Guyana Times Daily

No convictions for sex crimes in two years

wednesday, april 9, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

No convictions for sex crimes in two years

– Nandlall blames jury system, witnesses

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

Wind: East north easterly between zero to 6.25 metres per second.

High Tide: 12:18h reaching a maximum height of 2.09 metres.

Low Tide: 05:47h and 18:25h reaching minimum heights of 1.19 metres and 1.07 metres respectively.

There has not been a single conviction for sexual offences here since 2011 – a situation which Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall described as alarming and blamed the archaic jury system as well as reluctant witnesses for the problem.

For the years 2012 and 2013, some 22 sexual offences cases were taken before the courts, but there has been no conviction. Instead, there have been a number of hung juries, witnesses failing to attend court and some victims deciding not to pursue the matter.

Review of jury system

It is against this background that the AG in his budget debate presentation announced that a complete examination of the jury system will be undertaken this year, noting that this component of the criminal justice system has virtually remained untouched since its introduction to the legal system some 100 years ago.

“By the sheer passage of time, it requires some examination with a view of effecting modern changes to it, which have already been long done in almost every Commonwealth jurisdiction that retains the institution of the jury.”

The Attorney General said that the administration of criminal justice is a twoway street, noting that the State and by extension, the victims of crimes and their relatives are equally entitled to a fair trial as is the accused person. “That delicate balance must always remain intact. The jury system is an integral factor in this equation,” he said.

Nandlall told the House that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Constitutional Commission on Women and Gender Equality have met with him and many important civil society organisations.

“They have reported that from their consultations,

the wider society has lost or is rapidly losing confidence in the jury system, especially in sexual offence matters. This issue was raised as an important social problem by the Honourable Volda Lawrence in her presentation. Its impact in this House has indeed been tumultuous. It triggered the ban imposed on a Minister from speaking and the resignation of an MP on the opposite side. That digression apart, the failure of the State to yield convictions in these types of offences is not only attributable to poor investigation and prosecution. The consultations lay blame at the jury system as well.”

Giving the statistics on the issue, Nandlall said in 2011, 16 sexual offences cases were completed.

There were three guilty pleas; three cases were nol-

le prosequi because the Virtual Complainant (VC) gave a statement expressing a desire not to proceed with prosecution. There were seven not guilty verdicts by the jury.

However, in 2012, 10 sexual offences cases were completed. In two cases, there was a formal verdict of not guilty because the VC did not attend court to testify, eight cases went to trial and in all eight cases the jury returned a not guilty verdict.

For 2013, 12 sexual offences cases were completed, eight of which the VC went to court and indicated that they were not willing to proceed with the trials. Those cases had to be discontinued by the DPP.

Additionally, in one case, the VC could not be located, while three cases went to trial. In one of the three cas-

es, there was a unanimous not guilty verdict and the remaining two cases there were hung juries.

“Therefore in 2012 and 2013 there was not a single conviction for sexual offences in a total of 22 cases,” Nandlall lamented.

The Attorney General said in an examination of the jury system, care will be exercised to ensure that there is no erosion of its principal objective, which is affording the accused a trial by his peers.

“The changes will include a review of the current jury pool with the objective of expanding it.” Nandlall said currently, the pool is quite limited and it has been historically confined to just a few entities from which jurors are drawn.

Additionally, he said the qualifications of jurors will also be reviewed, noting that currently, they are linked to ownership of property, or earning capacity. Both of these qualifications Nandlall said in today’s society are archaic and irrelevant. In the process, the unanimity verdict in relation to capital offences and majority verdict in relation to non-capital offences of the jury which currently obtains will also be reviewed.

Jury tampering

There have been numerous allegations of lawyers tampering with jury members to get their clients acquitted. Some of these allegations referred to bribes being paid to particular jurors.

Nandlall said Government will be looking to provide statutory protection against jury tampering and jury manipulation, saying that the nation witnessed the travesty of what transpired in the Lusignan Massacre murder case. “Brazen manipulation of the jury system must end now.” (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

Editor: Nigel Williams

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Transportation problems

Very soon there could be a re-introduction of big buses to ease the transportation woes of the travelling public. Government has already begun having serious discussions with the relevant stakeholders and some action will be taken soon that would hopefully see the public transport sector moving from one that is unreliable, exploitative, and of very low standard to one that is efficient, professional and affordable.

Almost all of the Caricom countries have efficient, reliable and affordable public transport systems and it is time that the authorities here put systems in place where citizens would enjoy similar benefits.

Users of the privately-owned minibuses have been complaining bitterly of being exploited, especially during rush hours and late at nights. On an average day, hundreds of schoolchildren and workers are left stranded on the roads waiting for public transport to get to their various destinations. Their return journey is the same.

At the bus parks, hundreds of schoolchildren and workers wait for long hours on transportation to get home. Some of them are only allowed on the busses if they agree to pay the fare the conductor demands. And those who cannot afford to pay the exorbitant fares demanded by operators are often left on the bus parks until late hours.

Despite the fact that these passengers are already required to pay double and even triple the fare to get home, the buses are still packed with sometimes four and five persons in a three-person seat. And if that is not enough, no one dares object to this high level of lawlessness or else they face the risk of getting a tongue lashing or even being physically assaulted from the conductor.

What is even more unfortunate is that the disabled and the elderly are mostly the ones to feel the brunt of it as there is currently no special facility in place to cater for these persons. Senior citizens and persons who are considered differently able cannot and should not be allowed to endure this level of discomfort.

While the minibus operators are providing a much needed service to the travelling public in the absence of any well organised and properly-run public transport system, they enjoy a monopoly and are doing everything they can to get maximum profits from their operations. Added to this, operators invest very little in return to ensure that they provide a service that is above par.

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn had some time ago announced Government’s intention to reintroduce the big buses to ease the transportation woes of persons. Government had initiated a pilot project where several of the large buses were placed on the roads. During this exercise, commuters were required to pay the standard fare they would usually pay the privately-owned operators, regardless of the hour of the day or the night.

This arrangement had worked well throughout the pilot with public transportation users calling for the complete reintroduction of the system. Not only were commuters required to pay a fair price, but they were able to travel in peace and comfort without the level of harassment one would experience when using the privately-owned minibuses.

A possible option could be to introduce the medium size busses which can accommodate between 20 and 25 persons and put them to operate in a more structured and organised manner. The reasons for the medium size buses include parking, turning and stopping would not pose a problem, roads in their present form would be able to accommodate them easily, and they would not be expensive to run even when they do not get the full complement of passengers. This is still a valid suggestion which the authorities may want to give some serious consideration to.

It is hoped that the travelling public will not be made to endure the poor and highly unacceptable standards of public transportation for much longer. Guyanese should be given more choices.

It’s not Russia that is destabilising Ukraine

Dear Editor,

The profound and pervasive crisis in Ukraine is a matter of grave concern for Russia. We understand perfectly well the position of a country which became independent just over 20 years ago and still faces complex tasks in constructing a sovereign state.

Among them is the search for a balance of interests among its various regions, the peoples of which have different historical and cultural roots, speak different languages and have different perspectives on their past and present, and their country’s future place in the world.

Given these circumstances, the role of external forces should have been to help Ukrainians protect the foundations of civil peace and sustainable development, which are still fragile.

Russia has done more than any other country to support the independent Ukrainian state, including for many years subsidising its economy through low energy prices.

Last November, at the outset of the current crisis, we supported Kiev’s wish for urgent consultations between Ukraine, Russia and the EU to discuss harmonising the integration process. Brussels flatly rejected it.

This stand reflected the unproductive and dangerous line the EU and U.S. have been taking for a long

time. They have been trying to compel Ukraine to make a painful choice between east and west, further aggravating internal differences.

Ukraine’s realities notwithstanding, massive support was provided to political movements promoting western influence, and it was done in direct breach of the Ukrainian constitution. This is what happened in 2004, when President Viktor Yushchenko won an unconstitutional third round of elections introduced under EU pressure.

This time round, power in Kiev was seized undemocratically, through violent street protests conducted with the direct participation of ministers and other officials from the U.S. and EU countries.

Assertions that Russia has undermined efforts to strengthen partnerships on the European continent do not correspond to the facts. On the contrary, our country has steadily promoted a system of equal and indivisible security in the EuroAtlantic area.

We proposed signing a treaty to that effect, and advocated the creation of a common economic and human space from the Atlantic to the Pacific which would also be open to post-Soviet countries.

In the meantime, western states, despite their repeated assurances to the contrary, have carried out

successive waves of NATO enlargement, moved the alliance’s military infrastructure eastward and begun to implement antimissile defence plans.

The EU’s Eastern Partnership programme is designed to bind the socalled focus states tightly to itself, shutting down the possibility of cooperation with Russia.

Attempts by those who staged the secession of Kosovo from Serbia and of Mayotte from the Comoros to question the free will of Crimeans cannot be viewed as anything but a flagrant display of double standards.

No less troubling is the pretence of not noticing that the main danger for the future of Ukraine is the spread of chaos by extremists and neo-Nazis.

Russia is doing all it can to promote early stabilisation in Ukraine.

We are firmly convinced that this can be achieved through, among other steps: real constitutional reform, which would ensure the legitimate rights of all Ukrainian regions and respond to demands from its south-eastern region to make Russian the state’s second official language; firm guarantees on Ukraine’s non-aligned status to be enshrined in its laws, thus ensuring its role as a connecting link in an indivisible European security architecture; and ur-

gent measures to halt activity by illegal armed formations of the Right Sector and other ultra-nationalist groups.

We are not imposing anything on anyone, we just see that if it is not done, Ukraine will continue to spiral into crisis with unpredictable consequences. We stand ready to join international efforts aimed at achieving these goals. We support the appeal by Foreign Ministers of Germany, France and Poland to implement the February 21 agreement. Their proposal – to hold Russia-EU talks with the participation of Ukraine and other Eastern Partnership states about the consequences of EU association agreements – corresponds to our position.

The world of today is not a junior school where teachers assign punishments at will. Belligerent statements such as those heard at the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels on April 1 do not match demands for de-escalation. De-escalation should begin with rhetoric. It is time to stop the groundless whipping-up of tension, and to return to serious common work.

Respectfully, Sergey Lavrov Foreign Affairs Minister Russian Federation

your

Commissioner Brumell had passion for his work

Dear Editor, Commissioner Leroy Brumell: A soft spoken gentleman, a kind natured man; a great husband, a loving yet disciplined father. He is a man of all seasons, and a lover of quiet, peace and harmony.

He is a true respecter of persons, with an inquiring mind, dynamic personality. A police specialist with his own charismatic persona, and nudging electric shoulder that is unique when he laughs. Humble, graceful, grateful, inspirational and peaceful.

But never misunderstand the man, for despite all of the above; he is a police powerhouse, an applier of the law, an enforcement specialist, a friend of the downtrodden, to those who seek help and have needs, but a sharp sword for the corrupted, the dishonest, and the

manipulative. He can even read minds and personalities.

It is not by dint of favour Leroy Brumell became Commissioner. It was passion for his work; love for his work; blood, sweat and tears, sacrifice of time, ambition and divine blessings I would say.

I recall when he was just an Inspector of Police when I told him he will be Police Commissioner, he merely laughed, with his signature laugh and electric shoulder; I told him the same when he became Police Superintendent of and the same signature laugh.

Then when he became Senior Superintendent, I told him again, and he laughed again. When he became Acting Commissioner, and I reminded him of my prediction, he serenely smiled and nodded positive,

very mature and statesmanlike, without the electric shoulder.

Then when he took the oath of office before His Excellency President Ramotar, he broke into tears. Tears, which was not weakness, but power, respect, awe, humility and obviously wishing his mother and father were there to witness his ascension to one of the highest and most powerful positions in the land, that of Police Commissioner.

Leroy was a constable when I started my business; although I never had ambition for business.

He had ambition, decency trustworthiness and much ambition, about 35 years ago. This is the 35th Anniversary of RK’s Guyana Security Services. He ascended to apex in the police hierarchy during or about the same time, and by the

Grace of the Divine, I think I also achieved a part apex of business and industry.

As he moved up the ladder of the Police Force, my business moved. As he had disappointments, so did I, but today we all stand pleased and successful.

Welcome, Leroy, to your new life, your obvious new career, for you are young and have much to give to the world. You could be a police educator or a great civil servant on contract for Government or major industry, even a diplomat. But enjoy some time with your family and your God. It was my pleasure to be a special guest at your ceremonial farewell and dinner. Peace and blessings forever.

Sincerely,

Roshan Khan

GPL should be more environmentally conscious

Dear Editor,

Many persons anticipated that it was just a matter of time before a particular tree on Brickdam would fall and cause serious inconveniences and it is for this reason that I was not surprised when I heard that the tree did in fact fall, causing severe damage to a vehicle parked nearby.

Not so long ago, I heard a plea on the radio requesting members of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to look into this particular matter and given that GPL has issued quite a number of advisories in the past, requesting the public inform them of any cases of threatening trees or utility poles, I find it extremely disappointing to

know that no measure was taken to address the hazardous tree.

Surely this incident could have been avoided had the appropriate steps been taken by GPL. Now the owner of the damaged car is burdened with unnecessary expenses and great inconvenience.

It seems as though it is only until tragedy strikes

that any action is taken. We must change this mindset of ours and quickly too. GPL has a great role to play in society and I suggest they live up to their responsibilities in order to minimise and further prevent any future disasters.

Sincerely,

Joslyn Campbell

or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Bribery and corruption at lower levels

can unite leaders at the top in shared government

Dear Editor, It is amazing how racism in Trinidad and Tobago has a way of finding the common denominator for existence by one love, one destiny surviving harmoniously in massive corruption.

While that country’s ethnic rivalry may play out in terms of jobs, housing, inter-marriage and interreligious bashing, there is unity across racial lines in the brotherhood of corruption keeping the country stable and peaceful.

At all levels of Government offices serving the public, it leads to corruption as the norm. For example, in constructing a commercial building, official authorisation is necessary.

At the first level, the official, say Ting Na Wok (Chinese), depending how respectful you are, will treat you accordingly and stamp approval.

At second level the official say, Egbert Kissoon (Indian), will approve by the official stamp after the initial arrogance and rudeness, secure and collect his bribe and then direct you onwards.

Third level up the ladder is the final official say, Saddam Green – African –who will gladly stamp ap -

proval after collecting the usual, but afterwards regularly visits your home since you are his “good friend” for life. Shun him at your peril and find your house failing final inspection denying the certificate of completion.

These officials, Chinese, Indian and black, are completely and unofficially in the same brotherhood of bribery and corruption, all with unclean hands but who cares! Corruption has united the upper/lower officials and race does not matter at all anymore in Trinidad.

Bribery not only gets the job done faster, but makes it possible from start to finish, regardless of the laws in Trinidad.

In Trinidad, while there is no shared Government in the cabinet, however, in all Government institutions there is shared bribery among the races. All for one, and one for all. Is this the kind of sharing bribery in Trinidad Government offices the Opposition of Guyana meant by shared Government? Bribery has it assets, unites all races once the loot is shared ethnically.

Loving it, Vassan Ramracha

Shaheed Orphanages pledge continued commitment to ensuring the welfare of the children

Dear Editor, The management of the Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanages wishes to express its sincere thanks to persons and organisations that have been contributing to the institutions over the years.

We wish to thank you profusely for this support

Please note that as of April 1, only this receipt is valid for any cash donation to the orphanages as all other receipts have been cancelled.

We wish to also advise

and look forward to your continuing patronage. The management committee pledges our continued commitment towards ensuring that the welfare of the children are guaranteed and that there is a full degree of accountability at the institution. Towards this, we wish to advise that we have commenced using receipt books bearing the serial numbers SBG C #0001 and onward.

that all donations to the orphanages can only be done at two locations – Alexander Street, Kitty, Georgetown or Oleander Gardens, East Coast Demerara. Donations can also be paid directly into the Shaheed Orphanages Account at Demerara Bank Limited, number 401-322-3. Payments cannot be

made at any other location in Guyana. All receipts must carry the official stamp of the orphanage. No other organisation in Guyana is authorised to collect monies on behalf of the orphanages. All donations to these institutions must be made only as stated above. The orphanages can be contacted via email: muslimjournal@yahoo.com or visit our website at www. shaheedorphanages.web. com.

Yours truly, Badruddin “Buddy” Hassan Chairman

Page Foundation

Eye infections in children

BY KRISTEN FINELLO AND NORINE DWORKINMCDANIEL

Does your child have signs of an eye infection, like redeye? Look out for the symptoms and conditions and make sure to give proper treatment.

What is conjunctivitis?

“Mom! I can’t open my eye!” Before I even made it up the stairs to my sevenyear-old’s room that morning, I already knew what to expect – at least one pink, gooey eye with the eyelashes crusted together. She’d had conjunctivitis a year or so before and it sounded like we were in for another round. Using damp cotton balls, I gently bathed her eyelid until it was “unstuck” enough to open.

“Whew, I can see. It’s a miracle,” she sighed with relief.

Conjunctivitis – which many of us know as “pinkeye or redeye” – is one of the most common eye conditions in children and adults.

“Almost everyone will have pinkeye at some time in his life,” says David L Rogers, MD, clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology at The Ohio State University, director of research in the department of ophthalmology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and a member of the American Association for Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). Since the odds are good that you’ll find yourself caring for a child with conjunctivitis, it’s

good to know the basics about the condition.

What it is

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Redeye can occur in one or both eyes. The most common causes of conjunctivitis are viruses, bacteria, and allergens (for example, pollen, dust mites, moulds, and animal dander), says the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

discharge from the eyes

* Itchy or irritated eyes

* Burning eyes

* Sensitivity to light

* A gritty feeling in the eye or the urge to rub the eye

- Crusty eyelids and/or eyelashes, often when waking up in the morning

How to treat it

The treatment for pinkeye varies depending on what’s causing the condition. If your child has bacterial conjunctivitis, his paediatrician will likely prescribe antibiotic eye drops or eye ointment. Antibiotics won’t help viral

What to look for

According to the CDC, the symptoms of redeye usually include:

* Redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelid. This often occurs in one eye if the conjunctivitis is bacterial, and in both eyes if it is viral or caused by an allergic reaction.

* An increased amount of tears

* White, yellow, or green

conjunctivitis, though. “Viral conjunctivitis has to run its course and usually lasts for seven to 14 days,” says Dr Rogers. Cases of allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with the use of allergy eye drops. In any case, you can bathe the eyelids with a cotton ball soaked in warm water to keep them from sticking together.

How to prevent redeye

Viral and bacterial conjunc-

tivitis are both contagious. The number-one way to prevent your child from getting either is to teach her to make careful hand washing a habit. If someone in your house has redeye, you’ll want to be extra vigilant about hand washing. Also, be sure that the infected person doesn’t share linens such as washcloths, towels, or pillows with anyone else in the family.

Blocked tear duct

Symptoms: Lots of discharge that “glues” eyes shut and eyelashes together. The cause: As baby develops in utero, the tissue inside the tear duct sloughs off and leaves a hollow core. If that doesn’t happen, the tissue remains and blocks the duct.

Treatment: Use a warm, wet cloth to clean the eyes whenever you see discharge. A blocked duct usually opens on its own, and discharge lessens over time. If it hasn’t completely dissipated by the time your child is 12 to 18 months, she may need surgery.

Sty

Symptoms: A pimplelike bump on the top or bottom eyelid that can be red and tender.

The cause: A bacterial infection of the eyelid’s glands.

Treatment: Apply a warm compress to the eyelid a few times daily. If the bump is large or very swollen, baby may need antibiotic drops or ointment. (Parents.com)

How to care for a sick child

BY ALVIN EDEN, MD AND ELIZABETH EDEN, MD

Your child is fussy. She won’t eat. Her temperature is rising. This is a scary time for any parent. Not knowing what’s wrong and not knowing what to do make it scarier. You want to be prepared for times when your child is sick or feverish, so that you will remain calm and know when and how to involve your doctor. This article will help you understand what’s ailing your child, what to do about it and what to tell the doctor.

Diagnosing a childhood illness

No situation is more frightening for a new parent than a sick baby. Should you take her to the hospital? Should you call your doctor? Or are you overreacting?

As a well-informed parent, you want to know what you should do – when to be concerned and when not to worry. You want to know when to call the doctor and how to describe your child’s illness. That’s what this section is all about.

What you need to know

All parents need to learn to tell when their child is sick, when to seek professional help, what to do in emergencies, and how to give medicines. Once you know these facts, you can make the best decisions about your child’s health

care.

One of the best ways to deal with illness is to be prepared. This includes knowing about common childhood illnesses and emergency measures, as well as having and knowing how to give the appropriate medicines. Some general steps you should take to prepare yourself for illness or accident follow:

* Write down the telephone numbers of your child’s doctor, including the number for after-hours services, the hospital, the fire department, and the ambulance service. Post these numbers near every telephone and in a central location, such as on the refrigerator, and include the numbers in your cellphone directory and personal digital assistant. Make sure your babysitters know where these numbers are located and how to dial 911 in an emergency.

* Ask your doctor what you should have on hand for emergencies and treatment of common ailments. Some doctors suggest keeping certain commonly used medicines on hand for late-night illnesses.

* Discuss with your doctor what you should do in an emergency. If your child eats a bottle of pills or drinks poison, should you call your doctor, or take the child to the local emergency room? If your child is injured, should you call your doctor first or take your child to the emergency room? Asking these questions before an accident actually occurs helps you and your doctor know what to expect.

* Learn about childhood illnesses and accidents. Articles such as this one help prepare you for the inevitable illnesses and injuries that befall all children.

* Take a first-aid course and learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and the Heimlich manoeuvre (for choking). Be sure the instruction pertains to both children and adults (many courses deal only with adults). In the classes you have the opportunity to practise these skills on specially constructed models that are very lifelike.

* Most important, in an emergency, don’t panic! You must remain calm to react properly to the situation and get your child the appropriate care. Panicking will only slow you down and interfere with your ability to think clearly. Calming techniques, such as taking two or three slow, deep breaths or talking out loud to yourself in a reassuring voice, may help you deal with the panic; you can practise these techniques before a real emergency arises. (How Stuff Works)

Witness protection, whistle-blower legislation coming

Amid calls for adequate protection of witnesses in criminal matters here, Government on Monday announced that it will be tabling bills to deal with the issues this year.

Protection for state witnesses in criminal matters has come into sharper focus following the collapse of several high profile murder cases owing to the lack of witnesses. Also the state’s decision to use a man who confessed to being in the “Fineman” gang that executed 11 people at Lusignan back in 2008 as a witness had also sparked debate in the public.

Speaking during his budget debate presentation on Monday, Attorney General Anil Nandlall said Government will table approximately six bills before the National Assembly for 2014; being the Justice Protection Bill and the Whistle-blowers Protection

Bill. In addition, he said the administration will table the Juvenile Justice Bill, the Bail Act Bill, the Antigang Bill and the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Bill.

It was explained that the Juvenile Justice Bill is being crafted to repeal the Juvenile Officer’s Act Chapter 10:03 and the Training Schools Act, Chapter 11:06.

This bill is expected to clarify the law as it relates to juveniles who commit offences, combining all related laws in one accessible statutory instrument and regulating procedures and processes in that document.

On the other hand, the Bail Act Bill seeks to provide for the release from custody of accused persons in criminal proceedings.

The Anti-gang Bill proposes to provide for the prosecution of persons who partici-

pate in gangs. Similarly the Justice Protection Bill is being designed to provide the necessary protection after serving as a witness. This will be under on a strategised programme.

The Whistle-blowers Protection Bill will also pro-

Caricom bodies discuss Draft Strategic Plan

The Draft Strategic Plan that will drive the Caricom reform process continued to be developed with discussions among the Community’s Institutions at the Caricom Secretariat Headquarters in Turkeyen, on Monday.

The purpose of the discussions was to solicit the views of the institutions on a direction, priorities, framework for implementation, areas of collaboration and the requirements for strategic management, the Caricom Secretariat said in a release.

The aim was also to receive proposals for amendments to the draft plan that will be submitted to the Community Council at the end of May and then to the heads of government in July.

Institutions and agencies represented at the

meeting on Monday included the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD), Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Caribbean Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), Council of Legal Education (CLE), Caribbean Law Institute Centre (CLIC), Caribbean Meteorological Organisation (CMO), Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), Caribbean Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), Caribbean Examinations Council

(CXC), Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), University of the West Indies (UWI), Caribbean Knowledge Learning Network Agency (CKLNA), Caricom Development Fund (CDF), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and the Caricom Competition Commission (CCC).

A similar two-day meeting which began on April 8 and held at the Caricom Secretariat will see the Caricom Change Drivers who were appointed by the heads of government of the member states joining the discussions. The two-day meeting concludes today.

2013 the Deeds Registry raked in $1 billion in revenues and this year’s projections are set at $1.369 billion.

Last year, the Legal Affairs Ministry purchased the old New Building Society (NBS) Headquarters building located at Avenue of the Republic. This building will house the Commercial Registry following the completion of renovation this year.

347 companies were registered and approximately 10,800 businesses – either commenced business for the first time or had their registration renewed in 2013. However, this data is reflective of the Georgetown office and its sub-registries.

vide for the procedure by which individuals in both the private and public sector, may in the public interest disclose information that relates to irregular, illegal or corrupt practices; to provide for the protection against victimisation of persons who make such disclosures.

Meanwhile, the Deeds and Commercial Registry which also falls under the ambit of the Legal Affairs Ministry will continue to undergo legislative changes. The Minister pointed out that the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Bill was assented to on May 31, 2013, Act Number Three of 2013. In

The Legal Affairs Minister informed the House that all equipment and financial software needed for the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority have been purchased. Meanwhile, the Business Names Registration (Amendment) Bill assented to in 2012, came into effect in 2013. As a result of the implementation of this act, the conduct of business at the registry has become very easy. He explained that with the amendment, businesses are renewed on or before the anniversary date.

“This makes it convenient for business owners to register their business at a convenient time prior to the anniversary date instead of joining the long lines that existed prior to the amendment,” Minister Nandlall further explained.

He reported that in 2013,

He told the House that a contract for the digitisation of 10 years of conveyance records held at Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Suddie, Essequibo Coast was awarded in February and subsequently commenced that same month.

This project includes the scanning of transports, leases, mortgages and their supporting documents; uploading same to a database to be easily searchable and reporting-friendly with capacity for conveyance.

This project has an expected life of eight months. Also this year, the Deeds Registry and Commercial Registry has moved to establish a relationship with Creditinfo Guyana, opening avenues for information sharing, not only benefiting credit facilities in making informed decisions but also borrowers.

At the three registries, a total of 12,753 matters were filed, this included transports, mortgages, leases and cancellations of leases. Over 9580 of these matters have already been passed.

62 lawmen polygraphed

Some 62 ranks of the Joint Services have undergone a polygraph test as the Government works towards rooting out corruption in the law enforcement agencies.

The last time a similar exercise was carried out, several persons, including the then Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, were fired after failing the test. Speaking in the National Assembly on Monday, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee disclosed that the tests were done some two weeks ago. He said the administration is currently awaiting the results. Last year, Rohee had disclosed that a similar number of ranks had undergone the test, 57 of whom failed.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon had said last year that the use of polygraph test as a basis for integrity testing, particularly in law enforcement, is going to be accentuated,

and it is anticipated that in Guyana’s security sector reform, much greater emphasis would be placed on such a measure. He said this is in concert with what is happening in larger countries in Caricom, and the intention is to collaboratively work with them, with the support of the international community, towards making polygraph testing an integral element in integrity testing.

Scope for review of testing

“I know it is not exactly where we would want it to be, people fall asleep and equipment disappear and markers (fuel) disappear, but it is a work in progress, and the integrity testing through polygraphy will assist the management and the policymakers in determining, targeting the weak areas…,” Dr Luncheon had emphasised.

“This is a historical practice… that does not mean, of course, that the policy cannot be subjected, as seems to be now by the

Last year, a similar number of ranks had undergone the test, 57 of whom failed

Opposition, to demand for a review, but to the extent that it has been a policy, to the extent that it has been implemented, to the extent that it is no secret that I have sat here and made reports about polygraph testing… I am dubious about the Opposition’s request for this matter to be investigated,” Dr Luncheon said.

He explained that while he does not have a position

technically speaking, in recognising that a policy on polygraph has been elaborated over the last four to five years, and on the basis of the implementation of that policy, functionaries/officials in a number of agencies subject themselves, voluntarily, to polygraph testing and have, indeed, been abiding with the interventions made on the basis of the results.

18-year-old man remanded for murder

An 18-year-old man was remanded to prison on Tuesday by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry after being charged for murder at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Samuel Allen, of Four Miles, Arampa, North West District, was not required

to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on April 2 at Five Miles, he murdered Iola DeSouza.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that DeSouza was walking to his camp when the accused came up from behind and with intent to rob, the man dealt him a

blow to the head with a hammer.

DeSouza then fell to the ground and the defendant searched his pockets for valuables and was seen by passersby.

The defendant then made good his escape. DeSouza was rushed to the hospital where he was pro-

nounced dead.

The matter was reported and police ranks, acting on information, carried out an investigation and arrested the accused.

The accused is expected to make another court appearance on May 6 at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate's Court.

Alleged wife abuser granted bail

A33-year-old Henrietta resident was on Wednesday placed on $30,000 bail by Magistrate Sunil Scarce after an appearance at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

Devindra Singh pleaded guilty to the charge of assault causing actual bodily harm after it was read to him. The police alleged that on December 23, 2013 at Affiance, Essequibo, the defendant unlawfully assaulted his common-law spouse, Jaiyantie Singh, causing actual bodily harm.

The virtual complainant (VC) informed the court that she is since estranged from her reputed husband.

The Magistrate set the trial date as April 8 before informing the VC that she may apply, in person with assistance of the Clerk of Court, a Police Officer, a Gazetted Probation Officer, or an Attorney, for a protection order pursuant to the Domestic Violence Act if she is desirous of obtaining one.

The protection order can afford protection from abuse in all its forms, Scarce explained.

Eyew tness

Concerns...

...from Granger

We know Guyana’s a democracy and there’s freedom of speech and all that. But some people should gag themselves when it comes to speaking on certain subjects.

They would’ve already discredited themselves so damagingly on the issue that no one’s going to take them seriously now. One of those persons is David Granger when he commented on police leadership issues. Or any of the Disciplined Forces for that matter.

Recently he expressed “concerns” about Commander Clifton Hicken being appointed to head A Division. We all know what that was all about. The Opposition bet their entire wad of credibility they had left (pitiable as it might’ve been) on Nigel Hughes’ bold asseveration that Minister Rohee had instructed Hicken to fire on protesters in Linden back in their 2012 protests. It was obvious they’d adjudged Hicken as being “PPP/C”.

The litmus test APNU uses when it comes to the police’s orientation, as with every other institution’s or individual’s, is simple: if you didn’t tow APNU’s “kith and kin” line, you were a reprobate, scoundrel and most importantly a “betrayer of the cause”.

You didn’t have to necessarily take a “PPP/C” line – if an officer just tried to be professional and impartial, they were suspect. Quislings. And they must be hung and quartered... and left to swing in the wind. As they tried to do with Hicken. And Granger’s incapable of moving beyond this mindset. After all, he’s a product of the kind of incestuous thinking he’s trying to foist on Hicken. It’s in his “professional” genes.

In 1979, Burnham bumped off the then Guyana Defence Force (GDF) commander, catapulted Granger over several officers way above him in seniority – and made him commander of the force. It wasn’t a coincidence that that was the year he’d advised the WPA and Walter Rodney to “write their wills” because his (Burnham’s) steel was “sharper”.

Burnham explicitly demanded that all officers of the Disciplined Forces swear personal loyalty to him. And Granger was the man in charge of “convincing” those who might’ve balked. Burnham’s parting words to HIS Disciplined Forces was that they should be loyal to his Government... and as to any other government...that was a horse of a totally different colour. We saw what that colour was with Winston Felix at the head of the Police Force and Collins as head of the GDF.

Loyalists like these to the cause of the PNC were the “professionals” that Granger would promote. And men like Hicken, who are willing to finally free themselves from the stultifying albatross of race, are “troublesome”.

...by Hinds

David Hinds wrote a letter in the Muckraker about what would’ve been quite a mouthful when he uttered the words at a conclave of African activists “over the river”.

Of course, it was about “race” and he candidly maintained that he had no apologies to make about having “race on his brain”. Now all he said was well and good. Surely no one would deny that the modern notion of “race” was invented just so black people could be enslaved.

The problem about race is not “race” per se, but the “race card”. And this is what David Hinds’ insists on playing. The race card is played when people invoke race to divide the people of this country – just so they could get their hands on power.

So we’re talking about race and politics. And we don’t have to go back to the days of Jagan and Burnham to show what we’re talking about...let’s just look at David Hinds’ agenda over the last decade.

Hinds spent years around the millennium justifying that under the PPP/C Administration, there was African “marginalisation”.

And then expressed surprise that armed gunmen used that rationale to wage war against the Government and state!

...about Caricom

We return again to the tepid response on the issue of the death of a Guyanese in TT. Let’s cut to the chase. It could only happen to a Guyanese.

“Wherever they hide it, we’ll find it” – Rohee says is new mantra for anti-drug agencies

By Vahnu Manikchand

The principal anti-drug agencies in Guyana have a new mantra – “Where ever they hide it, we’ll find it.” This was disclosed by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee when he made his contributions to this year’s budget debate in the National Assembly on Monday.

Known for his oft offthe-cuff comments, Rohee faced a barrage of heckling from the Opposition during his hour-long presentation. And although at times he appeared ruffled, he maintained his composure and attacked the Opposition of past atrocities he accused them of committing.

In a swift reaction, Leader of the Opposition David Granger said the Minister “refused to address the critical issues of crime and lack of public confidence in the security sector” but instead engaged in a “tirade that had no relevance to the sector.” According to Granger, Rohee’s speech was short on policy and administrative projections and long on hyperbole and political slander.

He said there were no plans to fight rampant gunrunning, narco-trafficking, trafficking in persons, violent crimes and the public’s lack of confidence in the People's Progressive Party/ Civic Administration to keep them safe. “There was no plan articulated for the reform and re-training of

But Rohee in his address said that the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) and the Police Narcotics Branch have consistently proven their worth through impressive results and drug busts.

At this point, he was heckled by Opposition parliamentarians about the various methods drug dealers have been employing to traffic cocaine. “Rather than referring mockingly to CANU and the Narcotics Branch of the Guyana Police Force, we should give credit to the fact that they continue to detect and intercept drugs,” he stated while adding passionately “wherever they hide it, we will find it and that is the mantra that I have given to both CANU and the Police Narcotics Branch.”

Rohee noted that public

safety and security is more than just crime, saying that some MPs may choose to focus on crime since it may be their debate stronghold.

He went on to speak about the Opposition being against the establishment of the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team.

“The people who came from the very security sector, opposed the establishment of a SWAT team,” he stated, referring to Granger and the several other ex-army and police officers that have made up APNU.

The Home Affairs Minister also spoke about the Guyana Police Force (GPF), which he noted is now free from political control and has expanded its work and services over the years.

He compared the salaries of the highest and lowest ranks in the Police

Force from 1992 to now, with Commissioners receiving some $43,000 then compared to $472,000 now while a constable was paid $6000 to $38,000 now.

Additionally, Rohee pointed out that from 2006 to 2013, some 374 new and used vehicles were added to the GPF’s fleet for both land and water transportation. “Thirty-one motor cars, 24 trucks, 26 double cab pick-ups, 101 motor cycles and 29 boats along with 574 pieces of equipment were given to the Guyana Police Force,” the Minister told the House.

He continued that works are in place for the upgrade of the passport security system which detects security breaches. “This is important because already we have noticed the machine readable passports are being tampered with,” he said.

He also spoke about the Guyana Prison Service and Fire Serve, referring to the fact that the Opposition opposed the name changes to them while highlighting the advancements made to these agencies.

In addition, the Minister told the House that it is unfortunate that Opposition parliamentarian Winston Felix, who happens to be a former Police Commissioner, would argue against the $413 million allocation to the Community Policing Group (CPG).

He explained that CPGs are voluntary and without their cooperation, the police would not be successful. “The honourable mem-

ber must know that we have 282 Community Policing Groups across the country with a membership of 4542 and going… I believe that we must respect these people. You know why, because they give voluntary time,” the Minister stated.

The Home Affairs Minister stressed that in order to increase the capacity of the Police Force and other law enforcement agencies; the Ministry has adopted the use of polygraph tests. Rohee concluded by saying that his Government is committed to providing a peaceful atmosphere for the citizens of Guyana to sleep, live and work in.

Rohee also told the National Assembly that the long awaited Forensic Laboratory is expected to be completed soon. He said that due to several technical delays, the lab was unable to be completed by late last year as was set.

However, he noted that the laboratory is expected to be commissioned by the end of this month. The completion date of the $840 million laboratory was pushed back several times due to its contractor, Courtney Benn Contracting Services, experiencing several setbacks. The equipment and furnishing for the building, which is located in the University of Guyana’s compound at Turkeyen, has been already procured and installed.

A Director has also been identified along with staff for the laboratory. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy.com)

Couple charged for unlawful assault

Two residents of North East La Penitence were both placed on a bond to keep the peace on Tuesday by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Mark Thomas, 21, a Guyana Energy Agency employee, of Lot 305 North East La Penitence, Georgetown and Orianna Chase, 21, of Lot 184 Northeast La Penitence, pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to them by the Chief Magistrate. It is alleged that on March 25 in the vicinity of Georgetown, they unlawfully assaulted each other.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant had no objections to bail. Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat told the court that the couple do not wish to proceed with the matter. They were then placed on the bond.

Plans moving apace for Linden Town Week – Coordinator

Linden Town Week (LTW) Coordinator

Keeran Williams said plans are moving apace for the staging of the annual week of activities, which will be held from April 26 to May 4.

This year’s activities will be celebrated under the theme “With cultural stability, we’ll build our economy”.

Williams said the committee is focused on providing an enabling environment where everyone can participate, regardless of age, culture, or preference. Transparency and accountability, in terms of accumulated funds, are among the major focus of the committee heading this year’s events, according to the LTW coordinator.

“Linden Town Week 2014 is one that promises to be one of a major difference as it relates to the management and structuring. We are committed to ensuring that we provide educational and organisational strengthening to the Linden Town Week concept.

Linden Town Week Secretariat

“One of the things we have focused on for this year is to have the Linden Town Week not be a com-

mittee as what it would have been in the previous times, but we have the blessings of the municipality and the stakeholders in Linden to transform what would have been a committee into the Linden Town Week Secretariat. With the aim of ensuring that continuity and sustainability is focused on,” he related.

Williams added that the week of activities will, therefore, no longer be planned within a couple of months, but will be a yearround event. In addition, the Secretariat will also be planning and executing activities throughout the year. He said another focus is to allow for the Secretariat to contribute to the beautification and en-

hancement of the Linden community. Initiatives such as a Linden magazine; a continuous community clean-up campaign, which has already began; and the establishment of a website are all on the agenda of the committee.

“We’re inviting all Lindeners to participate in the process by doing your part. We’re also going to have inter-community participation where we’re not only going to have communities competing against communities, but we’re going to encourage community-based activities. We already have registered more than six communities that have all agreed to coordinate community-based activities,” he noted.

Community-based initiatives

Other communitybased initiatives planned include Retrieve Family Night, Upper and Lower Half Mile Days as well as a Kara Kara Day. Williams explained that it is the hope of the committee to expand these activities to be as much of a draw as the Poker street night, which forms part of the annual LTW calendar of events.

Additionally, persons in the community are expected to be awarded prizes in

the ‘best yard’ competition set for April 29. “A view from the sky”, a view of the Linden community is another event planned.

Added to the list are an essay competition organised by the Linden Dream Team (LDT) and a job and career fair to be held at the Linden Constabulary Hall on April 28 and 29, then at the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) on April 30.

LTW Welfare Committee Head Collina Johnson said agencies from Georgetown and Berbice will be in attendance at the fairs providing information for technical and office jobs.

Four major secondary schools across Linden are also expected to participate in a debating competition. Also planned is a health fair. Some major flagship events include the senior citizens’ luncheon, International Night, Main Big Lime and Linden Expo. Some 600 senior citizens are expected to be catered for this year.

A jet ski competition and culture village will also be held. The “Big and Bold” pageant, however, will not be staged this year, while the LTW pageant will be the first event on the calendar, scheduled for April 26, one day before the official launch of the week of activities on April 27.

LTW is a fusion of expo, culture and fetes which aims to promote social cohesion, economic stimulation and culture. During the annual week of activities, events in the areas of tourism, entertainment, sport, education, health and welfare are executed.

Thunderbolt’s gone?

Satiricus wondered how much more could that great leader of the KFC, Rum Jhaat, take. Forget all the jokes about him having six fingers and everyone being unable to take their eyes off that extra finger when they were around him. Satiricus knew the pain that would’ve caused a sensitive fella like Rum Jhaat. Satiricus himself remembered all the teasing he’s suffered because he has a bit of “cock eye”. “Only those who know can feel,” sighed Satiricus.

And here it was when things couldn’t possibly get worse, was news that Suse “Thunderbolt” Sing had quit the party. Talk about rats deserting a sinking ship!!! Oh NoGel! Oh Flower Boy!! Thunderbolt wasn’t your ordinary member. The man knew all there was to know about corruption – he was the KFC’s point man on corruption. And how’d he get to this elevated position? Why...he wrote the book on corruption. Literally.

In fact, Satiricus remembered that’s how Thunderbolt got his name. Suse was working at the Flour Mill and pilfered so much Thunderbolt flour from the company, the Americans eventually cancelled the PL 480 programme through which they were supplying Guyana with wheat to be milled. Even the FBI they sent over couldn’t get the goods on Thunderbolt. “Now that’s some corruption,” marvelled Satiricus against his better judgement. But you had to give a man his flour bag.

His lawyer and adviser had been Rum Jhaat, head of the People’s Youth Group of which Rum Jhaat was the leader. Thunderbolt and Rum Jhaat went back a long way. And Suse was now gone. Who would advise Rum Jhaat how to get the donations from “foreign” into his pockets? Who would write those long letters in the press, praising Prakesh? Prakesh was Rum Jhaat “house name” and close people like Thunderbolt called him that.

But Satiricus had a sneaking suspicion (all suspicions about people like Thunderbolt and Rum Jhaat were, by definition, “sneaky”) that Thunderbolt’s eyes were straying. There was his friend the Donkey Cart economist who’d landed the first body blow on Rum Jhaat when he not only quit. That would’ve been bad enough. He joined APANU!! And to add salt to the wound, the Donkey Cart fella had bolted over with Thunderbolt’s pen pal Ass-Quit. And Satiricus knew then that it was only a matter of time that Thunderbolt would follow.

Satiricus knew when you’ve spent so much time together with a close companion, it was hard to stay apart. Satiricus knew this from hard experience. Didn’t he have to go crawling back to his wife when he’d walked out of the house because he’s hadn’t gotten anything for two years?

He just knew how Thunderbolt felt. But that was no reason for leaving Rum Jhaat in the lurch. “Was there no honour among thieves?” Satiricus asked himself plaintively.

Essequibo students march against suicide

By IndrawattIe natram

Hundreds of secondary and primary students from throughout Region Two on Tuesday participated in an anti-suicide walk.

Armed with placards, the students demonstrated against the prevalence of suicide in Essequibo, on the walk, which commenced from Jaigobin Supermarket square (Anna Regina) and ended at the Anna Regina Multilateral School in Cotton Field. “You are braver, stop suicide”; “Life is worth living”; “Smile, let everyone know that you are stronger than yesterday”; “Education is the key”, “No to suicide, Yes to life” were among the messages.

The walk was organised by the Region Two Department of Education, in collaboration with the Schools Welfare

“Survive,

not keep secrets; to be calm, nonjudgmental, and talk directly about suicide. She also urged persons to speak with care and compassion, to encourage others to share their feelings, to never leave a suicidal person alone while en-

find a way to reduce pain and live through it. Suicide is not poetic and should not be glorified. It is a selfish act and will never make you recognised.”

– Chief School Welfare Officer Gillian Vyphuis

Unit, under the theme “Speak Up and Reach Out, Prevent Suicide”.

The walk culminated in a forum in the auditorium of the Anna Regina Multilateral School, which featured songs, poems, and talks on suicide.

Giving opening remarks was Region Two Education Officer Baramdai Seepersaud, who said suicide is preventable. Addressing the audience of hundreds, Seepersaud said life is worth living and education is the key.

“Suicide has been taking away too many valuable persons from society. Every child is important; be positive, build your self-esteem, think of your future. Life is good, live it, say yes to life, no to suicide!” she urged.

The Education Officer said the key to prevention was recognising the warning signs and knowing what to do to get help. She said suicide threats should be taken seriously and immediate action should be taken. She cautioned children to be aware of warning signs and factors; to

couraging them to voluntarily give up potentially harmful items, and to take the person to a hospital or mental health professional. Seepersaud noted that constant follow-ups should be made with persons who are thinking of suicide.

Never act on thoughts of suicide

Chief School Welfare Officer Gillian Vyphuis, in delivering the feature address, said persons end their own life when they believe there is no other solution to the problem they are facing. She noted that many youths commit suicide to get back at their parents, but children must, at all times, listen to parents. She called on children to seek help and reach out. The Chief Welfare Officer told students to never to act on thoughts of suicide. “Survive, find a way to reduce pain and live through it. Suicide is not poetic and should not be glorified. It is a selfish act and will never make you recognised.”

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud told students that he was happy to be part of a forum to “stop

suicide” and commended the efforts of the Education Department. Persaud said the best way to prevent suicide is to empower oneself. He called on young people to speak out and find someone to confide in at an early stage. He then called on parents to listen to their children carefully and understand them.

The Regional Chairman posited that domestic abuse is the root of the evil from which suicide springs in Guyana and on the Essequibo Coast particularly. The Chairman noted that communication is important within the home circle. He told children that the best thing for someone is to “live”.

In his remarks, Senior School Welfare Officer Haimraj Hamandeo said every life matters and it is, therefore, necessary to raise awareness on this issue of suicide that is robbing Guyana of its most important resource – people. He said suicide is

one of the leading causes of death in Guyana and the Department of Education strongly believes that it is time to empower children on the topic.

“Although it might seem as if your unhappiness will never end, it is important to realise that cries are usually time-limited. Solutions are found, feelings change, unexpected positive events occur. Suicide is never the solution,” Hamandeo said.

Also in attendance at the event were officers from the Department of Education, representatives of Hope for All, non-governmental organisation dedicated to assisting Essequibians, and officers from the Probation Department.

Some of the participating schools included Abram Zuil, Cotton Field, Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary Schools; and the 8th of May, Charity and CV Nunes Primary Schools.

wednesday, april 9, 2014

Subsidies to GPL total more than $40B since 2003 – PM Hinds

By Vahnu Manikchand

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on Tuesday disclosed that Government has allocated more than $40 billion to the Guyana Power and Light since the consortium comprising the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) of the United Kingdom and the Electricity Supply Board International (ESBI) of Ireland pulled out of the 50/50 equity deal with the Administration.

He also justified this year’s $3.8 billion subvention to the entity, saying that it is to stave off tariff increases and should not be viewed as a “handout”. Hinds was at the time delivering his 2014 Budget debate presentation to the National Assembly. The Prime Minister noted that the amount allocated to the power company is to offset tariff expenses so that citizens will not feel the burden.

Suppressed tariffs

“Let me say that the $3.850 billion capital allocation for GPL is neither a handout nor money being thrown down a black hole. It is a quantity of money which GPL in 2014 ought to be receiving from tariffs. The tariff calculation established at the time of GPL’s privatisation, which is based on international practice, sets the annual tariff adjustment of GPL for 2014 at about 12 per cent, which would provide GPL with $4.2 billion more from this increased tariff,” the PM said.

This allocation will go to-

wards completing various upgrade works. These works include the completion of transmission upgrades and acquiring new equipment for a new substation at Williamsburg, Number 53 Village, Berbice; the completion of a current loss reduction programme with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); the installation of generators at Leguan and Wakenaam, and the construction of an additional power station in Essequibo along with the acquisition of equipment to increase the power supply to Bartica.

Hinds explained that the $3.8 billion was taken out of the $4.350 billion allocation to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and was for GPL’s capital investments. In addition, he disclosed that the current estimates of the Finance

Ministry also contain contributions to the sum of $3.176 billion, of which $2.830 billion is for Linden and the remaining amount for Kwakwani.

In trying to justify the allocation to GPL, Hinds said there have been large allocations to the entity, since the core investor departed in April 2003 and handed its 50 per cent shares to the Government. He said total provisions would have been more than $40 billion. However, he said since the 1970s, Government has worked assiduously to suppress electricity charges to customers by some 30 per cent.

“So whilst the Government allocations to GPL have totalled over $40 billion during this period, the net total suppression of tariffs, the net foregone revenue of GPL, has totalled about $27 billion and one might say, okay, you still have

another $15-20 billion to talk about,” he noted.

According to Hinds, when the tariffs within a utility company are suppressed, that company is still in need of money and if it is not accessible, then the sector will eventually “run down” due to its lack of sustainability. Hinds explained that if this happens, the company and the country will both return to a state of destitution not experienced since 1992. Prime Minister Hinds went on to say that GPL has expanded its service significantly over the years with in excess of 40 megawatts of new generation at two locations and transmission upgrades. Government, as the “owner”, had to provide the funds for these works. He stressed that the Government

continues to critique the work of the company and constantly pushes it to do better.

Hinds went on to say that GPL’s work is further being examined by energy and electricity specialists and consultants from the IDB who have studied and reported on all aspects of its operation. The Prime Minister revealed that these reports will soon be published on the IDB’s, GPL’s and OPM’s websites. He explained to the combined parliamentary Opposition that if they institute the cuts they claim they will, there will be no opportunity to make any investments at the concessionary charge of four per cent.

He added vehemently: “Well, if they cut, and in our need to survive and make these

investments and to improve our supply in the Corentyne, Leguan, Wakenaam and Bartica; that if we go out and get it on the private market at 15 to 25 per cent, I hope they don’t come back and shout corruption.”

Hinds urged the Opposition to let this year’s budget pass without any cuts.

In 2012, some $1 billion was allocated to the power company to offset fuel expenses; however the combined parliamentary Opposition eliminated that proposed subvention, leaving the GPL without any funds.

In 2013, the proposed $10.2 billion subvention was slashed by over half, with the power company only receiving $5 billion (vahnum@guyanatimesgy. com)

LBI man sets self alight in reputed wife’s presence

ALa Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man is currently in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital after setting himself alight with his reputed wife in the same room.

The injured man has been identified as 28-year-old Seelanauth “Seeyo” Persaud of Lot 39 Third Street, LBI Housing Scheme. The incident occurred around 15:15h on Tuesday.

The man’s sister, Sharmila, told this newspaper that she was in the upstairs apartment with her son cleaning when she heard her “sister-in-law” screaming. “When we look out, we see the smoke coming from the downstairs so I send my son to call my other brother that live at the back and he come kick down the door,” the woman recalled. She noted that when the door was opened, her brother came out and his whole body was on fire. “He clothes burn out and

skin was getting burn now,” she stated. She said they put out the fire and immediately rushed him to the hospital.

According to Sharmila, her brother and his spouse had a misunderstanding earlier in the day. However, they had apparently made up. The woman said that she cannot speculate as to what transpired in the room since her “sister-in-law” is claiming that she does not know how her spouse became ignited.

“When I ask she how this happen and if she didn’t smell the kero, she turn and say that she get cold and couldn’t smell anything,” Sharmila related.

Chandramanee, the injured man’s father, told this publication that he was not at home when the incident occurred and was only informed when he returned in the evening by his daughter and neighbours.

Chandramanee said if his other son had not bro -

ken down the door, then Seelanauth would have probably burnt to death and destroyed the house along with himself. The man noted that he is aggrieved by this incident, since he only lost his wife two months ago and could not bear losing his son. He disclosed that his son had separated from his first wife, with whom he shared a son, and about six months ago moved in with his reputed wife in Timehri. The father noted that after his wife passed away, Seelanauth and his new spouse came to live with him, but was staying in an apartment in the bottom flat while his other son lives in a house at the back of the yard.

Seelanauth is currently in the operating theatre of the hospital, while his reputed wife has been taken into police custody and is assisting with investigations.

Tense scrutiny of budget begins today

By Alexis Rodney

The curtains came down on the 2014

Budget debate in the National Assembly Tuesday evening, with Members of Parliament (MPs) gearing up for the real business of the financial estimates today, as the Parliament is dissolved into the Committee of Supply.

Verbal clashes and heated arguments between Ministers of Government and members of the Opposition formed the ultimate showdown, as Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh stood to defend the country’s financial plan which was first presented on March 24 last.

The two sides of the parliamentary divide sought to drown out each other with the constant table banging, as words flew across the room. Minutes after Leader of the Opposition, David Granger took his seat, Dr Singh took centre stage. He immediately rebutted the Opposition Leader’s presentation, pointing out that there was nothing in his

saying that it hold no significant value for the people of Guyana. He lamented the shortage of jobs and lack of improved educational facilities and security. “Those challenges include the unavailability of jobs for school leavers. The poor quality of education at the primary and secondary levels, daily threats to human safety where there’s a man robbing every eight hours.”

But Minister Singh, in Government’s defence, declared “give us Amaila, en-

speech to suggest that his party had acknowledged that Government has addressed the many plans that were laid out in the manifesto. The Opposition’s chants of “Same old PPP” quickly faded, as the Minister spoke pointedly to the many issues of development that have been ignored by the Opposition.

“Mr Speaker, Budget 2014 represents the latest instalment of responsible policy by this PPP/Civic Government,” Dr Singh said to loud applause from the Government side. The Finance Minister noted that the concern expressed by Government for its people this year can be seen in the investments in education, construction of new medical facilities, and investments in the social sector and the economy as a whole.

He said the ruling administration has demonstrated a track record of taking Guyana in the right direction. “And Budget 2014 will continue to do so,” he shouted across the room.

The Opposition Leader, during his presentation, had criticised the contents of the $220 billion budget,

ergy will be cheaper and we will create jobs”. Dr Singh posited that no responsible political leader who has his country at heart would, in any way, seek to dissolve plans that would aid in the further development of his country.

Many of Dr Singh’s attacks were directed to Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge, who, on

each occasion, flared up in his own defence. The Minister said the party had been clamouring about not being consulted on the budget, but was offered that opportunity on more than one occasions. He noted that a letter was sent to both Greenidge and Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, inviting the two parties to meet and sort out issues regarding the budget. This, he said, was never done. Greenidge failed in his attempt to refute the accusation and instead excused himself from the House.

Dr Singh said if one would peruse the course of the debate, one would observe a clear pattern. The Minister said he had also observed the Opposition’s one-sidedness as it relates to their name calling and constant jeering. Singh said the Opposition has failed to deliver on its own promise

The heated arguments continued as the Finance Minister went back in time rehashing memories of a slothful economy under the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime. The House broke up when Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy sprang to his feet defending the Government and Ministers.

The Minister closed his speech by expressing his hope that they could all rise above the challenges and approach the estimates in good faith.

Narco trade driving Guyana’s economy – Granger tells House

Former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Commander and Opposition Leader, Retired Brigadier David Granger said the country is faced with a public security crisis where “narco-trafficking is the engine of growth that is driving the country’s economy”.

Granger – a former National Security Adviser under the late Desmond Hoyte Administration – said this crisis has helped fuel high rates of money-laundering, gun-running, execution murders and armed robberies. “Violent crime is scaring foreign investors, driving away the educated elite, undermining economic growth, and impeding social development,” the Opposition Leader told the House during his budget debate contribution.

He noted that the lucrative narco-trade has spawned armed gangs which use their wealth to purchase political influence and suborn the security forces in order to protect their interests. “Money launderers associated with narcotics traffickers also distort the domestic economy by pricing their goods and services below market rates which undermine legitimate businesses,” Granger said.

Lawless

He told the House that revelations in the international media of a GuyanaItaly cocaine conspiracy are ominous. “Evidence that Guyanese narco-traffickers are working hand-inhand with Italian Mafiosi linked to the Gambino and Bonanno crime families and the Italian crime syndicate known as Ndrangheta confirms fears that Guyana is sleepwalking, step by step, into narco-statehood. Some people diligently keep newspaper clippings of 20 years ago, but cannot remember what happened two months ago. ‘Jackass ears long,’ old people say, ‘but ‘e nah hear ‘e own story’.”

Turning his attention to the hinterland, Granger said Guyana west of Fort

Island on the Essequibo River could be a very lawless and dangerous place.

“Banditry is rampant; contraband smuggling is commonplace; disease is prevalent; poverty is pervasive; and educational standards are lower than the rest of the country. The hinterland comprises over threequarters of this country’s territory. Long unwatched land borders with Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname; vast unpatrolled open spaces; unmonitored airstrips and numberless rivers have become corridors for illegal narcotics and firearms to be carried to commit crimes on the coastland.”

He said the truth is that the nation wakes up every morning to the dreary reality of shoddy road repairs, broken schools, an underfunded university, shaky institutions, and a brigade of jobless dropouts. The problem, of course, is that this budget simply does not furnish the funds to confront the most serious challenges facing families, Granger said. “These are: the unavailability of jobs for young school-leavers everywhere; the quality of education at

the primary and secondary levels along the coastland and in the hinterland and at the University of Guyana; the daily threats to human safety while there are three armed robberies every day, two murders every week and 12 fatal accidents every month and the threats of disease – dengue, gastroenteritis, malaria – to public health.

Same old PPP Granger charged the Administration must not presume that it can ignore the public will. “It cannot exclude the majority side from contributing to the preparation of such an important measure as the budget. It has only been through the contribution of the majority side that the Executive can be made aware of the real situation on the ground affecting all of the people.”

The Opposition Leader said the view from Main Street (State House) is limited. “It is difficult to comprehend fully the complexity of the demographic, economic, social and political changes taking place throughout this country. All politics is local.

Venezuela Opposition set terms for talks with President

Acoalition of Venezuelan Opposition parties says it is willing to enter into talks with the Government as long as certain conditions are met. The meeting was proposed by Foreign Ministers of the UNASUR regional group to put an end to two months of anti-government protests.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had earlier agreed to take part. It is not yet clear though whether his Government will agree to the terms demanded by the Opposition.

True dialogue

In a letter addressed to the UNASUR delegation, the umbrella Opposition group Table for Democratic Unity (MUD) said it was “willing to hold a true dialogue, with a clear agenda,

equal conditions [for both sides] and the first meeting of which will be transmitted live on national radio and television channels”.

MUD Executive Secretary Ramon Guillermo Aveledo said the Opposition said the presence of an independent arbiter would also be “indispensable to guarantee, facilitate and, if necessary, mediate”.

He said that third party would have to be agreed on by and be acceptable to the Government and the Opposition. Aveledo also welcomed offers made last month by UNASUR and the Vatican to act as observers.

But he complained that the Government had not yet extended an official invitation to a Vatican representative, whose presence he said would be “essential”.

Earlier, President

Maduro said he “accepted” the UNASUR proposal for dialogue and pointed out that he had been calling for such talks for the past eight weeks.

On February 26, the Opposition refused to attend a “National Peace Conference” convened by President Maduro saying that the Government was acting in bad faith.

International mediation

The UNASUR ministers are in the capital, Caracas, for talks aimed at trying to end violent protests which have left 39 people dead over the past two months. The protests started in early February with demonstrators demanding an end to Venezuela’s high crime rate, its growing inflation and shortages of certain food staples. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Trust fund established to help Caribbean manage debt

The World Bank says a successful multidonor trust fund has launched a new phase with commitments from donors for close to US$20 million to help the Caribbean and other poor countries manage debt.

The World Bank said the Debt Management Facility II (DMF II) programme builds on previous success in debt-management advisory work and marks the beginning of a new partnership between the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The partnership will be dedicated to strengthening the capacity of the Caribbean and other developing countries to manage their debt in a manner that is sustainable and encourages economic development, the World Bank said.

It said the facility expects to raise US$40 million, adding that the “new pot of money” will extend the work of the first DMF, a US$22 million trust fund that the World Bank launched in November 2008.

The initiative was born out of a recognition

that low-income countries graduating from debt-relief programmes, such as the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC), might continue to struggle.

“There was a worry that they might fall into a vicious cycle of debt and assistance, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Jonathan Rothschild, senior advisor to World Bank executive directors, who was a senior economist with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), a donor to the first DMF. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

TT national arrested on charges of importing cocaine into the U.S. in meat

ATrinidad and Tobago national is due to appear in the United States Eastern District Court of New York after he was arrested with more than seven pounds of cocaine concealed in frozen meat.

“This latest seizure demonstrates the vigilance of our CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officers and their excellence in detecting those who would try to smuggle these illegal substanc-

es,” said Robert E Perez, Director, Field Operations New York.

CBP said Yudishtir Maharaj had a “different kind of beef” when he encountered agents on arriving at John F Kennedy International Airport.

The agency said CBP officers stopped Maharaj who was arriving on a flight from Port of Spain and during the search discovered three large packages of frozen

meat within his luggage.

“When probed, the frozen packages of meat produced a white powder that tested positive for cocaine,” said the agency, disclosing that Maharaj was arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and was turned over to U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. CBP said the total weight of the cocaine seized was about 7.35 lbs.

(Antigua Observer)

U.S. contractor Alan Gross on hunger strike in Cuban jail

AU.S. contractor who has been in jail in Cuba for more than four years has gone on hunger strike, his lawyer says. Alan Gross, 64, said he began fasting on Thursday to protest his treatment by both the Cuban and U.S. Governments.

Gross is serving a 15year prison sentence for taking Internet equipment to Cuba.

The case of Gross is seen as a major obstacle to better U.S.-Cuban ties. The two countries have not had formal diplomatic relations since 1961.

“I am fasting to object to mistruths, deceptions, and inaction by both Governments, not only regarding their shared responsibility for my arbitrary detention, but also because of the lack of any reasonable or valid effort to resolve this shameful ordeal,” Gross wrote in a statement released by his lawyer on Tuesday.

“Once again, I am calling on President Obama to get personally involved in ending this standoff so that I can return home to my wife and daughters,’’ he added.

Gross’s wife Judy said she was “worried sick” about his health and that she did not believe “he can survive much more of this”.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Child injured as stoning of JUTC buses continue

Achild was reportedly injured Tuesday morning in the Stony Hill area of St Andrew during the stoning of a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus.

Reports reaching Observer Online are that the child has been taken to hospital for treatment. However, the extent of the child’s injuries is unknown at this time.

Observer Online has also received unconfirmed reports of stoning of JUTC

buses in the Papine area of the parish.

While JUTC’s Managing Director Colin Campbell has confirmed the report of the Stony Hill incident, he has no knowledge of the Papine incident.

Tuesday’s stoning incidents follow reports early Monday of attacks on JUTC buses along Washington Boulevard and Spanish Town Road which led to the arrest of a man. The mastermind behind those attacks is being sought by the police.

The new sub-franchise system which is a move by the State-owned bus company to reclaim some Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region (KMTR) routes held by sub-franchise operators took effect on April 1 with a one-week extension given to the operators to comply with all the regulations stipulated by the JUTC. The extension ended on Tuesday, April 8, when the JUTC expected full compliance by all sub-franchisees. (Jamaica Observer)

25 youngsters, two groups get PM Youth Award for Excellence

Twenty-three outstanding young Jamaicans and two youth groups are the 2013 recipients of the Prime Minister’s Youth Awards for Excellence.

The two youth groups are the Youth Organisation for Upliftment and the National Interschool Brigade. The award ceremony was held on the east lawns of Jamaica House,

Kingston, on April 6, under the theme: ‘Celebrating Jamaican Youth… the Courage of Perseverance’.

Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, who was joined on stage by Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna, presented the awards. In her address to the large gathering, the Prime Minister said that she was inspired by the successes and achievements

of the young awardees and nominees.

“This evening, I celebrate your triumph and successes, and remind you of your awesome possibilities and potential,” she said.

Simpson Miller noted that poverty, age, or health factors are not obstacles to the achievements of the nominees and awardees.

“Those of you who have demonstrated that grow-

ing up materially poor does not mean that you are poor in ambition or courage, are living examples, and I commend you,” she said. Citing the goals of the National Development Plan – Vision 2030 Jamaica – the Prime Minister said the nominees “serve as fitting examples of what we hope will be common place among our young people by 2030.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

U.S. warns on Iran “breakout” capability as nuclear talks start

The United States said on Tuesday Iran has the ability to produce fissile material for a nuclear bomb in two months, if it so decided, as Tehran and six world powers swung into a new round of talks in Vienna on resolving their atomic dispute.

Secretary of State John Kerry’s comments in Washington highlighted Western concerns about Iran’s nuclear intentions and the wide divisions between the two sides that could still foil a deal. Iran says its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful. The overarching goal of the powers – Britain, France, China, Russia,

No further pings from what may be the black box recorders of a missing Malaysia Airlines jet have been detected after a weekend of hopeful leads, as search teams “throw everything” into finding the aircraft before the black box batteries are expected to die, investigators have said.

The hunt for flight MH370, which disappeared from radar screens shortly after takeoff from Kuala Lumpur one month ago, has narrowed to about one-third of its original search size in an area of the southern Indian Ocean roughly 1000 miles north-west of Perth, where

Germany and the United States – in the talks is to persuade Iran to scale back its programme to the point that it would take it much longer, perhaps as much as a year, to produce fuel for a bomb if it chose to do so.

“I think it’s public knowledge today that we’re operating with a time period for a so-called ‘break-out’ of about two months. That’s been in the public domain,” Kerry testified at a Senate hearing. Iran’s “break-out” time is defined as how long it would take it to produce fissile material for one nuclear weapon, if it decided to build such weapons of mass destruction. (Excerpt from Reuters)

U.S. sees Russian agents behind east Ukraine unrest

The United States accused Russia on Tuesday of sending its agents to stoke a flaring secession crisis in eastern Ukraine that Moscow itself conceded could

spill over into civil war. The blunt U.S. charge came as Ukraine’s embattled leaders waged an uphill battle to keep their culturally splintered nation of 46 million together after

the February ouster of a pro-Kremlin President and subsequent loss of Crimea to Russia.

An eerie echo of the Black Sea peninsula’s separation sounded on Sunday when militants – many of them masked – stormed a series of strategic buildings across a swathe of heavily Russified eastern regions and demanded that Moscow send its troops for support.

Ukraine mounted a counter-offensive on Tuesday by vowing to treat the separatists as “terrorists” and making 70 arrests in a night-time security sweep aimed at proving the Kremlin’s involvement in the secessionist movement.

An urgent deployment of forces saw Kiev also regain control of an administration office in Kharkiv and the security service headquarters of Donetsk – the stronghold of Viktor Yanukovych prior to his ouster as President and flight to Russia. (Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

French PM Valls passes first parliamentary test BJP removes Modi’s posters in Vadodara

Nthe supposed pings were picked up over the weekend by an Australian vessel.

“We have at least several days of intense actions ahead of us,” Australia’s Defence Minister, David Johnston, said on Tuesday. “We’re throwing everything at this difficult, complex task.”

A U.S. navy “pinger locator” on board Australia’s Ocean Shield detected two signals on Sunday apparently consistent with black box locator pings, one for over two hours and the second for 13 minutes. Investigators described the signals as the best lead in the plane’s hunt to date. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

ew French Prime Minister Manuel Valls won a confidence vote in parliament on Tuesday after presenting to deputies a raft of new policies designed to pull France out of the economic doldrums. Deputies in the lower house National Assembly voted 306 to 239 to support Valls, named as Prime Minister last week in a cabinet reshuffle ordered by President Francois Hollande after his Socialist Party put up a dismal showing in local elections. The confidence vote, dubbed Valls’ “moment of truth” by the French press, followed a major policy speech by the new Prime Minister.

Addressing parliament

earlier Tuesday, Valls vowed to slash labour costs by 30 billion euros (US$41 billion) and ease taxes for the worstoff in a bid to turn around the country’s struggling economy. Besides the cut in labour costs – or payroll taxes – Valls’ new proposals also include a decrease in corporate income taxes and household taxes. Valls also confirmed Hollande’s pledge to trim 50 billion euros (US$69 billion) from the budget by 2017.

The cuts would include 19 billion euros from state spending, 10 billion euros from health insurance and 10 billion euros from local governments. He did not specify where the rest would be found. (Excerpt from France24)

Most midsize SUVs fail tough U.S. crash tests

Most of the midsize SUVs did not fare well in a new small overlap front-crash test conducted by an influential U.S. safety group, in yet another jolt to the industry already shaken by safety concerns.

Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain from the General Motors Company were the only vehicles to earn the highest rating of “good” in the test, according to results released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) on Tuesday.

Out of the nine participating models, Toyota Motor Corp’s Highlander was rated

“acceptable” while rest of the group earned “marginal” or “poor” ratings. The worst performers in

the test were Mazda Motor Corp’s CX-9 and Honda Motor Co’s Pilot, which sustained “significant structural

collapse,” IIHS said.

The small overlap test was developed after research showed that about 25 per cent of serious injuries and deaths occurring in frontal crashes were in small impacts, such as the front of a vehicle clipping the front of an oncoming car or striking a tree or pole.

According to IIHS, such a test is more challenging than the long-standing moderate overlap test conducted by the Institute since 1995. The new test results come in the backdrop of several vehicle recalls from automakers.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

U.S. Defence Chief gets earful as China visit exposes tensions

Tensions between China and the United States were on full display on Tuesday as Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel faced questions in Beijing about America’s position in bitter territorial disputes with regional U.S. allies. Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan, standing side-byside with Hagel, called on

the United States to restrain ally Japan and chided another U.S. ally, the Philippines. Then, Hagel was sharply questioned by Chinese officers at the National Defence University. One of them told Hagel he was concerned that the United States was stirring up trouble in the East and South China Sea because it feared someday

“China will be too big a challenge for the United States to cope with.”

“Therefore you are using such issues... to make trouble to hamper (China’s) development,” the officer said. Hagel assured the audience that America had no interest in trying to “contain China” and that it took no position in such disputes.

But he also cautioned repeatedly during the day that the United States would stand by its allies. “We have mutual self defence treaties with each of those two countries,” Hagel said, referring to Japan and the Philippines. “And we are fully committed to those treaty obligations.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

BJP has covered around 1000 banners and posters in the city carrying photos of its prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi, who will file his nomination for the Vadodara Lok Sabha seat here on Wednesday. “The posters carrying Modi’s pictures were covered by those carrying the party message. If the posters carrying Modi’s photos are continued to be displayed after he files nomination, the expenses will be included in his personal expenditure,” a BJP office bearer said.

The Election Commission has set a maximum limit of Rs70 lakh that a candidate can spend on his election campaign. BJP had put up

over 1000 hoardings carrying Modi’s photos at key locations in the city. The party had booked the hoarding sites about 15 days in advance. However, after he was named the candidate from Vadodara against Modi, Congress general secretary Madhusudhan Mistry had demanded removal of Modi’s posters, alleging that the civic body had shown bias by allocating all the advertisement kiosks on roads of the city to BJP, where Modi’s posters were prominently displayed.

The EC had directed the district election officer to allot 1000 advertisement locations to Congress Monday. (Times of India)

Libya Parliament asks PM to form new cabinet

Libya’s parliament tasked the interim prime minister with forming a new cabinet, weeks after ousting his predecessor for failing to rein in the lawlessness gripping the country. Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni, Defence Minister under ousted Prime Minister Ali Zeidan, will face the daunting task of bringing former rebel brigades to heel following the 2011 NATObacked uprising that ended Muammar Gaddafi’s four-decade rule.

The country has seen near daily attacks, particularly in the restive east, as well as a challenge from rebels who have blockaded vital oil terminals and a growing political crisis stemming from the interim parliament’s decision to extend its mandate.

Thinni “has been confirmed as Prime Minister and charged with forming a new government” after replacing Zeidan on a tempo-

rary basis last month, MP Tahar al-Mokni told AFP news agency. Omar Hmidan, a spokesman for the General National Congress (GNC), the country’s highest political authority, said Thinni was chosen after legislators failed to reach a consensus on other candidates, and was given one week to form a new government. Thinni had earlier written to parliament asking for more powers and a longer mandate. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

wednesday, april 9, 2014|

Govt will be responsible if budget is not approved – AFC

The Alliance For Change is appealing to the Government to come to the negotiating table on the 2014 National Budget before the detailed examination of the estimates in the Committee of Supply begins today.

In a statement, the AFC warned that the Government, though fully aware that the AFC would not give its support to a few of its “pet projects and ‘rag-tag’ ventures”, has sought to lump the allocations for these projects with projects that the AFC would be inclined to support.

“One example of this is the allocations for NCN and GINA being lumped with allocations for security at the Office of the President. This sort of budgeting is deceitful; it is trickery and an attempt by the Government to foster bad spending by hiding it under layers of good spending. The Government will not be allowed to get away with such underhand budgeting practices,” the AFC said.

Last-minute appeal for dialogue

When the examination of the estimates starts in the Committee of Supply today, the AFC said it will be asking serious questions and will be expecting serious and detailed answers. “At this stage, the party would make strong recommendations for the Finance Minister to amend his estimates or face the likelihood of not having the estimates approved.”

“At the end of the day, it is up to the Minister of Finance to bring to the National Assembly, a budget that the House can approve. At this late stage he must stand guid-

ed by what transpires in the Committee of Supply. The ball is in the Minister’s court,” the AFC said.

It said it wanted to make it clear “that we have no desire to deprive any person of their job or their wages or any community of real development. Neither is it our desire to ‘shut down’ this Government. However, it is the duty of a responsible Government to separate bona fide, legitimate and reasonable spending from the areas of ‘slush and sleaze’. Should the Government attempt to force on the Opposition a budget riddled with pet projects, it would be to their detriment and they would have to answer to the people. While the AFC fully supports the vast majority of the allocations in the 2014 Budget, the party would be hard pressed to support a few allocations and it is in this context that the party has made a last-minute appeal for dialogue.”

West Berbice fire victims seeking assistance

One week after a fire destroyed a West Berbice building, the now homeless family members are still trying to come to grips with the loss of their two-storey house.

No aid has come for the Johnsons, and family members have been unable to start the process of rebuilding the lives they had prior to last Wednesday when a mid-morning fire destroyed the two-bedroom house at Bath Expectation, West Coast Berbice.

Nadira Johnson, 35, who owned the building, has not been to work since then, while her son Shanaze who should be sitting the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) next week has no clothes to attend school. The family is now forced to sleep together on the floor in a section of the bottom flat of the building which did not burn. Another son, Ruphubert Johnson, 18, says it is very uncomfortable.

According to his mother, the fire was caused as a result of an exposed wire. Johnson, a single parent, noted that she removed

a mattress and placed it against a wall in the process of cleaning. “Like the two wire touch together an start to spark”, but this she could not see, since the mattress was blocking her view.

“Like the spark catch on the mattress and start to burn but I did not know anything…,” the distraught woman told Guyana Times Adding to her grief, Johnson will be burying one of her siblings today. The fire also destroyed the house on the birthday of two of her children, Shanaze, 11, and Shanifa, 10.

Slow response

According to her son, it did not take long for the fire to get going… “Is a new bed mummy buy one week before, an is white wood they make it with so it catch quick after the mattress start to burn and then catch on the other two mattress… Is bare plywood inside the house and the house recently paint.” His mother explained that the new bed has not been paid for yet.

The fire quickly spread and engulfed the 27 feet by 18 feet upper flat, taking

with it all of the Johnson’s belongings apart from what family members were wearing at the time. According to Ruphubert, his mother threw a bucket of water on the blaze, but her attempt to extinguish the blaze was unsuccessful. Two neighbours also attempted to use buckets of water, but the heat was too much.

Ruphubert said he was told that the Guyana Fire Service was already informed of the blaze; however, it took quite a while for firefighters to arrive.

“I listening to see if the thing gon come and just watching the house dea buning, buning… I say if the fire reel did reach in time, most of the house woulda save…”, explaining that he was surprised at the swiftness with which the firefighters, when they did arrive, put out the blaze.

Meanwhile, Nadira Johnson is calling on the corporate community and the relevant agencies to assist the family so that their lives can return to a state of normalcy, noting that over the past week they have not been able to cook.

Anna Regina Town Day set for August

The much-anticipated Anna Regina Town Day is set for the month of August. This was confirmed by the Interim Management Committee of the Anna Regina Town Council.

According to Chairman Toolsie Narine, the Committee is all set and is presently in preparation for the mega event.

Narine said a meeting is scheduled with major stakeholders in an effort to solicit their input. He said this year’s Anna Regina Town Day will be much bigger than last year’s, with many activities planned.

In 2013, the Council celebrated the first-ever Town Day and it was deemed a success. Narine said it drew

thousands of persons together to celebrate the town’s achievements.

A Councillor from the IMC also raised the idea for a massive clean-up campaign to be held in the town before the activity. Rajendra

Prabhulall said the clean-up campaign should be done by the business community under the banner “Pick It Up Essequibo”. According to the Councillor, the activity should be used as a springboard to the Anna Regina Town Day. He called for the business community; the Regional Democratic Council; police, army, and fire officers; schoolchildren; rice farmers; public servants; market vendors/stall holders; fishermen; health workers; teachers; housewives; and other residents of the town to come out on the special day and support the clean-up campaign. Anna Regina became a town on August 1, 1990. The first Mayor was the late Etwaria Kumar.

AFC Finance Chief Sasenarine Singh quits party

The Finance and Economics point man of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Sasenarine Singh has tendered his resignation from the party with immediate effect.

The letter was addressed to AFC General Secretary David Patterson. The party, which was founded by former members of the then main political parties, is known for attracting many ex-People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and ex-People’s National Congress (PNC) members, but has lost several highprofile members owing to infighting and factionalism.

Singh said he was resigning for “personal” reasons and wished the party well in its future endeavours. He noted that he would become active in local politics upon his return to Guyana, but was, at this time, overwhelmed by several extraneous matters. In the letter seen by this newspaper, Singh was very brief and said nothing about the status of his overall leadership and his future with the party.

The AFC General Secretary confirmed receiving the resignation letter and expressed the party’s gratitude to Singh for his overall contributions, which date back to 2011. The AFC was hit with several other resignations earlier in the year. The party, led by Khemraj Ramjattan, has found itself in many scandals ranging from allegations of fraud to conflict of interest concerns.

In August last, its Chairman Nigel Hughes had tendered his resignation, but it was not accepted. Hughes had offered his resignation after it was reported that he was the Company Secretary of Amaila Falls Hydro Inc. However, Hughes, in a release, had said “the in-

Relatives pray for kidnapped businessman’s safe return

While the kidnappers of Enmore businessman Rajendra “Sunil” Singh have given family members another day to pay his ransom, the man’s wife and close relatives are still mum on whether the ransom was paid and the businessman released.

Guyana Times was reliably informed that the family was hoping that the kidnappers made contact with them on Tuesday for the money to be paid.

However, no contact was ever made with the man’s relatives. Singh remains captive as family members were given another deadline to pay the $25 million ransom. The 40-yearold auto spare parts dealer was whisked away from his Foulis, Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) business, by two masked gunmen Saturday evening.

Police, in a previous release, stated that they were investigating the reported kidnapping of the busi-

nessman which occurred about 18:45h on Saturday. However, they were unable to provide any information on the kidnapping when contacted by this publication on Wednesday.

Initially, the men had given the family up to midnight on Saturday to hand over the ransom, when they failed to do, Singh was reportedly shot to his leg.

Investigations thus far revealed that Singh was in his motor car in front of his business place when his

wife observed two men entering the vehicle which then drove off. A few minutes later, the woman reportedly received a phone call demanding the sum of $50 million for the safe return of her husband. The businessman’s car, PFF 982, was found by members of the Cummings Lodge Community Policing Group along the Goedverwagting Railway Embankment, ECD. It has been handed over to the police at Sparendaam.

New GDF recruits urged to focus on becoming best soldiers possible

corporation of the Amaila Falls Hydro Inc and my appointment as secretary had been a matter of public record since the incorporation of the Company in April 2009.

In March 2013, AFC Councillor Charrandas Persaud decided to leave the party over “recognition issues”, which were among a long list of his concerns that are yet to be addressed.

Several other members, including Dr Asquith Rose and Tarron Khemraj, had resigned from the party and joined A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), because of unresolved conflicts and differences on policy issues and decisions taken by the AFC’s current leadership. Also an AFC Member of the Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC) , Archie Cordis had parted ways with the party

Meanwhile, the party has announced that it has appointed Devin Sookraj as its new Regional Councillor on the Region Six RDC, to replace the late Mohamed Muksha who passed away earlier this year. Sookraj is a popular Berbice businessman and the owner of a hardware store in New Amsterdam.

We are on the ground living among the people, listening to the ordinary people and learning from the people. When we speak, we speak with the voice of the people; that is why we must be heard.”

Granger said the budget, despite its promise – “A better Guyana for all Guyanese” – is more likely to degenerate into “a bitter Guyana for most Guyanese”. “This budget is dangerously dividing Guyana into two nations. It is creating an East-West divide that separates everything West of the Essequibo River from what

It was a resounding noshow of hands when Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, asked assembled recruits of the GDF’s Basic Recruit Course (BRC) the question, “who wants to go home?” Brigadier Phillips was, at the time, addressing the recruits prior to formally declaring the course, the first for 2014, officially open.

“You chose to be here,” he said, “We advertised, and you made that choice for a particular purpose.”

Addressing their acknowledgement that their choice to become soldiers was driven by the need to develop themselves professionally, Phillips said, according to a report from the military. “We will continue to provide

lies to the East.” “Examine, for example, the section entitled “Physical Infrastructure for Transformation (pp. 3233).” The roads to be repaired are mainly in the East Bank, West Coast, East Coast, not in the rich gold and diamond mining areas. This budget perpetuates the divergences, disparities and divisions which have hindered development in our country. Is this deliberate or is it an acute case of Main Street myopia?”

Granger said the hinterland underdevelopment crisis – so ably articulated by Members of Parliament

you with opportunities, providing you stay the course. This is the first step. ”

Alluding to the quotation “... a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step...” the Chief-ofStaff explained that the recruits’ first step was to successfully complete the BRC. Recounting his own experience while on training in Brazil some 30 years ago, he explained that it was about “sweating”, and hard training since, he and his colleagues had no intention of being seen as failures, upon their return to Guyana.

Noting that the GDF is committed to making the recruits into worthy soldiers and better men, he emphasised that they had to grow up overnight. “I congratulate you on taking this deci-

from page 13

Sydney Allicock, Dawn Hastings, Valerie GarridoLowe, Eula Marcello, George Norton and Renitta Williams – will not correct itself. “The Potaro-Siparuni Region, the Barima-Waini and CuyuniMazaruni Regions to the north and the Rupununi Region to the South – might be most picturesque parts of the country but they are the poorest. Hinterland communities do not need baubles, beads, toys and trinkets. Handouts smother human initiative and extinguish enterprise. The hinterland, like everywhere else, needs reli-

sion to join the GDF and to serve your country. But, you will have to grow up overnight! Your focus has to be on embracing fitness, obedience, loyalty, discipline and developing skills. Academic training is included in your basic training to enhance your overall capabilities. We will train you hard!

“You will surely miss your loved ones and the familiar comfort of surroundings that you are accustomed to. You have to put those into the back of your mind for the 10 weeks that you will be in training. Your loved ones are looking forward to you passing this course and realising your dreams. Resist the temptation to run and focus on becoming the best soldier you can!” he stated.

The cadre of recruits currently totals 291, One hundred and ninety-eight recruits are being trained at the Colonel John Clarke Military School (CJCMS) at Tacama, while the other 93 are at the GDF Base Camp Seweyo on the LindenSoesdyke Highway. Those being trained at Seweyo have been earmarked for posting to the technical units of the Force following their anticipated success. Following the formal opening of the course at both locations, Brigadier Phillips toured the training bases. During his tour of Base Camp Seweyo, a member of the mess staff, Private Marissa Gilkes gained onthe-spot promotion, to the rank of Acting Lance Corporal.

able services – such as community-based solar and wind water and electricity-generation.” He noted that some mined-out parts have degenerated into a mosquito-infested wasteland. He said its evergreen forests and pristine waterways are under threat. Its people are poor. Exploiting the economic resources, sustaining the livelihood of the residents and protecting the environment demand a new approach to hinterland administration. “The national budget must provide for regional administrative cen-

tres – Bartica, Mahdia, Mabaruma and Lethem – to be quickly upgraded to township status with their own mayors and town councils. We must stop treating the hinterland as ‘bush’.” The hinterland’s mining, logging and tourism resources have been exploited for over a century and continue to enrich the national treasury, but its physical infrastructure is inadequate for such vast territory. Its small, scattered population is vulnerable to criminal violence, human trafficking and environmental hazard.

SUDOKU

You may be overwhelmed and under pressure. Consider your health before you waste time getting worked up over something that you can’t control. Financial matters will improve if you act quickly.

By Bernice Bede Osol

(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Being stubborn won’t help solve your problems. Ease up and collaborate with all comers in order to get results. Cooperation and compromise will be necessary.

You will have good luck persuading others to invest in your ideas. Your colleagues will support your effort. You will be satisfied with the feedback you receive and the results you get.

Take a long, hard look at your current partnerships. You may be feeling disappointed or disillusioned, but if you are realistic and honest, you will find answers and make the right choice.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

(July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20-March 20)

Don’t give anyone the chance to take credit for your work. Keep your ideas under wraps until you can be sure you’ll get the recognition you deserve.

(March 21-April 19)

The more people you are in contact with, the more encouragement you will receive. Be vigorous and determined as you pursue your goals. Your unique talents will carry you far.

(April 20-May 20)

If you try to manage group efforts, quarrels and hurt feelings will result. Rather than start a debate, stick to your own projects. Your success will depend on how you handle others.

(May 21June 20)

Recharge your energy by arranging a trip or adventure with a friend or family member. Investigate some local attractions. You may discover romance or a new creative outlet along the way.

You may be blamed for difficulties in the workplace. If you have been careless in your habits, you will have to admit your shortcomings and face the music.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Youngsters in your family circle will prove instrumental in a decision regarding a current project. Your popularity will soar once your plans are unveiled. Prepare to be in high demand.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Take a logical and realistic approach to a situation that requires a decision. You can save yourself a lot of grief by not grasping at the first option available.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Change is in the air. A new career could materialise as the result of a business trip. Expanding your horizons will stimulate your creativity and present some intriguing possibilities.

By Avenash Ramzan

Guyanese Clive “The Punisher” Atwell will face the toughest battle of his promising career next month when he takes on Mexican Jhonny Gonzalez for the WBC Featherweight title in Mexico City.

The fight was sealed by Atwell’s camp, Dog Pound, on Monday, thereby affording the Guyanese a golden opportunity to become the country’s next world champion.

The 25-year-old Atwell, who has long been touted as a future world champion, is currently the holder of three titles- the World Boxing Council (WBC)/Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) Light Welterweight, the WBC/CABOFE Featherweight and the national Lightweight title.

Based on their records and experience however, one would definitely be tempted to give Gonzalez the fa-

vourite tag, along with the fact that he will have home crowd support on May 24.

The 32-year-old Mexican is vastly experienced with a total of 63 fights, 55 of which he has won with 47 knockouts and eight defeats.

Atwell, by comparision, is now building what has been a fantastic career to date, with 12 wins (seven knockouts) and a draw from 13 trips to the “square jungle.”

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Georgetown, the eloquent Atwell seemed unfazed by the challenge ahead and the status of the opponent, portraying a calm and collective persona.

“If I can condition the mind and the body, I don’t see myself getting into any problems. I just need to do the basics. Boxing is basics, and using the mind to do the basics effectively,” Atwell opined.

The classy fighter, who has been a revelation since turning pro

in January 2010 after losing just four of his 76 fights as an amateur, said he is not at all intimidated by Gonzalez’s outstanding record.

“I’m not intimidated because it’s boxing; I come to win, you come to win! We both have two hands; we both have to fight according to the rules and regulations, so there is nothing intimidating about my opponent,” Atwell boasted.

Interestingly, this will be Atwell’s first fight as a professional outside of Guyana, as all 13 bouts have been under the Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s (GBBC) Friday Night Fights boxing card.

Glorious opportunity

President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool, pointed out that the fight is not just a great opportunity for Atwell, but the country as a whole to be recognised once again in the realm of boxing.

“There is no doubt about it,

Atwell lands world title fight

Jhonny Gonzalez is a tremendous champion, so this is going to be an uphill battle, but it’s an opportunity that perhaps presents itself once in a lifetime. I’m happy to say Clive has earned that shot,” Abdool reckoned.

Atwell is currently attached to the Dog Pound camp, led by Andrew Arjoon and Ronald Burch-Smith, who, incidentally, are both former presidents of the Guyana Squash Association.

The camp played a critical role in making the fight a reality, and according to Burch-Smith, signing Atwell was a good investment.

“As he reminded me yesterdaty [Monday], he’s been a world champion for a long time; the world doesn’t know it yet, but they will find out on the 24th of May. He’s been a good investment for us; we’re happy to be his partner and we look forward to him becoming a world champion and much better things to come after that,” Burch-Smith commented.

Director of Sport Neil Kumar expressed confidence in Atwell’s ability to join the list of world champions who have fought under the Golden Arrowhead.

“Guyana can win another world title. I want to wish Atwell well; train hard, you’re in good hands and I have confidence in you to go out there and win. I wrote [in a column] since last year that you will be the next person to win a world title for Guyana,” Kumar said.

A huge part of Atwell’s preparations will have to focus on getting him ready to deal with the highaltitude conditions in Mexico. The outspoken boxer has vowed to work overtime to get himself in peak condition for the biggest fight of his life.

According to the contract, Atwell is expected to be in Mexico seven days prior to the fight, but his camp,

Mexican

which also includes boxer Leon “Hurry Up” Moore, is contemplating travelling earlier so that the boxer can become familiar with conditions there.

As of now, the prospective world champion will be utilising the Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis gym, named after Guyana’s first world champion, to get in shape for what is expected to be a gruelling showdown.

Stewart ‘excited’ about playing in Limacol CPL

– it’s going to be a different set up; it is going to be a whole new team but

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Trinidad and Tobago fast- bowling all-rounder Navin Stewart, one of the hottest commodities in Twenty20 cricket in the Region, is anxiously eyeing the second edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League as yet another chance to make his mark in world cricket and continue his swift rise to recognition.

One of five newcomers in the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ line-up, the 30-year-old told this publication on Tuesday from Trinidad and Tobago that he is excited to be part of the second edition.

With four first-class matches and 17 T/20 games under his belt, Stewart has joined the hard-hitting New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson, Guyanese fast bowler Ronsford Beaton, opening batsman Robin Bacchus and middle-order batsman Leon Johnson as the newcomers in the 15-member squad selected by the franchise at last

Thursday’s draft in Jamaica.

“I am very excited to be on board with CPL, and am looking forward to it. I think it is a great initiative mixing the local players with some international stars,” said Stewart.

“The CPL will feature some of the world’s best cricketers and I can’t wait to test my skills and play in what is going to be a dynamic and exciting competition”.

Stewart, who represented T&T at last year’s Champions League T20 will be joined by fellow T&T players

Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin and franchise player Sunil Narine further added: “It is going to be a lot different playing for Guyana and not playing for Trinidad and Tobago but it is good to be part of it. Now I need to go out there and show what I am capable of doing. It is going to be a different set up; it is going to be a whole new team but I am looking forward to it”.

The Guyana franchise will be coached by former West Indies

off-spinner Roger Harper, with former West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose as his assistant. New Zealand allrounder Corey Anderson is the Guyana franchise’s international star. The other two international players in the team are Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez and New Zealand opening batsman Martin Guptill

The other regional player selected in the Guyana franchise is Jamaican Krishmar Santokie, while Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford

I am looking forward to it

Beaton, Steven Jacobs, Leon Johnson, Robin Bacchus and Trevon Griffith are the local players selected. Speaking about the teams in the tournament, Stewart said: “I think it is going to be a good tournament. On paper, all the teams are looking strong so it is going to be a tough tournament to play.

“There are a lot of good foreign players and I think the teams are well balanced.”

Although he is representing Guyana, who are usual-

ly bitter rivals with T&T in regional competitions, Stewart said he welcomes the opportunity and will give his best.

“It is cricket. It is something I love doing. It is going to be very strange playing for Guyana, but at the end of the day that is the job and that is what professionals have to do. I will go out there and give it my best and hopefully Guyana can win this time around,” he added.

Apart from the 15 players chosen by the six franchises at Thursday’s draft, four Under-19 players will be added to the squads and will be chosen by the respective territorial boards.

The Limacol CPL will be hosted during July-August with Chris Gayle’s Jamaica Tallawahs set to defend their title against lastyear’s runners-up Guyana Amazon Warriors, Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

Oscar Pistorius recounts moment of killing

South African athlete

Oscar Pistorius has described the moment he fired the shots which killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in his home.

He told his trial in Pretoria he had heard noises from the toilet and thought an intruder was coming out.

“Before I knew it, I had fired four shots at the door,” he said.

The trial of the athlete, who could face life imprisonment if convicted of murder, was adjourned until Wednesday after he broke down crying.

Shortly before Oscar Pistorius described in court how he had shot Reeva Steenkamp, his lawyer asked him to demonstrate his height without his prosthetic legs.

Gasps were heard in the overflow courtroom as he slowly walked on his stumps over to the mock-up of the toilet door. His confident demeanour changed - on his stumps he seemed self-conscious. Very few people have seen him like his and it is not an image visible to the world as his testimony is not being televised.

The court heard for the first time that the athlete had spoken to Ms Steenkamp shortly after waking up, to bring in some fans from the balcony. She had asked if he was having trouble sleeping. Another revelation was how he had whispered to her to get down and phone the police after hearing the sound in the bathroom - but there was no mention of her replying.

He also did not mention having an argument with his girlfriend that night, rather describing a quiet, couple’s night in. The prosecution argues that he killed her in a fit of rage and neighbours have testified to hearing “loud voices” prior to the

four shots Mr Pistorius fired.

The 27-year-old double amputee denies deliberately shooting Ms Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day last year.

On his first day on the stand, on Monday, he made a tearful apology to Ms Steenkamp’s family.

The prosecution alleges that Mr Pistorius killed his girlfriend after an argument with her.

‘She wasn’t breathing’

In the early hours of 14 February 2013, he said he had got up from bed to bring in some fans he had left outside, in order to cool his bedroom.

When he heard a window opening in the bathroom, he said, he thought there was a burglar trying to get in.

Wanting to protect Ms Steenkamp, who was not sleeping, he had gone to get his gun in the dark.

“I whispered to Reeva to get down and phone the police,” he said.

He said he then went into the passage without his prosthetic legs and, overcome with fear, started screaming, and shouted for Ms Steenkamp to get to the floor.

Oscar Pistorius (l) arriving for Tuesday’s proceedings in Pretoria

Reeva Steenkamp’s mother, June, listened intently during the second day

Aimee Pistorius, the defendant’s sister, hugged a family member in court

Members of the public followed the testimony from the gallery

A bucket was put in the dock in case Mr Pistorius vomited as he testified

Mr Pistorius is seen here leaving court on Tuesday

The toilet door slammed, reconfirming his belief there was a person or people in the bathroom, the athlete said.

“I heard a noise from inside the toilet, what I perceived to be someone coming out of the toilet,” he said tearfully. At that point, he shot at the door.

After the shooting, Mr Pistorius said he had smashed in a door panel to get into the toilet, where he discovered what he had done.

“Whilst I leant over the partition to get in, I saw the key, so I took it and I unlocked the door, and I flung the door open, and I threw it open,” he said, sobbing.

“And I sat over Reeva and I cried... and um, I don’t know how long... I don’t know how long I was there for... She wasn’t breathing.”

As the athlete broke down, the judge adjourned the trial.(BBC Sport)

Jamaican Randall handed two-year doping ban

Olympic discus thrower Allison Randall has been banned for two years after testing positive for a banned diuretic during last June’s Jamaican trials.

“The santion imposed by the disciplinary panel is two years,” Jamaica Anti-Doping Disciplinary panel chairman Kent Pantry said in a statement. Pantry added that her ban would be backdated to “June 21 2013 when she provided the sample.”

The 25-year-old, who holds the Jamaican discus record with a distance of 61.21 meters, tested positive for the banned diuretic hydro-chlorothiazide - which reduces blood volume.

Simpson, the 2008

her verdict later on Tuesday.

Wayne Rooney trains ahead of Bayern Munich match

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney trained ahead of his side’s Champions League quarter-final, second leg at Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

There were concerns over the striker’s fitness after he picked up a toe injury in the first leg, which ended 1-1, and he missed Saturday’s win at Newcastle.

However, Bayern boss Pep Guardiola expects the

28-year-old to feature.

“He will play, I am 100% sure and I am willing to bet a large glass of beer on it,” said Guardiola.

““It will be tough because in my opinion Bayern and Barcelona are the two best teams left in the competition, so we have to be at our best””

Wayne Rooney

Manchester United striker

“This is one of the best players I’ve seen and the big

players do not want to miss this type of game.”

Holders Bayern struggled to break down United’s defence in the first leg at Old Trafford and Guardiola is again expecting the Old Trafford side to try to frustrate the German champions.

“I think United will be again waiting for us at the back,” said the Spaniard. “They will be waiting deep, deep in their own half.

“English teams defend and then wait for the quick break. [United coach] David Moyes also has eight, nine players at the back. They are waiting for mistakes, set pieces and breaks.

“That is why we have to be disciplined. We are playing at home and that is important and we know exactly what to do to attack well.”

Bayern have already won the German title but their record 53-game unbeaten run in the Bundesliga came to an end last Saturday after an under-strength side lost 1-0 at Augsburg. (BBC Sport)

Mo races into unknown territory

Like many of the 30,000 who will toe the line at the London Marathon on Sunday, Mo Farah will do so with a certain amount of trepidation, vowing to follow the amateur’s mantra of “respect the distance, be patient and see where it takes me”.

Farah’s ultimate target, however, is some way removed from the rest of the field as, in his first crack at the revered 26.2 mile distance, he is planning to take on and beat one of the best elite fields ever assembled.

Four of the 10 fastest men ever - seven of the top 20 - including 2.03.23 world record holder and 2012 London winner Wilson Kipsang, will race at a pace that Farah hopes, but is not yet certain, he can live with.

“It’s completely different, track to road,” the world and Olympic 5,000 and 10,000 meters champion told a Tuesday news confer-

ence held in the shadow of Tower Bridge, the iconic halfway mark of the race.

“When I’m training normally I know I can do reps of 5km or whatever it is but for the marathon it’s so much harder as you just don’t

run those distances very often.

“But I’ve learned a lot and am really looking forward to it. Now is the time to test myself and find out if I’m good at it or not.”

“Good”, of course, is a relative term for a man with a sound

claim to be Britain’s greatest-ever athlete. Such is the progress he has made over the last four years, with his superlative distance double among the highlights of the London Olympics, that expectation levels among the public have rocketed.

Farah gave them a taster a year ago when he ran the first half of the London Marathon in a bid to gain some experience and familiarize himself with the course and logistics of the race.

That went well enough, but another half-marathon outing in New York three weeks ago was not so smooth as he tripped early in the race and then collapsed unconscious after crossing the line in second place behind Kenya’s Geoffrey Mutai - who is also racing on Sunday.

Farah, 31, brushed off the incident on Tuesday, saying the extra effort he had to put in to recover from his fall, combined with the

cold weather, left him completely spent.

“When you go down in a race it’s hard,” he said, “You’re already tired and it’s hard mentally. I was just trying to finish hard but I was seeing stars at the end.

“It’s happened before, I did it after a cross country in 2009, so I wasn’t worried and I’ve just got a few scratches on my hip from the fall.”

On Sunday Farah could face a dilemma as he tries to run the pace he thinks he can handle while possibly being drawn into a potentially disastrous breakaway if some of the African favorites, as is likely, set off at world record pace.

“I think I’ll just go with the group and see what happens but I’ll try to be patient,” he said.

“I know with my confidence from the track I should be up there but it’s the distance that’s the challenge. You have to respect the distance.” (Reuters)

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Jamaican sprinter Simpson handed 18-month doping ban

Athens Olympics relay champion Sherone Simpson has been banned for 18 months after testing positive for a banned stimulant during last June’s Jamaican trials.

Simpson was the second Jamaican athlete to be handed a doping ban on Tuesday as Olympic discus thrower Allison Randall was suspended for two years after she too failed a drugs test during the 2013 national trials.

“Miss Simpson has admitted the anti-doping violation and ... now having listened and reviewed all the evidence and listened to the detailed submissions of councils, this panel is unanimously of the view that Ms Simpson was negligent in all the circumstances as an elite athlete and as such, the period of ineligibility will be 18 months,” Lennox Gayle, a member of the Jamaica Anti-doping Disciplinary panel, said.

During a hearing in

January, Simpson said a supplement provided by her Canadian trainer was responsible for her positive test.

Simpson, the 2004 Olympic 4x100 relay gold medalist, said she was not familiar with one of the five supplements given to her but that nothing on the bottle of Epiphany D1 appeared during her online search

of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list. Simpson was one of five Jamaicans to test positive at last June’s national championships. Both she and former world 100 record holder Asafa Powell returned adverse findings for the banned substance oxilofrine. Powell will hear his verdict on Thursday. (Reuters)

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Local talent on Amazon Warriors impress Moore

By Avenash Ramzan

Former manager of the senior Guyana cricket team, Carl Moore, has expressed pleasure at the Guyana Amazon Warriors snapping up several local cricketers as part of the franchise for the upcoming second edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Corey Anderson, Guyanese fast bowler Ronsford Beaton and Trinidad and Tobago’s all-rounder, Navin Stewart. Johnson and Bacchus apart, the other Guyanese on the Amazon Warriors franchise are allrounders Christopher Barnwell and Steven Jacobs, left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul and opener Trevon Griffith.

In an invited comment on Tuesday, Moore said he was impressed by the fact that the local franchise is affording home-grown play-

ers the opportunity to showcase their talent on the ‘big stage.’

“I’m pleased to see a few more local players getting a buy in, especially [Leon] Johnson and [Robin] Bacchus. This is good for our cricket,” Moore said.

Middle-order batsman Johnson and the hard-hitting opener Robin Bacchus, are among five new faces in the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise- the others being New Zealand’s record-breaking batsman

Questions linger over selection of ECCB teams – as DCB faction continues to organise tournaments

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Officials of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) remained puzzled up to Tuesday afternoon over who had selected the board’s Under-19 team to participate in the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) InterAssociation cricket competition that commenced on Tuesday.

In addition, the association’s board also protested the move by the DCB faction to organise the tournament, demonstrating their non-recognition of the body

Anand Sanasie

and its unknown executives, headed by businessman Raj Singh.

DCB.”

“While the ECCB is not against the cricket, who selected the squad...the rightful group of people are not selected, it’s just favouritism,” the official opined.

Shocking

Meanwhile, the official described the sponsorship of the tournament by Diamond Fire and General Insurance Inc as “shocking”.

“How could a company decide to sponsor a tournament, or as matter of fact any tournament which is organised by this present group of people,” the official questioned.

tions held separate elections back in January of 2010.

Surprisingly, the Raj Singh faction of the DCB subsequently held elections on January 25 last year, but it is unclear who were the persons elected to hold positions on the board.

The ECCB and Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) were not part of the DCB elections. Hours before the elections another injunction was served against the Raj Singh faction.

Injunction

The injunction was granted to plaintiffs Roger Harper and Davteerth Anandjit and the defendants named in the court document were Rajendra Singh, Lalta Digamber, Anand Sanasie, Alfred Mentore, Anand Kalladeen, Ravindranauth Persaud, Ronald Sarjoo, Nazimul Drepaul, Colin Europe, Ray Persaud, Krishnchand Mangal, Chetram Singh, Lionel Jaikaran, Ramsey Ali, Fizul Bacchus, Drubahadur, Troy Mendonca, Terrence Holder (now deceased) and Rayon Griffith.

Unknown

Further, a request was made by this publication on January 23, via email to Sanasie requesting the minutes and video recordings of the GCB Annual General Meeting held on January 27, 2013, which is believed to contain the names of the elected members of the DCB.

However, that request has not been honored since. Phone calls made to Sanasie’s cell number also proved futile.

The rest of the squad is Sunil Narine, Mohammad Hafeez, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, Martin Guptill and Krishmar Santokie. Apart from the 15 players chosen by the six franchises at last Thursday’s draft in Jamaica, four Under-19 players will be added to the squads and will be chosen by the respective territorial boards.

Moore reasoned that the squad is a “solid one” and he is hopeful the players can land Guyana a third T20 title. Guyana created history in 2006 by becoming the inaugural champions of the Stanford 20/20 competition and four years later, won the first-ever Caribbean T20 staged by the West Indies Cricket Board.

Apart from Moore, former cricketers Reon King, Colin Stuart and Sheik Mohamed and manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Omar Khan, have all described the squad as “balanced” and capable of going one step further to lift the title this year.

The Limacol CPL, which was played in front of soldout crowds at all the venues in the Caribbean in 2013, will be hosted during July/ August with Chris Gayle’s Jamaica Tallawahs set to defend their title against last year’s runners-up,the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

An official from the ECCB, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that the board has not released a squad to participate in the tournament. The official said and the ECCB cannot be part of any DCB- organised tournaments at the moment, since a DCB does not exist.

“I do not know about any DCB Inter-Association tournament or any DCB. To my understanding, there is an injunction against the

“The make-up of this socalled board is not known, so how could sponsors trust these people,” the official concluded.

The DCB, for the past four years, has been involved in one court case after the other, resulting in the board being divided into two factions led by businessmen, Bissoondyal Singh and Raj Singh. Eventually, a court ruling in the High Court prohibited both factions from acting on behalf of the entity after both fac-

On the other hand, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) continues to maintain its silence as regards the names of the members of the DCB, who were elected to serve for the period 2013 to 2015.

Guyana Times Sport has tried on numerous occasions to obtain the names, but to no avail.

However, this publication understands that the GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie is the only person with the authority to release the names.

The DCB’s President Raj Singh told this publication last September that the decision not to release the names of the DCB is not a clandestine move to keep the public in the dark, but rather it is linked to several pending court cases, The Raj Singh-led board has faced severe criticism about the non-disclosure of its elected officials.

Further, many observers have maintained that the elections were held so as to ensure that there was some degree of validity to the GCB elections that were held two days after, and that there would have been a quorum to facilitate the local governing body’s election

GFF forms Disciplinary Committee

GASA names strong training squad

The National Training Squad Committee (NTSC) of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) has named a strong squad of swimmers to represent the Golden Arrowhead in upcoming competitions.

Six swimmers from the various clubs in Guyana will go into training.

The selected squad will be under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Sean Baksh, along with coaches Stephanie Fraser and Cuban coach Isabel Couso Fals.

At a recent meeting held at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, swimmers along with their parents or guardians were addressed by Sean Baksh and newly elected President of GASA, Ivan Persaud.

Baksh stressed the importance of discipline and dedication from the swimmers, while outlining the plans the coaches have for the swimmers. He stressed the need to have all swimmers present for all the sessions to have a settled unit.

Meanwhile, Persaud said

PAHF Indoor Cup…

that since the best management team has been assigned to prepare the young swimmers, he expects that as a team, Guyana competes and not just participate as was evident in previous years.

Carifta Games 2014 will be held in Aruba from April 22 to 26 and Guyana will be represented by a three member team; Britany van Lange and Soroya Simmons in pool with Stephanie Fraser on deck as coach.

Meanwhile, this year’s Goodwill Games will head east to Suriname from August 15 -17 and will see representation in all categories for both boys and girls.

The final touring squad for Goodwill Games will be known following the Goodwill Time Trials set for July 4-6.

Guyanese stun mighty Argentina on opening night

The Guyana national men’s hockey team opened their account at the 2014 Pan American Indoor Cup on an impressive note by shocking regional powerhouses Argentina 5-3. This is the first time Guyana has beaten the perennial outdoor champions at any form of hockey. The tournament being held in Montevideo, Uruguay, from April 7-12 features both male and female competitions with Guyana appearing only in the former.

The match started with Guyana playing a compact half-court defence and unleashing devastating counter attacks. Captain Devin Munroe delivered the opening blow by finishing one of those attacks in the second minute to quiet the partisan crowd.

Just two minutes later, stalwart defender Shane Samuels put Guyana up 2-0 by burying a penalty corner flick in the top right corner of the Argentine’s net. As Argentina scrambled to overcome their shock at being down to the PAHF minions, Guyanese Aroydy Branford, on his international debut, produced a moment of brilliance in the sixth minute to get around the Argentinian defence and give his side the 3-0 lead.

As the early pace took its toll on the Guyanese, Argentina gained the upper hand and attacked in numbers, but Guyana’s defence held strong, led by inspired play by Aderemi Simon and goalkeeper Anthony Cole. Argentina’s pressure earned them a vital penalty stroke, but was denied by the athletic Cole and it would take until the 16th minute before Argentina would register their opener on the board.

With the score at 3-1, the second half mirrored the first with Guyana retreating to the halfway line and inviting Argentina to press high. Class act JamarjAssanah then restored Guyana’s three-goal cushion in the 28th minute when he intercepted a botched Argentinian penalty corner pass and ran half the length of the floor before eliminating the goalkeeper in trademark fashion. Argentina made no mistake on their next short corner a minute later to close the gap to within two goals.

With Argentina now employing a high press to claw their way back, the experienced Samuels slowed the momentum of the game, killing crucial minutes off the clock. Argentina’s high press however, left them vulnerable at the back and the pace of Assanah and

Guyana has had encouraging returns at the Carifta Games in the past with Jessica Stephenson being our gold winner in her power breast stroke category.

The training squad reads: Antonio Hussein, Samuel Clark, Monique Watson, Alisha Rambarran, Darius Duncan, Chelsea Deane, Satyanand Ramlagan, Lejaun Monroe, Raekwon Noel, Josiah King, Jonathon Van Lange, Paul Mahaica, Zachary Persaud, Zayden Ramoutar, Elliot Gonsalves,

Ethon Gonsalves, Patrice Mahaica, Antonia Dey, Aleka Persaud, Rehanna Urling, Leon Seaton, Sekhel Tzedeq, David Scott, Shane Pearson, Ethan Skeete, Jayden George, Danielle George, Donna Carter, Naiomi King, Riley Nurse, Amber DeGoeas, Lian Winter, Nkosi Beaton, Daniel Scott, Nathon Hackett, Alex Winter, Alyssa Nurse, Sarah King, Kenita Mahaica, Amy Grant, Accalia Khan, Joseph deNobrega, Dylan Nurse, Dominic Skeete, Hannibal Gaskin, Omar Adams, Omari Dunn, Jamaal Skeete, Derick Ramsaroop, Adrian Rebeiro, Nnolika Millington, Anastacia Valenzuela, Leona Gonsalves, Morvin Jeffery, Anessa Miller, Vaughn Fredricks, Tamika O’Selmo, Selwyn Miller, Michael Miller, Teval Campbell, Valdemir Caldeira, Romeo Newton, Dayana Andrews, Josh Allen, Toris Recia, Daniel Jeffery, Brittiny Simmons, Shania Allen, Angel Edwards, Romiana Joseph, Godfrey Norton, Angel Thomas, Brandon

Parks, Sunita Lyte, Gregory Bernard, Jermy Campion, Massimo Rodrigues, Maria Christopher, Nico Lionel, Maya Defreitas, Kayanna Nedd, Selena Fiedtkou, Marissa Rodney, Nathan Allicock, Delicia Rodrigues, Abdulla Sue, Kevin Dare, Shirley Charles, Kevin Fitzallen, Marlon Daniels, Shane Pulmeyere, Nicholas Moore, Stephen Issacs, Julian Griffith, Kobe Roberts, Marlon Griffith and Gaby Dundas.

Robert France, on another devastating counter-attack, saw France convert the pass to the last post, in the 37th minute.

With Guyana up 5-2 and time against them, Argentina then pulled their goalkeeper, opting instead for an additional attacking field player. Guyana retreated deep into their half in all-out defence, and although Argentina would score from a penalty corner at the stroke of full time, the game was already won by a hard-working and spirited Guyanese team.

The USA men battled hosts Uruguay in the follow-up match with the USA pulling off a comfortable 4-0 victory. The winner of each competition (male and female) will represent the Americas in the 2015 World Cup in Germany.

By Rajiv Bisnauth

TAtwell lands world