verification needed

“It is our contention that GECOM should do physical verifications within the communities and invite the political party’s representa-

tives to ensure that everyone is placed on the respective list; thus, allowing for a fair and transparent process whenever elections are called,” he suggested.

But when contacted by Guyana Times on Thursday, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer Vishnu Persaud highlighted that should the order for elections be issued by the Executive, President Donald Ramotar or Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker, the Commission would need six months in which to prepare for elections.

Persaud said “as it relates to GECOM’s readiness for Local Government Elections, we have been saying ad nauseam that we have a work plan”.

He said year after year, the Commission has successfully submitted budgets to the National Assembly which would have included expenditure for Local Government Elections since there have not been any local government polls for last

year. The Public Relations Officer explained that this was done so if at any time, the order was issued for local government polls, the Commission would be financially capable of carrying out its mandate in that regard.

He explained that the work plan that GECOM has in the run up to elections has nothing to do with the August 1 parliamentary

deadline for the holding of local government polls. There has been resounding calls for Government to issue the order for the holding of Local Government Elections. These utterances have not been limited to the political Opposition parties as the Diplomatic Corps, the Private Sector and a plethora of other bodies have issued statements to that respect.

Lusignan teen murdered for cellphone

Amother is now pleading for swift action from the Guyana Police Force and for justice to be served after her youngest child, 19-year-old Ashminie Hariram was shot dead in a brazen daylight robbery.

The teen was relieved of her Samsung Galaxy cellular phone.

Screams and loud wails filled the Georgetown Public Hospital where family members had gathered to get one last glimpse of their be-

time of the incident.

The teen’s mother Khemwattie Somwaru related to Guyana Times that she was at home with her only son, when the telephone rang and the persons on the other line indicated to her that the teen had been shot and was lying on the roadway.

The inconsolable mother said she refused to believe what was said and subsequently returned to what she was doing. Minutes later, however, her nephew ran to the house, notifying her that Hariram was involved in an accident and was lying on the road.

“This girl Nadira down the road call and I hear the phone ring, so I ask my son to answer. When he put down the phone now, he said, ‘Mommy, Auntie Nadira say that Manisha get shot and lying on the road’, but I said that is not true. Then my brother son come running down the road and say to come quick because she just meet in an accident and on the road. When I go, I see she sprawl up on the road and

loved, popularly known as “Manisha” of 9B Lusignan Railway Embankment.

The teen was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital around noon on Thursday.

Ashminie, who worked as a cosmetologist, was reportedly returning home from a shopping expedition in the city around 11:10h with a cousin when a man emerged from a burgundy car which was parked along the railway embankment, some six houses away from where she resided and snatched her Samsung Galaxy cellular phone before shooting her to the mouth.

Eyewitnesses say the man quickly boarded the car and made good his escape. It is unclear how many persons were in the vehicle at the

blood all over her face. She had a hole by she mouth,” the woman wailed.

The mother related that by that time, a Police patrol which was in the vicinity, had arrived on the scene and was in the process of placing her daughter’s almost lifeless body in their vehicle to be transported to the hospital.

“When I reach, the Police was there already and they pick her body up and put it in the vehicle. They tell me jump in and we went straight to the hospital. I sit down next to her, but she look so lifeless, I say is dead she done dead,” Somwaru said followed by loud wails.

Her worst fears were confirmed when the teen was officially pronounced dead on arrival.

Granger under fire for suspending Kissoon

Region 10 mem-

bers of the People’s National Congress Party Reform (PNCR) continue to lobby for justice to prevail in the recent Vanessa Kissoon/Oscar Clarke issue. (see related story on page 10)

In one of their recent letters addressed to PNCR

Leader David Granger, the party’s Region 10 members said the recent suspension of Region 10 Member of Parliament (MP) Kissoon is “another act of consistent and sustained assault on the Region”.

The case against Kissoon who was suspended by Granger over a recent physical altercation between her and PNCR General Secretary Oscar Clarke is set be heard before the party’s Disciplinary Committee. In the letter, Region 10 party officials also claimed that several requests to meet with the leader to iron out issues were ignored, while noting specifically that regional party members were not consulted on the decision to appoint Sandra Adams as Regional Party Coordinator/ Supervisor.

“...Congress Place under your leadership wants to foist Sandra Adams on the members in Linden without consulting us or giving the Region an opportunity to select a Regional

Supervisor. When our elected representatives resisted these transgressions and violations, they are subjected to all forms of attacks, threats and altercations, attacked verbally, physically and denied their rights as members of the party ...”

Act of aggression

The Region 10 members further stated that the demand for the party’s Linden office keys by Clarke from Kissoon was an act of aggression towards the elected officials of Region 10 who are working to improve the PNCR’s image and membership in the Region. It added that members stand united in support for respect of the party’s constitution which details the procedures for

discipline.

“We also stand united in the belief that Ms Kissoon’s rights are being denied and that she is being unduly targeted as a leader in this Region...,”the letter went on to state.

Region 10 party officials further demanded that the alleged continuous assault by its leader and Congress Place cease immediately. They said the party was cognisant that municipal and national elections were due and unity was important to obtain the results sought, while they further alleged that the issues may have been orchestrated to undermine regional activities geared towards selecting party executives.

The letter to Granger further instructed Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon “not to cooperate with the injustice against Ms Kissoon by submitting any name to be part of any Disciplinary Committee”. The Region 10 members further advised that proper administrative procedures and due process should prevail in the Kissoon and Clarke issue, while they sought the support of all regional party chairpersons, central executives and other party stalwarts in helping to resolve the matter internally in accordance with the constitutional process.

Wanted man nabbed in failed Mon Repos robbery

Awanted man was on Thursday nabbed after a bungled robbery at the Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) Community Market, Police have confirmed.

The wanted man was identified as Treyon Douglas, 20, of Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, ECD.

According to information received, about 08:05h on Thursday, Rajdeo Taijpaul, 56, a businessman of Unity Village, Mahaica, ECD, went to the Mon Repos Market with the intention of transacting business when he was allegedly confronted by Douglas, who was armed with an air pistol.

At the time, Taijpaul was

carrying $4 million in a black plastic bag. Reports reaching Guyana Times revealed that the businessman had just exited his vehicle when the wanted man who was on foot approached him, placed the gun to his abdomen, and demanded he hand over the bag.

However, the businessman resisted, during which the bag was ripped, causing the money to fall onto the roadway. The money was retrieved by the Police and the businessman. At the time of the commotion, ranks of a mobile Police patrol were passing and realised what was happening and went to the businessman’s rescue.

Lusignan teen...

Ashminie’s cousin Fiona Somwaru, who was accompanying her at the time of the shooting, said that they had walked in from the main road and was walking along on the embankment when they observed a parked car, but did not think anything of it since it was quite a norm for vehicles to be parked along the roadway.

“The car was parked there on the road, but we didn’t think that somebody would have come out from it. We were walking and talking going down the road while she was counting some money and he just come out of the car, walked up to her, take away her phone because she had it in her hand and shoot she,” the visibly traumatised girl related.

Somwaru then began

screaming, running down the road towards the teen’s home, alerting neighbours who ran to the scene to see what happened.

Nadira, who lives just adjacent to where the shooting had taken place, related that she was in her hammock located at the lower flat of her house when she noticed the two ladies walking on the embankment on their way home.

“I was waiting on her to do my hair and nails because she went to town to buy the bleaching powder for me, and as time was passing and I didn’t see her coming, I called her and she said she was at Mon Repos. Couple minutes later I saw her and the girl coming down the road so I go and sit back in my hammock for when they pass by me, so I can go with them same time.

Upon seeing the Police ranks, Douglas attempted to make good his escape, but was apprehended by the ranks a short distance away.

Upon his apprehension, an air pistol with several pellets was found in his possession. He is currently in custody at the Beterverwagting Police Station where he is being interrogated for two other robberies he allegedly committed along the East Coast. Douglas is expected to be placed on an identification parade for the other crimes he allegedly committed. He is also expected to be charged today for attempted robbery and possession of an illegal firearm.

Then all of a sudden I just hear like a squib go off and I see a car drive away, but I didn’t take it for anything but then I see this girl running and screaming. When I go upstairs and peep out from my verandah, I see Manisha lie down on the road,” she shared. She immediately alerted the teen’s relatives. Nadira noted that the car was parked in front of her house for several minutes, but she did not take it for anything serious since it was the Railway Embankment and it was nothing new.

A spent shell has been recovered from the scene as the Police continue their investigation.

The teen leaves to mourn her mother, brother and two sisters. Her father reportedly passed away some 12 years ago.

Police ‘evil’ must not overshadow their ‘good’ – Rohee

The negatives of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) should not be overshadowed by the many positives, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said, as it applauded the Force for bridging the gap that existed between ranks and communities across the country.

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee said the Force has much to celebrate as it marks its 175th anniversary, pointing to the “tremendous” work done to reform at-risk youth.

According to him, the PPP is encouraged by the work in A Division, which has been reaching out to youths in Albouystown, Agricola and Tiger Bay, among other atrisk communities within its parameter.

The Division, led by Commander Clickton Hicken has been spearheading the Impact Albouystown Project launched on April 11, 2013. The project is designed to

make the community a safe haven through law enforcement services and social intervention activities.

Even as the project continues to have a positive impact on Albouystown – a once crime infested community – ranks simultaneously engage youths at the Agricola Primary School during a weekly luncheon. The

General Secretary said the PPP would continue to support initiatives that will protect vulnerable youths.

“We are encouraged by the Force and we firmly believe that it would have an impact on our present and future generations,” he posited.

Youth clubs

Similarly, the ruling party recognised the work of B Division, which is headed by Deputy Superintendent Linden Isles. In collaboration with the Development Association of Fort Ordnance, the Police have launched more than 17 youth clubs, from Orealla on the Corentyne River to Plantation Profit on the West Coast of Berbice.

“We also salute the Commanders, senior officers and other ranks of all Police Divisions that have been working quietly to foster better relationships with residents… these are welcoming

signs,” Rohee said. He emphasised that the growing community policing partnership is a step in the right direction that would result in greater confidence in the Force.

“It is our firm view that for far too long, law enforcement and the communities were miles apart, resulting in many unnecessary controversies,” he added.

Reshaping the image of the Guyana Police Force forms part of its reformation plans, he said. The PPP General Secretary, who is also the Home Affairs Minister, had pointed out that a number of initiatives have been instituted under the Institutional Reform Process, to move the GPF forward.

The main aspects of the Institutional Modernisation Programme, when successfully accomplished, will result in the realisation of technological development, capacitybuilding, improve training, modernisation of the administrative systems and succession planning and the development of the Cadet Officer Scheme.

Additionally, the Office of Professional Responsibility will be significantly improved while the Modern Public Relations Department would be developed. In general, the physical infrastructure and the operational capability of the Force will be strengthened.

Man shot at La Grange critical

The Police in D Division have launched an investigation into the shooting incident involving a Cornelia Ida man who was injured after he was attacked by a lone gunman at La Grange, West Bank Demerara on Wednesday evening.

Mohamed Khan, 56, of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD) was shot to the left side and was admitted a patient at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where he is being treated. His condition was listed as stable.

According to reports, the man was on the roadway at Independence Street, La Grange, WBD on Wednesday evening when he was confronted by the bandit who was armed with a handgun. During the confrontation, the attacker reportedly demanded that Khan hand over his valuables, but he refused.

As a result, a scuffle ensued between the two men during which Khan was shot. The perpetrator made good his escape on his motorcycle. The injured man, according to information received, was rescued by passersby who heard the sound of the gunshot.

Khan was taken to the WDRH where he was admitted. The Police were informed and carried out several searches for the perpetrator, but to no avail.

Eyew tness

“Full

a schupidness...”

... IAC

If you make some kind of elegant argument, but base it on a set of blatantly erroneous premises, you got to know you’re yanking somebody’s chain. Or you’re just a moron. One writer called such arguments “nonsense on stilts”. In Guyana, there’s a pithy phrase about these kinda people: they’re “full a schupidness”.

There’s an even earthier expression – “they’re full of sh*t”. And that’s what seem to sum up the IAC’s ‘statement’ about some purported connection between our stagnant population and bleak possibilities for economic growth.

They looked at our economic conditions and Singapore’s between our independence era and today. Seeing where Singapore is now, they then went on to whine, it’ll take “254 years” for us to equal Singapore!!! Where the hell are these jokers coming from??? So because Singapore’s population tripled since the 1960s that’s what is responsible for their growth??? Hell, every country in sub-Saharan Africa tripled their populations after independence.... how come they’re still at subsistence levels??

And for that matter, right at home in the Caribbean, Barbados’ population has been almost as flat as ours.... but they’ve prospered. No?? If the IAC were not jerking off, we’d tell them you can’t conflate correlation and causation. But we know that their “release” isn’t an innocent happenstance. They’re out to embarrass the administration. And maybe the previous administration. Point is, Singapore grew “From Third World to First” – as its iconic first Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yu entitled his book – because he created conditions for growth that continued for five decades. Anyone with the slightest knowledge of compound interest will tell you what that does to your base figures – be it per capita income or whatever. The IAC wants to close their eyes to the biggest hindrance as to why we’re lagging behind Singapore – the PNC’s illegal rule between 1964 and 1992.

While Lee Kwan Yu was laying the foundations for Singapore’s growth (double-digit growth rate between 1965 and1973), Burnham was destroying ours with his “cooperative socialism” nonsense!! By 1992, with the albatross of US$2.1 billion in debt, our economic goose was literally cooked.

But with all of that, ever since the PPP took over – especially after the Jagdeo years when he’s cleared the PNC debt, this country has had the fastest growing economy in the Region. And this is after the Opposition launched a direct attack on the state with their proxies in Buxton. And is presently precipitating an international financial strangulation of the country.

If people in the IAC and Opposition stop playing games, maybe we’ll also achieve the double-digit growth rates. And catch up with Singapore before long.

...in PNC

And these are the people who have the chutzpah to criticise the PPP Government for not being “democratic”!!!

The PNC has to be the most shameless set of politicians on Planet Earth. But hold it... they’re now facing stiff competition from the AFC! Who could be more antidemocratic and totalitarian than the leaders of the PNC right now??

And we’re not even going back to the patentlyfiddled PNC elections in which Granger was anointed “Leader” by Robert Corbin. Not even back to how Granger sidelined Aubrey Norton – a former General Secretary of the Party – even though the fella secured Linden for them. We’re talking about the roughing-up of their MP Vanessa Kissoon of Linden because she wouldn’t answer “How high?” when Granger says “Jump!!” This after she’d been moved to the back benches in Parliament. And right after she opened up her mouth to protest her roughingup, they suspended her.

Guyanese are getting a glimpse of the straitjacket Granger wants to impose in Guyana. Keep your trap shut and do what you’re told!!!

...in the Bar

The lawyers in the Opposition should hang their heads in shame for not defending Guyana against the internal interference by the US ambassador. Even Henry Jeffrey, not distinguished by his strong vertebra, stood up!!!

Women chopped, robbed by bandits

Two women were brutally chopped and robbed during a home invasion at Albion, Corentyne on Wednesday night. Injured are Parbattie Bickram, 34, a shrimp vendor at the Rose Hall Market and Ramkhali Rampat, 71, a US-based Guyanese currently on vacation.

Bickram sustained two chop wounds to her left arm and several lashes about the body, while Rampat suffered several chop wounds and numerous blows about the body with a cutlass.

According to reports, three armed and masked men confronted the victims just before 20:00h when they were on the patio at their Lot 54 Doctor Bush, Albion home. Two of the bandits were armed with cutlasses while the other was armed with a gun. They reportedly gained access to the premises via the backyard.

Speaking to media operatives, Bickram, who re -

gun cranked his weapon.

“This f…ing money is not right, you gota give we more or we go kill all allyo,” she quoted one of the bandits as shouting.

Bickram began begging the bandits to spare their lives, contenting that they do not have more money.

She said one of the bandits then randomly discharged three shots, “cursing” on the top of his lungs as

ceived medical attention at the New Amsterdam Hospital, said she received about 27 stitches, was treated and sent home.

The robbers, she said, pounced on her.

“Me was sitting in me hammock and me grandmother lying on the bed bottom abbie house and me two daughter sit down on the table on we computer… next thing you know, me see three people rush in and is all me hear is somebody say ‘yo, yo, all yo na move’ and two of them start fiya chop on me and me grandmother.”

Bickram recalled that the gun-toting bandit held her 13-year-old daughter at gunpoint and demanded all their cash.

The woman disclosed that the child, Lilawattie Mangru then went upstairs and brought down US$1200 and G$30,000; however, that was not enough for the bandits who demanded more. At this point, the robber with the

he demanded more cash. Bickram said the bandits after brutally beating her old, sickly grandmother, rendering her semi-conscious, took away the jewellery she had on, including a pair of gold bangles and a gold bracelet.

The robbers carted away cash, jewellery and a laptop, among other items. Bickram estimated her losses at around $2 million. The traumatised woman said the way the young bandits demanded the cash, seemed like they earned it.

“Me could not look at them good cause every time me raise me head, them ah lash me but them ah young boys dem… what save we is them see one light coming through the street and must be think is Police and them jump over the gate and get away,” she explained.

She noted that her grandmother is a pensioner in the US, and would come home to do her nor -

Food For The Poor executes stationery drive

– to benefit students in 20 schools

With the aim of ensuring that students have the necessary tools to begin the new school term, Food For The Poor (Guyana) Incorporated has embarked on a new “Back to School Project”.

This project was birthed after a survey was conducted at primary schools in Regions Four, Five and Six.

It was found that 75 per cent of the 9602 students who attended the various schools in these regions were in need of assistance in this area.

mal religious function.

“They target we because them say American deh hey so we go get plenty US, but this lady na get nothing, them prapa beat she up man,” she said.

Meantime, according to a Police source, no arrest has been made but investigations have intensified.

Stationery bins have been placed at various locations across the city in order to garner sufficient supplies to assist the various schools which numbers 20 in total.

The bins will be collected and cleared no later than the second week of August so that the items can be distributed to the schools in time for the re-opening of the school term.

The bins will be placed at several strategic locations, namely CCS, Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown; Kojac Marketing, Quamina Street, Georgetown; Metro Computer and Sales, Croal and Quamina Streets,

Georgetown; and Ashmins located on High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown.

Food For The Poor (Guyana) Incorporated is seeking the general public’s support in making the initiative a success, so that the students’ new school term can be one with a difference.

Kissoon to Granger:

“You

... accuses

Pcan’t suspend me”

PNCR of double standards

eople’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Region 10 lightning rod, Vanessa Kissoon has taken on the leadership of the party over her suspension, describing it as unlawful while cautioning Party Leader David Granger that he did not appoint her and had no power to suspend her.

She also flayed the party for disregarding protocol in its appointment of a Region 10 Coordinator, Sandra Adams, saying that as a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) for the Region, she was not consulted. Kissoon said it was not for her to collaborate with Adams, but for the Central Executive to respect the elected party leadership of Region 10 and resist the urge, though tempting it may be, to disrespect the will of the people which is protected in the party’s constitution.

Writing to Granger, she said: “Cde Leader, it is unfortunate that the APNU

[A Partnership for National Unity] and PNC want to be respected and consulted on the issues that impact their constituents, even as you seek to deny similar rights and respect to the people of Linden/Region 10. I am aware Region 10 representatives were called and informed of Central Committee’s decision to ap-

point Cde Adams and this was made without any consultation. Cde Leader, the demands of the party members at Linden are consistent with your demands of Central Government.”

Kissoon and current Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon had been credited with ensuring a landslide victory for APNU in the Upper Demerara district at the last election, with the coalition sweeping both of the geographic seats.

Reacting to a press statement by the PNCR early Thursday detailing the reasons which led to her suspension, Kissoon said: “I am surprised that my party, under the leadership of Mr Granger, has sought to release a statement that has no bearing to what led to my suspension. The PNCR statement conflicts with the 24th June letter to me by Mr Granger...”

She added that the PNCR Constitution, Article 27 INTERPRETATION

CLAUSE ‘Under this Constitution’ (5) reads “A power to appoint implies a power to suspend, dismiss, or revoke.”

“I am a member of the PNCR and not an employee. The leader of the party did not appoint me and, respectfully, has no power to suspend me. If I am to be made the sacrificial lamb to uphold the Party Constitution, I am prepared to face the consequences,” the young MP said in her statement, adding that “God is in charge and I fear not”.

Party keys

Meanwhile, in its statement, the PNCR said there are two main issues surrounding the fallout with Kissoon. Firstly, the right of the party’s General Secretary to enjoy free and unimpeded access to the party’s property, and, secondly, the authority of the Central Executive Committee to make non-elected appointments.

According to Congress Place, the issue with Kissoon had its origin in the decision of the Central Executive Committee to appoint a former member of the National Assembly and former Chairperson of the party’s Upper Demerara-Berbice Region as Coordinator of the very Upper DemeraraBerbice Region where she resides, with effect from April 1, 2014. The party said General Secretary Oscar Clarke assigned specific administrative and organisational duties to the Coordinator.

According to the PNCR, the appointment of the Coordinator was discussed and determined at several meetings, and was approved and authorised by a meeting of the Central Executive Committee.

“Representatives of the Region attended all of these meetings. The Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council was also invited to attend these meetings, although he is not an elected party officer of the Region.”

The PNCR said it was evident from the outset that “certain persons” resented the appointment and resisted attempts to allow the Coordinator to be given access to the party’s office. As a result, Clarke visited Linden to attend an announced meeting on March 26 at the party’s office in Linden. Solomon was present. According to the PNCR, the General

De signs of a idle man

Green Ham gotta lotta time to write a lotta letters to the press. That is de sign of a idle man. He talkin bout interference de other day, but he don’t interfere with nutten. Not even de garbage in GT.

He ain't got nutten much to do. But he does do much of nutten, yet collect a lotta prags fuh a lotta nutten de whole month. He is de first and only mayor any where in de world who gettin so mucha prags and still askin fuh more prags. Who ever seh Guyana ain’t a free country ain’t know whah dem sayin. That kinda freeness whah de Mayor-fuhLife gettin ain’t deh any where else in de world. Is nuff prags to do nuff nutten. And he been gettin all day, all week, all year fuh almost 20 years to do nutten. That’s a lotta nutten. Clearly, Green Ham doin nutten well because he keepin he job. It got nuff people who does do a good job and still get fired when dem do one wrong ting. Or when dem ain’t do nutten. De New Orleans Mayor get fire fuh one wrong ting and de Toronto Mayor get send to rehab fuh one wrong ting.

But not even de Guvament can fire Green Ham. After all is de Mayor-fuh-Life yuh talkin bout. Never mind de Mayorfuh-Life lookin like he ain’t got life. But he got almost 50 staff under he helpin to do all this nutten. It means that when some body under Green Ham, dem don’t do nutten, and he don’t do nutten too.

A preacher once seh that a idle brain is like a wukshop fuh de Devil. De problem is that Green Ham ain’t got brains, so de Devil musbe find some other part of de Mayor-fuh-Life body fuh he wukshop.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, dem Guyana basketball gyals certainly wasn’t idle in de last couple of days. De RGI headline de other day was: “Guyana women suffer back-to-back blowout….” And to tink that dem was playin in de British VIRGIN Islands!

Secretary asked Kissoon for the keys to the office and was told that it was not available. The PNCR clarified that although a Member of the National Assembly, Kissoon is not an elected party officer of the Region.

Again, the party said Granger and Chairman of the party, Basil Williams travelled to attend an announced meeting on April 29 in Linden. The Chairman of the RDC was present. At this meeting, members were allowed to freely express their concerns during which the Party Chairman attempted to explain the party’s constitutional provisions governing the appointment of the Coordinator, but some persons disrupted the meeting which had to be terminated, the PNCR statement read.

The PNCR General Secretary finally met Kissoon on June 20 at Congress Place, Sophia during which he repeated his request for the keys to the party’s property but was rebuffed. “The Party Leader, acting in accordance with the constitution, directed that the case be examined by the party’s Disciplinary Committee. He also direct-

ed that Ms Kissoon’s membership be suspended until the matter could be determined. The party’s Central Executive Committee has approved the appointment of the Disciplinary Committee,” the PNCR statement concluded.

Premature

However, explaining her side of the story, Kissoon said Granger emailed her on June 24 informing that he had suspended her membership from the party. She said the letter suspending her membership preceded the Central Executive Committee meeting held on June 25.

“I take this opportunity to say publicly what I said to the party privately – I do not have the keys to the party’s office in Linden. This has been communicated to Mr Oscar Clarke, General Secretary, several times before Friday, 20th June 2014 when I was assaulted at Congress Place,” the MP said. She said on Saturday, July 6, she advised Granger, while he was in Linden for the Son Chapman’s commemoration event, that she did not have the keys.

This vibrant 25-year-old has an impressive line of special awards she received for accomplishments she managed to reach including Valedictorian 2004, Most outstanding debater (Gavel Club President) 2002, 2003, 2004; Outstanding Academic Achievement 2004, winner of the National and Regional Optimist Oratorical Competitions 2004, highest exam mark in Barbados in the Royal Schools of Music Theory

Exam 2001, Principal’s Award of Excellence 2005, and the list goes on.

She can also be considered a ‘pageant girl,’ having competed in several regional pageants including Miss Carnival, which she won in 2013; Miss Jaycees Caribbean Queen 2009; Miss Barbados World, in which she placed first runner up; among others.

Having considered herself an “old soul”, Dannyele enjoys music from the Bee Gees, Air Supply and Whitney Houston.

This young lady says she dreams of being successful in life, making her parents, community, country and most importantly, herself, proud and ultimately dreams of building a legacy for those to follow.

“A legacy which impresses and you must seize each and every opportunity, whether it comes with its value stamped on it, or whether it comes in disguise, so that they too may be successful”.

en beauties are confirmed to participate in the Miss Jamzone International Pageant slated for August 15 at the National Cultural Centre. These delegates include several from the Caribbean, a few from North America and Guyana’s very

The delegates will be competing in several competitions such as talent, display of national costumes, intelligence, photo shoots

Guyana Times Entertainment will be featuring delegates of the 2014 Miss Jamzone International Pageant in the coming weeks. This week, we are pleased to introduce Miss St Lucia – Amy Stephen and Miss Barbados – Dannyele Leslie.

At 20 years old, Amy Stephen is a full time teacher while pursuing a degree in theatre and marketing. She dreams of working in these fields either regionally or internationally. With a passion for singing and theatre, this young lady says she enjoys spending her leisure time strengthening her singing, violin and flute skills.

Asked what she would like to see happen in the area of tourism in her country, Stephen said “I would like to see the industry become more holistic in terms of the partners involved…”

She continued to say that her fellow St Lucians make her most proud and would promote the country’s human resources as “mountains and trees can’t make you feel as welcome as a gesture from someone you’ve never met.”

Three talented ladies from Berbice – Artie Sookhai, Gail Ann Singh and Vishalie Sukram – will compete to be the winner of E-Networks Emerging Voice of 2014 in the grand finale of the series which airs tonight on E-Networks Channel 1 at 19:00h. It will also be posted to YouTube.

The competition among the three talented ladies has been intense thus far with each of them delivering outstanding performances throughout the competition, which has been running for the last 12

Fans have been rallying behind their favourites and social media are filled with good wishes and words of advice and encouragement for the finalists. The tough decision as to who will be the winner rests with celebrity judges Jeffrey Iqbal, Dr Vindhya Persaud and Purnash Durgaprasad. In addition to a song of their choice, the three finalists will be required to perform a standard test piece which was selected for them by the judges. Music for the show is provided by the E-networks band which has been wowing viewers with its versatility. The band is made up of musicians from India and Guyana.

Also performing on the night of the grand finale will be judges Jeffrey Iqbal and Purnash Durgaprasad and the Dharmic Nritya Sangh. It promises to be action packed.

With a first prize of one million dollars up for grabs, the competition has been intense thus far with the artistes pulling out all stops to present their E-Networks launched the reality television series “Emerging Voices” in an effort to unearth good voices, fresh talent and energetic young performers who will give a boost to Guyana’s budding music industry. Focusing on Hindi and Bollywood Music, auditions were held countrywide following which 22 persons were selected by judges Jeffrey Iqbal, Purnash Durgaprasad and Dr Vindhya Persaud to take part in the series. It is noted that, in addition to the prizes announced, the top two contestants will have an opportunity to visit India for musical exposure and training. E-Networks is being supported in this venture by Torginol Paints, Sujata Curry Powder, NTN Television and King’s Jewellery World.

Thirty-year-old Ryan

Gonsalves is the captain of the Guyana National Rugby Team. He was born to Clifford George and Claire Gonsalves and has a brother, Elton and three sisters; Lizann, Kimberly and Tiffany.

He was born in Georgetown where he spent most of his life. He described his childhood as exciting and fun. As a child, he liked spending a lot of time with his friends so that could he compete in various form of sports such as cricket, football and table tennis. He had to adhere to the strict policy of after school game playing, since he was not allowed to mix academics and cocurricular activities.

He attended St Angela’s Primary then went to the St Mary’s Primary after which he was transferred to Charlestown Government School. After writing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) he went onto acquire a diploma in Marketing and Human Resource Management at Cambridge University, through School of the Nations.

Gonsalves also played at the Pan American Games.

“I played against some of the best rugby nations in the world. My first game on the world stage was against the New Zealand “All Blacks” at the World Sevens series in Las Vegas where I scored my first international try”.

He also participated in the Hong Kong Sevens which is described as the “Rugby Sevens” World Cup where all the best teams from around the world participated. In that tournament, France drew with the United States in Las Vegas and the Guyana team won against China.

As a national player, his aim is to develop the sport in Guyana so that the team can be a force to be reckoned with in the Region and farther afield. The talented young man listed his wife and son, Xavi as his greatest inspiration. His said that playing rugby is a true experience and it showcases talent such as speed, strength and ball skills. It is also entertaining and is one of the fastest growing sports in the word.

uyanese singing sensation, Lisa Punch is all prepared for her next round in the ABC’s singing competition, “Rising Stars” this Sunday evening. She will be competing in the duel round against Alice Lee.

This signalled that the three weeks of live auditions have passed and the coming weeks will see the finalists competing not only to lift the wall but also with the aim of bettering their competitor’s score.

All performers will be paired up to compete. Just as weeks one through three, you can vote “yes” or “no” through the Rising Star App.

Since contestants are paired to compete against each other, whichever performer gets the highest percentage of “yes” votes from both east and west, will stay in the competition, while the other goes home.

The Guyanese artiste in an interview reiterated the need for persons to vote for her during her performance. She has been thankful thus far for the tremendous support that she has received and promises to perform to the best of her ability, this Sunday.

The ABC show will be broadcast live on the National Communications Network (NCN) and WRHM Channel 7 on Sunday evening, commencing at 21:00h.

Guyana Times Entertainment extends best wishes to Lisa Punch in her quest to become ABC’s Rising Star.

Gonsalves was introduced to Rugby by Conrad Arjoon, a former Guyana rugby captain whom he saw as a father figure at the time. Arjoon subsequently retired in 2001. After being involved in Rugby, he attended the Guyana Olympic Association Sports Summer camp where he was exposed not only to Rugby but also to cricket, football, hockey, swimming, boxing and other forms of the discipline.

Apart from him being a Rugby player, his cousin, Julio

Some Guyanese he made reference to are Kevin MC Kenzie who is playing in Australia and Richard Staglon who plays for Ireland. He noted they would have gotten their foundation here in Guyana and excelled at the sport.

In the future, he expects to win Guyana’s first North America Caribbean Rugby 15’s title. He also intends to reclaim the Sevens Title later in the year in Mexico which will qualify Guyana for the Pan American Games in Canada in 2015.

Also, this tournament gives then a shot at qualifying for the Olympics in Rio in Brazil in another two years. This would mean that the Guyana team will have to win the Caribbean Zone and hopefully defeat the United Stated of America or

is not on the Rugby field, he is hard at work at John Fernandes Limited in the

He has been married to Kamla Gonsalves for the past four years and their union has brought forth one son, Xavi Gonsalves. His favourite color is green as the Guyana ‘green

His favourite foods are garlic pork, pepper pot and grilled chicken with vegetables and potatoes, especially when it is prepared

As was expected, Pulse Entertainment’s Cooler Fete was held at the Everest Cricket Club ground on Saturday last and it was dominated by some high energy performances by Trinidad’s Number one crossover band, Karma led by its lead singer, Ravi B.

It was indeed a night of party vibes which saw hundreds in attendance as they partied jouvert style. Earlier in the day, patrons were privileged to splash in the erected swimming pools as they viewed the football games.

But as the darkness stepped in, Fusion International Sound dished out tempting soca and dancehall music, which put the patrons in the right party mood. After hours of partying to the vibes, Guyanese emcee, WR Reaz introduced the Trinidadian deejays who created a stir on the mixer. From soca vibes to dancehall and hip hop, everyone was sipping from either a bottle or a cup.

The two guest deejays undoubtedly had the crowd showing off their dance moves and swag. By this time, Nadia Baxton appeared on stage and sang her signature tune “You don’t have a man; you have a manager”. This had the ladies getting on bad.

as she performed. Without

he was accompanied by his sister, Nesha B and band member Gregory.

The trio dished out a fantastic and versatile performance comprising all genre of music ranging from Chutney, soca, hip hop, dancehall, reggae and others. One of the tunes that Ravi B delivered that had the entire crowd dancing and singing was “Rum is meh lover”.

Gregory, with a more dancehall twist to the event and Nesha B with a retro perspective, added the flavour to an enjoyable night. An almost two-hour performance by the trio also included a saucy performance by soca sensation, Shal Marshall with several of his hits including “Wanna Ride” and others.

While the artistes were performing, some of the female patrons were having a ball in the pools, clad in their skimpy swimsuits. Even those in the general admission were seen having a blast at the event. The event was incident free and from all indications, those who attended the cooler fete totally enjoyed themselves.

ED Entertainment has announced that its annual feature, “Kiss My Art” will be staged at the Promenade Gardens, Middle Street, Georgetown, on July 27.

Kiss My Art 2K14 will feature local art of all kinds, in a format that is vibrant, exciting and attractive to all ages, but particularly the young and the young at heart. This would include the display and/or sale of photography, paintings, videography, textiles, jewellery, pottery, sculptures and much more!

In addition to the art exposé, Kiss My Art 2K14 will feature Trinidad’s Lexo TV Santana Puppets, a comedic act that will definitely thrill the Guyanese audience. There will also be several artsy activities such as Bravo Arts and Let’s Dance ‘King of the Jungle’ body art performance; performances from Collage Band; Keep Your Day Job Band; DJ Power Play; Choreo Steppers, Aerial Silk Acrobatics by Radical Romel and so much more. The event will be officially launched at the Georgetown Club today at 11:30h.

lans are moving apace for the hosting of Bartica Regatta Summer Splash 2014 which is billed for July 19

The scorching h ot summer event which is expected to draw thousands of spectators from the region and beyond commences with the Soca Wicked in White party.

The ultimate jump start party will feature the best in the local music industry such as Carib Soca Monarch, Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson, Heatwaves Band members, Calvin Burnette, Jackie Hanover and “De Button Man”, James Bond. The event will be held

at Smartt’s Residence, First Avenue, Bartica.

On Sunday, July 20, the Bartica Community Centre ground will come alive with the Kids Fun Park which has become an annual feature that caters for the children. They will have the opportunity to take photos and meet their favourite cartoon character including Sponge Bob, Barney, Dora and others. The stage shows get underway at 13:00h.

The excitement continues on Monday July 21 through Thursday July 24, at the Bartica Community Centre ground for the Mil Mahadeo Summer Regatta Football Competition, which will feature teams from Venezuela, Georgetown, West Demerara and Bartica.

The event kicks off at 19:00h nightly.

On Friday July 25, persons will have a chance to show off their vocals when the Karaoke King and Queen competition is held. This will be a one-off competition which will see Barticians competing head on to win fabulous prizes. This event is also slated for Smartt’s Residence, First Avenue, Bartica and will sing off at 19:00h.

The final of the Mil Mahadeo Summer Regatta Football Competition is fixed for Saturday July 26, at the Bartica Community Centre ground at 19:00h. This will be followed by the Regatta Road Jam in front of the Platinum and Modern Square at 20:00h.

On Sunday, July 27, the Golden Beach Racing Circuit is the place to be for the Regatta, featuring 15 powerboat races in five categories including jet skis. Here the big names in boat racing will be competing for various titles.

And finally, on the evening of July 27, all roads will lead to Stelling Square for the Ultimate Summer Splash Concert featuring Jamaica’s most creative dancehall duo, RDX.

RDX members are Deejay Renigade (Carlton Williams) from the community of Waterhouse and Singer Delomar (Andre Bedward) who hails from the community of Kencot both in Kingston, Jamaica.

Both artistes first started out in the dancehall reggae

business in 2003 as members of a group call “Xsytment”. In 2006 they collaborated and formed their own group “RDX”, instantly making an impact on the dancehall music scene. Their big break came in 2007 with the release of one of their biggest singles “Dance”. This was followed by “Everybody Dance”, which was also a monster hit for them. Since then, they have been on top of their game with the release of hits such as “Daggering”, “Skip”, “Turn Your Swag Up”, “Bend Ova”, “Movements”, “Like Magic” and “Dancers Anthem”. In 2011 they performed in Nairobi, Kenya before thousands of patrons who came out to catch a glance of the ‘Swagger Masters’ in action.

Dave Martins to perform live at the Promenade

The Promenade Gardens will come alive on Saturday, July 19 when the Global Friendships Foundation hosts its second Dave Martins Live Show and Garden Party.

Hundreds of persons are expected to flock the breezy, shady and breathtaking gardens on Middle Street, Georgetown, to be part of the garden party which has now become an annual feature.

Headlining the Global Friendships Foundation’s afternoon of Caribbean music and cultural event at the Promenade shall be none other than the iconic Dave Martins of the Tradewinds.

The Promenade will be transformed into a ‘tropical garden party’ complemented by amazing décor that will create the perfect ambience for this Caribbean signature event.

Patrons can get their tickets in advance from Gizmos and Gadgets Superstore, Wellington Street; and Ashmin’s Shopping Mall, High Street, Georgetown.

House erupts over US interference in local politics ... Manickchand stands ground; Opposition backs US

The National Assembly erupted on Thursday afternoon when Government tore into the Opposition for calling on it to apologise for the broadside delivered to former United States Ambassador to Guyana, D Brent Hardt last week.

On a point of personal explanation, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Africo Selman said Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who had delivered the “feral blast” at the Ambassador’s Cummings Lodge residence last week, has caused the country great shame.

On July 2, during a ceremony at the Ambassador’s residence to mark the US’s Independence Anniversary, Manickchand, who was at the time acting in the capacity of Foreign Affairs Minister, told Ambassador Hardt he had “crossed the red line” and flayed him for attacking President Donald Ramotar and his Government for the delays in holding Local Government Elections.

Amid loud heckling from the Government side of the House, Selman said Hardt should not have been reprimanded during the observance of his country’s independence celebration, as she tagged the salvo as most inappropriate.

According to her, APNU holds the view that controversial matters involving diplomatic representatives should be dealt with behind closed doors and never in public to cause humiliation. The APNU MP opined that the tactic employed by the Government was “inappropriate” and in “bad taste”.

She said too it was a shame that the People’s

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration had placed a female member in such a vulnerable position, noting that the acting Foreign Affairs Minister was asked to do an unacceptable thing.

The APNU Member said the Minister and the Government of Guyana should offer an apology, not only to the US, but to the people of Guyana for causing them much embarrassment. It was clear that the Alliance For Change (AFC) endorsed the statement made by the APNU MP, as they too from their seats chided Manickchand.

Shame

But this did not go down well with the Government side of the House, with former Minister Manzoor Nadir saying that he was personally aggrieved by the statement made by Selman.

Minister Manickchand wasted no time in defending herself and the Government of Guyana. “Guyanese leaders… do not have the luxury of saying yes merely to avoid trouble or to please the United States or any other country, particularly because we are a sovereign country,” Manickchand told the House. According to her, the Government is holding its head up high, because it continues to uphold the integrity of the country. “We are proud that we have been able to do what we were mandated to do by the people of this county and that we represented Guyana’s position against interference that is undiplomatic.”

The Education Minister argued that the Ambassador’s snide comments at the Blue CAPS event where he chided the Government were in contradiction of the Vienna Convention to which both countries are signatories. Even as she spoke, AFC Member Moses Nagamootoo told her to “shut up”, but she continued.

Explaining the reason behind the public message, Manickchand said it was in response to sentiments expressed by the US Ambassador at two particular events. According to her, the Ambassador who demitted office on July 7, called for an insurrection in Guyana. “On Monday, June 30, the United States Ambassador undiplomatically and, against all diplomatic protocols and good relations between

Governments, denigrated and libelled the President of this country.”

She said too that Hardt had lashed out at and mocked the PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee while siding with the two main Opposition parties.

According to the Minister, the Government had cautioned the Ambassador about his con-

stant moves to breach diplomatic protocol, but to no avail. While praising herself and Government for representing the people of Guyana, Manickchand said it was disappointing that the Opposition has let down Guyanese “simply” to please the United States or avoid trouble.

In the presence of the Ambassador, his diplomat-

ic colleagues, countrymen and Guyanese leaders at the July 2 event, Minister Manickchand said Hardt has “contributed to a tension-filled relationship with the Government of Guyana”. She stated that his recent “assault” on President Donald Ramotar and his Administration had “gone beyond the boundaries of professional-

ism and diplomacy”. She stated, “For a professional foreign service officer with the appointment of an ambassador, to make such declarations, accusations, allegations and innuendoes about the Executive President of Guyana, or any country for that matter, is, to our mind, totally unacceptable.”

Copa brings new trade opportunities –

Ramotar tells airline’s launch

By Jomo Paul

Head of State Donald Ramotar believes the addition of Copa Airlines to Guyana’s airline market will boost trade opportunities for this country and the rest of South and Latin America.

The President was at the time speaking at the official launch of Copa Airlines at Pegasus International Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. He said such launches are needed as Guyana looks to broaden ties with other South American as well as Latin American countries.

President Ramotar said: “It opens new doors for different parts of the world making travel much easier to get to Africa... it also gives us an easier access to Europe.” He added that he expects the company to increase its operations in and out of Guyana.

With respect to development at a local level, the President highlighted that

with Copa onboard, Guyana is well on its way to becoming a major hub in South America. In that regard, he noted that it was imperative for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project to continue, contending that when Guyana becomes a major hub, the space will be needed to facilitate not only bigger aircraft but also more carriers.

He said the launching of Copa “justifies” all efforts being made to improve services at the CJIA.

Similarly, Foreign Affairs

Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett also noted the importance of the expansion project, maintaining that there was need for the implementation of adequate infrastructure and the introduction of adequate regulations.

Launch of a new era

The Foreign Affairs Minister went on to indicate that Copa joining the local airline industry is “much more than just the introduction of a new airline”, but

rather “the introduction of a new era of movement of people, goods, and services” in South America.

Copa Regional Sales Manager Diego Bernudez, in his remarks at the launch, declared that the airline “is here to stay ... Copa Airlines will be in Guyana for as long as the market needs us. We are not here to make a seasonal profit; rather we are here to expand connectivity between Guyana and the rest of the world. From tomorrow, Guyana will have a new gateway to the rest of the world and we know that together we will do great things.”

Bernudez said Copa regards Guyana as an opportunity for the expansion of the local tourism sector, previously limited by North American connections.

“You will no longer have to fly all the way to the USA or spend more than half a day in a foreign terminal waiting for connections to take you to countries that you share borders with,” he said.

He noted too that Copa’s decision to enter the local market was well-researched and well-informed. The Regional

Sales Manager pointed out Copa’s research has shown that many Guyanese businessmen people and travellers from the rest of the world would fly via Panama to get to Guyana.

Previously, Copa Vice President of Sales Guillermo Gomez Wilches had said that research conducted by the airline revealed that Guyana would be a profitable country to set up shop in and offer flights to non-traditional destinations.

Gomez maintained that once Copa enters a market, it does so on an informed basis and the company has rarely made any hasty decisions in that regard.

“We have those numbers, but unfortunately, I can’t share it with you, because I don’t want to open the appetite for other carriers,” he said.

Well-informed

The Vice President of Sales was adamant that in addition to the peak seasons, it is expected that there will be a large influx of passengers going to destinations around the Caribbean. He added that

it is taxing for persons to have to fly to several different destinations before they arrive at a destination that is three hours away via a direct flight.

Noting that over the past four years, Copa has begun operations to approximately 20 new destinations and those routes are still being plied by the airline, Wilches said: “Once we open a destination, we are not just testing to see how we go. We are sure that we are going to do well and, of course, our intention is that we are going to be for a long, long time in Guyana.”

COPA will commence operations tomorrow at the CJIA with its inaugural flight to Panama. The company is expected to make two flights per week from Guyana, affording Guyanese passengers easier access to 69 destinations in 30 countries, while opening up the country’s tourism product to more markets.

The new airline promises to be more efficient while providing quicker access to destinations in North, South and Central America and the Caribbean. Copa Airlines and Copa Airlines Colombia, subsidiaries of Copa Holdings, are leading Latin American providers of passenger and cargo services.

The airlines currently offer service to 69 destinations in 30 countries in North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean. During Copa Airlines’ more than 65 years of uninterrupted operations, it has transformed the hub of the Americas in Panama into the leading hub on the continent.

681 Charity residents receive OLPF laptops

Some 681 persons receive laptops when distribution under the One Laptop Per Family Programme (OLFP) was taken to Charity on the Essequibo Coast on Thursday. According to Region Two Supervision Distributor Indrawattie Natram, distribution in the region commenced on June 18 and 19 at the Maranatha Assembly of God hub. Applicants who uplifted laptops were called in advance and notified about the date of distribution. They were given training on basic usage of the instruments and were required to complete 10 hours of compulsory training.

Training was conducted at the Charity Secondary School.

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud visited the site at Charity and interacted with residents, informing them that the distribution was yet another promise fulfilled by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration.

The recipients said the instruments will help their children to do research in relation to their studies.

One beneficiary, Meschelle Boyan, said she was happy to receive a laptop. Boyan noted that she had applied years ago and was happy to have received the call, informing her that

she is a beneficiary of the programme.

She said the instrument will be of great help to her sons and daughters. The One Laptop Per Family Programme (OLPF) is the brainchild of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. It is a key component of a broader Information and Communication Technology strategy (ICT for Development – ICT4D) drafted in 2006.

Under the programme, some 90,000 eligible families will benefit. The laptops are equipped with a wide range of learning features, as well as Internetready portals.

GDF participates in Exercise Tradewinds

Acontingent from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) comprising five officers, one Warrant Officer and five Senior NonCommissioned Officers, participated in Phase Two of Exercise Tradewinds 2014, held recently in The Dominican Republic.

This exercise, conducted from June 15-26, was headed by Captain Cleon Coppin.

The participating ranks were exposed to both theoretical and prac-

tical training in the areas of human rights, planning and conducting a conventional range practice, coaching the grouping practice, employing ammunition safety, collection and preservation of evidence and conduct of vehicle and personnel searches.

The training also covered the areas of establishing vehicle checkpoints, basic photography of a crime scene, tactical site exploitation/site assessment, urban opera-

tions (patrolling and close quarter combat) and civil military affairs. All training was conducted by officers and ranks from the US Marines, the US Army and the Canadian Armed Forces, respectively.

Members of the GDF contingent benefited greatly through the exchange of knowledge, with their regional counterparts, as well as with members of the US Marines, US Army and Canadian Armed Forces.

Germany expels CIA Berlin chief over NSA spying

Germany is expelling the CIA chief in Berlin in retaliation for the latest espionage scandals “in addition to existing issues”. Two suspected US agents have been exposed in the past week, prompting criticism from German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The expulsion comes shortly after the alleged US agents were unmasked, suspected of acting as double agents within the state security apparatus, and passing secrets to US intelligence contacts.

The move was “a reaction to persistent failure to work together in efforts towards clarification”, according to the chief of the Parliamentary Control Panel.

The two new cases, which came in quick succession of one another, increase the strain on already tense relations after the revelations made about the extent of global NSA espionage in June 2013.

Merkel criticised the spy’s presence in Germany, stating that when common sense is switched on, “spying is ultimately a waste of force”, reported Der Spiegle.

She added that in 21st century intelligence work, there should be a strong focus on the essentials rather than that which is just technically possible – to the point that “one can’t see the wood because of all the trees,” Merkel said.

“The order arose against the backdrop of the ongoing investigation by the General Prosecutor’s Office, in addition to existing issues in recent months surrounding the actions of US intelligence agencies in Germany,” said the document.

The US stated on Thursday that it was imperative that the two nations continued to cooperate on in-

telligence and security matters.

“We have seen these reports and have no comment on a purported intelligence matter. However, our security and intelligence relationship with Germany is a very important one and it keeps Germans and Americans safe,” White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden told Reuters.

“It is essential that cooperation continue in all areas and we will continue to be in touch with the German Government in appropriate channels,” she added.

Only recently, the BBC has reported that a US diplomat was ordered to

leave Bahrain after meeting members of a leading Shia Opposition group, say Bahrain officials.

Tom Malinowski, US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, went to Bahrain on Sunday.

While there, he met members of al-Wefaq, a move which the Foreign Ministry of Bahrain said intervened in the country’s domestic affairs.

Protests by members of the majority Shia population have been ongoing.

Malinowski “held meetings with a particular party to the detriment of other interlocutors, thus discriminating between one people, contravening diplomatic norms and flouting normal interstate relations”, state news agency BNA reported.

Malinowski was expected to visit Bahrain for three days, and had meetings scheduled with al-Wefaq, Government officials, and a leading human rights activist Nabeel Rjab.

In meeting al-Wefaq, Mr Malinowski’s actions ran “counter to conventional diplomatic norms”, the Foreign Ministry argued.

Police get new fleet of vehicles, bikes

In order to enhance the performance of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and ensure better execution of its duties, Government through the Home Affairs Ministry on Thursday handed over the keys to a new fleet of vehicles and motorcycles as the Force celebrates its 175th anniversary.

The fleet, which includes 13 4x4s, 10 motor cars, seven motorcycles, a 26- seater bus, a troop carrier and one short base truck, will aid in enhancing the performance of the Force.

The keys were presented to the Force by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee during a handing over cer-

vehicles, added to the set that was handed over, will be used to serve and protect the people as we adhere to the motto of the

terest, because the people look with great expectations to be provided with the best service.

The Force is part of the

emony at the Tactical Services Unit, Eve Leary on Thursday.

While urging proper usage and maintenance of the vehicles and cycles, Minister Rohee noted that this event was a historic one, as the Force is currently celebrating its anniversary.

“I believe that these

Force… the people have every right to be knowledgeable of what is handed over to the Police and what it has been used for,” Minister Rohee stated.

He said that it is in the people’s interest to know that the resources poured into the Force are used in their (the people’s) best in-

citizenry of this country, which is vested with the authority to fulfill their responsibility, and must at all times perform at the highest-level or at a great degree with respect, understanding and tolerance for the people.

Minister Rohee emphasised that even as

House pays tribute to Backer

The National Assembly on Thursday paid tribute to former Deputy Speaker and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentarian Debra Backer for her sterling contributions to the work of Parliament and Guyana as a whole.

Backer passed away earlier this year after a battle with cancer. Leader of the Opposition, retired Brigadier David Granger, said his party lost a valuable member in Backer, for whom public life was an extension of her professional life which was always a good thing. “She was ever eager to seek justice for women and children she felt were being treated unjustly.”

Backer retired from the National Assembly on February 7 due to her prolonged illness, to which she succumbed several weeks later.

Guyana. During her parliamentary life, Backer was involved in several parliamentary committees, such as the Committee of Privileges, the Parliamentary Management Committee, and the Anti-Money Laundering Committee. Ally noted that Backer’s commitment to all these attachments illustrated her commitment to the Guyanese people. Continuing in her address, Ally reflected that she never knew Backer to be a silent woman, as she was always vocal and ready to represent any cause she deemed worthy. “Her interventions were always timely, relevant, and sometimes humorous, but she never lost focus.”

Government continues to provide the means of land and water transport, it will also be working in close collaboration with the Force to ensure the country and its people are served and protected.

Transportation is an important part of the Force’s operations. In this regard, in keeping with the implementation of the Police Strategic Plan, the Strategic Management Department (SMD) recently submitted a proposal for a vehicle maintenance strategy. This proposal is currently being processed and will allow for better maintenance of the vehicles.

Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud said the vehicles represent a very major part of the Force’s operation; it lends to the patrol system, response time and threats which concern the people and the overall enhancement of State security. (GINA)

Amna Ally, Chief Whip of the Opposition, gave a solemn address on behalf of the APNU in the presence of Backer’s family, stating that they were all very much affected by the passing of such a lively colleague. She reflected on the times spent with Backer as though she was still very much alive and stated that she was now the missing link in the Parliament of Guyana.

Indomitable

Ally described Backer as being an extraordinary individual, as she was not only a doting wife, but also a caring mother, a soldier of justice, a champion of women’s rights, and a true patriot. She noted that Backer was a lawyer by profession, but served with many other organisations that she thought were trying to make Guyana a better place. Other than being a member of the Lions Club, she was also a Councillor of Georgetown and Vice Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), before joining the National Assembly in 1997.

Ally went on to say that “Debbie” took her parliamentary work very seriously, and where her party was concerned, she never wavered, as she was never one to miss the opportunity to represent the people of

She recalled the various antics of the vivacious Backer in the Assembly, such as making and displaying a “dunce” cap and offering cornflakes to her opponents. Describing her as a significant contributor to parliamentary debates in Guyana, Ally went on to mention that Backer had participated in almost 87 important debates inclusive of budget debates and amendments bills and was the Shadow Minister of Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs. In the 10th Parliament of Guyana, Backer was appointed Deputy Speaker and she served diligently before falling ill. Ally stated that though Backer has left physically, she left many lessons, from which all can gain.

On behalf of the Government of Guyana, Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall expressed condolences to the family of Backer and said she was a woman of varying personalities. He explained that as a lawyer she was radically different to when she was a mediator in the National Assembly and even more different than when she was Deputy Speaker. He described her as being very animated, passionate, and very aggressive in her debates and presentations, noting that she made an impact on the lives of many young persons who would one day want to venture into the world of politics. Nandlall stressed the fact that Backer was a wonderful mediator.

NEW GPC INC maintains allegiance to ruggers

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

In another clear demonstration of its commitment to sport, NEW GPC IIN on Wednesday evening paid tribute to Guyana’s national Men’s rugby team, the Guyana Jaguars, who recently won the North America and Caribbean Rugby Association’s (NACRA) 15s title in Atlanta, USA.

During an appreciation ceremony at Duke Lodge in Kingston, the ruggers were honoured for their outstanding performance after defeating USA South Panthers 3027 in overtime in the NACRA final on June 28 last. The ceremony was sponsored by NEW GPC INC, Banks DIH Limited and Germans Restaurant

NEW GPC INC, an avid supporter of rugby and sport in general, is among a group of sponsors who have faith-

fully backed the efforts of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU).

Marketing Manager of NEW GPC INC, Trevor Bassoo, delivering remarks at the function, said the company’s involvement in rugby

International swim coach to conduct three-day course

– ‘World’s most travelled coach’ Rick Powers slated to arrive tonight

Respected swim coach

Rick Powers is expected in Guyana to conduct a coaching course from Saturday at the National Resource Centre.

Powers, who is known as the world’s most travelled swim coach and has also coached the national teams of six countries, is expected to arrive in Guyana tonight.

According to President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), Ivan Persaud, the course will last for three days.

“What we want to accomplish is to improve the technical aspect of swimming, we don’t have a lot of coaches and we need persons that can teach the kids swimming, so what I expect is technical development for swimming,” Persaud noted.

Persaud also revealed that five persons from Region One and Berbice will be a part of the course, while four from Linden are also expected.

“What we are trying to do is spread it around. We

have persons from Linden, Berbice and Region One coming down and the Georgetown persons will fill out the rest because these things have to be done in small groups,” Persaud noted.

The programme, which will last for three days, is expected to have a total of 26 persons involved as the GASA aims to carry swimming to another level through the use of Powers’s expertise. (Treiston Joseph)

goes way beyond providing sponsorship.

“We have been doing this in several forms. Some of the players are employees of the company or the group of companies and we’ve done our part in granting the neces-

sary time off and other incentives necessary. As Mr. [Christopher] Nascimento said, we’re always on board when it comes to supporting these guys; we know they have what it takes to be winners, because they are win-

ners,” Bassoo remarked.

In addressing the successful ruggers, executive members of the GRFU and wellwishers, Bassoo used the opportunity to publicly congratulate the ruggers, who rebounded from trailing 8-24 at

halftime to level the game at 27-all at the end of fulltime before breaking the deadlock in overtime.

As part of its appreciation for the ruggers, the company’s Human Resource Manager, Fay Smartt-Scott, presented hampers to each member of the team, while thanking them for putting Guyana on the rugby map.

The Guyanese will look to regain that title after making it their own for six consecutive years between 2007 and 2012. NEW GPC INC has been a strong advocate of sport and its development over the years, as is evident in its title sponsorship of the Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament under its popular Limacol brand.

That tournament will bowl off today and conclude on August 16 featuring six franchise teams from across the Region.

Limacol CPL to kick off in style in Grenada

– Biggest Party in Sport to get even bigger, according to players, coaches and legends

Excitement is reaching fever pitch across the Caribbean in anticipation of the 2014 Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which begins today on the beautiful Spice Isle of Grenada.

Speaking at yesterday’s launch event for CPL 2014, CEO, Damien O’Donohoe, captains, coaches and legendary West Indies mentors, all spoke of their excitement for the competition, and promised an even bigger, better and more exciting spectacle than last year’s tournament, which thrilled sell-out crowds across the Region, earning the nickname: “The Biggest Party in Sport”.

The players have already been getting into the swing of things ahead of the tournament, with a group of CPL stars, including Kieron Pollard, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle and Daniel Vettori, taking part in a beach cricket match with local youngsters in Grenada, experiencing first-hand the excitement that people on the Spice Isle have for the arrival of the CPL.

The tournament kicks off on Friday July 11 at the National Cricket Stadium, Grenada, with the Guyana Amazon Warriors, captained by new West Indies Test

skipper, Denesh Ramdin, and featuring global T20 stars, Sunil Narine and Lendl Simmons, taking on Antigua Hawksbills, led by Marlon Samuels, coached by former Australia boss, Tim Nielsen, and mentored by the great Sir Vivian Richards.

Saturday sees a mouthwatering double-header for the people of Grenada to enjoy. First up, legendary former West Indies openers, Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes, go headto-head as team mentors, as the Red Steel, led by Dwayne Bravo, face off against Kieron Pollard’s Barbados Tridents.

The opening weekend draws to a close with Chris Gayle’s defending champions, Jamaica Tallawahs, taking on West Indies T20 captain, Darren Sammy, and the St. Lucia Zouks.

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of Limacol Caribbean Premier League, said: “After the huge success of the inaugural tournament, we’ve got a lot to live up to, but we’re confident this year will be even better. We’ve got some fantastic players, coaches and mentors on board, and you can expect bigger hitting, bigger crowds and an even bigger party!”

Chris Gayle, Jamaica Tallawahs Captain, said: “There’s nothing better than playing in front of full crowds in the Caribbean. CPL is the Biggest Party in Sport and I’ve already seen how excited everybody is for the tournament to come to Grenada, so I can’t wait to give the fans something to cheer about.” Robin Singh, Barbados Tridents Coach, said: “I’ve coached and played all over the world, but the atmosphere in the CPL is something else. The players are raring to go and we’re looking forward to putting on a good show for the people of the Caribbean.”

Sir Viv Richards, Antigua Hawksbills mentor, added: “Last year’s tournament was a massive success. The cricket was of a high quality, and it re-ignited local interest in the domestic game, so I’m looking forward to more of the same in 2014.”

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League runs from July 11 to August 16, with 30 matches taking place over 37 days. In addition, the final week of the tournament, in St. Kitts and Nevis, will host Beefy’s Bash, an all-star charity match featuring Sir Ian Botham, Brian Lara and Piers Morgan, as well as a concert by hip-hop megastar, Rick Ross.

Regional U-19 Cricket Tournament to remain in Guyana

The West Indies Cricket Board yesterday announced that the Regional Under-19 Tournament will be played in Guyana as originally scheduled.

“We are confident that all matters pertaining to cricket in Guyana will be suitably resolved to the satisfaction of all stakeholders and this will allow for the Under-19 Tournament to proceed as originally planned,” a press release from WICB quoted President Dave Cameron as saying.

A high level WICB delegation headed by Vice President Emmanuel

Nanthan were recently in Guyana and held discussions with the Guyana Cricket Board, the Government of Guyana and the parliamentary opposition parties. These meetings paved the way for the anticipated resolution to all outstanding matters with a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed pending approval of the parties.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) had expressed serious reservations that the Cricket Administration Bill, which was passed in the National Assembly in May, would thrust the administration

EBSC donates gear to national selectee Persaud

Wthe Enterprise Busta Sports Club (EBSC) recently presented a quantity of gear to

national Under-19 female cricketer, Amanda Persaud.

Persaud, a mediumpacer and student of the Annandale Secondary School, was named in Guyana’s 14-member squad to compete in the Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Cricket Association’s Under-19 Invitational Tournament, which started on Thursday.

In recognition of her achievement, Amanda was presented with a pair of footwear, batting pads, batting gloves and a thigh pad by the EBSC during a simple ceremony earlier this week at Tiger Sports at Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

The young cricketer expressed gratitude to members of the EBSC for providing her with the necessary equipment, promising that she will give of her best during the tournament.

Persaud also thanked Sunil Seepersaud, Tiger Sports, Chatterpaul Singh, Jitlall Jowahirlall, Kavita

Yadram and Latchman Yadram for their assistance.

L. Yadram, who is the coach of the EBSC and would have followed Persaud’s progress over the years, said the young cricketer is highly talented. He said the club, as well as all well-wishers, is looking forward to solid performances from Persaud in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.

Amanda Persaud is the second female cricketer from Enterprise to represent Guyana, following in the footsteps of Kavita Yadram.

The squad reads: Plaffiana Millington, Shirley Boyce, Erica Batson, Teniesha Cort, Shabika Gajnabi, Staffi Rodney, Lashuana Tussaint, Latoya Smith, Mandy Mangru, Odessa Caeser, Nagma Budhoo, Christine Quintyn, Amanda Persaud and Shanna Vanderstoop. The Coach is Clive Grimmond and Manager is Tremayne Smartt.

of cricket in Guyana from an independent body to the Government of Guyana. This the WICB had viewed as undesirable and inconsistent with International Cricket Council tenets.

Further, the WICB sought an undertaking from His Excellency President Donald Ramotar that the Bill be not signed into law until these matters were resolved. However, the parties were unable to find a mutually agreeable resolution and as a consequence the WICB relocated the Third Test between the West Indies and New Zealand from Guyana.

Threats to exclude the

national Under-19 team from the next regional tournament soon followed.

President Ramotar recently said he was ready to sign the Cricket Administration Bill into law.

Meanwhile, the WICB said a full schedule for the tournament will be subsequently released pending the conclusion of all logistical matters. The tournament is scheduled to be played from July 20 to August 10 and will include Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Windward Islands and ICC Americas.

BK International golf tournament on this weekend

Despite the continuous rainfall on the East Coast of Demerara, ground staffers at the Lusignan Golf Course have managed to keep the ground in playable condition and players are eagerly waiting this weekend’s BK International Medal Play golf tournament.

The competition is set for Saturday with tee off time being 12:30h.

The last time the BK International tournament was held, seasoned golfer Bholaram Deo emerged as champion, followed by Ayube Subhan and Kishan Bacchus in second and third positions respectively.

Former club captain Patrick Prashad won the prize for Nearest-to-the-Pin, while former Guyana Open champion Imran Khan recorded the best gross. All of these players are expected to participate in this weekend’s affair, as well as reigning Guyana Open champion Avinda ‘Ganguly’ Kishore, who has been in top form re-

cently.

In recent weeks the competition has been close among golfers and Saturday’s action should be no different. Reigning Guyana Open champion Avinda ‘Ganguly’ Kishore is expected to be among the starters Saturday

Third place play-off unfair- van Gaal

etherlands coach

NLouis van Gaal says having to complete a World Cup third-place play-off match is “unfair”. The Dutch, who lost their semi-final to Argentina on penalties on Wednesday, face Brazil - humbled 7-1 by Germany - in Brasilia on Saturday.

“This match should never be played. I’ve been saying that for 10 years; it’s unfair,” said Van Gaal, about to take over at Manchester United. “There is only one award that counts and that is

becoming world champions.”

The third-place playoff was introduced at the second World Cup finals in Italy in 1934 but has become unpopular with the teams. Van Gaal added: “The worst thing is that there is a chance you are going to lose twice in a row...and in a tournament in which you have played so marvellously well you go home as a loser. This has got nothing to do whatsoever with sport, not in my view.”

Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has an even hard -

er job of lifting his side for the game after their humiliation by Germany. His future as national team coach will be decided after the tournament. He said: “I know my career will be marked by this defeat but we have an obligation to move on, thinking about the next goal, which in this case is the match for third place in Brasilia.”

“I know it’s a much smaller dream than we all wanted but we have to honour the shirt of the national team.”

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Cook fails as India make England toil

“On a day of fluctuating fortunes, the hosts had hurtled back into contention with four wickets for two runs after lunch to reduce India to 346-9 following Murali Vijay’s 146

England captain Alastair Cook’s batting woes continued as India took control of the first Test with a record lastwicket partnership.

The opener was bowled off his thigh pad for five as England closed on 43-1 in reply to India’s 457 at Trent Bridge.

On a day of fluctuating fortunes, the hosts had hurtled back into contention with four wickets for two runs after lunch to reduce India to 346-9 following Murali Vijay’s 146.

But an extraordinary stand of 111 between number nine Bhuvneshwar Kumar and number 11 Mohammed Shami, who both scored their maiden Test fifties, sapped England’s spirit and put the tourists firmly back in charge.

Having watched the un-

likely duo punish his tiring attack for two-and-a-half hours, Cook walked to the crease desperate to end a run of 24 innings without a century.

However, in a moment typical of his recent cruel luck, he missed a ball from Shami down the leg side and watched in horror as it deflected off his thigh pad and down on to the stumps. Cook, whose team have lost six of their last seven Tests, has now scored only 606 runs in his last 13 Tests at an average of 24.24.

SCOREBOARD

Digicel Schools Football...

Akeem Bollers displayed his prolific goal-scoring ability as he registered a hat-trick to propel GuySuCo Training Centre past Canje Secondary 4-0 in the Berbice Zone of the Digicel Schools Football Tournament on Thursday.

Bollers had to battle defenders as well as a waterlogged Skeldon Community

Due to the inclement weather which has left the Everest Cricket Club ground under water, the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) trials to select a squad to represent the county at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Women’s Inter-County Competition has been pushed back to Saturday July 12 and Sunday July 13, 2014.

The trials were initially

Centre Ground but was able to adjust to the conditions were as he netted in the 12th, 53rd and 66th minutes.

Akeem Perry slotted in the other goal for GuySuCo Training Centre in the 22nd minute.

Kevin Bay had a perfect opportunity to net a consolation goal in the 51st minute but was denied by the swampy condition as the ball was held up just before the goal line. The winners now await the outcome of the match between New Amsterdam Technical Institute and Vryman’s Ervin Secondary. That game has been put on hold following a protest by Berbice High School.

slated for Thursday July 10 and Friday July 11, 2014.

Meanwhile, the DCB is calling up 30 players to take part in the trials at the Everest Cricket Club ground, starting at 09:00h each day.

The players are: Akaze Thompson, Kavita Yadram, Tracy Glasglow, Nikita Madramotoo, Renika Issacs, Nalini Sumintra, June Ogle, Leana Harris, Zola Telford, Hema Singh,

Hasena Mohamed, Jonell Joseph, Latoya Smith, Satyattie Sigrim, Nichola Lecock, Donette Ritchie, Abiola Jacobs, Shomate Cort, Diane Prescott, Angela Waldron, Prudence Williams, Jeameite Daniels, Chandaine Mahadeo, Gangadai Singh, Roshana Harper, Mantara Cambridge, Alana Hirlall, Sharon Brown, Monique Benn and Joanne Vansertima

Junior Squash team leaves for Bermuda today

– to defend title at Junior Caribbean Squash Championships

The Guyana Junior Squash team will fly out today to represent Guyana at the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships scheduled for Hamilton, Bermuda, from July 13.

Guyana will seek to win a monumental 10th straight overall title, while retaining their overall title in the tournament.

The boys’ team, who are the defending champions, will be made up of Shomari Wiltshire and Daniel Islam (Under-13); Alex Cheeks (Under-15); Ben

Mekdeci and Alec Melville (Under-17); Nyron Joseph and Jean Claude Jeffrey (Under-19).

Like the boys, the girls are also defending champions and the following females will look to retain Guyana’s title: Makeda Harding (Under-13); Rebecca Low and Sarah Lewis (Under-15); Larissa Wiltshire and Taylor Fernandes (Under-17); Akeila Wiltshire and Victoria Arjoon (Under-19).

The managers of the team are Garfield Wiltshire and David Fernandes, while

rHty&sc

the coach is Carl Ince.

Meanwhile, Gabby Fraser and Anthony Islam will accompany the team to participate in the individual championships.

The team is sponsored mainly by Digicel and Ansa McAl. Other sponsors of the team are the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA); National Sports Commission (NSC); Bounty Farm Ltd; John Fernandes Ltd; Hand in Hand Group; the Beharry Group of Companies and ReadyMix Concrete Ltd.

cricket camp and academy bowl off monday

The Area “H” Ground will be a hive of activity from Monday as the 16th edition of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC)/ TCL cricket academy bowls off along with the seventh edition of the RHTY&SC’s Republic Bank summer camp for Grade Six students.

The cricket academy, which is being sponsored by Trinidad Cements Limited (TCL), will cater for 80 young cricketers, while the summer camp will cater for 50 Grade Six students preparing for entrance into secondary schools in September.

Over the years the academy has produced over 30 national cricketers for Guyana and 50 for Berbice at all levels.

U-15 cricketers begin preparation for regional tournament

By Rajiv Bisnauth

The national 14-man Under-15 squad, along with the four stand-by players, began preparation for this year’s regional Under-15 cricket competition in Jamaica with a five-day preparatory camp under the watchful eyes of coach Julian Moore.

The camp is being held at the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence hostel and indoor facility at LBI on the East Coast of Demerara.

The squad was announced on Wednesday by the junior selectors for the tournament scheduled to bowl off on July 20.

In an invited comment, Moore said he will be trying to identify areas of weakness in the players so that they can be worked on.

He is also hoping for a break in the weather so that some turf work can be done before the team departs for the Reggae country. Both the coach and the manager expressed satisfaction with the level of fitness of most of the players on the first day.

Meanwhile, the

Under-19 five-day encampment commences today at the same venue. The Under-19 players are asked to be at LBI for 17:00h.

Guyana will host that regional tournament from July 22.

The U-15 squad: Bhaskar Yadram (cap-

tain), Joshua Persaud (Vice- Captain/W/k), Kevin Sinclair, Christopher Campbell, Alphius Bookie, Kurt Lovell, Steve Deonaraine, Ashmead Nedd, Sagar Hetheramani, Orlando Jailall, Stephen Kamaladeen, Colin Barlow, Bhojnarine Singh, Kris Ramnarine Standbys: Junior Philips, Mark Ramsammy, Robin Williams, Khemchand Hardyal. The manager is Andy Ramnarine, while the coach is Julian Moore.

The U-19 squad: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetmyer, Kemol Jared Nial Savory, Sharaz Ramcharran, Brian Nichollas Sattaur, Keemo Mandela Angus, Keon Akil Morris, Balchan Baldeo, Daniel Basdeo, Steven Sankar, Akel Mortimer Wallace, Nial Smith, Dimon Waldron, Askay Homray Standby: David Latchaya, Avanash Persaud, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Shivindra Hemraj.

The manager is David Black, while the coach is Adrian Amsterdam.

CBC Championships….

Improved

Guyana lose to St Vincent and the Grenadines

GThe academy, slated for July 14-25, will be conducted by coaches Winston Smith and Delbert Hicks. Sessions will start at 08:45h and conclude at 13:00h, with the club providing snacks and refreshments to every member of the academy.

The summer camp, with sponsorship from Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, will be conducted by University of Guyana graduate, Rohan Etwaru. The main aims of the summer camp are to make sure that the students make a successful transition from primary to secondary school and to expose them to basic coaching in cricket, volleyball and basketball.

According to a release from the RHTY&SC, special emphasis will be placed on improving the batting, bowling and fielding skills of the members of the academy.

Club Secretary Hilbert Foster is urging all those interested in attending either of the programmes to be present at the Area “H” Ground by 08:30h on Monday or call 337-4562 for more information.

uyana have ended play in Group B of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Senior Women’s Championships in the British Virgin Islands without a win, but with an improved showing against St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Tortola on Thursday.

The Guyanese ladies went down 57-73, a respectable result after their back to back blowouts against Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago respectively.

With this result, St Vincent and the Grenadines ended the first round of the CBC Championship in the 3rd place of Group B while Guyana finish in 4th and now await the results of the

other games to know their opponents in the reclassification round.

The last day of the first round began with the game between the teams of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Guyana and both teams looking for their first win of the 2014 CBC Championship for women. The teams were uncertain and had trouble scoring during the first minutes of the game. St Vincent had a change of play and took an advantage on the scoreboard. At the end of the first quarter the advantage was 5 points, 9 – 14 in favour of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The advantage of the team of St Vincent continued to increase throughout the rest of the game. Guyana had a better out-

put on offense, but the team of St Vincent and the Grenadines always found a way to respond. The final score was St Vincent and the Grenadines 73 - Guyana 57. The top scorer of the game was Shavern Weekes of St. Vincent and the Grenadines with 17 points. Sonia Rodney top scored for Guyana with 13 points, Khakeila Sampson scored 11, Philomena George chipped in with 10 while Tamara Hunter sunk 9 points and pulled 9 rebounds.

Guyana were slaughtered by Jamaica 26-82 in their opening game on Tuesday night and then thrashed by Trinidad and Tobago 33-96 on Wednesday.

Berbice High protest fielding of overaged player

The Organising Committee of the fourth annual Digicel Schools Football Competition has put a hold on the semi-

final game between New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) and Vryman’s Erven Secondary . This follows a protest

– Region Six semi-final put on hold Regional Under-17 Cricket Tournament…

Rain prevents play between Guyana and Barbados

Rain forced an abandonment without a ball bowled in the second round match between Guyana and Barbados in the Regional Under-17 Tournament on Thursday at Louis D’Or , Tobago.

The competition bowled off on Tuesday with Windward Islands beating Guyana by three wickets at Bon Accord and Barbados stopping hosts and defending champions Trinidad and Tobago by two wickets at Louis D’Or.

Over at Bon Accord on Thursday, Jamaica defeated Trinidad and Tobago by 7 wickets.

The hosts were bowled out for 124 from 26.1 overs after deciding to take first strike. Their top scorer was number eight batsman B. Maharaj who was unbeaten on 25.

Number seven batsman B. Boodram had 22. There were three wickets each for T. Daly and M. Frew.

Jamaica then reached 125

for 3 from 26.2 overs with J. Glen unbeaten on 40 and Frew not out on 32.

At Shaw Park in Tobago, Windward Islands beat Leeward Islands by 36 runs.

The Winwards, sent to bat, reached 162 before being bowled out in 34.3 overs. Anil

Matthew top scored with 55 while there were two wickets each for Zebin Deyal, Karima Gore and Jaidel Richardson.

The Leewards were then rattled out for 126 from 33.4 overs with a top score of 29 from Ross Powell.

Daryl Cyrus had figures of 4 for20 from 7 overs while Ryan John had 3 wickets for 12 from 7 overs.

Photo saved as: Leewards

Caption: Leeward Islands players Tyrone Williams and Zubin Deyal have a chat during the rain delay during the second round match between Windward Islands and Leeward Islands on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at Shaw Park.

filed by Berbice High School (BHS) after they lost 6-0 to NATI.

BHS protested the age of one player who participat-

ed in the game representing NATI. Following the protest, NATI, who are the defending Region Six champions, provided organisers with a birth

certificate. However, BHS is claiming that that they have documents to prove that the player is over the specified age.

The two teams were to meet on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Region Six leg of the competition continued on Thursday.

Lights! Camera! Action!

Hawksbills

And finally the moment cricket fans have been waiting for is here! The second edition of Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) bowls off today in Grenada with last year’s finalist Guyana Amazon Warriors and Antigua Hawksbills having the important task of setting the stage for ‘The Biggest Part in Sport’. The two teams will meet from 14:00h at the National Cricket Stadium.