Guyana Times Daily

GRA to up ante against tax cheats

New GECOM commissioner sworn in

Guyana keeps eye on EU quota as sugar production dips Volunteer Youth Corps head returns from U.S. training

TVET Council’s work plan affected by reduced funding

CEBO initiative expected to continually benefit Guyanese youth

Monitoring food loss and waste essential to hunger fight

Govt, UNDP ink US$10M land titling pact

By SaBatini DanielS

The government of Guyana and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a US$10.7 million Amerindian Land Titling agreement, which will pave the way for more villages to be titled and demarcated.

The agreement will see funds being released from the Guyana/ Norway forestry partnership through its Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF). Speaking at the signing, which was done at the opening of the annual National Toshaos Council meeting on Monday, Finance Minister Dr Ashni

Singh disclosed that under this project, it is expected that the funds will be utilised to issue absolute grants to 13 communities, demarcate 33, and another 32 will be given their applications for extensions.

He said the government sees this project as a very significant initiative since it places control over the

land in the villages’ hands, noting that as far as these communities are concerned, these lands belong to them.

“The project funded by GRIF represents a significant advancement of this initiative… the government remains firmly committed… to demonstrate to the world Guyana’s commitment to the principles outlined in the Low Carbon Development Strategy,” Dr Singh said.

He urged all the relevant heads who will oversee this project to ensure it is done in a timely and efficient manner.

Manifesto promise

President Donald Ramotar said once the project was completed, government would fulfil its manifesto promise to Amerindian people and people of the interior. “

Despite all the efforts

to get all the stakeholders’ support, some forces were writing to Norway to stop this project,” the head of state declared. “That is the depth that some have descended to, they obviously want to feather their own nest instead of promoting Amerindian development.”

He noted that additional land titling should have started a year ago, but as a consequence of the opposition cutting several projects, including the one under which land titling falls, the process was delayed.

To date, some 97 villages have been titled, while 77 villages have been demarcated. Fourteen per cent of Guyana’s land mass has been granted to indigenous communities. The administration has set the policy objective of addressing all land titling issues for Amerindian villages by 2015. In the past,

high costs were a barrier to achieving this policy objective; however, it is envisioned that with the allocation of funds from the GRIF, this objective can finally be realised.

Demarcation and titling of communities aim to strengthen land tenure security, expand the asset base of Amerindian villages, and allow for long-term planning for their future development. It is a crucial step for villages to opt-in to the REDD+ agreement with Norway to securing tenure and clearly quantified forested areas; however they are not forced to do so. The land titling project is being executed by the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, and implemented by Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, with institutional support provided by the partner agency, the UNDP. (sabatinid@ guyanatimesgy.com)

GRA to up ante against tax cheats

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur said that the organisation will be taking stronger action over the next few weeks against tax evaders and defaulters.

Sattaur told Guyana Times recently that this will ensure that the GRA retrieves the millions of dollars owed in taxes. The revenue boss lamented that these tax defaulters have access to prominent lawyers and they are challenging the judgments, despite owing government millions of dollars in taxes. The revenue body has been battling to get taxes owed by many companies, particularly Value Added Tax (VAT) and Pay as You Earn (PAYE).

“We have, therefore, taken a position on some of these companies, to go after the taxes by way of levy proceedings and if we cannot get it by levy proceedings, we will move to close these companies down. To avoid them having further liability for the taxes,” Sattaur added.

He, however, noted that there were some cases where the tax defaulters would agree to make payment by instalments, following a court ruling.

Stern stance

He said, “There are other cases we are still pursing and are collecting taxes in ways of instalment having had a pronouncement. But this is not the same for the companies I have mentioned which owe $7 mil-

lion and more to the state.”

According to him, one business in particular has formed another company to carry out similar business and has moved to the extent of engaging its clients. He finds the situation “ridiculous”, stressing that it must come to an end soon.

The GRA recently obtained several judgments against defaulting taxpayers for outstanding taxes. The debtors include: COPS Guyana Limited, Guyana Stores Limited, and Didco Trading Co. These companies owe millions of dollars in taxes. Already, the GRA has instituted winding-up proceedings against COPS Guyana Ltd, Didco Trading Co, and Friendship Hotel and Restaurant Holdings Inc. Sattaur reiterated that non-compliance with court orders will not be tolerated and all outstanding judgments will be vigorously pursued by way of levy.

The GRA, he said, remains committed to collecting the state’s revenue and will take all necessary steps to ensure that defaulting taxpayers comply with orders of the court.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

Ramotar charges toshaos to be transparent

By SaBatini DanielS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2013

resident Donald Ramotar has urged Amerindian village leaders across the country to be transparent in their dealings, asserting that just as the nation demands accountability from central government, the same must be expected at the local level. “Good governance is not only at the national level but it should be at every aspect of government in our country.”

Speaking at the opening of the seventh annual National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting on Monday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, President Ramotar noted that government has been struggling to guarantee transparency and accountability for a while. He added that it has been aggressively working to build this new culture in the country for the past two decades.

“It has not always been easy to move to change a culture that existed and to build a new one.” His comments came in light of allegations from opposition members that government has shown a lack of transparency and accountability over the years.

Annual audits

Thus, the head of state outlined that government has taken a number of steps nationally to accomplish transparency and accountability. One such step, he disclosed, is the auditing of government’s accounts annually – something which was not done prior to the ruling administration going into office.

Ramotar noted that the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) gov-

ernment has established standing committees in the National Assembly to overlook economic activities, national resources, the social sector and foreign relations.

“Here we rotate the chairmanship of these bodies so that at all times two are chaired by the opposition members of parliament and two by government members of parliament.”

Additionally, he said, government had introduced the bidding system for all state projects, which are all advertised and tendered publicly, as well as awarded publicly.

Questions

The president stated that there has not been a single question asked in the National Assembly that his government has not answered, highlighting that the current administration is also responsible for opening Parliament to the media. He also cited the establishment of the Integrity Commission.

President Ramotar urged

indigenous leaders to adopt these measures in the management of their own communities. He recognised the important role the opposition must play in helping to further develop the lives of indigenous people, adding that their energies should not be centred on obstructing national development.

Amaila Falls

Turning his attention to the vexed issue of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, Ramotar said currently government spends almost $9 billion a year to subsidise electricity generation. He said some of the monies that could have been saved by building a hydro project could have been utilised for Amerindian developmental projects. He explained that annually the importation of fuel cost about US$200 million.

The president also re-

called the millions cut from the 2013 budget for the hinterland airstrip projects, aviation equipment and Ogle International Airport, which have direct impact on the economic development of interior communities. “Despite the fact that we operate in this climate where unnecessary obstacles are thrown in our path, we have made significant progress,” he highlighted. Ramotar also made reference to the Community Development Projects now being implemented, new schools being built in several Amerindian communities, the One Laptop Per Family project and the solar panel project, which is near completion as well as the presidential grants that will be distributed this year.

Destructive measures

In her address, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai noted that some politically motivated persons in villages are employing destructive measures to cause rifts between village councils and communities. “I implore you as leaders that you lead by example to ensure that you maximise the resources available to you and improve accountability and work towards reducing instances of diverting village funds and resources…”

She encouraged village leaders to strengthen administration systems and management of village assets such as tractors and boats, since this is also an area of concern in some villages. (sabatinid@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

Managing risks

Dealing with risks has always been part and parcel of the human condition. We are forced to act in a world of uncertainty about whether an event – leading to good or bad outcomes – will occur. As David Hume pointed out centuries ago, we cannot even be absolutely sure that the sun will rise tomorrow, even though it has done so for eons.

We can, however, believe that there is a very high probability that it will so rise because of our experience. So we measure risks in terms of probability and if we are prudent, we take efforts to reduce the probability of unfavourable outcomes to our actions and increase the favourable ones.

Risk management has always been integrally connected with survival strategies, ever since early hunters figured out it was better for them to hunt in bands. In commerce, insurance was certainly a major innovation that acted to reduce the dangers of taking risks as was the decision by governments to allow the formation of corporations as legal “bodies”.

The latter allowed risks to be taken by individuals without their personal assets being threatened. Ever since the financial meltdown of 2008 in the developed countries, “risk management” has taken on a higher profile since it is now accepted that the crisis was precipitated by financial firms practicing extremely loose credit risk management.

While those man-made risks have brought us low, newer ones such a global warming and older risks originating from the workings of Mother Nature continued to plague us. The Haitian earthquakes and the hurricane that followed reminded us that the Caribbean is one of the most disaster prone regions of the world.

The “United Nations (UN) Development Report 2014” which was released earlier this month, chose the theme, “Risk and Opportunity: Managing risk for Development”. The issue of “risk” was placed at the centre of its efforts to stimulate development in the present aura of doubt and uncertainty that pervades the global recovery efforts.

We hope policymakers will study the document carefully and heed its advice. We might never be able to know the future but we can reduce uncertainty about it.

As the report notes, there are “the missed development opportunities that arise when necessary risks are not taken. Pursuing opportunities requires taking risks, but many people, especially the poor, are often reluctant to do so, because they fear the potential negative consequences. Failure to act can trap people in poverty, leaving them vulnerable to negative shocks and even less able to pursue opportunities that would otherwise improve their well-being”.

With the world becoming ever more interlinked, leaders in every sphere of activity, but especially those at the helm of states, cannot remain passive in the face of burgeoning risks. They have to change from being “crisis fighters” to becoming “proactive and systematic risk managers”.

In our own Caribbean Community (Caricom), while some countries such as Guyana were able to maintain healthy rates of growth in the last six years, most of the other members headed in the opposite direction because they refused to deal with risks posed by their macroeconomic fundamentals such as debt/gross domestic product (GDP) ratios.

Even after then President Bharrat Jagdeo offered to share the experience of Guyana, he was derided as offering “begging bowl” advice. Several of them are now being forced to reform their economic policies under the not too warm embrace of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Maybe they will now take the same advice from the UN:

“Protecting hard-won development gains by building resilience to risk is essential to achieving prosperity. That is true whether one is grappling with natural disasters, pandemics, financial crises, a wave of crime at the community level, or the severe illness of a household’s chief provider.

“Risk can never be completely eliminated. But people and institutions can build resilience to risk by applying a balanced approach that includes structural policy measures, community-based prevention, insurance, education, training, and effective regulation.”

The idea of a dairy plant is a good one

Dear Editor,

About four years ago, I met a cattle farmer who informed me that instead of selling his milk for less than it was worth, he preferred to allow his calves to nurse or worse, give away or dispose of the milk. His reason for doing so was as a result of milk vendors not wanting to pay the full price for which the milk was worth.

In addition, when milk was actually bought, these vendors would dilute it with as much as 40 per cent wa-

Swift

Dear Editor,

ter and then sell it to still make a profit. I can surely sympathise with him on that note and it is for this reason that I believe that the idea of a dairy plant can promote the proper usage and distribution of milk, whether it is bagged, boxed, bottled or converted in to other byproducts.

It has been said that Canadian farmers are expected to offer technical support to Guyana as it relates to milk production. This is expected to be done

through a government partnership, facilitated by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Agriculture in Guyana has progressed significantly over the years. As of recently, the agriculture minister and the Canadian high commissioner have discussed areas of cooperation and have even drafted a plan, which is expected to outline the initial stages of cooperation between the two countries.

Guyana’s vast land mass-

action needed to arrest

It is very logical that whenever there is more crime in a society, people in other countries will get a bad image about that country. This means that visitors of all types will be scared to come to such a place. When we think tourism, we know that if tourists feel that a particular country is becoming unsafe because of an escalating crime rate, they will not go there for fear of their lives.

Continue the simple logic – without tourists, tourism cannot flourish in a country.

This means a lowering of foreign reserves, loss of so many possible jobs, and a general setback. It is good then that the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) is calling on the recently appointed Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell to instantly put in place measures to deal with the current escalating crime wave.

We have a crime wave – let us admit this and deal with it. The IAC rightly highlights that this current spate of crimes has the potential to infuse a sense of uncertainty among Guyanese, and also

es provide great means for cattle rearing.

The next step forward is the development of a stateof-the-art dairy processing plant, which is expected to become operational within a year’s time.

The existence of a dairy plant is expected to advance farmers in a direction in which not only themselves, but the entire nation can be expected to benefit from.

Yours sincerely, Romain DaSilva

crime situation

to blunt the country’s image and its efforts to attract overseas investors and visitors.

We need to be aware that crimes affect a country and its people at all levels – personal, national and economic. Just a few years back, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank explained that the cost of fighting crime in Jamaica in one year alone was J$12.4 billion or 3.7 per cent of gross domestic product.

Here in Guyana, we have a young tourism sector and it is faring so well. So, this

crime fighting thing must go to the max. Now that we have a very enthused commissioner of police and one who is raring to go, I make the appeal to personal, national and economic sense – we stomp on criminals and give our country a boost.

Many are going through second thoughts about being here for Christmas. Bottom line then – go after the criminals and show them no mercy.

Faithfully, Gerald Earle

Bail should not be granted for attempted murder

Dear Editor, I disapprove of bail being granted to individuals who have been accused of attempted murder. In a recent incident, a duo was charged with the attempted murder of a woman from Industry. They appeared before the magistrate at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court where they were given a chance to offer an explanation. The man ac-

cused said that he promised the woman accused a payment if she killed her ex-lover’s current girlfriend. The victim is currently still in hospital and bail was subsequently granted.

Earlier this year, in April, a businessman was charged with two counts of attempted murder and was able to secure bail simply because both victims were discharged from the

hospital. I can’t help but be concerned about matters pertaining to attempted murder accused individuals being placed on bail. There is absolutely nothing preventing these individuals from committing a similar offence again or even obstructing justice of the victim through vindictive motives.

I strongly recommend that

attempted murder accused victims be taken into custody. An attempt to take another’s life is an atrocious act, not excluding the level of discomfort one would feel knowing that an individual who was accused and charged for murder, and further released on bail is now within close proximity.

Sincerely, Rajcoomar Persaud

You can send your letters with pictures to:

or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Taxi drivers and Red Caps at the CJIA

Dear Editor,

It is great that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) management has decided to enhance their taxi drivers and porter service with training in customer relations. This is fantastic. But more needs to be done.

Let us not forget the disgrace not only on the taxi group of CJIA, but the airport authority, and our beloved country when we had Guyana’s first international plane crash in Timehri, and a taxi driver was fleecing injured, depressed and scared local and foreign passengers, which got negative publicity in the world, via internet, including CNN, BBC, Fox NEWS, ABC, NBC and YouTube, as well as the print media internationally.

On this incident, imagine, if this taxi driver had helped people for the sake of humanity, as a Guyanese caring and loving to assist, he would have been a hero, and may have won numerous acco-

lades internationally and gotten maybe millions of dollars in U.S. cash reward from various organisations, and may have been intervened by the major international television network and gotten a Guyana national award as a hero.

He came out instead as a Guyanese, who preyed on people’s injuries and fears, and is looked upon as a coward. He brought shame on the airport and Guyana.

Now the idea of the turn system for taxi driver is excellent, but there are times when a passenger is more comfortable with particular taxi drivers. Some are rude, some wish to drive where they wish, and take the route they wish. I personally had this experience, though the route I was choosing was easier, had less traffic, had smoother roads.

That young driver wanted to drive through the city streets with bad roads, numerous turns enough to give a headache, and to say his job

is to get the passenger to his destination. Of course, he did not get a tip.

So there must be an understanding that the turn system works, but if a passenger requests a particular driver, then the customer is always right, and that is sacrosanct. He should travel with his choice.

On one occasion, one driver refused to take me as he wanted more than the stipulated sum because he saw me checking the board. I told him that you cannot wish to work in a system, and then negotiate out of system – this is bad for the airport, and for foreigners it will look disgusting and shameful of Guyana.

There and then the entire battalion of drivers, like a nest, decided to boycott me saying they are booked, which was a lie. I would have given him more money, but I detest that he will demand. A red cap gentleman was so upset, and went to get a public bus for me.

Celebrating academic competitions

Dear Editor, Celebrations can be uplifting and educational. This is what I am seeing here as Port Mourant Primary School came out on top at Inter-Primary School Spelling Bee Competition. Education can be in many forms and can also be full of fun. Last year, this very school came last. Talk about spirit and effort! I take from this that we can have more of this. How about some programmes for best spellers and fastest calculators. Say we set up a programme for people

with mathematical prowess to match wits. This is not going to be difficult. Dr Joyce Jonas has a quiz on television for students sitting English B (literature) at the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council (CSEC).

I take my hat off to the Rose Hall Town Anniversary and Development Organisation (RHTADO) for schools in Rose Hall Town, Central Corentyne catchment areas. The people did a good job. Port Mourant Primary School got a winner’s trophy

and there should be an arrangement where a special trophy is passed around and that stays with the winner for the year.

We have a way of not recording history and this will help each individual school to log its special moments. In years to come, people will love to read about these things and visit places like ancients schools. We should have more educational competitions.

Regards, Candace Wilson

Before I could decide to write the media on this, a senior manager of CJIA (I will not give his name here, a professional man though) called me the morning at my residence and said he heard of the situation. Obviously the airport management has an intelligence network within, and that is good, this is excellent management, keep this up.

If they got it by chance, then they should establish an internal intelligence network. The manager mentioned that he would have the driver fired, but I did not wish this, and asked that the man be counselled and disciplined in some way. He must understand customer relations and respect rules in a system he has signed up to. It appears there was, and maybe still is a nest that operates like this, but this could be discovered and dismantled.

Do not get me wrong, there are several top quality drivers who go out of their

way to satisfy their customers. I have as a result become friends with them, of course in every system one would have good and bad ones, and some in between.

During the Cricket World Cup season, I had made a recommendation while serving at the then well managed Guyana Association of Private Security Organisations (GAPSO) as president, that they establish a system whereby the passenger pays his travelling fees in advance and the driver gets a chit. The day after, they submit their chits for cash, or it can be done weekly. Of course tips can be given by the passenger whenever.

The management of the CJIA thought of it and discussed with the drivers who disagreed. The CJIA management conceded as I predicted. Of course, such ideas are beyond some people, but maybe in about 10 or 20 years, after much frustra-

tion the system will be implemented.

I recommended that the airport implement this system immediately and not wait for 10 years or more. The taxi drivers, who disagree, will soon agree. Who wish to leave, let them leave. Many others will join the team in a progressive system. Very soon after they will come asking for reconsideration, and then they should pay a reapplication fee.

I salute CJIA’s Chief Executive Office Ramesh Ghir and all the super polite and caring, most professional taxi drivers. They know themselves. Let us keep the standards high. Congratulations!

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Commissioner, National Commission of Law and Order

The pre-1992 Guyana was indeed a dismal one

Dear Editor,

It is evident that members of the opposition and even a few members of the media become exceedingly annoyed when reference is made to the conditions that Guyana as a nation endured prior to 1992. It was indeed a dismal era.

Estate workers were subjected to harsh and extreme living and working conditions. Pillaging and intimidation drove many people away from Guyana. Eventually, Guyana managed to overcome

this epoch of agonising way of life and the callous conditions that accompanied it.

Though the memory of that particular era still haunts many, they are indeed grateful for what Guyana has revolutionised into. Guyana has without a doubt over the years climaxed to exceptional heights.

Prior to 1992, there was no tolerance for freedom of speech. Thoughts against the regime of the People’s National Congress (PNC)

were not accepted. People were forced to join the party and attend marches and rallies. Voting had no significance, since elections were nothing remotely close to being fair and free.

As we speak, Guyana may not be a paradise to some but we cannot deny the fact that we have significantly progressed over the years in many areas.

Yours truly, Goldine Semple

Page Foundation

How to handle & DISRESPECTFUL behaviour

BY VICTORIA SAMUEL

Many parents complain about disrespectful behaviour from their children. But what can we do about it?

Why is he being disrespectful?

Various factors may be related to children behaving disrespectfully:

1. Being frustrated by limitations and wanting to test limits.

2. Copying the behaviour of other people around them.

3. Realising that being disrespectful gets a reaction: laughs, shouting, shock – either way it’s attention.

4. Feeling they are being treated unfairly or are not being listened to. This can particularly be the case with backchat or mumbled comments.

How to react to disrespectful behaviour

• Ignore minor disrespectful behaviour such as backchat or sulking. Say “I will not tolerate being talked to like that” and do not respond until your child is communicating appropriately.

• For behaviour which is more offensive or rude, you can use the naughty-step technique. Before taking your child to the naughty step, make sure you give one warning clearly stating why the behaviour is disrespectful and not accept-

able. “In our family, we don’t talk to each other rudely.”

• When your child is rude, don’t laugh as this will give your child positive attention and encourage them to continue being rude.

“However much you cringe when you see or hear your child being disrespectful in public, resist the temptation to correct them in front of others.”

Instead, take your child aside and describe the behaviour you disapproved of and provide guidance.

For example, “I noticed you ignored the librarian when she asked you to stop talking. She seemed upset by your lack of respect. Either you can act more politely or we will have to leave story-time.”

How to prevent disrespectful behaviour

Children learn how to respond appropriately by watching and imitating those around them. This is called modelling. The most effective way to get your child to act respectfully is to treat them with respect and also to let them see you act respectfully towards other people. Remember, actions speak louder than words.

• Let your child know exactly what behaviour is not acceptable by including statements about respectful behaviour in your house rules eg “No swearing”, “at dinner time, we sit nicely at the table”.

• Teach your child social man-

The parentteacher team: Dealing with difficult situations

ners by giving continual, gentle reminders about appropriate communication and behaviour. When adults provide clear information about appropriate behaviour, children learn what is expected of them. For example, “When you leave a friend’s house, it’s good to say ‘thank you for having me’. People like it when you do that”. Or, “When I’m talking to someone I expect you to wait until I’ve finished before asking me a question, or if you’re finding it hard to wait you could say ‘excuse me’”.

• Pay close attention to your tone of voice, words and body language, not just with your child, but with everyone else around you as well. If your child hears you using put-downs, making snide comments, using sarcasm, swearing or shouting or sees you rolling your eyes or making faces at people, you are not modelling a respectful attitude. Be polite, courteous, considerate and well-mannered, and you will soon see such an attitude from your child.

• Make sure that you use good manners and a respectful tone when correcting disrespectful behaviour. Firmly state your disapproval by commenting descriptively and asserting expectations. Tell your child what you want, not what you don’t want. Rather than “Cut the backchat!” say, “Jamie, I heard you being rude to me under your breath. I don’t like that kind of be-

haviour. If you’re feeling frustrated please tell me directly.”

• Make sure you respond positively to good behaviour. When you’re child behaves nicely, respond with praise, approval and affection. Every time your child uses the type of manners and behaviour you want to see more of, comment approvingly. For example, “Thank you for waiting for me to finish talking on the phone before asking me for a drink.” Or, “I noticed that you asked your brother before taking his toy. That was very considerate”.

• Keep an eye on the type of communication your child is exposed to. Swearing on TV, negative attitudes in video games and even disrespectful lyrics in music can all be absorbed by your child and may filter into their vocabulary and behaviour.

• Make sure you listen to your child and enable them to give their opinion or share how they feel. A child who feels listened to is less likely to try to have the last word. You may want to try using a thought box to encourage communication.

• Backchat is often associated with your little one’s resentment at being asked to do things she doesn’t want to do, or not getting her way. Minimise this frustration by using minimal, clear commands (avoid long lectures) and by offering choice. “Would you like to tidy your room before dinner or after?”

(SuperNanny.co.uk)

When working with your child’s teachers to assure that your child gets everything he or she needs to be successful in school, you’re bound to run into obstacles. First, your child is likely to have more than one teacher, and sometimes that fact alone can cause some challenges. Students may be with a general education teacher part-time and a special education teacher part-time, they could be receiving most of their services and support in a general education classroom with occasional help from a special education teacher, or they could be with a special education teacher on a full-time basis. Before you lose your cool with any one of the teachers, remind yourself that you’re working as a team. And as with any team, you’ll achieve your goal quicker and easier if you work together rather than against one another.

Here are some tips on how to work through the difficult times positively. Together, you and your child’s teachers can see past the struggle to the bright light at the end of the path – your child’s success.

Trust that your child’s teachers are capable of doing their jobs well.

In order to form a cohesive partnership with your child’s teachers, you have to have faith in their abilities. Be fair with the teachers, and assume the best before thinking the worst.

You should trust your teachers to separate the behaviour from the child, and you should make sure to get a teacher’s side of the story before getting upset about something your child tells you. Be open and listen to the teacher’s perspective, recognising that there will be differences between what you see at home and what a teacher sees at school.

Communicate with your child’s teachers openly and respectfully.

Just as you learned when you were in school, you should always treat your child’s teachers as you would like to be treated – as someone with something valuable to contribute to your child’s education. When approaching potential conflicts, use “I” statements, such as “I’m concerned...,” “I may have misunderstood, but...,” “I’m wondering if we could find a way to...,” and keep in mind that everyone hears things differently. Try rewording requests when they haven’t been heard. Don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes in communicating, and the teacher is likely to react in kind.

(ncld.org)

New GECOM commissioner sworn in

President Donald Ramotar on Monday swore in Athmaram Mangal as the new commissioner to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), to replace Jaya Manickchand who resigned a few weeks ago.

Ramotar congratulated the new member of the GECOM team and took the opportunity to reiterate the importance of the commission. He also said there was need for it to function at its maximum. Ramotar said he hopes that the new commissioner will serve the commission with pride and professionalism, maintaining its standards.

The president noted that the new GECOM commissioner is capable of carrying out the function of commissioner and is a suitable replacement for Manickchand.

In his remarks, Mangal said he was prepared to ex-

ecute his duties with the highest level of professionalism and noted that his area of expertise in management will aid the commission. Mangal added that he has much to offer and will work towards ensuring GECOM continues to offer effective and reliable guidance of the voting process in Guyana.

Manickchand, a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)-appointed commissioner, submitted her resignation a few weeks ago. Manickchand did not state a reason for her resignation, according to reports. She took up office at the commission during March 2012, replacing former Commissioner Moen Mc Doom, who resigned in February 2011. Manickchand is the sister of Education Minister Priya Manickchand, and a PPP/C member and an attorney by profession.

Guyana keeps eye on EU quota as sugar production dips

By Svetlana MarShall

In the face of increasing challenges, Guyana’s sugar industry is now anticipating production of 218,000 tonnes of sugar, 20,000 tonnes less than its initial target for 2013.

Changing weather patterns, limited sugar cane, and the problematic Skeldon Sugar Factory are among the contributing factors behind the shortfall, Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy disclosed during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times. With a current production rate of 8000 tonnes per week, the seven factories operating have produced approximately 140,000 tonnes of sugar thus far for 2013.

However, this new projection puts Guyana in a difficult position, given its commitment to the European Union (EU) to supply approximately 195,000 tonnes of sugar. Guyana has been supplying EU with sugar since 1975 under the Sugar Protocol Agreements. Guyana’s move to scale down its production comes at time when the EU has extended its sugar quota to 2017.

Additionally Guyana

is expected to supply the Caricom markets of approximately 5000 tonnes of sugar, taking the total amount of exported sugar to 200,000 tonnes.

Skeldon Sugar Factory

Turning his attention to the US$200 million Skeldon Sugar Factory, which has been highly criticised for its apparent failure to perform at expected capacity, Minister Ramsammy said there are other problems hindering production besides mechanical problems in the factory.

With the revised production target, the Skeldon Sugar Factory is now expected to produce 30,000 tonnes, a significant reduction from the initial projection of

use present-day production, and base it on an output that was supposed to be a 2016 production,” he added.

Slow pace

Approximately US$30 million was set aside to remedy the problems of the factory. South African firm Bosch Engineering was hired to redesign and re-engineer several aspects of the facility, including the bagasse feed system, and the cane conveyers. It is anticipated that the factory will operate at a faster rate once these works are completed.

“Does Skeldon still have problems? The answer is yes.

The Bosch Engineering contract did not cover some other issues that we are still trying to solve,” the minister said.

39,883 tonnes. Ten months into the year, the factory has only managed to produce a meagre 15,000 tonnes.

“Last year, it got 33,000 against a target of 43,000, so it is not true that it is functioning at 36 per cent of its target,” he said, alluding to a Stabroek News article captioned “Skeldon factory output a disaster – producing at 36 per cent of rated capacity five years on” on October 17.

“When the factory was first put together, it was based on increasing production to reach approximately 100,000 tonnes by 2017. So, it is a little bit unfair for us to

The two main problems of the industry, which are often played down – the changing weather and limited sugar cane production also affect-

ing the production rate of the factory.

Minister Ramsammy explained that the factory was slated to recommence operation in the first week of July but this did not happen until the second week of August due to the inclement weather.

Under GuySuCo’s 20132017 strategic plan, the factory is now expected to produce 81,165 tonnes by 2017.

This is highly dependent upon the amount of sugar cane cultivated. The agriculture minister estimates that GuySuCo would need close to one million tonnes of sugar cane to meet this target.

Currently, the Skeldon estate and private farmers’ cultivation feed the Skeldon factory.

“The private farmers have the capacity at the moment to produce about 170, 000 tonnes, which is just about 10 per cent of the cane that factory needs per year. The estate itself has a capacity to produce about 350,000 tonnes, so what we have to do is expand cultivation to meet about a million tonnes of cane,” he explained. He said the Agriculture Ministry is now working with local farmers to expand their production as well as private investors to cultivate cane for the factory. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

tuesday, october 22, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

Miner hospitalised after chopping incident

miner is in serious con-

Adition at the Suddie Public Hospital on the Essequibo Coast after he sustained several chops about his body in a recent fight.

Alfro Harris, of Hymacobra Village, Moruca, North West District, Region One, suffered the attack during a drinking spree at a shop in the North West District.

According to Harris, he and his friends were sitting around a table drinking when a man suddenly came up to him and shone a light into his face. The miner said he asked the man why he was shining the light in his eyes and pleaded for him to

stop.

He said he vividly remembered the man taking out a cutlass and dealing him several chops about his body. Harris said he did not realise he had sustained chops to both of his hands as he was intoxicated.

He noted that after a few minutes, he felt blood flowing down his body and when he tried to run, he fell unconscious to the ground.

The miner was assisted by his friends and immediately rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where his condition remains critical. Police are investigating the incident.

Fatally shot bandit identified

Days after an alleged bandit was shot dead during a confrontation with the police at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, he was identified as Delon Hawker, 28, of Alness Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Hawker and an accomplice, who is presently in custody, reportedly ransacked a house at Lot 2 Good Faith, Mahaicony and carted off an undisclosed sum of

cash and jewellery. It was reported that the owner of the home, Gangawattie Jebode was unaware that her house was broken in to, although she was home during the time of the incident.

She told this newspaper that she was in a section of the home and as she made her way to another section, she was confronted by the bandits who were searching the premises for valuables.

She quickly alerted

neighbours and police, who, upon arrival, noticed two men walking out of a dam where they were intercepted by the police.

One of them was reportedly shot while the other escaped but was later captured by police ranks as he was about to board a passenger minibus.

Some of the stolen items, including a digital camera, cosmetics and a few pieces of clothing, were recov-

ered in a bag which was in possession of the now dead bandit. A .32 snub-nose revolver and a 9 mm pistol were also recovered at the shooting scene, along with a bag containing a pair of binoculars, a cellular phone, and a cap.

A post-mortem performed on the body of Hawker gave the cause of death as perforation of the heart and lungs due to gunshot injuries.

Man fined for cannabis possession, remanded for larceny charge

Aman was on Monday remanded to prison after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to two charges against him. Emanuel Lawrie pleaded not guilty to the charge

which read that on October 18 at Brickdam and Water streets, he stole from the person of Mahendra Sahadeo one cellphone valued $40,000 but pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on the same day, he had in his possession one gram of cannabis.

According to the facts, on the day in question, Sahadeo was walking along Brickdam in the vicinity of Water Street using his cellphone when he suddenly someone cuffed him to the face. Lawrie snatched the phone and ran away.

The complainant ran after him and raised an alarm which alerted two nearby police officers. The officers gave chase to the defendant and he was apprehended.

A search was conducted on his person and the officers found the stolen article along with one gram of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. He was subsequently arrested and charged.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry fined him $3000 along with community service for six months, which is to be served in the Georgetown Prison for the possession of narcotics charge but remanded him for the offence of larceny from the person. The matter is set to return to court on November 8.

Eyew tness

Stepping out...

...with R&B

Lest your humble Eyewitness be reminded that “all work and no play makes for a very dull boy”, let him tell you that he was out playing at the R Kelly concert last Saturday night. We’re not so sure about the “Redemption” tag for the evening (morning?).

After all, Kelly didn’t show till past 01:00h with the word being so biblical and all. The organisers of the previous no-show concert might’ve been trying to redeem themselves...but R Kelly is not exactly your poster boy for “redemption”!!

What he does do, like no one else around, is to invoke the very deepest traditions of “Rhythm and Blues” while being brave enough to offer his own interpretations and take the genre into a brave new world.

R&B isn’t just music...it’s not for nothing that for decades it was known simply as “soul”. It’s all about the “soul of black folks” – and you don’t have to know that W E B du Bois wrote a book by that name to swoon when soul is being rendered.

R&B was born in the negro spirituals of the Deep South, mellowed and polished in the Baptist churches after slavery and then reached its fullness in the ghettoes of the Northern cities where the ex-slaves had migrated in search of the “American Dream”. It was a dream constantly deferred as the American Blacks had to fall back on their own resources to overcome. R&B is part and parcel of that repertoire of survival.

Kelly consciously invokes the pioneers of R&B, like the legendary Sam Cooke...he of the silkiest voice ever. But he can also “get it on” in the mode of Marvin Gaye. And he displayed it all Saturday morning...even as the cocks were crowing. There were some signs that his throat problems of 2011 had taken a toll...but the man went beyond in showing his appreciation that, in a land which he candidly confessed he’d never even heard of before, fans could croon along with him...word for silky word.

It’s the wish of this Eyewitness that Guyanese artistes can distill our experiences and put it into songs as R&B singers have done in the U.S. Or as reggae singers have done in Jamaica. Or calypsonians have done in Trinidad and Tobago. Why do we have to be just imitating others? Haven’t we also experienced something ?

Your Eyewitness has nothing against Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo...but is “wining” what we’re all about? Who’s going to compose our “Redemption Song” or our “Dock of the Bay”?

...in history

There’s this fella Malcolm Harripaul, who mightn’t know much about R&B, but be seems fascinated with history. Now there’s nothing wrong with history...some of the best people in the world can be found in history! But all that Harripaul seems to learn from history is how to repeat mistakes made by others in history.

Take his latest foray wherein he takes Dr Cheddi Jagan to task for not taking the advice an older leader had passed on. To wit that (and we’re talking about 1948 here) if Dr Jagan, who’s just won a seat to the Legislature, is to form a party to contest during the coming universal franchise, he must woo the widest set of voters – not just Indians. Now, you tell me...isn’t this like taking coals to New Castle ....or sugar to Albion?

When Dr Jagan formed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950...didn’t he do just that? Didn’t he have Ashton Chase move aside for L F S Burnham to appeal to Africans? Or Clinton Wong for the Chinese, or Henry Hubbard for local Whites or Jane Gay and Jessie Burnham for women...and Martin Carter...mixed...?

Is Harripaul tripping out, or what?

...in harmony

We caught Eric Phillips of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) in Kurta at the birthday bash for the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) long time chairman Yesu Persaud. Collecting reparations?

Volunteer Youth Corps head returns from U.S. training

United States Ambassador to Guyana D Brent Hardt recently met with Volunteer Youth Corps Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Goldie Scott upon her return from the United States after participating in the prestigious embassy-sponsored International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) . Scott, who is chief executive officer of the Volunteer Youth Corps Inc, shared her IVLP programme experience with the ambassador, and discussed how she intends to apply the insights gained from her experience to the benefit of her organisation and to Guyana, the U.S. embassy here said in a release.

She participated in the IVLP programme on the “Caribbean Basin Security Initiative – Engaging Underserved and At-Risk Youth,” from September 7 to September 28. Under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), the U.S., Caricom member nations, and The Dominican Republic are working together to help reduce the number of young people imprisoned in the juvenile justice system. The CBSI is also working with youth already being held in juvenile facilities by supporting their transition back into communities and toward the establishment of a productive life.

Professional linkages

In his meeting with Scott, Ambassador Hardt encouraged her to build

on the many professional linkages she established with U.S. institutions and other IVLP participants from countries within the Caribbean to strengthen the work of her organisation in communities throughout Guyana.

Ambassador Hardt noted that the IVLP programme offers one of the best means to build capacity and strengthen institutions, as it fosters an exchange of new ideas with leading U.S. experts and organisations, while establishing lasting professional connections among IVLP participants.

He commended Scott for the work her organisation

has done in developing and strengthening the capacity of Guyanese youth to help them make positive choices and lead productive lives. The IVLP programme, which also included participants from The Bahamas, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, examined primary prevention programmes for at-risk youth, including projects on family support, after-school activities, truancy and drop-out prevention, and job training. Participants were given a firsthand look at support services for gang-involved youth and their families aimed at helping vulnerable youth make positive choices.

As the CEO of a local non-governmental organisation, which addresses the social and economic needs of children and youth, Scott was able to gain perspectives on methodologies used by community-based organisations and faith-based groups to intervene early before problem behaviours turn into delinquency and gang involvement.

She is presently coordinating a sub-agreement between the Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. and the Education Development Centre under the USAID/ Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) project to deliver “Work Ready Now” training to atrisk youth in Region Four.

The IVLP is the flagship professional exchange programme of the Department of State, which annually brings to the U.S. approximately 5000 foreign nationals from all over the world to meet and confer with their professional counterparts and to experience America firsthand. The visitors are current or potential leaders in government, politics, the media, education, the arts, business, and other fields. Among the thousands of distinguished individuals who have participated in the IVLP since its inception almost seven decades ago, are more than 290 current and former chiefs of state and heads of government; 2000 Cabinet-level ministers, and many, many other distinguished leaders from the public and private sectors.

Mook Lall can’t stand up fuh he self

The chuch people does sing “Stand up, stand up fuh Jesus” and dem does stand up fuh God. It got a famous quote that talk bout if yuh don’t stand fuh some ting, yuh gon fall fuh any ting. A lotta people these days does fall fuh any ting when dem supposed to stand up fuh some ting. Some people does stand up fuh de wrong tings, fuh de wrong people and in de wrong place. Dem is de ones who does end up fallin down just like de London Bridge.

Bob Marley sing a song and tell people to stand up fuh dem rights. People does still sing that song to this day and it does motivate dem to stand up fuh dem rights. De Jamaicans does stand up fuh dem rights, and is not just because Bob Marley was a Jam Down. Is because de Jamaicans believe dem must stand up fuh whah dem believe in.

Shanique Myrie go to Barbados and dem put she to sit down, but she stand up fuh she rights. One a dem perverted Bajans – and it got a lotta dem, just hear dem talk – try to put Shanique to lie down, but she stand up fuh she rights. When Shanique stand up, de Bajans fall down – dem couldn’t stand up wid she. Even de Bajan PEE-EM try to stand up wid Shanique. But it look like he can only stand up wid he mouth.

Some people like Mook Lall can’t stand up. Mook Lall can only stand up fuh tek out photo in long grey suit, grey shoes, grey pants and grey bukta to go to weddin whah he ain’t get invite to. De Mook fallin down so much that other people does have to stand up fuh he.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! One man does have to stand up fuh de Mook at de mud paper, and another one does have to stand up fuh he everywhere else!

Suspected bandit died from blunt trauma to the head – autopsy

AJames Street, Albouystown, who was shot during a shootout with police two Saturdays revealed that he died as a result of a hard hit to his head.

The post-mortem examination was performed by government pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, who gave the cause of death as brain haemorrhage owing to blunt trauma to the head. The sudden death of Gouveia had given rise to speculation, days after he was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital nursing a gunshot wound to his face. The young man took his last breath hours after being transferred from the High Dependency Unit to the surgical ward.

Gouveia was shot at close range during the shootout in the vicinity of the K&VC Hotel on South

Road, Georgetown after police received a tip-off that bandits were going to commit a felony on an occupant of the said hotel.

The shooting incident resulted in the immediate deaths of the other suspected bandits Jermaine Canterbury, 20, also called “Chow”; and Mark Anthony Joseph, 19, also called “Two grand” of Lot 17 Hogg Street, Albouystown.

One day after the shooting, police confirmed that the three men were previously charged for robbery under arms and were placed on bail. Following the young man’s death, his father, Donald Gouveia sought legal advice. The shooting incident is also being investigated by the police force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

Solomon urges support for work of economic committee

By utamu Belle

Region 10 Chairman

Sharma Solomon is calling for the involvement of key stakeholders within the region in advancing the work of the economic committee, which stemmed from the August 21, 2012 agreement between government and the region.

The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Solomon after a month-long protest in Linden last year, over a proposed government increase in electricity tariffs which was eventually put on hold.

Solomon recently indicated at a meeting with various stakeholders from across the region that the committee, which is set to commence within the next few weeks, will be dependent upon their input in making it a success. He said currently the task is to bring together all economic prospects from within the region for the past 50 years and present them to these key stakeholders, who would also have a say in the economic activities of the committee.

Stakeholder engagement

“We’ve said to the committee that you must have stakeholder engagement, so that when you go back to negotiations on the government side and they take all these reports and presentations for over the past 50 years, they must then come to you and take from you insights and advice to move forward.

“So if it is that your concern is land, that you believe that our economic committee should put more emphasis on how we utilise land in an economical way... how do we encourage more banking investments with opportuni-

ty for the regional members? How do we increase our revenue? How do we promote tax concessions to encourage investors? These are some of the things that will come from you because you are the people who have engaged in advancing this region economically, apart from the principal stakeholders,” he noted.

He further explained that the economic programme of the committee will be structured in such a way so as to welcome meaningful insight, advice and guidance from stakeholders. He expressed disappointment that a chairman has not yet been selected for the technical committee.

No chairman

Solomon expressed hope that all the elements of the technical committee will be settled in a timely manner, noting that recently he received notice from the ead of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon on the issue.

He added that support and assistance from the Chinese government was also sought during a recent visit by himself and Linden Mayor and Town Council Interim Management

Committee Chairman Orrin Gordon.

The Region 10 chairman noted that it was also the hope of the region to advance the ideas of the programme in Parliament, to seek support from both the government and the opposition.

In addition, he indicated the need for more involvement in activities such as the annual Linden Town Week, which showcases the rich culture of the town. He said while it remains in the hands of the town council, its planning requires more attention from stakeholders.

More involvement

“They are the custodians, but you are the key stakeholders who should be tasked with shaping what the Linden Town Week is... I believe that as we embark on Linden Town Week 2014 and others to come, we should start to fine-tune how we allow for it to be used as a vehicle to move our economic prospects forward and how do we develop from it,” he said.

Solomon further indicated that the region will be seeking to advance in the areas of farming in an effort to have more food available to support the masses. “… the RDC [Regional Development Council] would have shared out acres of land, or signed on to and we have not seen the increase in our food production over the past two years. Now how do we say to our farmers ‘do we leave you behind?’ Or do we give the Chinese 400 acres of land to develop rapidly, and they will, because they have the resources to turn it into a plantation in less than three months obviously for export, but there is no doubt that food will hit the local market after that”.

Several injured as car collides with police van

At least four persons were treated at the Skeldon Hospital after the car in which they were travelling collided with a Guyana Police Force’s vehicle at Dukestown Public Road, Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice on Sunday evening.

The driver, Simon Seegobin, 19, of Scottsburg, Corriverton and passengers Yadram Hemraj, 40, of Number 77 Village, Corentyne; Samuel

Seegobin, 22, of Scottsburg; and Mahesa Drepaul, 23, of Lot 2 C Line Path, Corentyne sustained minor injuries about their bodies, but were treated and sent away.

Based on reports, motor car PPP 7535 was proceeding along the roadway at a fast pace when the driver allegedly attempted to overtake the police vehicle PJJ 6832, which was proceeding in the said direction.

Seegobin, the driv-

er of the car, then collided with the front of motor car HB 9140, driven by Khemchand Jaipersaud, 34, of Lot 14 Number 69 Village, Corentyne, which was proceeding in the opposite direction; as a result, that driver lost control and collided with the right side of the police van. Seegobin lost control of his car and ended up in a nearby trench. The occupants were picked up in a conscious state and taken to Skeldon Public Hospital.

TVET Council’s work plan affected

By Samuel Sukhnandan

The Council for Technical, Vocational and Education Training (TVET) director, Sydney Walters said the body has experienced major setbacks of its programmes to promote training for employment and the implementation of Competency Modularised Training this year.

Walters told Guyana Times that the council’s work plan for 2013 requires a budget of $21.4 million. However, the sum approved was $9 million – only 41.97 per cent of what was requested, necessitating adjustments to the work plan.

Consequent to this decision, the council moved to stall the preparation of level two modules for eleven occupational areas – electrical installation, plumbing, metal work engineering, motor vehicle repairs, motor vehicle engine systems, motor vehicle steering and suspension, motor vehicle transmission, tractor operation and maintenance, food and beverage production, and cosmetology. The director also revealed that in addition to those programmes, adjustments were made to other activities.

These include the preparation of six occupational standards in the areas of radio and electronics servicing, motor vehicle electrical work, telecommunications, commerce, land surveying, and garment construction.

Of the six areas listed, occupational standards was only prepared for motor vehicle

by reduced funding

electrical work and commerce.

Reduced training Walters told Guyana Times also that while two workshops were scheduled to take place this year to train 50 persons as assessors, internal and external verifiers, only one was held to train 30 persons. The council’s reduced budget also affected the number of visits made to each post-secondary institution, with them being reduced from three to two. These visits are aimed at monitoring the pilot testing of the Competency Based Curriculum. Despite these challenges, the Council for TVET director said the entity will continue the registration of training organisations, including technical institutions.

In addition to this, the council will work to assist persons to find training placements in business and industry and technical institutions.

Walters noted that the council hopes to meet again with private sector establishments to promote its work and solicit their cooperation and collaboration in the execution of development programmes and innovations in TVET.

Reflecting on the achievements made so far in ensuring Guyana is granted permission to issue the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ), Walters said that during the month of January, the council held in-depth discussions with training providers on the implementation of Competency Based Modularised Education and inputs necessary for it to be recognised to issue the CVQ. The beneficiaries included: the Board for Industrial Training; the Basic Needs Trust; the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry; the GuySuCo Training Centre; and the Open Doors Centre. These institutions are likely to be registered to administer the CVQ.

Walters said he was hoping that the shortfalls could be catered for in the next budget. He said the reduction of the proposed budget has affected the work plan for the council this year, preventing it from improving on its work and that of technical institutions countrywide. The director said he hoped to complete this year’ programme in 2014, and that the importance of the council’s work is recognised. (samuelsukhnandan@guyanatimesgy.com)

Two remain hospitalised after Onverwagt accident

Travis Semple, 28, of Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, whose right hand was severed following an accident on the Onverwagt Public Road on Sunday and his pillion rider, Abocy Lynch, also 28 and of Hopetown, remain patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Semple has reportedly lost a lot of blood and is being monitored by doctors. Lynch sustained a broken right foot and lacerations about the body. The patients are said to be recuperating speedily, as police continue their investigation.

The accident occurred

about 18:30h and involved motor car PMM 4719 driven by Arishmanuti Singh, 35, of Lot 14 Bath, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara; motorcar PMM 8207 driven by Manska Seahattero, 26 and the wrecked motorcycle CG 8402 ridden by Semple.

According to reports, motor car PMM 8207 was proceeding along the northern carriageway of the Onverwagt Public Road, while motor car PMM 4719 was proceeding in the opposite direction, along with motorcycle CG 8207.

Semple was reportedly speeding when he overtook a line of cars heading

in his direction just before colliding with PMM 4719 and ending up, with his pillion driver, on the road surface. The driver of the motor car swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision, but slammed instead into PMM 8207.

Semple who was reportedly unconscious and his pillion rider, along with the drivers of the two cars, were taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where they were seen and examined by a doctor on duty. Semple and Lynch were subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

CEBO initiative expected to continually benefit Guyanese youth

The Regional Creativity for Employment and Business Opportunity (CEBO) programme now being introduced in Guyana is expected to be an initiative that will continually benefit Guyanese youth. That is the word from Caricom Secretariat Human Development Director Myrna Bernard on Monday during the opening of a CEBO training of trainers workshop that will train 12 facilitators from Guyana.

The workshop is being spearheaded by the Caricom Secretariat, in collaboration with Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry in Guyana, at its Liliendaal location.

It forms part of a regional project developed to engage, motivate, and inspire entrepreneurial interest and action among youth 15 to 29 years old. It emphasises creativity and

teamwork and is delivered through hands-on, interactive, youth-friendly methodologies.

According to Director Bernard, it was not a “oneoff initiative”. She told trainees that they were part of a larger network, since the programme would eventually be implemented in all Caricom member states. She said the project was expected to become a “great success story of the region”.

“CEBO workshops for youth aim to engage inspire and create entrepreneurial interest and action among young people, both in and out of school and from all walks of life,” she said.

She outlined further that the CEBO workshops provided persons with “assimilated experience as participants enter into teams, develop a business plan, receive seed capital and de-

velop business products and services”.

She said it was hoped the workshops would provide participants with a better understanding of Caricom as a place where people could realise their dreams and aspirations, and urged them to use the knowledge and skills gained to uplift other young people in their communities.

Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry Permanent Secretary Alfred King, said the workshops were timely and would help to address issues of unemployment and underemployment in Guyana. “I believe with Caricom’s intervention, you will be exposed to good content that will see you operating in a realistic setting,” he told participants. He also encouraged them to make the best use of the opportunity.

CEBO training work-

shops and pilot projects have been implemented in five other Caribbean countries so far: Jamaica, Belize, St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and The Bahamas. CEBO was developed by the Caricom Secretariat with input from regional stakeholders and is funded by several agencies, development partners, and governments, including the government of Japan, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the government of Italy through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Youth Innovation Project. This initiative in Guyana is funded by the UNDP and will be executed by the Caricom Secretariat in collaboration with the government of Guyana. The CEBO training workshop will be held November 1116. (Caricom Secretariat)

CCJ rules on the constitutional right to a fair trial

By Roxaine Smith, noRman manley law School

In the CCJ case of Frank Gibson v the Attorney General [2010] CCJ 3 (AJ), the court clarified the full meaning of what is a fair trial.

It decided that a person accused of crime had a right to state-funded assistance of an expert that would serve to help him present his defence in his trial. The accused, Gibson, was arrested in January 2002 on a charge of murdering a woman. The prosecution alleged that an injury on his arm was a human bite-mark and that the victim was the only person who could have inflicted it. These findings were the only evidence linking Gibson to the murder. Gibson claimed that in order to refute this allegation, he had a constitutional right to be provided with adequate “facilities” to conduct his defence, and provision of an expert in human bite-marks was such a “facility”. He asked the court to order the state to provide him with adequate funds to secure the assistance of such an expert. The Court of Appeal held that Mr Gibson had no constitutional right to state-funded facilities. Gibson appealed to the CCJ.

The CCJ agreed that Gibson’s right to adequate facilities to conduct his defence did not include the services of an expert funded by the state. The CCJ found, however, that the provision of such an expert was better assessed in the context of his general right to a fair trial. The only evidence positively linking him to the crime was of a highly scientific kind. The prosecution’s case depended solely on the evidence of an expert in human bite-marks.

There could, therefore, not be a fair trial if Gibson (who pleaded not guilty), through lack of means, were deprived of his own access to the services of a bite-mark expert. The court also considered that if convicted, Gibson would be sentenced to death. The court concluded that Gibson “would be severely and unfairly handicapped in conducting a meaningful defence to the allegations made against him”. The court, therefore, ruled that the state either discontinue the prosecution or else provide Gibson with funds to allow him to retain an expert in human bitemarks.

This summary is intended to assist the Caribbean public in learning more about the work of the CCJ. It is not a formal document of the court. The judgment of the court is the only authoritative document and may be found at http:// www.caribbeancourtofjustice.org/judgments/cvl_2010/ cvl_2010_judgment.pdf.

Monitoring food loss and waste essential to hunger fight

Keeping track of the enormity and nature of food loss and wastage is essential to reducing the problem and to speeding efforts to eliminate hunger globally, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director General José Graziano da Silva told participants at the Global Green Growth Forum (3GF) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“FAO estimates that each year, one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted – around 1.3 billion tonnes. This costs around US$750 billion annually. If we reduce food loss and waste to zero, it would give us additional food to feed two billion people,” Graziano da Silva said.

He joined leaders of partner agencies at the October 21-22 forum in discussing plans for a new global standard for measuring food loss and waste announced at 3GF by the World Resources Institute (WRI).

“One of my priorities in FAO is opening our doors to potential allies. Fighting food loss and waste is clearly one area in which partnership is needed. Developing a global protocol can help provide clear measurements and indicators on which we can base guidance on how to reduce food loss and waste,” said

the FAO director general. Most food loss takes place in post-production – harvesting, transportation and storage, and is primarily related to inadequate infrastructure in developing countries, while food waste is largely a problem in the marketing and consumption stages in more developed countries.

Food loss

“Zeroing food loss and waste is one of the elements of the Zero Hunger Challenge launched by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the Rio+20 Conference last year. Because of all this, FAO has a huge vested interest in bringing about rapid reductions in food losses and waste,” Graziano da Silva explained, “specifically in relation to improving the efficiency and inclusiveness of our food systems.”

“We already know a lot about how to cut food losses. But we need to invest more in a number of areas, especially in infrastructure such as roads and cold chains, but also improving market information. We also need to close the gap between the knowledge we have and what farmers and other actors in the food chain are actually doing. When we do that, we see good results,” he said.

On food waste that occurs at the consumer end, Graziano da Silva called for more “innovative thinking” to keep retailers and individual households from throwing away food.

“Per capita consumer waste is around 100 kilograms in Europe and North America per year. In Africa, it is less than 10 kilograms a year per person,” he said.

Graziano da Silva urged participants to maintain their commitment to working with producers, consumers, retailers, governments

and international organisations to reduce food loss and waste, keeping in mind cultural differences that could influence choices.

Taking action

The FAO works on numerous initiatives to reduce the loss of food in the agricultural process and throughout the food system from field to fork. It has launched the SAVE FOOD initiative together with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Messe Dusseldorf to reduce

food loss and waste along the entire chain of food production and consumption. SAVE FOOD now includes more than 150 public organisations and private sector partners, and is currently conducting case studies on food losses in specific chains that will give guidance on strategies to upgrade the sectors concerned.

The organisation also collaborates with UNEP; WRAP [Waste and Resources Action Programme] and other partners in the Think. Eat.Save. campaign designed to target and change wasteful practices, especially at the retail and consumer end of the food-supply chain.

The FAO is also beginning work on a food loss index and, through its Global Strategy for Improving Rural and Agricultural Statistics, the organisation is developing assessment methodologies for obtaining post-harvest loss data that feeds into national statistics.

While in Copenhagen, the FAO director general also met with Danish government ministers, including Development Minister Christian Friis Bach; Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Karen Angelo Hækkerup; and, Environment Minister Ida Margrete Meier Auken.

Guyana opens high commission in South Africa

Bilateral relations between Guyana and South Africa are expected to be improved significantly, as the government of Guyana has officially established a new high commission in one of that country’s three capitals, Pretoria, following the appointment of Barbara Halley as the new chargé d’affaires.

Foreign Affairs Minister

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said Halley was appointed over a month ago and was in South Africa, assisting with the completion of the premises where the commission will be housed.

She explained that President Donald Ramotar approved the establishment of the high commission and supported the process to ensure that it became a reality. “The reason we have not yet made an announcement on this matter is, because we are just completing the premises of the high commission in South Africa,” she reiterated during an exclusive interview with this newspaper.

Rodrigues-Birkett said the Foreign Affairs Ministry will soon move to make pertinent details known about the commission. She underscored the importance of improving the relations between the

countries, given their collective histories and diplomatic friendship which dates back centuries.

The foreign affairs minister said she was confident that Halley would perform and do her best in the new portfolio.

“Ms Halley is a career diplomat and had worked to establish the mission in Delhi,” she informed.

Minister RodriguesBirkett confirmed that the establishment of the commission also forms part of the ministry’s efforts to fully implement all aspects of its five-year strategic plan. Asked to comment

on the status of that plan, which was expected to be redrafted, she informed that most of the plans contained in the document have been accomplished or implemented.

Rodrigues-Birkett also stated that the ministry continues to reform aspects of the plan based upon current development and its outlook on the future as far as advance appropriate foreign policy is concerned.

“We have actually completed quite a lot of things complied in the plan, but as it is with any organisation, one must be futuristic.”

Repeat murderer gets 20 years for second killing

By andrew carMichael

Aman who killed his father and got off with a three-year jail term was on Monday sentenced to 20 years for another murder he committed last January.

Justice Dawn GregoryBarnes imposed the sentence on Toney Ramraj in the Berbice High Court after he pledged guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. Ramraj was convicted of killing Rojen Basdeo, also called “Pojorie”, at the Number 57 Village backlands between January 20 and 21, 2012.

Event

State Prosecutor Renita Singh told the court that on January 20, 2012, Ramraj, now 24; the now deceased, of Number 55 Village, Corentyne; and two others were in the backdam drinking. She said they were all labourers, and Ramraj was there to attend to sheep in the backdam belonging to his boss.

“During the night, Ramraj left Baldeo’s camp and went to his camp, which is about 100 metres away, and collected two cutlasses and returned to Baldeo’s camp and went upstairs and chopped him twice on the neck and then pushed him away.”

Singh said the accused then commanded Baldeo’s friend to go to his camp with him to sleep.

Meanwhile, Baldeo was taken to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The prosecutor said a post-mortem examination, performed on the body by government pathologist Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan, revealed that Baldeo died as a result of shock and haem-

Repeat murderer: Toney Ramraj

orrhage with bronco-aspiration as a result of an incised wound to the neck.

Prosecutor Singh said Ramraj, in a caution statement given to the police the following morning, claimed that he had known Basdeo for 10 years and they worked together.

In his statement, Ramraj said on the night in question, his cellular phone was on the table when the lamp went out. Five minutes later, they got the lamp relit and he discovered that his cellphone was missing. He asked Baldeo about the phone and an argument ensued, which led to the murder.

Murderer at 13

In making a strong appeal for a heavy sentence, the prosecutor told the court that in 2002, Ramraj, who was 13 years old at the time, murdered his father and received a three-year jail sentence after he pledged guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. She said his father was asleep at the time and after stabbing his father in the chest, Ramraj retired to his bed.

Attorney Sasha Roberts, who represented the accused, told the court that Ramraj had a common-law relationship prior to him being placed in custody. She said he is the seventh of 14 siblings and started working at the age of eight. “He was part of a home troubled by domestic violence and told police after that incident that Baldeo was attempting to go into the sheep pen when he was chopped.”

She said Ramraj referred to his father as a violent man and said on the day he died, he was defending himself. She asked the court to take into consideration the fact that he did not waste the court’s time.

No reform

In her ruling, Justice Gregory-Barnes said there were some critical issues in the case, which must be considered. Foremost among them being the age of the accused, his previous conviction, the fact that he did not waste the court’s time and the fact that he was given a chance earlier in life to reform, but failed to do so.

The judge said the deposition does not say that the deceased was at the time attempting to go into the sheep pen when he was killed, as the defence claimed.

The judge said Ramraj had some things in his favour and some things against him, before imposing sentence. She said he was going to get a 25-year sentence, but she had to deduct the time spent in jail and a further six years for him not wasting the court’s time. However, years were added based on all the evidence. “I think that it was an act of retaliation… He had time to cool his temper.”

Guyana Fashion Week opens in grand style

Fevening to remember at the Guyana Fashion Week (GFW) opening night at Rahaman’s Park on Sunday night.

The capacity crowd were treated to music, eye-catching and mouth-watering delicacies on tastefully decorated tables in bold colours covered by creative works of art, and were even surprised with a fashion show featuring the creations of designers from six countries including The Bahamas, United States, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Fashion models became waiters and waitresses, hosts and hostesses quite in keeping with the evening’s fashionable theme. GFW Chief Executive Officer Sonia Noel was the official “grande dame” for the ball, which was hosted by GFW directors Ronnie Morris (Barbados) and Richard Young (Trinidad).

In the end, the true focus of the evening was the culinary competition, where there was fierce competition

between six teams, each representing a fruit or vegetable grown in abundance in Guyana.

After tasting starters, a main course and dessert, the judges decided that the winners were Natasha David and Denzil Doom, who represented the coconut. Their area was well decorated with the leaves of the beautiful coconut tree, and their choice of gold metallic seating complemented their eye-

catching table pieces, made of young coconuts which were painted and sprayed with gold glitter.

Second place was awarded to Team Tomato, who boasted a mannequin bedecked in red fabric, with a headpiece curiously made of lettuce and an attractive arrangement of tomatoes which resembled a floral arrangement.

Third place went to Team Watermelon, who had

the audience buzzing with their fantastic pork main course and their watermelon and ice cream deserts. The chief judge for the evening was Carnegie School of Home Economics Principal Penelope Harris, while special guests in attendance included the wife of the British High Commissioner, former Miss Guyana World Arti Cameron (the face of GFW 2013), and many other luminaries of fashion, music, dance, and the corporate world.

As the GFW activities continue, the Courts/ Fly Jamaica aspiring designers’ showcase is scheduled for Wednesday at 19:00. Various workshops are scheduled for throughout the week and the big runway shows are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for the various nights are available at Courts, Nigel’s Supermarket, Amanda’s Bridal, Giftland OfficeMax and the venue itself, Rahaman’s Park.

New Cuban Ambassador seeks to strengthen trade relations with Jamaica

Cuba’s new Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Bernardo Guanche Hernandez, says his country is looking to deepen cooperation with Jamaica in the area of trade.

“The bilateral relations between our two countries have reached its highest points so far and we are considering ways to improve and strengthen these relations even more. We think that we could further this relation specifically in the field of trade,” he said.

Ambassador

Hernandez was part of a delegation at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, to discuss the upcoming Second Meeting of Energy Ministers of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) scheduled to take place from October 24 to 25 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St James.

He replaces Yuri Gala Lopez, whose four-year tour of duty ended in September.

Ambassador Hernandez expressed appreciation for the assistance from the gov -

Mexico condemns new U.S. spying claim

Mexico has strongly condemned alleged U.S. spying after a report said that a former president’s emails were hacked by the National Security Agency.

Data leaked by fugitive U.S. analyst Edward Snowden showed ex-President Felipe Calderon’s emails were hacked in 2010, Germany’s Der Spiegel reports.

Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said such spying was “unacceptable, illegal” and contrary to good relations.

It urged President Obama to complete an investigation into the allegations. In an official statement, the Mexican

Foreign Ministry said it would soon re-iterate the importance of such an investigation through diplomatic means.

“In a relationship between neighbours and partners, there is no place for the alleged practices,” it said.

Previous reports had already suggested the NSA had intercepted communications involving current President Enrique Pena Nieto before he took office in 2012 and Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff. Messages involving her aides and state oil company Petrobas were also said to have been compromised. (Excerpt from BBC News)

St Lucia establishes council to offset dwindling international aid

St Lucia is moving to combat the fall-out from dwindling grants and aid by maximising the use of limited resources through the establishment of a National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) with technical support from Compete Caribbean, a private sector development programme that provides technical assistance grants and investment funding.

Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony, who launched the council on Friday, not-

ed the changing contours of the global political economy characterised by the erosion of preferential trade arrangements, increased competition for foreign direct investment and donor fatigue.

He said the launch of the NCPC was consistent with his administration’s goal to ensure the efficient and proper use of available resources, increased levels of productivity, enhanced national competitiveness and provision of greater economic opportunity at all levels.

“Responsibilities of the council include identification of key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in St Lucia,” he said, adding that the council and its secretariat were committed to providing the necessary advocacy and research to produce timely and effective recommendations to policymakers on issues that affect both competitiveness and productivity in St Lucia. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

ernment and people of Jamaica since taking office over the past month.

“We have received love and respect from every Jamaican we have met either on the streets or from organisations. Likewise, Cubans feel the same love and respect for Jamaica,” he said.

“When Usain Bolt wins one of his races that is also a victory for Cuba. I wish you could see the happy faces of the Cubans when Usain Bolt wins a race how they would applaud and look so happy,” he continued.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Trinidadians vote on Monday in local government elections

Trinidadians go to the polls on Monday to vote in the country’s local government elections.

After what some commentators and analysts describe as the most bruising election campaign in a local government election, the people will vote in the municipal elections in a race one pollster say is too close to call.

It was a campaign that saw a whirlwind of allegations and pre-action protocol letters being sent between political parties; the incumbent People’s Partnership coalition and the five-month old Independent Liberal Party (ILP) in the main. Apart from government officials and the ILP’s interim leader Jack Warner being sent such letters, a leading media entity and a reporter were also issued a pre-ac-

tion protocol letter by the ILP.

The three partners contesting the election from the People’s Partnership coalition are the United National Congress (UNC) led by its political leader and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The UNC is the largest partner in the coalition government. The Congress of the People (COP), led by Prakash Ramadhar, is the second largest partner in the coalition. The National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) led by Makandal Daaga, is the smallest. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

The U.S. embassy on Friday revoked the 10-year visa of a Kingston pastor, five days after the Sunday Observer published an interview in which he said he was having a hard time becoming a justice of the peace (JP) due to his manslaughter conviction over 23 years ago.

David Chang, 46, said he had travelled nine times to the U.S. to preach after he had served his sentence.

In his quest to become a JP, Chang argued that if the U.S. embassy could pardon a Jamaican and grant him a visa, then the government of Jamaica could take a leaf from that coun-

try’s book.

However, Chang, who has been jailed over 100 times, has 36 convictions, and has served eight years in prison for manslaughter and released 15 years ago, was called into the American embassy on Friday, where he was told that he should not have re-

ceived a visa in the first place as a result of his record.

“They called me in and they didn’t go into a whole lot of details. But I know that it was about the Observer interview,” Chang told the Sunday Observer on Friday. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Regional fisheries officials to meet in The Bahamas

Since the inception of the ACP Fish II Programme in June 2009, Caribbean countries have benefited from close to €3 million allocated for 32 national and regional, fisheries and aquaculture projects. To date, 18 of these projects are completed, while the remaining 14 projects are at various levels of development or close to be-

ing completed.

Starting on Monday, a team of regional officials, including 18 participating fisheries administrations and organisations in the Caribbean, will meet in The Bahamas for a week of events that will review the progress of the programme and chart a future course that will build on the successes to date.

The first of the three events will be the fourth and final ACP Fish II Programme regional monitoring workshop, in Nassau from Monday to Wednesday.

At this workshop, the Caribbean projects implemented under ACP Fish II will be reviewed. There will also be an assessment of the outcomes and impacts of the implemented projects, after

which a discussion on the way forward will ensue. This workshop will be followed by the sixth meeting of the steering committee of the ACP Fish II Programme, to be held on Thursday. The steering committee will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the programme’s performance, as well as achieved outputs. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Troops deployed at Rio oil auction

Brazilian security forces and protesters have clashed in Barra da Tijuca, near Rio de Janeiro, where the Brazilian government was auctioning off exploration rights for a huge oilfield on Monday.

Members of the National Security Force fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse some 300 protesters.

Several protesters have been injured.

President Dilma Rousseff had ordered tight security after violent demonstrations in Rio last week.

Local media said a small number of protesters set a car alight while others tried to block cars carrying officials from Brazil’s Mining and Energy Ministry from getting to the hotel where the auction is taking place.

Among the protesters are members of various unions

Security forces have cordoned off the hotel

representing oil workers, who have been on strike since Thursday at more than 40 oil platforms and refineries.

The unions accuse the government of “selling off” Brazil’s riches.

Eleven international oil companies are said to be in-

terested in the Libra oilfield, and nine of them have so far reportedly paid the required registration fee.

The Libra offshore oilfield is located at a depth of some 5000 metres (16,500 feet), below a thick layer of salt sediments, which makes its exploration extremely challenging.

The Brazilian government hopes that by bringing foreign expertise on board, it will be able to exploit Libra’s estimated eight to 12 billion barrels of recoverable oil reserves. (Excerpt

French outrage over U.S. spying claims

France’s Foreign Ministry has summoned the U.S. ambassador over newspaper claims that the U.S. spied on millions of phone calls in France.

Prime Minister JeanMarc Ayrault said he was “deeply shocked” by the re-

port. Le Monde said the data, based on leaks from ex-intelligence analyst Edward Snowden, suggest a U.S. security agency monitored businesses and officials as well as terrorism suspects. The intercepts were apparently triggered by cer-

tain key words.

“It’s incredible that an allied country like the United States at this point goes as far as spying on private communications that have no strategic justification, no justification on the basis of national defence,” Ayrault told journalists.

Le Monde said the National Security Agency (NSA) spied on 70.3 million phone calls in France in just 30 days between December 10 last year and January 8, 2013.

The agency also apparently captured millions of text messages.

It was unclear whether the content of the calls and messages was stored, or just the metadata – the details of who is speaking to whom.

And the paper did not say whether the operation, codenamed US-985D, was still in progress. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Around the world

Female suicide bomber attacks Russian bus, kills six

Afemale suicide bomber attacked a bus in southern Russia on Monday, authorities said, killing at least six people in the deadliest such blast outside the volatile North Caucasus region in nearly three years.

The bombing in Volgograd was likely to raise fears of further attacks by Islamist militants as Russia prepares to host the 2014 Winter Olympics in February in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, not far from the mainly Muslim North Caucasus.

The attack, which investigators blamed on a 30-yearold woman from Dagestan, the North Caucasus province at the centre of an insurgency, also wounded 32 people, of whom eight were in critical condition, the federal Investigative Committee said.

Gunmen kill three in attack on Egypt’s Coptic Christians

Gunmen riding a motorbike shot and killed three people when they fired on a group leaving a wedding at a Coptic Christian church in Cairo late on Sunday, Egypt’s Interior Ministry said.

The attack was the first appearing to target Christians in the Egyptian capital since the July 3 military coup that ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.

A woman, a man and an eight-year-old girl were killed and nine others were wounded as they emerged from a wedding held at a church in north Cairo’s al-Warak neighbourhood, the ministry said.

“There were two men on a motorbike and one of them opened fire,” said the Interior Ministry.

A Health Ministry official confirmed that three people had

been killed but said 12 people had been wounded.

Ahmed al-Ansari from the Health Ministry told AFP that four of the 12 were in a critical condition, adding that the number of wounded could rise.

Egyptian Christians, the majority of whom are Copts, have been targeted since an August 14 crackdown by security forces on two camps of Morsi supporters in Cairo. (Excerpt from France24)

Qatar court upholds poet’s jail sentence

State television showed footage, taken from a camera mounted on a driver’s dashboard, of an explosion ripping through the bus as it travelled along a tree-lined road, sending shards of metal and glass flying.

Passengers scrambled out of doors and windows after the bus had stopped.

China bans

“There was a blast – a bang – all the glass flew out of the windows,” an eyewitness named Ivan, who had been driving behind the bus, told state-run Rossiya-24 television. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“vulgar”

foreign TV programmes

QCatar’s highest court has upheld a 15-year prison sentence for poet Mohamed Rashid al-Ajami.

Sunday’s sentence was the final verdict from the Court of Cassation in Doha.

Ajami, who was granted an appeal in February when his jail term was reduced to 15 years, was sentenced to life in prison on November 29, 2011 for insulting the emir of Qatar and

Facebook is allowing videos showing people being decapitated to be posted and shared on its site once again.

The social network had placed a temporary ban on the material in May following complaints that the clips could cause long-term psychological damage.

The U.S. firm now believes its users should be free to watch and condemn, but not celebrate, such videos.

One suicide prevention charity criticised the move.

“It only takes seconds of exposure to such graphic material to leave a permanent trace – particularly

spreading incendiary material.

“The Court of Cassation sentenced Mohammed al-Ajami to 15 years in prison,” confirming the sentence given to the poet by an appeals court in February, alAjami’s lawyer Nejib al-Naimi told AFP news agency.

Naimi described Monday’s court ruling as “a political and not a judicial decision”, reported AFP.

Ajami’s sole recourse now

is to appeal to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for clemency.

“I hope the emir will grant him an amnesty,” Naimi told the news agency.

Ajami was arrested in November 2011 after the publication of his “Jasmine poem”, which criticised governments across the Gulf region in the wake of the Arab Spring uprisings. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

in a young person’s mind,” said Dr Arthur Cassidy, a former psychologist who runs a branch of the Yellow Ribbon Programme in

Northern Ireland.

“The more graphic and colourful the material is, the more psychologically destructive it becomes.”

hinese authorities have banned satellite broadcasters from buying the rights to more than one foreign-made programme per year in a bid to tackle “vulgar” and “excessive” entertainment in Chinese television.

A statement from the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television and published in Chinese state media on Sunday said the ruling would come into effect in 2014. It also stated that these foreign shows would not be allowed to air in prime time between 19:30h and 22:00h during the year the rights were purchased.

In February, regulators issued broad-

Facebook allows anyone aged 13 and above to be a member.

The BBC was alerted to Facebook’s change in policy by a reader who said the firm was refusing to remove a page showing a clip of a masked man killing a woman, which is believed to have been filmed in Mexico.

It was posted last week under the title “Challenge: Anybody can watch this video?”

“Remove this video too many young innocent minds out there shouldn’t see this!!!” wrote one user in the comments section below. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Ecasters with a directive capping imported television shows to 50 episodes, with no more than 25 per cent of a station’s total air time devoted to foreign-produced programming.

Instead, these key times in the day will be filled with what it described as “morality-building programmes” with an educational value.

The authorities in China have become increasingly concerned by the rising reliance on shows such as “Chinese Idol”, a talent show that replicates the formula of the hugely popular “American idol”. Broadcasters have found these types of programmes easy to licence and hugely popular with viewers and sponsors alike.

(Excerpt from CNN)

mile Louis, one of the most notorious serial killers in French history, has died at the age of 79.

Louis, who was convicted in 2004 of killing seven mentally impaired young women, died on Sunday morning in a secure hospital in Nancy in eastern France, his lawyer Alain Fraitag told AFP.

As well as the seven murders, Louis was also convicted of raping and torturing his second wife and the sexual assault of her daughter.

Five of the women Louis killed used a bus he drove for social services in the

Yonne

Guardian Life of the Caribbean Agency Manager Dale McLeod is now the first and only Caribbean national to qualify for the Million Dollar Round Table’s (MDRT) annual Top of the Table for 14 consecutive years and the first to serve on the Top of the Table Advisory Board. His other MDRT accomplishments include Court of the Table from 1992-1998, Life Member and

Honour Roll.

Million Dollar Round Table’s Top of the Table is an exclusive forum for the world’s most successful life insurance and financial services professionals. These professionals are committed to providing exemplary client service while displaying the highest standards of ethics and professional knowledge.

Top of the Table members exchange advanced sales ide-

high court

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to consider whether a unit of Thomson Reuters Corp can obtain and sell information on drivers provided by state agencies without violating a federal privacy law. The decision not to hear the matter represented a win for the commercialisation of publicly available information, although U.S. law remains mixed on the subject.

A class action lawsuit against West Publishing Corp,

as, productivity ideas and develop interpersonal relationships in an international network of leading insurance and investment financial services producers and advisors.

Locally, McLeod has been awarded TT’s Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers (TTAIFA) Top Producer on six occasions and has won Guardian Life’s annual Top Producer award 18 times. (Trinidad Guardian)

Angola ends partnership with Portugal

Angola has broken off its “strategic partnership” with Portugal. This has rattled Lisbon, which is now trying to salvage a promising export market that had gained in significance during the eurozone crisis.

In recent years relations between Portugal and Angola had become close and intense. The former colony was exuding new-found economic

strength and the former colonial master, battered by the financial crisis, was looking for new markets for its ailing businesses.

A “strategic partnership” between the two seemed an ideal solution and the idea was initially vigorously pursued by the governments of the two Portuguese speaking nations.

But on Tuesday, October

15, Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos dashed any hopes Portugal might have had about the future of that partnership. In his annual state of the nation address to parliament in the capital Luanda, he declared that it was all over. Angola now had stable relations with almost every country in the world and these partners’ confidence in Angola was growing, dos Santos said. (allAfrica)

to

which, like the Reuters news agency, is part of Thomson Reuters, alleged that the practice of acquiring and selling the data violated the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act.

The plaintiffs, holders of state identity cards, said that West had obtained such information directly from 29 states and the District of Columbia and, in some instances, from other entities that already had acquired it.

A federal judge in Missouri

said the case could go ahead but was reversed by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in an April ruling. Monday’s Supreme Court ruling effectively allows the appeals court ruling to stand.

Under federal law, certain types of information are permitted to be disclosed by state agencies and, in some cases, re-sold by third parties like West. West said it obtained the records purely for the uses permitted under the law. (Reuters)

David Cameron hails nuclear power plant deal as big day for Britain

David Cameron has hailed the UK government agreement with French-owned EDF to build the first new British nuclear power station in 20 years, saying it was a very big day for Britain and would kickstart a new generation of nuclear power in the UK.

The energy secretary, Ed Davey, claimed it was a great deal for consumers and would result in energy bills falling by more than £75 by 2030.

He added: “If we don’t

make these essential investments… we’re going to see the lights going out.”

The 35-year deal, struck at £92.50 per megawatt hour, is twice the current wholesale market rate for electricity, and will be attacked by some as a massive subsidy to help another non-carbon fuel, with the funds going to the French taxpayer and the Chinese government, which has a minority stake to build the new plant at Hinkley C in

Somerset.

With the deal between the UK government and EDF announced on Monday morning, Cameron said: “This is a very big day for our country: the first time we’ve built a new nuclear power station for a very long time.”

He said the deal would be the first of many “kick-starting again this industry, providing thousands of jobs and providing long-term, safe and secure supplies of electricity far into the future”. (The Guardian)

Japan has posted a trade deficit for the 15th month in a row in September as a weak yen pushed up import costs. The deficit for the month rose to 932 billion yen (US$9.5 billion; £5.8 billion), up 64 per cent from a year ago, as imports rose 16.5 per cent.

A series of aggressive measures aimed at reviving Japan’s economy has resulted in the yen falling nearly 25 per cent against the U.S. dol-

Middle East

lar since November.

While that has helped Japan’s exports by making them cheaper, it has also made imports more expensive. However, the growth in exports has not been sufficient enough to offset the higher import bill.

Data released by the Finance Ministry showed that exports rose 11.5 per cent in September, from a year earlier. Japan’s imports have

grown at a faster rate than its exports in all but one of the past 11 months.

Analysts said that imports have been rising over these months partly due to higher demand for fuel, which has been triggered by the shutdown of all of Japan’s nuclear reactors. At the same time, a recovery in Japan’s economy is also helping spur domestic demand. (BBC News)

New US$2.9B Abu Dhabi Airport terminal to open in July 2017

Anew Dhs10.8 billion (US$2.9 billion) terminal at Abu Dhabi’s international airport will be operational in July 2017, aiming to double passenger capacity, Tony Douglas, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Airports, told reporters on Monday.

The 700,000 square metre terminal is designed to boost the capacity of the airport to 30 million passengers annually and will be used by Etihad Airways, the oil-rich emirate’s flag carrier, and its partners. Currently, the airport handles around 15 million passengers per year.

The mid-field terminal, so called because of its location between the airport’s two runways, is one of the key infrastructure projects under construction in the capital of the

Investors' guide

United Arab Emirates. A consortium of Turkey’s TAV Insaat, Athens-based Consolidated Contractors Co and Dubai’s Arabtec is building the terminal. (Gulf business)

Wall St Week Ahead: Market priced for perfection as earnings, data flow

CONTINUED FROM MONDAY

Positive third-quarter earnings from Google and Morgan Stanley helped the S&P close at a record on Friday. For the week, the Dow rose 1.1 per cent, the S&P was up 2.4 per cent and the Nasdaq advanced 3.2 per cent.

Here comes the data September payrolls numbers, expected two weeks ago, will be released today to start a flow of economic data delayed because of the 16-day government shutdown that ended on Thursday.

The September data won’t be corrupted because of the delay, but October data may be. The Federal Reserve has repeated that its decision re-

garding when and by how much to reduce its US$85 billion a month stimulus is data dependent, and the trend may not be reliable next month.

“Professional investors are pretty well aware of the new schedule, but that may not be the case for retail,” said Tim Ghriskey, chief investment officer at Solaris Group in Bedford Hills, New York.

“When we get the non-farm payrolls next Tuesday, the focus may shift to ‘what is the Fed going to do with its stimulus programme’ since we’ve moved away from the whole Washington drama for now.”

Adding to the data question mark, the economic headwinds stemming from the re-

Business concept – Profit

cent disarray in Washington have all but ensured the Fed’s quantitative easing will not be reduced until next year.

Earnings galore

About 28 per cent of S&P 500 components will report earnings this week. The list includes Dow components Caterpillar, McDonald’s, Boeing, Microsoft, UPS, AT&T and DuPont, alongside crowd favourites Netflix and Amazon.com.

Overall earnings growth on the S&P 500 is expected to be 2.1 per cent for the third quarter, down from an estimate of 4.5 per cent at the beginning of October and 8.5 per cent in July. (Reuters)

Opposition postpones meeting on money laundering bill

Amid increased calls for the National Assembly to pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, more delays are being experienced at the level of the parliamentary special select committee.

The parliamentary special select committee was expected to meet on Monday at 16:30h, but at the 11th hour, the opposition requested a postponement.

The chairperson, Gail Teixeira explained that several attempts were made to facilitate the meeting, but these were overruled by the opposition. In a statement to the press, the presidential adviser on governance explained that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member Debra Backer requested the scheduled meeting be postponed owing to her commitment to attend another meeting with Opposition Leader David Granger and APNU parliamentarian Joseph Harmon.

New Amsterdam Town Week 2013 was officially launched on Sunday under the theme “Embracing Our Diversity, Uplifting our Community”.

Given the importance of the bill, Teixeira suggested that members of the select committee meet today or Wednesday, to address outstanding issues on the antimoney laundering bill, while the opposition had put forward Monday, October 28 as the next date.

“I committed to consult the government members as to the request for the postponement and a new date for the committee to meet. Mrs Backer committed to discuss the dates I proposed with the opposition members,” Teixeira said.

Delay tactics

Upset about the delay tactics apparently employed by the opposition, the presidential adviser pointed out that the quorum of a parliamentary committee is three members, noting that in the Ninth Parliament and even in the current Parliament, meetings were held with either side having less than the requisite members.

“The rule of thumb is that the committees’ work

must continue,” she posited, adding that “the government members have indicated that they remain convinced that today’s (Monday’s) committee meeting could have proceeded with the three government members and the other APNU members, Mr Basil Williams and Mr Carl Greenidge.”

It was further noted that it was the APNU members who set the committee meeting for Monday, October 21 during the October 14

meeting. The government is strongly of the opinion that important time has been lost, with the opposition’s move to adjourn the committee meeting.

Absolute necessity

“The opposition members, cognisant of the deadlines which have been passed in May and August 2013, cannot claim to be unaware of the absolute necessity to return this bill to the House for debate by early November and the consequences to Guyana if this deadline is again missed.”

Last week, head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon accused the opposition of deliberately delaying the passage of the bill. He opined that it might be possible that Guyana will return to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) in November empty-handed.

But Insurance Association of Guyana and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) are

still hopeful. On separate occasions, the two entities mounted calls for the National Assembly to pass the anti-money laundering amendment bill as a matter of emergency.

The insurance association, in a recent statement, said the political leaders who were elected to conduct the affairs of the country must take into consideration the ramifications if Guyana fails to amend the bill.

Guyana’s commercial

sector can experience intense financial pressure if blacklisted, the association said, while explaining that insurance and banking transactions will become nearly impossible. As a result, commerce requiring life, health, motor, cargo, marine, aircraft, liability, accident, fire, and catastrophic loss insurance will be severely limited. The impacts will be farreaching, the association posited, noting every man, woman and child will be affected. “There is nothing contained in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations which threatens the sovereignty or integrity of this nation. Yet it remains unratified to date, as our country totters on the brink of financial disaster which blacklisting will surely bring.”

The PSC had voiced similar concerns, noting that the non-passage of the bill will delay business transactions and drive the prices of commodities and services upward.

New Amsterdam Town Week opens “Monkey Harry” granted bail for three grams of cannabis

The week of activities is being promoted by staff of the New Amsterdam Municipality. The day’s activity commenced with a parade from Marks Bridge to State House, where the official ceremony was held. At Main and New streets, Mayor Claude Henry took the salute and congratulated the COFONA Junior Band for their involvement in the parade.

Speaking of the oldest town in Guyana, Mayor Henry said after 122 years, the town had 63 mayors, all with a common dream.

“We dreamt that the town would continue to be beautiful, well zoned, free of crime and such like. We dreamt that our waterways're free from garbage. We all had a dream that our road shoulders will be free from garbage. We had a dream that persons will pay their rates and taxes on time so that we can provide the necessary services that we need to provide to you.”

Behave responsibly

Meanwhile, Mayor Henry called on citizens to behave responsibly at the street fair on Saturday, which will be the highlight of the week of activities. “If you cannot be-

have yourselves on the day, stay at home. Don’t come out here and create problems for other persons. We want to have a good celebration. We want to have a celebration that is trouble free…”

Among the activities planned are a concert on Wednesday, floodlight football on Tuesday, flood light cricket on Thursday and a domino competition billed for Friday.

Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) Public Relations Officer Imran Sacoor said the chamber wants to see business improve during the celebration.

He noted that in the past, the chamber had not been pleased with the time the street fair was closed off by the police. Last year, the

activities came to an abrupt end when police closed off all music systems on the road shortly after 20:00h.

Lots to celebrate

“Whenever we have town week in New Amsterdam, we see an influx of business coming from regions as far as Region 10. We see people from Linden coming. We see people from Georgetown coming and when they come, they don’t just come for a one-day vacation, they spend money within the town. It is very important because events like these allow people to come together and to showcase the various businesses that they offer and at the same time to be able to sell the town to the wide community.”

Region Six Chairman David Armogan said while

there is need for a lot more development, there is a lot to celebrate. There is an increase in economic activity during the town week.

“The other good thing is that it helps you people to come together as a unified body. When we go out to celebrate Town Day on Saturday or when we take part in whatever activities that have been arranged, we go there as New Amsterdamers, not as members of political parties, social organisations, religious organisations, we go there as a people, as a people of New Amsterdam.”

He said the town week provides a common ground for celebration and called on all to do some introspection and “ask where we were, where we are and where we are going”.

Fifty-year-old

Gordon Williams, of Perseverance Village on the Essequibo Coast, was granted bail on a charge of possession of narcotics when he appeared on Monday before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Charity Magistrate’s Court.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge. Williams was represented by Attorney Lachmi Dindyal who made an application for bail. The attorney told the court that Williams is suffering from a terminal illness and sometimes used ganja as a medication, but Prosecutor Krishnadat Ramana objected to bail on the grounds that Williams was convicted for similar offences. Ramana told the court that Williams has narcotics matters pending before the court and if bail is granted, he will continue to commit the crime.

Bail was, however, granted by the magistrate who said Williams always

attends his trials. He was granted bail in the sum of $80,000, and is expected to return to court on November 20.

According to a police report on October 19, around 09:10h, during a roadblock at Affiance Public Road, Essequibo, ranks stopped the defendant and a search was conducted on his vehicle. The defendant came out of the car and threw a package onto the road. When police checked the package, a quantity of seeds, leaves were found. Police told Williams of their suspicion and he denied it, saying “Brother, I don’t know what it is”.

Police weighed the substance in front of the defendant at the Anna Regina Police Station and it amounted to three grams of cannabis. He was subsequently arrested and put before the court. He will make his next court appearance at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

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UN to suggest steps to help resolve Venezuela/Guyana border issue

United Nations Good Officer mediating talks between Guyana and Venezuela, Norman Girvan is to suggest a series of steps the two countries can take to help resolve their long-standing border issue.

In a statement on Monday, the UN said that on October 17, the personal representative of the United Nations secretary general on the border issue between Guyana and Venezuela had very productive separate meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Guyana and Venezuela, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Elías Jaua respectively. The ministers, according to the UN, emphasised the excellent bilateral relations that currently exist between the two states.

In recalling the progress made under the Good Offices process in the recent past, the ministers welcomed Girvan’s initiative to suggest a series of further steps to address the border issue, the UN statement said, adding that these steps could include a schedule of meetings to move the process forward over the coming months.

Confidence

“The personal representative notes with appreciation the expression of confidence by both ministers in the Good Offices process under the auspices of the United Nations secretary general. He looks forward to providing the ministers with suggestions in the coming weeks, and discussing them with each of the foreign ministers in the near future.”

Last week, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett met with her Venezuelan counterpart in a meeting that lasted for several hours in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, as part of efforts to overcome the impasse arising out of the

detention of a seismic ship RV Teknik Perdana which was conducting an oil survey in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The ship’s captain, Igor Bekirov, was charged by Venezuelan authorities for allegedly violating Venezuela’s security zone. The captain was then released pending trial. During the meeting, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett spoke of Guyana’s commitment to abiding by the principles governing dispute resolution, international law and diplomacy while firmly relating the government and people of Guyana’s position on the incident as well as concern over the actions of Venezuela.

Concern

Apart from RodriguesBirkett, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud was also part of the delegation in Trinidad, along with Foreign Affairs Ministry Director General Elisabeth Harper, Ambassador Rudolph Collins, Ambassador to Suriname Keith George, Ambassador to UNASUR Audrey Jardine Waddell, and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Deputy Commissioner (Technical)

Newell Dennison.

Speaking with Guyana Times during a subsequent interview, Rodrigues-Birkett said she was very frank throughout the seven-hour meeting as she recorded Guyana’s condemnation and concern about the action of the Venezuelan navy. She disclosed that her delegation also made it clear that the seizure took place within this country’s EEZ and presented strong evidence and coordinates to depict the exact location of the RV Teknik Perdana when it was intercepted by the Venezuelan authorities.

“The discussion was very frank as you would expect it to be on a matter like this. It was made easier, though because we have good relations with Venezuela and we were able to outline each other’s position in a cordial manner,” she reported.

“I maintained our position because we (Guyana) subscribe to the international laws and jurisprudence as far as maritime delimitation is concerned.

And using equidistance, we have drawn a line as to where this maritime border should be,” RodriguesBirkett emphasised.

Eleven Region Nine communities receive funds to enhance sport grounds

Government has delivered on its commitment to several Amerindian communities in Region Nine to provide funding to develop their sport grounds and facilities. During last weekend, 11 Amerindian communities received cheques under the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry’s, Community Ground Improvement initiative to effect upgrades to their sporting facilities. Witnessing the handover exercise was Local Government and Regional Development Minister Ganga Persaud, Permanent Secretary Collin Croal, Region Nine Chairman Wilson Lorentio, and Regional Executive Officer

Claire Singh.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the beneficiaries are: the Shea and Karaudaranau village councils, Tabatinga Community Housing Scheme playground, Massara and St Ignatius sports grounds, Shulinab village ground, Tabatinga sports complex, and Kwatamang and Potarinau sport clubs, and Parishara and Sawariwau.

The villages received $1 million each with the exception of Shea, Kwatamang and Potarinau which were given $1.5 million each.

Minister Persaud explained that the funds were the fulfilment of promises to complete the repairs to

the facilities before the end of 2013. Minister Persaud also expressed hope that use of the enhanced facilities would serve to bring the communities closer, and the upgrade to the grounds would encourage youths away from unproductive pursuits.

Meanwhile, solar panels costing $261,000 each were presented to Sand Creek and Potarinau primary schools and to the Quarrie Health Centre. The solar panels were pro cured under the Local Government Ministry’s capital programme and form part of its continuing support to hinterland and riverine schools, and health centres.

Rain stops play after Tamim misses ton

Continuous rain on Monday afternoon forced an early end to the first day’s play of the Mirpur Test but Bangladesh would see it as a blessing in disguise as it stopped a batting rot from taking larger form.

Opener Tamim Iqbal, who fell five runs short of his first century since June 2010, was part of a string of soft dismissals which undermined two impressive sessions with the bat, and hampered the home side’s plans of putting up a large first innings score.

The New Zealand bowlers were lucky on three out of the five wickets to fall, but the four-man pace attack worked hard to keep the batsmen on a leash.

Neil Wagner, drafted in to replace Bruce Martin, took two wickets and generally looked sprightly. He complemented Trent Boult, the quicker of the two, well and made sure Doug Bracewell’s ten expensive overs didn’t hurt them too much. Though Bracewell was the most un-

fortunate, as Tamim was dropped twice - on five and 10 - off his bowling.

With his good fortune, Tamim led the way after Bangladesh opted to bat first. He produced some crisp strokes, collecting 17 fours in his 153-ball innings. He was severe on the drive, mainly off the three left-arm seamers, and his deft touches through the leg side and taps through third man were also equally impressive.

His progress into the nineties coincided with a cat-and-mouse game with Kane Williamson at gully.

Tamim beat the fielder a few times but five runs short of his century, Williamson leapt sharply to his right to catch a ramp that was intended to go between the wicketkeeper and gully and Tamim’s century drought, lasting over three years, continues.

Shakib Al Hasan followed Tamim in the over leading into the tea interval. However, rain arrived five minutes into tea and stumps were called from the um-

Fulham thrash struggling Palace

Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell scored goal-of-the-season contenders as Fulham fought back to beat Crystal Palace on Monday.

Adrian Mariappa’s early header had put the Eagles ahead, only for Kasami and Sidwell to turn the match upside down with stunning volleys before half-time.

Dimitar Berbatov’s header and Philippe Senderos’s scissor kick made certain shortly after the break as Fulham eased the pressure on manager Martin Jol.

But Palace’s worries go on after a seventh defeat in eight league games.

The Eagles remain 19th but are now five points adrift of safety.

However, the picture is starting to look more positive for Jol and his team after they made it back-toback victories in the Premier League for the first time this season, lifting them to 14th and within one point of eighth-placed Manchester United.

Eagles manager Ian Holloway had stated that his team planned to “go for it” before kick-off and they were true to his word, making a purposeful start before taking a seventh-minute lead.

Fulham could only half clear a Palace corner and the ball was worked back out to Jason Puncheon, on the left, whose cross was headed home by Mariappa with a fine leap which saw the 5ft 11in defender outjump 6ft 6in Brede Hangeland.

Yet within 12 minutes Jol’s side levelled with a stunning strike from Kasami which transformed the complexion of the game.

Sascha Riether’s floated pass down the channel was taken on the chest by Kasami on the right-hand edge of the penalty area and, in one fluid movement, he unleashed a stunning dipping volley on the angle up and over Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni into the topleft corner.

Having lost their momentum, Palace suddenly looked a deflated side and Fulham took full advantage.

Another moment of brilliance arrived on the stroke of half-time when Bryan Ruiz’s free-kick bounced back off the wall to Sidwell, situated on the edge of the penalty arc, and the midfielder smashed a first-time volley into virtually the same spot as Kasami.

After the break the Cottagers picked up where they left off and a mistake by Speroni gifted the visitors a fine chance when he cleared the ball straight against Berbatov, who cleverly fed Darren Bent to leave the striker with just the Crystal

Palace goalkeeper to beat. But the Argentine redeemed himself with an excellent reflex save to turn the striker’s vicious shot around the post.

Speroni’s relief was to prove short-lived, however, as from the resulting corner Berbatov met Ruiz’s delivery with a typically deft header into the far corner for his first league goal of the season.

Five minutes later

Holloway’s side were undone from a set-piece once more as Senderos, left woefully unmarked at the far post, claimed a rare goal with an acrobatic shot from another Ruiz corner which squirmed underneath Speroni.

A frustrating night for the home team was compounded when a Kieran Richardson error eventually led to a chance for Eagles’ record signing Dwight Gayle, whose first shot was saved before he converted the rebound - only to be flagged offside - as Palace slipped deeper into trouble. (BBC Sport)

pire’s room after the downpour grew steadily heavier in the next hour. The outfield was very wet, an unusual occurrence at Shere Bangla National Stadium, which hosts the best drainage facilities in the country. The weather is expected to remain bleak, with more rain forecast for the remaining four days.

Bangladesh made a good enough start despite losing the early wicket of Anamul Haque, who is yet to make a substantial score in his short Test career. This time he miscued a pull shot off Trent Boult to become the first of three tame dismissals.

The second wicket partnership between Tamim and Marshall Ayub was the high point of the day’s batting. Marshall dominated the 67run stand, striking six fours, and his drives through the off side caught the eye again. But similar to both innings of the Chittagong Test, Marshall fell just when he looked set for a maiden Test fifty. Mominul Haque was the third wicket that

was gifted to the oppositon. The ball was so wide that it was a credit that he could edge it. Before the uncharacteristic dismissal, he had made 47 off 59 balls with eight fours.

New Zealand would look to ensure this shift in

mentum continues, but with more rain looming, play on the second day looks doubtful.

Williams favourite to defend WTA Championships title

Serena Williams starts a strong favourite to win a second successive WTA Championships as the end-of-season finale begins in Istanbul today.

The world number one has only lost four matches and won 10 titles this season, more than any other year of her career.

She will face Petra Kvitova, Agnieszka Radwanska and Angelique Kerber in the group stages in Turkey.

“It’s a tough group,” Williams said. “That’s the thing about this event, you have to be ready from the first match.”

Eight of the top nine in the world rankingsworld number three Maria Sharapova is injured - are split into two groups of four, with the top two in each qualifying for the semi-finals.

Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, who has beaten Williams twice this year, heads the other group, which includes China’s Li Na, Sara Errani of Italy and Serb Jelena Jankovic.

Three group matches will be played on each of the first four days.

Today’s opening day sees Belarusian Azarenka start against Errani (15:00 BST) before Williams faces Germany’s Kerber (17:00 BST) and Radwanska of Poland plays the Czech Republic’s Kvitova (19:00 BST).

Williams, 32, won the

French Open and US Open this year to take her total of Grand Slam titles to 17, one short of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert and five behind Steffi Graf’s Open era record of 22.

“I never thought I would have one of my best years this year, and now there is an opportunity to do even better,” she added.

“I’m still looking to improve and...I have a lot of room for improvement. I am interested for next year to take my game to a new level, which I think I can do.

“It’s going to be even tough for me to get to 18 [ Grand Slams]. Obviously that’s my goal, but I take it one match at a time.”

The American is aiming to become the first player to defend a WTA Championships crown since Justine Henin in 2007. If she achieves the feat, it would be her fourth title overall. While Kvitova, who won in 2011, is a dangerous opponent on a fast indoor surface, neither she nor Radwanska has ever beaten Williams, while Kerber can boast one victory from their three previous meetings.

Jankovic is the only player to qualify this year who was not in the field 12 months ago. The Serb is back among the top eight of the season for the first time since 2010.

Windies start Elite Team tour in Florida

in Florida on Monday (WICB Media photo)

ORLANDO, Florida –

Members of the West Indies cricket team assembled in Florida on Monday for a one-week Elite Team tour.

The group of players and team management have been joined by WICB President Dave Cameron as they prepare for the upcoming tours of India and New

Zealand.

During the week the team will be involved in several team building exercises – indoors and outdoors –as well as interaction with Dr Jason Scott Hamilton, the Jamaican Elite Sports Psychologist, who has worked with the team for the last six months. In welcoming the group,

Cameron outlined the WICB’s vision.

“When we play we represent all the people of the region and all the people around the world who support West Indies cricket. We are looking for a partnership that says ‘West Indian people and what we do is vitally important’ and we represent them with pride and

passion. This is part of the vision we have to reposition West Indies Cricket as a global brand,” Cameron said.

“We want to create a culture of unity, winning and overall success. We are not saying you’re not going to lose games – every sports team will lose games – but it is how we lose. We should always go down to the end in every game. We are for partnerships which will see the brand West Indies Cricket continue to grow. We want to see our players develop on and off the field and see our cricket reach the top again.”

Speaking after the first session on Monday, fast bowler Tino Best said he was happy to be involved.

“As a team we are working towards bigger and better things so I’m really happy to be here at the camp for this week. We have the motto ‘One Team One Goal’ and as players we can always get more information and form a closer bond. We have two tough tours of India and New Zealand coming up, so this will form the beginning of what we believe is something special.” (WICB)

McDonald cops Rudolph Michael memorial scrabble title

Reigning national scrabble champion

Abigail McDonald emerged champion of the first-ever Rudolph Michael memorial scrabble tournament that was staged on Sunday at the Malteenoes Sports Club pavillion.

McDonald, who has won the national title consecutively for the last three years, finished with five wins and

a spread of 451 to emerge a comfortable winner of the event.

Leon Belony occupied the second spot with four victories and a spread of 398, while third place went to Orlando Michael with four wins a spread of 181.

Wayne Cave and Colin Chichester finished with four wins each, but with spreads of 117 and 29 respectively.

Federer through to ATP Swiss Indoors second round

Roger Federer beat Adrian Mannarino 6-4 6-2 in the first round of his hometown Swiss Indoors event in Basel on Monday. Federer, 32, won the final five games in succession against the 25-yearold Frenchman to progress in 71 minutes.

The five-time champion needs to perform well in Basel and the upcoming Paris Masters to retain hopes of qualifying for the eight-man ATP World Tour Finals tournament next month.

“I’m concentrating on playing well and hoping to qualify for London,” he said.

The top eight-ranked

WI Women set back by nine-run defeat

BRIDGETOWN,

Barbados – West Indies Women failed to build on the work of openers Stafanie Taylor and Juliana Nero, and stumbled to a ninerun defeat at the hands of New Zealand Women in the Women’s Twenty20 International Tri-Series on Sunday.

Chasing 102 for victory, the Windies Women appeared to be on course when Taylor and Nero put on 44 for the first wicket inside the first 10 overs, but they too, were part of a batting collapse as the hosts lost their way either side of a half-hour rain stoppage in the fourth match of the tournament at Kensington Oval.

Taylor gathered the top score of 24 and Nero made 20, but no other batsman passed 10, as the West Indies Women lost eight wickets for 48 runs in the second half of the innings to hand the New Zealanders their first victory of the tournament.

The Windies Women continue to lead the threeteam table with eight points, ahead of England Women on four points with a superior net run rate than White Ferns, also on four points.

The tournament continues tonight, when the New Zealand Women face England Women at the same venue.

The home team’s bowlers did well to restrict the New Zealanders to 101 for seven in their 20 overs, after they chose to bat.

Left-arm mediumpaced bowler Stacy Ann King grabbed 2-12 from two overs and teenaged leg-spinner Shaquana

Quintyne snared 2-16 from her allotted four overs, but a valuable 26 that earned wicketkeeper/batsman Rachel Priest the Playerof-the-Match award beefed up the White Ferns total.

Taylor and Nero gave West Indies Women a steady start, but Nero and the prized scalp of the talismanic Deandra Dottin from successive deliveries dealt them a severe blow.

Nero was stumped, when she charged down the pitch and missed a delivery from leg-spinner Erin Bermingham, whose next delivery was virtually unplayable and Dottin gave a thin edge to Priest for a rare first-ball duck.

The Windies Women were 53 for two in the 11th over, when the weather interrupted, and this seemed to energise the New Zealand Women.

When Taylor was caught at mid-on off Nicola Browne in the 13th over, there was a sense of panic in the batting of the Caribbean side and a cluster of wicket fell to ill-advised lofted strokes in the remaining overs, as Bermingham, Sian Ruck and Rachel Candy all collected two wickets apiece. Earlier, Quintyne left the New Zealanders wobbling on 50 for four in the 12th over, when she had Katie Perkins caught at slip for one.

But West Indies Women failed to cork Priest, whose 17-ball cameo included three fours and one six, and dominated stand of 30 for the fifth wicket with Maddy Green before she was bowled by King in the 16th over and the visitors waded through the closing overs. (WICB)

players in the ATP rankings qualify for the World Tours Finals at the O2 Arena, which runs from November 4-11.

Britain’s Andy Murray has already withdrawn from the season-ending event in London as he continues his recovery from back surgery, meaning ninth place with qualify.

Seventeen-time Grand Slam winner Federer will face either Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin or Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos in the second round in Basel.

Federer has qualified for the season-ending tournament every year since 2002, winning it six times. (BBC Sport)

Hikers beat GCC 6-3 to retain Star Party Rentals U21 title

The Star Party Rentals National Junior Hockey Championships came to a fitting conclusion on Sunday with Hikers Under-21 retaining their title with a 6-3 victory over GCC at the National Gymnasium.

Jarmarj Assanah had put Hikers ahead in the second minute of the game but

GCC responded immediately in the third and fourth minutes with goals from Mark Sergeant. Aroydy Branford evened the score before Steven Xavier gave GCC the lead again.

However, on the stroke of half-time Leon Bacchus finished a Hikers trademark attack of one-touch passes to level the score at 3-3.

In the second half, Branford put Hikers up by one when he beat the defence of GCC. Hikers captain Jamarj Assanah eventually put the game out of reach with two goals in the 16th and 17th minutes.

On the distaff side GCC turned the tables by defeating Hikers 5-3. Meanwhile, GCC domi-

BBCI donates trophies to GDA for national championships

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) donated two trophies last Friday to the president of Guyana Draughts Association (GDA) for the annual national championships, held on October 19, 20, and the final round on Sunday.

In a release, it noted that the company was privileged to make a donation and it will continue to sponsor other events once funds are available. The release also stated that the company has interest in supporting other sports and various activities.

In the release, it reminded that the company is not only about collect-

ing tolls, but about discharging its corporate responsibilities of helping to develop education, sports, among others.

In the past the company has sponsored many events on the eastern and western sides of the bridge. For 2013, it has received 70 public relations requests and has managed to approve 64, including Mashramani events, Emancipation events, sponsorship of horse racing events, donations of trophies to various non–profitable and educational institutions and donations towards the less fortunate for medical expenses.

nated both Under-16 divisions with their boys defeating Old Fort in the finals, while Saints Stanislaus placed third. On the girls’ side Hikers and Old Fort Heats finished second and third respectively.

On the other hand, Inter-Schools champions Christ Church’s players Shania Riley and Stephon

Sprosta were adjudged the MVPs of that division.

The Under-13 MVPs were teammates from champions Marian Academy, Makeda Harding and Lorenzo Vanzo, while Under-16 MVPs were GCC’s Kareem McKenzie and Old Fort’s Carolyn Dean.

In the Under-21 category Hikers defender Andrew

Stewart was named the boys MVP while Hikers 11-yearold defender Makeda Harding was the surprise choice by the coaches for MVP of the Under-21 girls’ category.

Attention now shifts to the GT&T Senior National Championships which will be played at the same venue from October 21-27.

Sasha Cells National Junior Chess Championships… Drayton makes resounding start to title defence

Defending champion

Anthony Drayton made a resounding start to the Sasha Cells national junior chess championships by breezing past his first three opponents at Olympic House, High Street, Kingston, over the weekend.

Drayton exhibited the determination to retain the title as he crushed Rashad Hussain, his first opponent to fall, followed by former national junior champion Haifeng Su, and Davion Mars. The reigning champion lat-

er explained to President of the Guyana Chess Federation, Shiv Nandalall, that Mars was the toughest of the three. He also boasted that he does not foresee any of the remaining four opponents posing a threat to his title.

Meanwhile, lone female participant, Sheriffa Ali, scored a victory over her male counterpart Roberto Neto and drew her match with her older brother, Saeed Ali. However, she lost to Mars in a tense struggle. With four more rounds to go, Drayton, who holds a FIDE

rating of 1801, will face Roberto Neto, Saeed and Sheriffa Ali and Omar Britton Grant.

The point standings after three rounds read: Anthony

and Davion

Ali

Hussain

and Omar Britton Grant yet to score. The fourth round is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at the same venue and the championship will wrap up next weekend.

Daesrath, Gordon in Canada’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers team

By Ravendra

Three players from the Caribbean have been selected in Canada’s team for the 2013 International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup Qualifiers set to commence mid-next month in Dubai.

Guyanese all-rounder Damodar Daesrath, fast bowler Jeremy Gordon and Trinidadian off-spinner Abzal Dean are the members to represent the country.

Coach of the team, former Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies batsman Gus Logie, also stated the players are ready to make a huge impression, and subsequently gained a spot in next year’s T20 World Cup to be held in Bangladesh from March 16 to April 6.

Daesrath, a former Guyana First Class skipper, represented Canada at the recently-concluded Intercontinental Cup four-day match against the Netherlands while Gordon also featured in the game that was played at King City, Toronto.

Eager

Both players had impressive performances and are eager to resume with the same degree of confidence and optimism. They are also team mates of Brampton Masters Cricket Club. They played in the Toronto and District Cricket Association Elite Division final two weeks ago against Centurions Cricket Club that eventually won.

Dean last played for Canada in 2010 in a limited overs game against Ireland and is anxious to return to action for his new homeland in this exciting version.

Over the weekend, the team, under the guidance of fitness trainer and strength and conditioning athletic therapist, Scott Stanger,

and performance analyst, Keith Deonaraine, finetuned the players’ preparations with a number of physical activities.

According to the 53-yearold Logie, the team has worked on every aspect of their game since the selection and commencement of the training sessions at the Scarborough Cricket Centre.

“The confidence level [is] very high and that is very important; the guys have put in a lot work on a daily basis and they have fitness test again to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared for the competition,” Logie related.

Technique

He also mentioned they have gone through work on the technical aspect of their game since that will help enhance their performance and morale simultaneously. Having played in 52 Test matches and 158 ODIs for West Indies, Logie believes that practice will improve their skills.

“The players are responding well and I think that is noticeably important; they seemed to be in good shape because they take extra-care of their diet too on a daily basis so I think we are mentally prepared given the fact we only limited to the indoor facility owing to the inclement weather,” Logie, who took over the coaching position in 2012, emphatically said.

Several players left on Monday while the remainder of the side will depart on October 31 to Sri Lanka where they will engage in a few warm-up games before heading across to the Dubai.

Logie, who led West Indies senior team as a coach to the Champions Trophy against hosts England in 2004, is optimistic that they will learn a lot during their stay in Sri Lanka.

“Going to Sri Lanka and feature in several practice games certainly will boost

Young Windies slump to 67-run defeat after batting collapse

…Bangladesh win series 4-3

By Rajiv Bisnauth

the team’s confidence tremendously for the ICC T20 Qualifier tournament; it is part of our preparations and that will also bring the players together and to detect any deficiency just ahead of the bigger encounters,” Logie mentioned.

Auty Cup

Earlier, this year Canada also participated in the Auty Cup limited overs competition against neighbouring USA and a number of players emerged with outstanding performances, raising the side’s confidence of matching their skills with their opponents in the qualifiers.

The Canadian team is placed in Group A, alongside Ireland, USA, Uganda, Hong Kong, Italy, Namibia and UAE. With six teams advancing to the next stage, Canada is confident they will be one of those teams.

“We anticipating stiff competition and challenges from every team but we are confident of being among the top six by the completion of the competition; we have been working very tirelessly and the players have shown great commitment and enthusiasm to go out there and represent Canada,” Logie, who also coached Bermuda and Jamaica, expressed.

Canada has never featured in the T20 World Cup since its inauguration in 2006; they had placed fifth and eighth in the two outings at the Qualifiers in 2008 and 2010 respectively.

Meanwhile, this publication also caught up with the trio and they spoke confidently of doing well for Canada on the tour, which begins from November 1530. The side will return home but will immediately after to start their preparations for the ICC 50 overs Qualifiers early in January in New Zealand.

Canada will begin that campaign against old nemesis USA.

West Indies

Under-19 imploded under a barrage of spin and were sent crashing to a 67-run defeat in the final youth OneDay International against Bangladesh at the Everest Cricket Club ground on Monday.

Chasing a moderate 169 for victory on a slowish track, West Indies capitulated to 101 all out off 33.5 overs. By virtue of the victory, Bangladesh won the seven-match series 4-3.

West Indies were left scrambling after a horrendous batting collapse triggered by left-arm spinner Uzzaman Nehad and off-spinner Mehedi Miraj. Nehad took 5 for 12 and Miraj, who was later adjudged Man-of-the-Match and Series, finished with four for 25.

Although Jeremy Solozano put up a valiant fight with an unbeaten 35, which prolonged the West Indies innings, he could not find enough support at the other end to carry the team through to a possible victory.

Rammal Lewis (19) and Nicholas Pooran (10) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.

Earlier, the West Indies had a decent bowling effort on the sluggish pitch to restrict Bangladesh to 168 in 44 overs.

The West Indies exploited conditions ideally with left-arm fast bowler Jerome Jones being the main destructive force, claiming 5-23, including a hat-trick in the 44th over. Jones received valuable support from Alazarri Joseph with 2 for 48, Fabian Allen, 2 for 27, and Lewis, 1 for 3.

Sadman Anik, in rich form at the top of the order topscored with 48, while his team mates Jashim Uddin (33), captain Mehedi Miraj (28), Joyraj Emon (26) and Yasir Rabbi (20), added some resistance for the tourists.

After deciding to bat first, Bangladesh got off to a decent start. Openers Anik and Emon put on 43 runs for the first wicket in the first 10 overs. However, Alzarri Joseph spoiled the Bangladeshis’ start when he dismissed Emon.

Anik was joined by Jashim Uddin and the pair added 56 runs for the second wicket. They scored mainly ones and twos, although the occasional boundary came.

The hosts then reduced Bangladesh to 100 for 4 in the 27th over, with Lewis dismissing the in-form Uddin and Fabin Allen removing Mossadek Saikat and Nazmul Shanto from successive deliveries.

Anik, who was dropped on 35, got brief support from captain Miraj, but was the lone fighter. His innings of 48 took them close to the 150-run mark.

However, a cluster of wicket at the back end of the innings saw Jones snaring four wickets in an over, including Yasir Rabbi (20) and his hat-trick victims, Javed Rahuttul (7), Uzzaman Nehad (0) and Zubair Likhon (0).

At the start of the chase, West Indies were in dire

Bangladesh innings

J Emon c wkp Pooran b Joseph 26

S Anik lbw b Jones 48

J Uddin b Lewis 33

M Saikat c wkp Pooran b Allen 0

N Shanto c wkp Pooran b Allen 0

M Miraj b Joseph 28

Y Rabbi Rabbi c wkpr Pooran b Jones 20

J Rahuttul c wkpr Pooran b Jones 7

U Nehad lbw b Jones 0

A Rony not out 0

Z Likhon lbw b Jones 0

Extras: (5w, 1nb) 6

Total: (all out; 48 overs) 166

Fall of wickets: 1-43, 2-99, 3-100, 4-100, 5-129, 6-146, 7-167, 8-168, 9-168, 10-168

Bowling: Jones 6-1-23-5 (1w) Joseph 10-1-48-2 (3w) Motie 9-1-25-0 Lewis 9-0-33-1 Allen 8-0-27-2(1w) Gabriel 2-0-11-0

straits when they lost openers Shimron Hetmyer and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, as well as, Tristan Coleman, Taryck Gabriel, Pooran and Fabian Allen within the first 18 overs, leaving the hosts 51 for 6. Miraj and Nehad did the early damage, claiming three wickets apiece, before a defiant 33-run, seventh wicket stand between Jeremy Solozano and Lewis, offered the hosts temporary solace.

But when Lewis was dismissed, the last three batsmen were dismissed quickly. Bangladesh will host the West Indies for a return series in December before the Youth World Cup, scheduled for Dubai, is held in February.

West Indies innings

S Hetmyre c