Guyana Times Daily

friday, september 20, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pilot’s error caused CAL plane crash at CJIA – final report

The final report on the Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) plane crash, which occurred here back in July 2011, has laid the blame for the incident squarely at the feet of the pilot.

The final report, which was completed after a thorough investigation into the Flight 523 crash, shows that the incident occurred as a result of the pilot’s own negligence.

Presidential Adviser on Governance, Gail Teixeira on Thursday read the report to the media during Cabinet’s weekly press briefing. She said the report was similar to the conclusion that was drawn by officials at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) some time after the accident.

“And I quote, causes for the crash was because the aircraft landed far beyond the touching down zone

due to the captain maintaining excess power during the flight,” Teixeira shared. “Not using the aeroplane’s full deceleration capacity, resulting in the aeroplane over running the pavement....”

The investigation was conducted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the United States

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Trinidad’s Civil Aviation Authority, Bowen Aircraft Company, and Caribbean Airlines itself.

Airport not a factor

“This is exactly what initial investigations had revealed which claimed that the pilot mis-averaged

and could not bring the plane to a halt on time,” she informed. Teixeira said the full report on the crash will be made public soon.

On July 30, 2011, the plane crashed and broke into two on landing at Guyana’s main airport, causing several passengers injuries but no deaths. The Boeing 737-800 from New York had 163 people aboard.

During the incident, a few passengers sustained bruises, with one suffering a broken leg. The plane halted near a 61-metre (200 ft) ravine that could have resulted in dozens of deaths. There were 157 passengers and six crew aboard the plane when the accident occurred at 01:32 local time.

The final report has dismissed allegations made by Trinidadian officials that the airport was the root cause of the accident.

Quartet due in court today for Berbice businessman’s murder

As 79-year-old murdered businessman Abdul Majid, of Lot 21 Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was laid to rest, the police revealed that the four men in custody for his murder are expected to be charged today.

Speaking with Guyana Times on the issue on Thursday, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud stated that the investigations are continuing, while disclosing that two more persons were taken into custody. Two suspects were arrested on Sunday evening immediately after the act was committed.

This publication understands that the men are

likely to make a court appearance at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court and will be charged with murder, robbery under arms, and other related offences.

The autopsy performed on Majid’s body, by Dr Vivekeanand Brijmohan at the Skeldon mortuary on Wednesday, gave Majid’s cause of death as manual strangulation.

On Sunday, four men armed with knives invaded Majid’s home and carted off a quantity of gold jewellery valued $700,000, one gold wristwatch valued $80,000, G$32,000 and US$2000.

They beat the pensioner and assaulted his wife in their bid to get the couple’s valuables before escaping.

GPL denies shot man was an employee – calls on customers to be more vigilant to ensure safety

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has confirmed that suspected bandit Kirk Bacchus who was killed by police on Monday while wearing a GPL shirt, is not an employee of the company.

A statement issued by the utility company on Wednesday stated that Bacchus was “never an employee of the power company nor was he authorised to conduct any work on GPL’s behalf”.

Bacchus, 28, of Paradise Village, East Coast Demerara, was fatally shot on Monday during a shootout with the police after a foiled robbery at MetenMeer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The police have said that after receiving information of a planned robbery, they went to Kastev Housing Scheme, WCD. Then sometime around 09:15h, two motor vehicles pulled up outside an incomplete house and four men exited, two of whom were armed with handguns and posed as GPL workers. After noticing the police, the gunmen opened fire and a gun battle ensued. The bandits managed to flee the area, but were intercepted at Tarla Dam, where Bacchus was killed.

In the statement, the utility company urged customers to be more vigilant in order to ensure their safety in light of Monday’s incident. GPL said it ensures that a thorough background investigation is carried out before staff is hired. The company is also asking customers to ensure that the employees properly identify themselves before allowing them unto

their premises. “…GPL authorised field officers conducting mandatory checks of meters should state clearly the purpose of their visit and at the completion of the investigation present their findings on an official document bearing GPL’s logo,” said the company.

Employee ID cards

It said, “Whilst most of the company’s field workers wear shirts with GPL’s logo, all workers are required to wear in a conspicuous place a GPL’s identification card visible to the public. This card must be presented to customers when employees conduct the company’s business.”

The power company explained that front of the company’s identification card bears a photograph of the person, his/her name and their designation. The other side of the card contains the signature of the company’s human resources manager and the date of the person’s employment.

If any customer wishes to confirm the authenticity of an employee or they fail to produce authentic identification from the GPL, consumers should contact the company on telephone numbers: 226-4015/16 or send a text message to 6004GPL (4475).

GPL is also warning customers that no field worker is authorised to collect monies for any reason on behalf of the company. It noted that all payments are to be made at the company’s commercial offices or at an authorised agent (commercial banks, Bill Express, Sure Pay and Post Offices).

No secret Marriott deal being negotiated – Brassington

By Michael younge and Svetlana MarShall

There is no secret or new deal being brokered between officials here and any investor with respect to the Marriott Hotel Guyana project that could result in the country losing the initial investments already made to establish and operationalise the five-star facility on Guyanese soil.

Winston Brassington, the chairman of the Atlantic Hotels Incorporated (AHI), the company created to oversee the Marriott project, stood firm on his position that the project has been grounded in the highest levels of transparency, accountability, and public scrutiny.

Brassington, speaking to a packed media conference at the National Communications Network (NCN) on Thursday afternoon, explained that the project remains viable, sound, and rooted in the same principles advanced ahead of its commencement.

“The transaction today is exactly the same transaction we advertised for publicly last year,” he said.

Financial closure

Brassington said the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and AHI have negotiated all aspects of the project based upon the financial, environmental and economic principles agreed to when the project was first conceived.

He was adamant that in every aspect of the collective undertakings, international best practices and standards were considered and followed to ensure that the project is achievable and viable throughout its existence.

“There is no secret investor. We sought to find an investor far and wide, and the investor we selected was the only investor, we are finally able to conclude matters with,” said Brassington.

Asked about the current status of the project as regards achieving financial closure, Brassington

with respect to not only the investor, who is plugging US$8 million into the project and receiving 67 per cent of AHI’s equity, but also Republic Bank, which is providing US $27 million, by year-end.

The government will remain the minority partner and will own 33 per cent (US$4 million) of the overall equity in the project, which would bring the overall common equity to 12 per cent and the capital investment to US$51 million.

2014 opening

Questioned further on the amount of monies spent despite not achieving financial closure, Brassington gave US$20 million as the sum, while announcing that the facility’s construction is on track and will come to an end next year ahead of its official opening in the third quarter of 2014.

He explained that at every critical level of the project, opportunities were ex-

said discussions with the current investor, who will be named soon, have been fruitful. He said the agreement has been signed and will soon be brought to a conclusion following further legal work.

He indicated that financial closure will be achieved

tended to businesses, both local and foreign, to be part of the Marriott deal. He cited all of the various forms of public advertisements used to ensure that no potential investor was excluded as far as expressing interest in the joint venture was concerned.

Brassington declared

that the overseers of the project have been honest about their undertakings in the National Assembly, especially with regard to financial arrangements and specifications that are being pursued for the construction, operation, and leasing of aspects of the entertainment complex related to the project.

Entertainment complex

When questioned by the media as to who is responsible for the evaluation of the bids and tenders related to the entertainment complex, Brassington cited NICIL, the AHI, and Marriott Hotel International. He said local companies were among the four bids that are being considered currently to manage the complex.

Dismissing speculations and misinformation about the project, Brassington announced that the recent feasibility studies undertaken by a reputable firm, which he identified, show the rate of return on the project as 11 per cent.

According to the AHI chairman, the returns being derived, as far as government investment is concerned, are still far more than the one and two per cent that would have been secured had NICIL just left its funds in the bank.

He underscored the importance of the project, explaining that the last international hotel brand that came to Guyana was Pegasus, and the facility was later “de-branded”.

Brassington, who is also head of the Privatisation Unit, argued that Guyana’s economy continues to grow and all of the projections and forecasts show that the Marriott brand would significantly boost the country’s foreign direct investment in its tourism sector, while attracting unprecedented related benefits.

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

European developmental aid?

Yesterday, the European Union (EU) Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs addressed the opening plenary of the 11th European Development Fund Caribbean Regional Programming Seminar at the Guyana International Conference Centre. As he announced a €1 billion grant promise under the new funding programme, inter alia, he offered the EU’s perspective on “development aid” to the Caribbean.

This perspective had been announced earlier in the year and was subsequently interrogated by Stephen Tindale of the Centre for European Reform (CER). We think the centre’s critique offers a salutary corrective to Piebalgs’ presentation. It firstly distinguished between short-term humanitarian aid and long-term development aid to help countries make progress economically, politically and socially.

It asserted that “humanitarian aid is not seriously questioned by European politicians and publics...but by contrast, development aid – which accounts for over 90 per cent of global (and European) aid flows – is a highly contested subject”. In his presentation, the commissioner had boasted, “Over the past 10 years, the EU and its member states committed around 50 billion euros per year to development aid.”

But CER pointed out, “Europe is giving less development aid than it promised it would. In 1970, the United Nations set a target that developed countries should give at least 0.7 per cent of national income each year in aid. This target has been repeatedly reaffirmed in numerous international meetings, notably in the discussions around the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In 2005 the EU pledged that countries that were members before 2004 would meet the target by 2015. In 2011 total EU aid (commission and member-states) amounted to 0.42 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”.

CER also points out that of the €50 billion that the “EU” distributed, the EU Commission administered a paltry €9.6 billion, while the rest was given directly by the memberstates. The report pointed out the problem with this approach: “In European capitals, development aid is more and more considered an instrument of foreign policy, to promote national economic, commercial or strategic interests. These are all legitimate objectives for national governments, but human well-being must not be overlooked. People who lack the necessities to live fulfilling lives must be helped, even if such aid has no commercial or strategic benefit to the donors.”

Complaining that there is a lack of “policy coherence” the CER points out that, “The main fault with EU development policy is not the quality of spending, or even the insufficient quantity, but the fact that other EU policies damage poor countries.”

The CER concedes that aid will never do as much as trade in fostering development and that the EU is supportive of the “Aid for Trade” (AfT) initiative of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which focuses on improving infrastructure and capacity building. But it notes soberly:

“...better infrastructure and capacity building will not be sufficient. The EU should also remove tariffs and quotas which discourage or exclude produce from developing countries. Since 1971 Europe has operated a Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), under which goods from developing countries are given preferential access to the European market.

This means reduced or zero tariffs, and higher or no quotas. In October 2012, the EU adopted a revised GSP, which will operate from the start of 2014. Countries which have achieved high or upper middle income, per capita, will no longer be beneficiaries. This includes Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean with the exception of Haiti.

Alluding to the EU’s change of policy that led to the unilateral abrogation of the Cotonou Protocol that covered our sugar, the report pointed out: “The commission’s desire to focus on the least developed countries is understandable. But there are many poor people in middle income countries, that would benefit from greater earnings. And if the removal of tariffs and quotas was combined with a reduction in European agricultural subsidies, Europe would import more, so the least developed countries would not necessarily lose out.”

(To be continued)

Building stellings with vision

Dear Editor,

The collapse of the Supenaam stelling inspired some courageous reporters to defy censors in pursuit of the ugly truth about the building standards of the access ramp. But the problem with a section of the multimillion dollar structure is being blamed on neglect. But government interference isn’t the only thing getting in the way of the truth telling.

In Guyana, countless bigger project tragedies routinely get shoved under the rug. Engineers will race to the scene of the collapsed

access ramp not to investigate but to collect hush money. These bribes are part of a widespread culture of chequebook contracts and not solid engineering practice. Concerns abound that defects and further wear and tear may exist in other sections of the structure, and this could create the conditions for fatal accidents.

Nonetheless President Donald Ramotar must investigate why there are so many problems with this stelling and make it a top priority for Essequibians to travel in ease and comfort.

Today, we need better modification, design and maintenance of the Supenaam stelling. Our sea and river defence planners must never forget the lessons of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, when it was collapsing in the Demerara River.

Another issue is that the maritime industry is challenged by lack of qualified personnel, while onshore fabrication infrastructure is threatened. There is a countrywide shortage of civil engineers and there is a need for high-level, integrated thinking about issues that will affect our stellings for

the next 100 years. Action must be swift. There is a certain urgency because we Essequibians are facing challenges today that no other region is facing. What we do or fail to do will have lasting consequences – and we won’t be able to turn back the clock. In Essequibo, economic development and diversification depend on the Supenaam stelling, which is already the centre of business, trade, tourism and finance in the region.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

The mentally ill must be removed from the streets

Dear Editor,

This case of the police in Berbice shooting a man whom they said had attacked them with a cutlass does not come over as a surprise. I am surprised that we do not have many more of these incidents.

Mentally unstable people on our streets are turning out to be a nightmare. They are rummaging around and leaving loads of mess. They also attack people.

So to stop any kind of at-

tack on anybody, it is time for some quick action. We cannot have all these vagrants on the streets. They pose a serious threat to people.

I am pleading for some action. I am going to really be enraged if a schoolchild should be killed by one of these people. How about a pregnant woman? I rest my case.

Yours sincerely, Damien Rollins

Ganja fields must not only be burnt; owners must

Dear Editor,

About three years ago, eight acres of marijuana plants was found and destroyed by police during operations up the Demerara River. On that occasion, dried marijuana and nurseries with seedlings were also found and destroyed.

be investigated

However, no arrest was made and nothing came out of the matter. Since that time, more and more raids on farms resulted in the busting of marijuana crops and other related activities. Who are the land owners? These people must answer a few questions. If they

are involved, then they must be dealt with. This present situation should not go this way. This ganja farming thing is well entrenched and we are taking too long to act.

The land belongs to someone and there must be some kind of accountability for what is happening on the land. The authorities must now go after the land owners and leasers. There will be too many, and they will also re-ignite, that is another crop will soon be on its way.

Yours truly, Errol Thomas

You

send your

This shooterirresponsible must be found

Dear Editor, I am very happy that police have recovered a rifle and are now questioning several persons in relation to the killing of a schoolboy who was shot by a stray bullet at Vive La Force, West Bank Demerara. The incident is indeed very disturbing and already people are beginning to sense a kind of wrath in the society.

Along the lines of gun crimes, a man was recently found with an unlicensed pistol and matching ammunition during a police operation in Georgetown. There is therefore an urgent need

for more raids and random searches.

Getting back to this lad who was killed, there is the rumour that residents used to complain to the Guyana Police Force of indiscriminate shooting in the area by some believed to be practising to shoot their own firearms.

If this is so, the whole thing is not just ridiculous, but quite criminal. If we are moving against a thing like the banning of firecrackers, then common sense will say that firing off guns is insane. What is very troubling is that the deceased boy’s fa-

ther recalled that two weeks ago, his house came under fire, presumably from the same set of shooters. Maybe the police should have been more definitive.

It would be great if some really intense investigative work can be done and the shooter be identified. This is a heinous crime. I feel certain that some people in the neighbourhood know who did the shooting. It is time for them to help by coming forward and telling what they know.

Yours sincerely,

Carolyn Isaacs

Animal health is crucial to food security

Dear Editor,

The Humanitarian Aid Programme (HAP), through the U.S. embassy here, gave the Animal Health Laboratory five microscopes, valued US$5000, to assist in the effort in removing parasites from livestock.

Parasites are a natural part of the environment and can contribute to natural population control of their hosts. If we tried to eliminate parasites we could then interfere with the dynamic balance in natural ecosystems. The relationship of host animals with parasites is something that calls for detailed study.

For example, I just get rid of all the spiders in my kitchen and the next thing I knew I got cockroaches liv-

ing all over the place. Upon telling my friend about this, he told me that the spiders I had there used to keep out the roaches, actually feeding on them.

The abundance, diversity and even the identity of parasites in much of our wildlife remain largely unknown. Indeed, many invertebrate animals, which act as hosts to parasites, are yet to be discovered and named by scientists. Parasites infect the animals and plants we live with and depend on for companionship and food – our pets in the backyard, livestock and crops on our farms, fish in our rivers, lakes and oceans.

So farmers will need intelligent help in order to maximise production of do-

mestic animals and crops, while at the same time minimising the costs of production. It is not a matter of just getting rid of things like blow flies, bot flies and buffalo flies in sheep, cattle and horses. We can end up decimating a species of animals and the place sometimes.

I agree with the subject minister that Guyana build a comprehensive animal health laboratory, so that not only can we provide safe and quality food for our people, but also ensure that we meet the sanitary and phytosanitary standards that allow us to export.

We wait for the fulfilment of this dream.

Yours truly, Oleanvine Austin

or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Brazen robberies compromise security

Dear Editor,

The many recent brazen robberies bring to my mind the question of personal security. In Georgetown, businesses can cooperate and employ armed security. It makes no sense for each store to have its own personnel. Those that are contiguous to one another can get together and do something. Then all of them should have some form of close circuit television (CCTV).

Now this may not stop actual hold-ups and robbery, but the frequency and ease of them will certainly be minimised. The word here is working together, where strength of number and ease of expense will be facilitated.

It will be bad for all of us, if during and after every robbery, some kind of retaliation is to take place. What will happen is that many businesses will be forced to

take not only security to a dangerously high level, but to actually fight back. Many innocent people can then be killed in this kind of crossfire situation. I repeat that businesses can work together and I am sure that our police force will step right up to support such a move.

Yours faithfully, Stephen Pollydore

A different approach to rewarding top students

Dear Editor, True to his word, President Donald Ramotar delivered on his promise to give a laptop computer to each of the 173 children who were in the top one per cent at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations. It is a normal to recognise high achievers, especially those within academia. These high level children are really our future, and the earlier we invest in them, the better for all of Guyana.

What can happen next year is that other incentives can be offered for say the second and third tier performers. Then how about offering a challenge to many other students who have fared well, but cannot

even make say 90 per cent?

I recall my neighbour’s eldest child. The boy, a Grade Four student, did not make a top 10 placement in class, but his percentage was a staggering 93. Surely, he deserves a token. We need to think like this.

Many who may not win over others in the class positioning are still doing well. It must be emphasised that it is not about first and second placements, but about level of performances.

Some students may still think that first at 90 per cent in one school is better than second at 95 per cent at another.

We have to help clear up their understanding, even as we motivate them with deserved tokens.

How about the hardworking teachers? I think that we should also single out the teachers, whether from the government or private schools or from any of the many lesson houses. They worked and worked and worked, I was lucky to actually be there with some of them at times. It was like they were in competition as to who will do better and who had the better batches of students. This is very healthy indeed. Next time too, maybe something should be done to single out them.

I am glad that many parents did show some tangible appreciation.

Regards, Norma Hamilton

Teaching your daughters to value modesty (Part two)

BY CATHY REYNOLDS

So how do we know what constitutes modest apparel and what doesn’t?

Ultimately, it is up to you as parents to set the family standard. Discuss it with your spouse and come up with some guidelines that you can pass on to your daughters. Determine what you consider to be acceptable clothing choices. Talk about a specific age when it comes to wearing make-up, heels, etc and be prepared to explain your decision-making process. I’d encourage you to give this some serious thought and refrain from changing the standard if you have more than one daughter. With three daughters and eleven years between the eldest and youngest, this has been a test of our memories!

For our family, necklines are close to the collarbone and hem lengths are to the knee or longer. Makeup is worn to enhance, rather than to attract attention, and the first makeup to be used is a little mascara and lipgloss around age 13. Clothing is clean and well kept.

In developing your standards, you may also need to educate yourself on current fads and slang. Some clothing and accessories may look innocent, while actually conveying a much different message. For example, a lot of children today are wearing t-shirts carrying slogans of a sexual nature. Because the terms are different from what we grew up with, this often flies under the radar of parents – but rest assured, the children all know what they mean! Be assured, modest clothing can still be stylish and attractive. Be prepared to spend some extra time searching out suitable fashions for your daughters. They are out there, but you’ll have to be willing to cheerfully make the effort and, in some cases, spend a little extra.

Get the children onside

Once you’ve set your standards, the next key is to get your children to buy

in without a full-scale revolt! It’s easy to say, “I’m the parent and you will do what I tell you,” but while that approach may bring about outward conformity to the standard, it will not help your daughters to begin to value modesty in their own hearts. Instead, you want to help them to understand why modesty is such an important character issue and teach them to make good decisions on their own.

We’ve found it very helpful to be able to give our daughters reasons as to the suitability or unsuitability of a piece of apparel. It’s good to be able to explain to them how a young man regards some of their fashion choices. This explanation, of course, must be purposeful and age appropriate. Your daughter may honestly not realise that the item she’d love to wear causes guys to look at her in a way she was not anticipating.

The teaching of modesty should begin as early as possible. Model a modest form of dress. Provide bathrobes for family members and be aware of the way you dress both within and outside your home. Minimise the impact of the brand name mentality by beginning early in their lives to teach them the value of money, and that a brand name item is not necessarily a better item. Be on the lookout for good role models that are older than your own daughter and allow these friends to influence them; they can be a tremendous help to you. Also, watch for positive examples in the world of entertainment and introduce your children to them.

Counter the media onslaught

Realise that fashion is big business. Children and teen clothing represents a multi-billion dollar industry, and the advertisers know exactly how to entice our children. Your daughters are bombarded from an increasingly early age through the media – music, videos, TV and technology. In fact, marketing that used to be aimed at teens has now shifted to the tween group (ages eight to 13).

This shift is having a noticeable im-

pact on girls in this age category. Adult clothing styles are being mini-sized to fit young girls. This has led to the sexualisation of pre-teen girls seeking to emulate their media heroes. And it’s not just the clothes that are being adopted, but also the attitudes toward life in general and sexuality in particular. Children are being made to grow up faster than ever before.

Value character over appearance

It is important to tell your daughter how beautiful she is, so that she doesn’t have to go outside the family to hear this message. Even more vital than praising her appearance, though, is affirming her character. We need to counteract our culture’s influence by placing value on what God values – the inner heart and character of an individual. The Bible says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). Compliment your daughter on her inner character frequently. Encourage her to cultivate a vibrant walk with Jesus Christ by being a character model before her and taking a genuine interest in her spiritual life.

Recognise dad’s critical role

Never underestimate the influence of a dad. My husband went on many shopping trips, even though this is not his favourite activity, in order to show his interest and have some input into the selection process. Dad’s approval is extremely significant in a daughter’s life, so fathers need to be careful in how they relate to them. Both words and tone matter greatly. Even though she may act like she resents your intrusion in her life at times, your daughter really does care about what you think of her. Dads, let your daughter know that you think she is beautiful – that she is unique in your eyes. Your girls carefully watch your reaction – your opinion counts! (Power to Change)

BY WAYNE PARKER

One of the lessons my father taught me that I will never forget related to me treating my mother poorly. My dad was a law enforcement officer and one morning as I was getting ready for school, dad returned home from a long graveyard shift. He was hanging up his coat as I made a snide comment to my mother. He wheeled around, spanked me and reminded me forcefully that I was never to talk to my mother the way I had. It was a lesson that I have remembered my whole life and that taught me unmistakeably the importance of respecting women.

I do think it is critical that as fathers we find effective ways to help our sons learn to respect women. In so many ways, it is an uphill battle. So much of popular music, especially in the rap world, is all about disrespecting women. Even popular television programmes and video games degrade women or paint them in single dimensions. But we all know that nothing is further from the truth.

So, in a culture where disrespecting women seems to be accepted and even embraced, how can fathers effectively teach their sons to respect women?

Model the behaviour you want repeated. There is no substitute for a father’s example in teaching the impor-

tance of respecting women. As you interact with your son’s mother and sisters and other female family members, treat them with respect. When he sees you actively listening to them, when he sees you open doors for them and offer to do things that make their lives easier, he will want to model your behaviour.

Correct popular impressions that disrespect women. If your son listens to music or plays video games that make women into onedimensional objects, correct the impressions that he might form. You could say things like, “I know Kanye West raps about women as hoes, but we know better, don’t we? You know how much I love your mom, right? I would never say something like that about her.” Help your son see that entertainers and game designers sometimes say and do things for shock value and they don’t reflect the way most people feel and act. Help him learn to communicate his feelings without violence or threats Young men frequently have a hard time reacting to things that are going wrong without resorting to violence or threatening language. What might work among friends or on the sporting field does not work with women. So help your son learn to express his feelings and opinions verbally and respectfully. And help him see that violence in a family situation or with women or children is never acceptable. Teach him to avoid pornography. Pornography in any form is dangerous for young men in many ways. But one of the insidious messages in pornography is that women are first and foremost sexual creatures. Once again, the one-dimensional view of women, whatever that dimension, teaches disrespect toward women and devalues them as individuals. So teach him to avoid pornography and put good parental controls on his access to the Internet on his computers and smartphones. Use respectful terms when referring to women. Derogatory terms when talking about women seem to abound in our language, and they often come out in casual conversation. So avoid calling a woman a “bimbo,” even if she dresses or acts provocatively. Talk about the behaviour and why it is inappropriate rather than using a shorthand derogatory term to describe the behaviour.

Cultivate positive friendships with girls Often, boys tend to have friendships only with other boys until they start to develop the hormonal attraction to girls. Helping them develop friendships with girls at young ages can get them comfortable around girls and help them see through the stereotypes that teenage boys often have about girls. Early and positive friendships between boys and girls can help breed respect later in life. (Fatherhood. about)

EU unwraps new €1B

Caribbean funding

By Samuel Sukhnandan

European Union Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs on Thursday unveiled a one billion euro grant under the 11th European Development Fund Caribbean Regional Programme during a seminar at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

Piebalgs, speaking at the opening of the seminar, said the EU remains committed to the Caribbean region, but asserted that the Caribbean must do better on project implementation.

He said Caribbean nations can be extremely proud about having transformed the region into one of the most culturally rich and dynamic in the world.

He pointed out that in a matter of one week, countries worldwide will take part in a UN Special Event on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in New York. There they will review the MDGs and discuss the post-2015 framework. This, Piebalgs said, needs to be comprehensive and reconcile the objectives of eradicating poverty and ensuring the sustainable development of the planet.

Post-2015 framework

But the work is far from complete. “Together we can, and must do more. We, therefore, need an ambitious post-2015 framework.

"The European Commission has laid out a vision on how to bring together the strands of poverty and sustainable development, building on five key elements: basic living standards to empower people; inclusive and sustainable growth to benefit all; sustainable resource management to preserve the environment; justice and equity to ensure fundamental human rights; and peace and security,” he said.

According to him, ultimately the objective is to ensure a decent life for all by 2030. Piebalgs said the EU remains steadfast in its engagement in the Caribbean.

Citing some of the work that have been done, Piebalgs said in Haiti, the

EU has supported a 38 million euro programme (PARQE) to improve the quality of public primary education.

Under the programme, the EU has contributed to the establishment of 17 educational support centres and rehabilitation of 77 schools. At least 120,000 children have benefited.

The 200-kilometre road between Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitian, funded by the EU, is another example. In 2010, the journey between these cities took eight hours – soon it will be reduced to just three.

Childhood mortality

“And just this week we have signed a 22 million euro Programme on the Reduction of Maternal and Childhood Mortality (PROMAC) with Jamaica under the MDG Initiative. This is very satisfactory.”

However, “we must ensure effective, efficient and rapid implementation of our programmes”. “We must reverse the trend of slow implementation, make real progress and together ensure that we can complete

our work under 10th EDF,” the commissioner said.

According to him, the Caribbean region still must overcome its remaining development obstacles.

In his remarks, President Donald Ramotar said the region has benefited tremendously from the EU, and looks forward to greater partnership.

He made specific reference to support given to Guyana, especially as it relates to the country’s sea defence and conservation of coastland programmes.

The president also praised the EDF’s support for the local sugar industry, which is a significant economic and employment force in Guyana.

The head of state recommended that the EU look at new approaches of multicountry programming in agriculture, with the aim of reducing the region’s food import bill.

He noted that the differ-

friday, september 20, 2013 |

Man refused bail for Kamboat robbery

Aman was on Thursday remanded to prison after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to two counts of robbery under arms.

Thirty-five-year-old Andel Anthony Ford of North West District was not required to plead to the indictable charge which read on September 16 at Georgetown, being armed with a gun, he robbed Narisa Hinkson of one BlackBerry Torch cellphone valued $100,000 and on the same day, he robbed Stacy Benn of $20,320; property of Sarah Lou.

According to the facts read by Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambaju, Benn is a cashier at Kamboat Restaurant at Sheriff Street and was on duty when Hinkson along with others entered the restaurant to order food around 22:15h. The

accused and another male entered the restaurant shortly after. Ford’s accomplice then pulled a gun and demanded that the occupants in the restaurant hand over their valuables. Ford then relieved Benn of the cash and Hinkson of her cellphone and the two made their escape. An alarm was raised and the two men were persued. Ford was apprehended and arrested by the police who found some of the money and the cellphone. A further search was conducted in the area and a 3.8 revolver was retrieved.

Prosecutor Rambaju objected to bail on grounds of the prevalence of the offence and the fact that a weapon was used in committing the act.

Magistrate Fabayo Azore refused bail and the matter stands adjourned to October 3.

Vendor remanded for firearm possession

Avendor was remanded to prison on Thursday after he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman to answer to possession of firearm charges.

ences of the Caribbean and the EU could be ironed out in the best interest of those who are to benefit.

The 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Programming Seminar opened on Thursday and will end today. The 11th EDF will cover the period 20142020. (samuelsukhnandan@ guyanatimesgy.com)

It was alleged that on September 16 at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, Terry Phillips, 22, of Lot 16 Tucville had in his possession a revolver and it was also alleged he had in his possession three rounds of ammunition. He pleaded not guilty to both charges as it was read to him.

Phillips who was unrepresented told the court that on the day, he was standing waiting on a bus when a car pulled up and the driver told him he will take him to his destination for a fee.

He stated that he went into the vehicle along with

two other males and just as it pulled off, they were stopped by police. He said that the police conducted searches on him, the driver, the other two males and the car but found nothing. He added that there was a gun laying in the grass where the car had stopped and the police claimed that he threw it there. He also stated that he has no prior or pending matters before any other court.

Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt objected bail stating that one of the ranks saw the defendant throw the firearm in the grass and also there were no special reasons given for bail to be granted.

Magistrate Latchman refused bail and the matter is set to return to court on October 4.

friday, september 20, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

NA taxi driver remanded on ammunition charge

ANew Amsterdam taxi driver was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Shurdel MarcusIsaacs when he appeared in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charge of being in possession of ammunition without being the holder of a licence.

Lawrence Lewis, also

called “G”, of Timmer’s Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, was not required to plead to the charge.

Lewis, 27, who operates a taxi service in the area, was taken into custody on Saturday after a round of 7.62×51 mm ammunition was found on his bedroom ledge.

According to police, a report of assault was made

against Lewis by his wife at Central Police Station, so ranks visited his home and saw him in his yard. He was informed of the allegation made against him and was invited to the police station.

The accused indicated that he needed to change his clothing, and was escorted into his bedroom, where the ammunition was found. The

ammunition was confiscated, and the man was arrested and charged.

In his defence, Lewis told investigators that he found the ammunition approximately seven years ago when he visited a soldier camp at Seweyo, Linden/ Soesdyke Highway. He is expected to return to court on September 20.

Labourer granted bail for cannabis possession

Orlando Munroe of Anna Regina Village, Essequibo Coast, was granted $40, 000 bail for being in possession of narcotics when he appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

The 27-year-old labourer was arraigned before Magistrate Sunil Scarce. Munroe pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

According to the police,

on September 12, Munroe was found with three grams of cannabis in his possession. The man was stopped by police after he was seen acting in a suspicious manner. A search was conducted on his person and a quantity

of seeds, leaves, and stems were found in the left pocket of his pants. The labourer was questioned by police and was then arrested.

Munroe is expected to return to court on October 4.

Eyew tness

Too late...

...shall be AFC’s cry

If the Alliance For Change (AFC) cabal thought their so called “Code of Conduct” was going to save their skins with their supporters, they’ve another “think” coming. The announcement that they’ve been deserted by most of their New York chapter is only the beginning of a trek that’ll become a full fledged stampede the very next time they call their next local “convention”.

Unlike the Guyanese arrangement, which is controlled tighter than a drum by the leadership mafia, the New Yorkers met frequently. They were able to quickly see that their individual gripes with the leadership were almost universal. The only AFC supporters left in New York are Khemraj Ramjattan’s brothers. And even they’ve been cussing under their breaths. The bottom line is that, contrary to the oft repeated protestations, Ramjattan is a dictator. And so is Moses Nagamootoo and so is Nigel Hughes.

Each one of them believes their word should be the last word on any given issue. And don’t for one moment believe the New York exodus is because of the Hughes’ conflict of interest on the Amaila Falls Hydro Project. The fellas from New York have been chomping on the bits from day one. Their biggest complaint is no transparency as to what happens to the money that’s collected in New York.

Ramjattan and Nagamootoo have appointed themselves the “bag men” for all New York funds – which they insist must be in bills rather than checks. It doesn’t take any crack crime sleuth to figure out these fellas don’t want the money to be traced back to their personal accounts. The New York group discovered that, contrary to what the two AFC big wigs told them, the Guyanese banks give a better exchange rate for checks drawn on New York banks, than cash. That’s why when Ramjattan announced the “Code of Conduct”, he had to plead, “We are here to serve, not to plunder.”

The other reason for the mass exit is that the conflict of interest wasn’t just about the Hughes’ husband-andwife team, but included Ramjattan and Nagamootoo as well. Ramjattan had absolutely no answer as to why he was pushing his client Robert Badal’s case on the competition the Marriott Hotel was going to give to Pegasus. Or ditto on the Specialty Hospital. Or Nagamootoo pocketing a cool $7 million for filling out some forms for people displaced by the Berbice Bridge.

But the New York fellas will soon discover they’re jumping out of the frying pan right into the fire. And a very hot fire at that. Do they really believe that David Granger and the gang in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) are democrats, much less moral exemplars? But those who don’t “hear” will soon “feel”.

...for U.S. and Brazil’s bug

Even though at the G-20 meeting and on the phones earlier this week, Barack Obama tried to work his charm on Dilma Rouseff to persuade her not to cancel her trip to Washington, because the National Security Agency (NSA) spied on her; the Brazilian president didn’t budge. But this trip wasn’t just to schmooze and “knock glass”. The U.S. had been hoping the Brazilians would’ve picked Boeing to supply them with fighter jets to the tune of billions of dollars.

This is the kind of business the U.S. desperately needs to pull itself out of the slump they’ve been immersed in since 2007. Now it’s most likely that a European company will get the contract. But beyond this one contract, however, there’s the larger issue of overall relations between the two largest powers in the hemisphere. One on the way down and the other on the way up.

Surely, the U.S. doesn’t want to drive Brazil further leftwards?

...for those pushing paedophilia

Some good news out of France, which is thought to be sexually “radical”. They’ve just banned “sexualised” children’s pageants. That’s right: no more dirty old men legally ogling children under 16. Isn’t it now high time that our Guyanese authorities follow suit?

TravelSpan ready for December operations

– massive investments to be made

By Michael younge

TravelSpan says it is ready to commence commercial operations by December this year, with the aim of providing the Guyanese market with “affordable”, “honest” and “transparent” fares.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday evening, the company’s president, Nohar Singh, said TravelSpan remains committed to improving the quality of service being offered to the Guyanese public and has taken note of the hardships and challenges caused by unfair fare structures, poor service and discrimination.

He said while some regard the company’s announcement that it will be offering weekly flights from Guyana to New York route at affordable prices as welcome and refreshing news, it must be noted that the company is expanding its operations because of the high level of confidence it has in the Guyanese market and the economy.

Singh was upbeat about TravelSpan’s planned multimillion-dollar investments here following a meeting with acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali and Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn on Wednesday evening.

The first flight to the John F Kennedy International Airport in New York is slated for December 14. This

service would be offered primarily on Thursdays and Saturdays and would increase based on demand especially during peak season.

TravelSpan has already signed a contract with U.S. carrier Vision Airlines, which is based in Las Vegas and will be using a 767 widebody aircraft.

In cases of emergencies, repairs and other contingencies, TravelSpan will benefit from a spare aircraft. Singh’s company has also been approved by the United States Department of Transportation and has been selling these flights in the U.S., but will have to wait until it gets approval to do the same here.

Official approval

Singh said the process of receiving approvals from the authorities here could take a month, as he is confident that all of the necessary requirements will be met. The company has lodged the re-

quired US$200,000 ahead of any commencement of service as is required by law.

TravelSpan will now be offering 214 economy seats and 18 business class seats and in addition to the New York-Guyana route, will operate the New YorkTrinidad route.

Superior service

“Our intention is to build the customer base that we have. Continue to give good reliable and superior in-flight service,” Singh stated, saying TravelSpan has transported more than 100,000 people to their respective destinations per year. “Being in that position, we are able to continue to build on that customer base that we have been servicing for the past 18 years.”

He also explained that the company’s signature customer service representatives will be onboard to assist on each flight, in addition to a diverse group of Caribbean-American flight attendants.

Asked about the fare structure given the experiences of Guyanese with REDJet and EZJet, he said “our fair levels will be very competitive”, but declined to describe them as “cheap” or the “lowest”. He said the fares could range between

US$300 and US$400 each way, depending on demand.

Packaged tourism

Singh, who has vast experience in the aviation sector, said the discussions with government on Wednesday were encouraging and focused on primarily joining efforts to maximise the benefits of packaged tourism.

“We have done an enormous amount of work in the area of packaging,” he said, as he shared a menu of strategies employed by TravelSpan over the years in this area.

He said the company also discussed with government its concerns about the unfair competition prevailing as Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) continue to operate as a monopoly much to the disadvantage of the travelling public.

As expected, the company voiced concern too about the fuel subsidy and assistance that is being given to CAL and the high price for fuel, while expressing hope that some resolution could be brought to the issue.

“Anytime, there is a subsidy there is always an uneven playing field… we have a lower overhead cost... it is still an unlevel playing field,” Singh added.

friday, september 20, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Nine remain in custody for West Demerara, Wakenaam crimes

Crime Chief Seelall

Persaud on Thursday confirmed that nine persons remain in custody in relation to the murder of businessman Zulifikar Namdar at Meten-Meer-Zorg, the attack on a Wakenaam business, and another recent attack on West Coast Demerara.

Persaud stated that the police, through the office of the director of public prosecutions, made an application to the chief judge for an extension in detaining the nine men. He added that the extension was granted after the chief judge found that there was enough evidence to hold the men for further questioning. While the deputy commissioner could not reveal the details of the investigation, he said that the police are mopping up the probe.

On Monday, suspected bandit Kirk Bacchus was shot dead during a shootout with police ranks after he and others attempted to commit robbery on a house in Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.

A few days after the arrest of at least four men, the police issued a wanted bulletin for the dead man’s close associate Keifa Small called “Frog Eye”, who managed to escape during the confrontation. He was seen running through a street with a suspected AK-47 in his hands. “Frog Eye” is a known character.

According to police sources, at least three of the men in custody reportedly admit -

ted to being a part of the gang that raided the MetenMeer-Zorg home of Namdar and killed the businessman. Another man Stephen Mohamed was also injured during the attack. The 27-year-old Namdar was killed by one of the bandits who visited the business place on September 10 under the pretext of making a purchase. Shortly after that incident, police apprehended four persons, but subsequently released two of them. During interrogation, the men told investigators that the now dead Bacchus was the one who shot and killed Namdar. The police were unable to recover any of the high-powered weapons that were reportedly used in the commission of the crimes. They have recovered spent shells that were fired from a high-powered rifle at the scene of the Meten-MeerZorg attack.

Guyana Times understands that a boat owner is also wanted by the police as he reportedly transported the gang members via sea to carry some of the attacks, including the Wakeenaam raid.

On September 7, several armed men invaded a Good Success, Wakenaam home around 20:30h and physically assaulted a businessman, his daughter and her boyfriend.

They then shot the businessman who rushed to his daughter’s rescue after receiving a distress call from her.

Caricom wants EU to revisit external aid policies

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque has called on the European Union (EU) to review elements of its new external aid policies to the Caribbean region. LaRocque’s comments come on the heels of the current negotiation here between the European Commission and the Caribbean Group of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM), to roll out the 11th European Development Fund (EDF).

In addressing the opening of the 11th EDF programming seminar on Thursday, LaRocque specifically outlined the need to address policies related to the principles of differentiation and graduation from access to grant resources. He said, “The use of per capita income to determine a country’s level of development and its need for grant and concessional financing does not provide the true picture.”

The Caricom leader said per capita income is, at best, an arithmetic ratio that does not address levels of poverty, distribution of income, levels of indebtedness, vulnerability, and the capacity to self-generate sustainable economic and social devel-

opment. Therefore, the current criteria should be revised.

Nevertheless, LaRocque said it is an area on which Caricom welcomed continued policy and political dialogue with European partners, particularly within the context of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the post-2015 agenda.

Bilateral discussions

In outlining that there will be bilateral discussions on regional programming, LaRocque said discussions must permeate whatever interventions are eventually agreed to for financing from EDF resources, with focus on capacity-building. He believes that without hu-

man capacity development, CARIFORUM, as a region, cannot achieve global competitiveness nor build sustainable economies.

LaRocque said, “Similarly, we cannot achieve sustainable development without building institutions capable of continuing to deliver services when project-related financing in particular areas would have ceased. The use of regional institutions in implementing regional and multi-country programmes must occupy high priority, as must the provision of institutional support to build sustainable capacities.”

He added that presentations on seminar topics will provide perspectives on pro-

gramming, implementation and management of the regional programme. These presentations would have benefited from intensive internal discussions within the institutions of the European Union. The CARIFORUM Council of Ministers has had discussions on the overall approach to, and priorities for, the 11th EDF Caribbean Regional Programme.

These discussions resulted in the endorsement of a concept paper, based primarily on the joint strategy already agreed to both by CARIFORUM and the European Union. On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, CARIFORUM also held consultations involving member states, regional organisations, and representatives of Caribbean non-state actors, including civil society.

“I expect that both sets of deliberations will be brought to bear on what finally emerges as the agreed approach to the programming, implementation, and management of the Regional Indicative Programme.

I sincerely hope that we can have a successful seminar, which will assist in guiding a joint programming process,” the Caricom secretary general stated.

Mechanic on $100,000 bail

A22-year-old mechanic was granted bail after he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It was alleged that on September 14 in Georgetown, David Gobin of Lot 33 Belmont, East Coast Demerara unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on Denaught

Persaud. He pleaded not guilty to the charge as it was read to him.

According to the facts read by Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambaju, both men have known each other for sometime but are not friends. On the day in question, Persaud went to Big G shop in Bel Air where he bought a bottle of vodka and a serving of chips. He ate alone and left

to go home. While on his way home, Gobin who was following him, picked up a brick and threw it at the left side of Persaud’s face. The complainant fell to the ground and was picked up by his brother who took him to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital where he received medical attention. The matter was reported and the defendant was subsequently arrested

and charged.

Prosecutor Rambaju objected to bail on the grounds that the defendant knows where Persaud resides and there is a likelihood he will interfere with him and pervert the course of justice. However, Magistrate Azore granted bail in the sum of $100,000 and the matter is set to return to court on October 3.

Baddam does gotta seh excuse me

In small days when pickney like to talk nuff and show off, mummah and daady does seh dem mouth got pepper, meanin that dem mouth hot. Well, de cure fuh hot mouth used to be cold mouth. So mummah and daady does seh dem gon cold pickney mouth. Usually that used to mean licks like peas, and a lotta times de licks like peas used to come from both mummah and daady. And some times even big buddy and big sistah does join in.

Guyana gotta lotta people wid hot mouth these days. Before now de PEE-N-C used to keep every body pun lock down. No body coulda evah open dem mouth and talk any ting. Mouth coulda open fuh other tings, but not fuh talkin. But it ain’t so any more. Is every body gettin hot mouth now.

Some of dem mouth so hot till it runnin. Every day some of dem mouth runnin in de Stabber and de Kocheur. When is not in a letter it does mek de news. Some of dem does mek both. No body know who payin who fuh mek de news, but once soup givin away some body does always open dem mouth big. That is why nowadays any ting passin as news. Even if a dog chase a reporter.

But de real name fuh hot mouth is mouth worries. When people got mouth worries, dem does feel that dem always gotta seh some ting. Old people seh it got two kinda people in this world – dem who got some ting fuh seh and dem who gotta seh some ting.

Is no wonder de Kocheur man want radio and TV station. He is a man who always gotta seh some ting. Just that de same ting whah does come out from de Kocheur man bamzee is whah does come out from he mouth.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Poor Baddam. Every time he boss poop or fart, is Baddam gotta seh excuse me!

Single mother remanded on

ganja charge

A38-year-old single mother, of Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast, was remanded to prison for being in possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Nadira Roopchan appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Charity Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Roopchan pleaded not guilty to the

charge which stated that on September 13, she was found with 30.5 grams of marijuana. She was represented by Attorney Hemraj Rajkumar, who made an application for bail which was objected to by Prosecutor Krishnadatt Ramana. The woman was remanded to prison until October 8.

friday, september 20, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

High-level Caribbean economic forum opens in The Bahamas

Ahigh-level two-day forum on “Building Growth into the Caribbean Sustainability Agenda” ends today in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The forum is hosted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the government of The Bahamas, in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB); the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB); and the World Bank. It will bring together key Caribbean and global policymakers to discuss ways of addressing the Caribbean’s economic growth challenges while achieving fiscal and debt sustainability objectives.

The 2013 Caribbean Forum on Sustainable Growth will feature finance ministers, central bank governors, and other senior officials from the IDB’s member countries (The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago) as well as representatives of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St Lucia.

Delegations from the international financial institutions will be led by IMF Deputy Managing Director Nemat Shafik; CDB President Warren Smith; IDB Vice President, Roberto Vellutini; Sir Dwight Venner from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank; International Finance Corporation (IFC) Vice President Jean Philippe Prosper; and

World Bank Vice President Hasan Tuluy.

On September 19, IDB Vice President Vellutini offered welcoming remarks on promoting the Caribbean’s economic growth while working closely with national governments to manage the region’s debt and fiscal sustainability challenges.

“The Caribbean’s low economic growth is – in large part – the product of the high cost and volatility of its energy sources. The IDB is committed to helping the Caribbean to implement a less costly, environmentally-friendly, and more sustainable energy matrix, including natural gas, renewables, and energy efficient technologies. Going forward, we have to think big in order to achieve higher economic growth rates for the Caribbean: plan regionally, but act nationally,” he said.

The Bahamas Prime

Minister and Finance Minister Perry G Christie opened the conference on September 19. St Lucia Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony, IMF Deputy Managing Director Nemat Shafik, and World Bank Vice President Hasan Tuluy will be keynote speakers during the conference.

Actionable solutions

The 2013 Caribbean Forum on Sustainable Growth agenda includes working groups to consider specific actionable solutions in four policy development areas, including private sector development: competitiveness, which will focus on the findings of the recent Caribbean Growth Forum, and the implications for the structural reform needs for the region; sustainability and growth, which will focus on the main competitiveness challenges and policies to address them; mitigating vulnerabilities, which will discuss strategies for restoring sustainability while minimising the impact on growth and protecting vulnerable groups; and managing the debt overhang, to discuss options for high-debt countries with a view to securing debt sustainability.

IDB regional economic adviser Inder Jit Rupra will make a working group presentation on steps to foster Caribbean economic growth and to address its significant debt overhang.

Granger meets party's North American supporters, military veterans

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader, retired Brigadier David Granger has commended the party’s North American Region (NAR) group for its continuous support and its commitment to human development in their homeland.

Retired Brigadier Granger, on a recent visit to New York, held meetings with the regional executive committee and the general membership. He received reports from representatives of the states of Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, and Canada, and discussed plans for the forthcoming local government elections, a release from the PNCR said.

He was accompanied by Central Executive Committee and National

One

Assembly member Joseph Harmon. Granger, according to the release, reminded members that half of all Guyanese seemed to live in North America and the other half in South America.

Granger said the two halves needed to work together for the whole. He then thanked persons who established non-political, non-governmental organisations for providing succour and support for those in need in their homeland.

Granger also met military veterans and discussed matters affecting former members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The veterans expressed concern about the challenges which some of their former comrades-in-arms in Guyana faced. They were concerned particularly with

those who required special attention and medication. Granger shared their concern and reminded them that he had drafted a 10-point plan to improve the lives of ex-soldiers more than 14 years ago. The plan, which had been presented to the government, included the establishment of a National Veterans Commission and a Veterans Administration Department in the GDF.

Granger, accompanied by Harmon, thanked exGDF Association President Cheryl Tappin for her invitation to meet his former colleagues.

He lauded the veterans for their resolve and resilience in maintaining a vibrant organisation in New York for more than two decades.

in custody for stealing music system

One man was taken into police custody on Thursday morning after he was accused of stealing components of a music system from a Fyrish, Corentyne, Berbice man. He is expected to be charged with simple larceny.

The police are on the hunt for two other men. Molichan Motilal, along with accomplices, is accused of stealing six 12-inch speakers valued $188,000,

two 15-inch speaker valued $80,000 and 183.9 metres (200 yards) of speaker wire valued $40,000.

The robbery was committed on Gary Benjamin of ‘C’ John Street, Fyrish, Corentyne between 00:00h and 04:45h on Thursday.

According to investigations, Benjamin secured his speakers under his house by covering them with a cloth and went to bed.

About 04:45h, he told ranks

that he was awakened by the sound of barking dogs and upon checking under the house, he discovered the speakers missing. He reportedly looked around and saw several wet footprints which he followed and found the eight speakers at the back of his yard. The matter was reported to the police who arrived on the scene and during the initial investigation, arrested Motilal.

Interior worker sentenced to two years imprisonment

An interior worker was on Thursday sentenced to two months imprisonment after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer to the charge of larceny.

Twenty-five-year-old Wesley Felix of Lot 31 Victoria Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated on July 3 at Bourda Market, he stole one BlackBerry Bold 2 cellphone, property of Paul Mannoo.

According to Prosecutor Deniro Jones, Mannoo is a taxi driver and on the day in question, he was working when Felix approached him with a male of mixed race and an Amerindian woman.

Felix sat in the front seat while his companions occupied the back seat and told him that he was going to Bourda Market to drop off some gold for his grandmother. When Mannoo approached the market, Felix

snatched the phone from his side pocket and made his escape along with his two companions.

On September 16, he was seen by Mannoo and was arrested by the police and cautioned of the offence. Prosecutor Jones also stated that the item was not recovered.

Magistrate McLennan considered the fact that he pleaded guilty at the first instance before she made her ruling.

Digicel hands over $1M to Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre

The Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre on Thursday received a $1,000,000 cheque from Digicel Guyana for the renovation of its dining room at Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Candacee Kewlyew, a nurse at the centre, received the cheque from Digicel (Guyana) Public Relations Officer (PRO) Shonnet Moore.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Moore stated that Digicel is happy to assist in the renovation of the dining room, underscoring that the organisation recognises the importance of comfortable surroundings for the disabled children.

“This is not the first time and definitely not the last time we will be working with the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, we have done a lot of work with them in the past and we are looking forward to, perhaps, some more projects in the future,” she revealed. Work on the dining room will begin almost immediately and is expected to be completed within a month.

Private sector pivotal in disaster risk management – forum told

The chairman of the Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies Department of the Brandon University in Canada, Dr Balfour Spence said private sector engagement was imperative for disaster risk management in Guyana.

The professor highlighted his findings during a lecture series at the Education Lecture Theatre, University of Guyana on Wednesday. By way of a PowerPoint presentation, Dr Spence informed those present that while private sector participation was crucial, the onus was on government to initiate discussions with the private sector on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) management in Guyana, so as to prepare this country for any hazardous event that may arise.

He noted that while Guyana is least prone to natural disasters compared with other Caricom countries, it is vulnerable to droughts and floods. Making reference to the 2005 flood, the worst Guyana has ever experienced, he pointed out that the impact of such disasters are mainly focused on the country’s central economic areas in Region Four and Georgetown specifically.

Dire need for action

“Georgetown bore the brunt of the damage and that happened primarily because of the concentration of assets in that one location… 71 per cent of the population that live in Region Four were impacted by this event," he said.

He noted that the 2005 flood was an unprecedented scenario for Guyana, which reflected the vulnerability of the Guyanese society and the dire need for action by all stakeholders.

As such, he said because the majority of private sector businesses are situated in this part of the country, their

input into a DRR plan is integral.

He reasoned that the private sector stands to benefit immensely from its involvement, since outlined measures will ensure security of their assets.

“There is a tendency for us to regard government as being entirely responsible for disaster risk reduction and there is some truth to that: government bears primary responsibility for DRR, but I would suggest that this is more an ideal than the reality in most developing societies, because competing priorities for scarce resources severely undermine the capacity of government to fulfil that function,” Dr Spence said.

He continued, “It is in the context of its own sustainability that the engagement of the private sector in disaster risk management becomes crucial”.

As a primary generator of Gross Domestic Product and an employer of labour, Spence said, the private sector’s continuity and sustainability is integral for development.

He also highlighted the need for companies to ensure that they are covered by insurance, as part of preparations for disasters. Dr Spence noted that the 2005 flood in Guyana was not foreseen, and as such, the country’s vulnerability is likely to increase as the effects of climate change worsen.

However, while the private sector’s participation is significant to engagements, it is government’s responsibility to commence this conversation. Guyana’s 2005 flood affected 62 per cent of the entire population, which was concentrated in Regions Three, Four and Five, and resulted in damage worth half a billion U.S. dollars. Damage in Region Four, Guyana’s most economic viable area, was recorded at 55 per cent.

Upon receiving the cheque, Kewlyew said the donation is timely, positing that the organisation would like the care it is providing to be top-notch. Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre Administrator Cynthia

Massay expressed gratitude to Digicel for handing over the generous sum. She explained that the company’s employees had visited the centre a few weeks ago and saw that its dining room was not complete,

so Digicel decided to make the bold step to donate the money to complete it. Since the dining room is incomplete, the children are not able to use it.

“It helps to put back in the windows, because when it rains the rain comes in, it will put back in the furniture for the dining room, so all our students can be comfortable,” the administrator explained.

Finding right staff

Massay highlighted that two of the major challenges for the organisation are finding the right staff to cater to patients and sourcing finances for its programmes. She said her vision for the organisation in the next five years is for it to have a beautiful complex that will be able to provide high-quality services and efficient staffing.

In terms of society’s

treatment of persons with disabilities, she stated that the public’s attitude has improved over the years, but much more needs to be done.

“We recently had our disability act, but there still needs a lot of work to be done to ensure that the measures that are incorporated in that act are put in place by employers and other agencies to benefit persons with disabilities.”

Massay added that persons in society need to recognise that everyone has a right to live and participate in society, positing that more measures need to be put in place so that persons with disabilities can participate fully in society.

The centre has about 50 students in its school section, and 30 in its daycare, while its rehabilitation unit sees about 20 to 30 patients every week.

Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)

Guyana to submit report to UNICEF, WHO soon

By Svetlana MarShall

The Health Ministry will soon submit a report to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the progress made locally by 19 state-owned and private hospitals in their bid to develop baby friendly hospital status.

Three hospitals have thus far obtained that status: West Demerara Regional Hospital, Suddie Public Hospital, and the Upper Demerara Hospital, in 2000. Since then, the hospitals were not reassessed.

Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) coordinator attached to the Health Ministry, Neibert Tucker told Guyana Times in an exclusive interview recently that the reassessment of hospitals is currently in its final stage. The process began last July and upon completion, recommendations will be submitted to UNICEF and WHO.

Skeldon, Port Mourant, Mibicuri and New Amsterdam hospitals in Region Six, along with the Georgetown Public Hospital, Davis Memorial and the St Joseph Mercy hospitals in Region Four are among health institutions vying for baby friendly status. West Demerara Regional Hospital, Wakenaam District Hospital, Suddie Public Hospital, Oscar Joseph Hospital, Linden Hospital Complex, Upper Demerara Hospital, and hospitals in Mabaruma, Bartica, Mahdia and Lethem are

Tucker

also in the lineup.

“It’s remarkable how some of the hospitals have worked from zero to where they are now, and we would be able to recommend most of them for the external assessment,” Tucker said.

Additionally, major emphasis has been placed on the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitute, which seeks to protect and promote breastfeeding by ensuring appropriate marketing and distribution of breast-milk substitutes when necessary.

In order for hospitals to obtain the baby friendly hospital status, there ought to be no advertising of breast-milk substitutes.

There must also be informational materials that explain the benefits of breastfeeding while outlining the effects of the use of breastmilk substitutes.

The BFHI coordinator noted that there is an excep-

tion to the breastfeedingonly rule: when instructed by a medical practitioner. In Guyana, like other parts of the world, such is recommended mainly for babies whose mothers are HIV positive and can put their babies' lives at risk.

Tucker said all HIV/ AIDS infected mothers have access to free breast-milk substitutes from the Health Ministry, but the onus is on the health-care personnel to inform mothers on the correct way to prepare the formula.

All hospitals mentioned have been monitored to ensure that they are operating in accordance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitute.

As monitoring of the hospitals continues, accessing hospitals in remote regions remains challenging.

Nevertheless, Tucker and her team of mostly retired nurses conducted training sessions with medical personnel from the 19 hospitals, to fulfil a subsection of the programme called the “trainer of trainers” 20-hour exercise for breastfeeding support.

All pregnant women must be told of the benefits of breastfeeding and be encouraged to breastfeed their children.

Guyana became a signatory to the initiative in 1992, one year after its launch to ensure that all maternal health institutes whether free-standing or in hospitals become centres of breastfeeding support. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

Parfaite house destroyed by suspected arson

ALa Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara house was destroyed on Thursday evening by a fire allegedly set by the owner. The fire reportedly started about 20:05h.

The Lot 548 99th Street one-storey house was completely burnt with only the foundation post left standing.

Information reaching this newspaper reveals that an elderly couple in their 50s was occupying the house.

The man, Godfrey (only name given), is a security guard, while his wife,

Sherry (only name given) is a vendor.

According to a neighbour, the couple was fighting earlier in the night. He noted that he saw Godfrey leaving the yard, moments before the fire was noticed around 20:00h. The neighbour stated that his wife saw the light reflecting off their window, so she pulled the blind, saw the flames and raised an alarm.

The distraught man said that he ran outside and began throwing water onto the blaze to prevent it from spreading to his house. By that time, neighbours

“AFC has left me”– Tarron Khemraj

Economist Tarron Khemraj has confirmed that he has indeed crossed over to the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and left the Alliance For Change (AFC). He noted that he believes there needs to be a unified opposition if it is to win an election.

Speaking to Guyana Times via telephone, he said if this is left to the AFC there would be no unified opposition. He disclosed that he had notified the AFC that he would be leaving the party via an email about two weeks ago, adding that the response he received from AFC Member of Parliament Cathy Hughes was that, “if you go, it will be sad.”

He firmly stated that “AFC has left me, I have not left the AFC”, since from the 2011 general election to now the party did not seek his

advice on any issue or decision it made. He explained that pre-elections the party regularly obtained his input, but even with regards to the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, it did not seek to ask his advice. He said AFC has decided it would not go down the consultation road since elections.

Khemraj added that he,

Dr Asquith Rose and businessman Rab Mukraj decided to move forward and build something with APNU, explaining that “we have decided to team up with Granger/ APNU on a unity movement that will focus on the single goal: unity and human development.

We would pool efforts and ideas. We hope to get the support and inputs of the AFC and even folks from the PPP”.

Subsequently, in the coming months, there should be more talks and revelations. He added that he has no enmity towards the AFC and continues to have the strongest respect for its members.

AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan for a second day running said the party would be releasing a statement on the issue, but up to press time this was not done.

704 Food and Entertainment

Bar opens today

– promises excellent

Fast food lovers will now be afforded the option of choosing from three new fast food franchises that open today at Lamaha and Albert streets, Georgetown.

The three new franchises are owned by local businessman Alfro Alphonso and are housed on the ground floor of his 704 Food and Entertainment Bar. The franchises, all foreign, are Dixie Lee Chicken and Sea Foods (a Canadian franchise); Papa Pete’s Pizzeria (a Canadian franchise), and Miami Subs and Grill (an American franchise) have created some 90 jobs thus far.

Upon completion, the multimillion-dollar building will

customer service

had come out of their homes and they tried to contain the fire, but the heat made it difficult. When the fire service showed up, the house was completely destroyed.

Another neighbour said that around 20:00h, she came out of her house and saw the huge flames.

The woman said she does not know what happened, because the house was already engulfed when she was made aware of the fire.

She stated that the fire service took about 45 minutes to arrive, but it was too late.

Neighbours disclosed that Godfrey’s wife was escorted to the police station.

also house a sports bar, which is expected to be completed by year-end, as well as a nightclub and a sky lounge that are expected to be completed a few months after.

Additional jobs will be created with the opening of the sports bar, nightclub and sky lounge.

At a special sampling event for media operatives and special invitees on Wednesday, Alphonso noted that the selections available at the bottom floor are not necessarily fast food, but food with a difference – food that was never available in the city before.

“We offer something for the vegetarians, meat lovers, for the workout addicts who want something extremely healthy… so that’s what we are trying to accomplish here and offer the Guyanese public a franchise service with a difference,” he said.

Customer service

Customer service, he added, will be key to the success of the new establishment.

“Our motto is customer satisfaction; it is our best asset… so we will pay special interest through the service.”

Meanwhile, Chief Operations Manager Kurt

Taylor praised the policies of the administration, noting that the economy is progressing in the right direction. He said it was because of the expanding economy that the Alphonso Group has invested heavily in the business. The property when completed will be worth some US$ 3 million.

“With regards to these franchises, we also have other properties in Georgetown that we are hoping to develop so by the end of next year, there is probably going to be a few more of these outlets throughout the Georgetown area.”

Dixie Lee Chief Operations Manager Noele Murano said the company has been in existence since 1964 in Canada, while disclosing that two years ago the food franchise opened an outlet in Charity, Essequibo Coast. Since then, it has opened other franchises in Dubai, Ukraine, and Jamaica. He stated that all items on the company’s menu are seasoned with secret spices from Canada.

Miami Subs and Grill Chief Operations Manager Ambrose Whyms promised that Guyanese will enjoy eating at the establishment. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was also present at the media event.

Cove and John Hindu College awards top CSEC students

– valedictorian to pursue medicine at Texila University

Afew years from now, Reshma Singh will be helping many patients somewhere in Guyana – either at a medical institution or her own private practice, or perhaps both.

And she will remember September 19 as the day she graduated as the top student from the Cove and John Hindu College, East Coast Demerara, with passes in a number of subject areas at the 2013 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

She would certainly remember it as the commence-

life. She said she is very proud not only of her own achievement, but also those of her classmates.

Singh thanked her teachers and members of her family for their support and urged other students to study hard, saying this will help them achieve success.

95 per cent pass rate

Principal Rajkumarie Singh, in delivering her report at the ceremony, which was held in the school's auditorium, said 27 other students graduated with 95 per cent pass rates. She also reported that of the 28 stu-

95 per cent in office administration, and 75 per cent in principles of accounts.

“It must be noted that the students who have been successful at the CSEC (this year) were not necessarily top achievers at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA),” she explained. She said the school takes pride in using a disciplined approach to academia, aimed at helping students become well-rounded individuals.

The principal credited the success of students to the dedicated teachers at the school. Currently, there are 11 teachers, including

ment of her journey to become a medical doctor, as it was that day during the school’s graduation ceremony when she learnt she was awarded a scholarship with the Texila American University to pursue the medicine programme.

Singh was chosen to attend the university based on her outstanding performance. In her valedictory speech, she noted that her secondary school, which was opened in 2004, provides an opportunity for underperforming students to improve themselves academically while being taught about morals and the importance of religion.

Expressing thanks for the scholarship, Singh encouraged her classmates to continue striving for excellence and to be the best at whatever they do in

dents who wrote the exams, a large number graduated with grade one passes.

Of the 13 subjects offered by the school, four students wrote 11 subjects – Reshma Singh, Keisha Jagnarine, Omadai Goberdan, and Ghandai Bhagwan. Singh and Jagnarine were named the school’s top performers, each obtaining nine grade ones, one grade two, and one grade three.

The principal noted that there was a 100 per cent pass rate in agriculture and integrated science, electronic document preparation and management, English B, human and social biology, principles of business, social studies, and religious education.

However, there was an 83 per cent pass rate in chemistry, 96 per cent in English A, 74 per cent in mathematics,

that the school has no record of violence thus far, he called on students to embrace their achievements as well as challenges, saying

they should apply what they have learned.

Also present at the graduation were former Finance Minister Sasenarine

Kowlessar and Region Four Chairman Clement Corlette, along with representatives of the private sector and the business community.

some who are part-time. She explained that there are a few young teachers as well, but this does not hinder their performance as educators. “They work assiduously with the students,” she noted.

The principal pointed out that the school does not allow extra lessons, but when it nears examination time, additional sessions are held early in the mornings and on weekends. “Even though this is a Hindu school, we have several students who are not Hindus. What we do is instil values that are common in all the religions in our students,” she said.

Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG) Dr Prem Misir charged the students to always remember the fundamental moral and spiritual outputs of discipline in society. Noting

enior lecturer in economics at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Dr Roger Hosein is challenging Finance Minister Larry Howai’s claim that the TT economy recorded four consecutive periods of positive growth. In a budget analysis sent exclusively to the TT Guardian, Hosein produced statistics from 2010 to 2013 showing growth in the pe-

troleum and non-petroleum sector.

He said data obtained from the Central Bank showed two periods of negative growth in the second and fourth quarters of 2012.

While there was positive growth of 0.66 per cent, Hosein said upon closer investigation contraction in economic activity was spread over all sectors of the economy in 2011.

“The construction sector suffered the most severe contraction (8.8 per cent) followed by a 3.9 per cent decline in the petroleum sector which was dominated by the 4.7 per cent decline in petrochemicals,” Hosein said.

He added that there had been three consecutive years of decline in the nonpetroleum sector from 2009 to 2011. (Trinidad Guardian)

U.S. bank JP Morgan Chase has agreed to pay four regulators US$920 million (£572 million) relating to a US$6.2 billion loss incurred as a result of the “London Whale” trades. The settlement is the third biggest banking fine by U.S. regulators, and the second largest by UK regulators. As part of the deal JP Morgan admitted violating U.S. federal securities laws.

Traders at JP Morgan’s London office built up huge losses in derivatives trades at the beginning of last year.

Two former JP Morgan traders face criminal charges in the U.S. relating to the case. They deny charges of lying about the size of their trades in order to hide their mounting losses. In a statement, the SEC said there had been failings in JP Morgan’s internal controls and in senior management.

The regulator said the bank – whose chief executive Jamie Dimon once described the trading problems as a “tempest in a teacup” –had admitted the facts underlying the SEC’s charges.

“JP Morgan failed to keep watch over its traders as they overvalued a very complex portfolio to hide massive losses,” said George Canellos, co-director of the SEC’s division of enforcement. (BBC News)

Ireland exits recession as economy grows

The Irish Republic’s economy has emerged from recession, according to official figures. The economy grew by 0.4 per cent in the second quarter of the year, although this was much weaker than many economists had forecast.

Economists had expected growth of at least 0.8 per cent. Ireland, which was bailed out after its banking and property crisis, has suffered a number of recessions

in recent years.

The government has projected growth of 1.3 per cent for 2013 as a whole. While the bailed-out eurozone member’s exports increased by 4.3 per cent in the quarter, consumer spending was up by only 0.7 per cent.

A different measure of the economy, GNP, which is taken as a more accurate figure by some economists, fell by 0.4 per cent in the three months from April to June.

There are signals that the economy may be over the worst, as retail sales figures have improved and the bottom of the housing market appears to have been reached in some parts of Dublin.

John Campbell, the BBC’s Economics and Business Editor in Northern Ireland, said that despite these positive signs, there were still many challenges.

(BBC News)

Electrifying Africa – but at what cost to Africans?

As children throughout the United States head back to school, it’s a good time to remember that schoolchildren throughout Africa often attend schools with no electricity. In areas that do have the utility, frequent power outages are a constant reminder of the need for dependable access to electricity.

In June, U.S. policy-

makers announced two initiatives aimed at increasing electricity production in Africa. President Obama launched Power Africa, an initiative that makes a US$7 billion commitment to the energy sector in six African countries.

And representatives Ed Royce (R-CA) and Eliot Engel (D-NY) introduced the Electrify Africa Act in the

House, which sets a goal of providing access to electricity for at least 50 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020. Both initiatives place increasing investment by U.S. companies in Africa at their centre.

Africa is home to almost 600 million people without electricity, all of whom struggle to meet their basic needs as a result. (allAfrica)

Honda to recall 405,000 vehicles over airbag system glitch

Honda Motor Co said it is recalling about 405,400 vehicles, including the Odyssey minivan in the United States and three other countries, due to a glitch in the computer chip used in the airbag system.

Some 342,000 Honda Odysseys from the 2003 and 2004 model years in the United States and Canada are being recalled, as well as 63,400 Acura MDXs

from model year 2003 in the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia.

Most of the recalled vehicles are in the United States, where 318,683 Odysseys and 55,935 Acura MDXs are affected. A computer chip in the airbag control unit could malfunction when it receives electrical noise from other parts in the car, Honda said in a statement. As a result, driver and passenger seat

airbags could deploy inadvertently, spokesman Tsuyoshi Hojo said.

The supplier of the computer chip was TRW. Honda said it does not expect to have to issue any more recalls related to this issue. No crashes have been reported related to the glitch, but several cases of injuries such as abrasions on the hand and fingers have been cited, he said. (Reuters)

The developer of the much-delayed Dubai resort Palazzo Versace has confirmed the opening date has been pushed back another 12 months. A spokesperson for developer Enshaa Services Group said it was now not due to open until the second half of 2014, despite being 80 per cent complete and a significant number of

workers onsite.

Versace CEO Gian Giacomo Ferraris told Arabian Business in May the AED2.3 billion (US$626 million) development would now not open until 2014, but Enshaa had maintained it would be ready by the end of 2013, with a soft opening possibly as early as mid-year.

“With over 1000 trades-

men working on site, Palazzo Versace Dubai is progressing well and is now over 80 per cent complete,” the Enshaa spokesperson said.

“Final treatment is being applied to the external facade work, landscape planting has begun and the fit out of this luxury property is well under way.” (Arabianbusiness)

Tips to becoming an outrageously cool entrepreneur (Part two)

BY JEFF ROSE

Dive right in

The second step that I will say is dive right in. I have a lot of people who I talk with asked whether they wanted to be an entrepreneur. They talk about being an entrepreneur and all they do is just talk. If you are going to do it, you can talk about that all day long but until you actually take that first step, until you put yourself out there, you will never know what it is and if you have what it takes. That was with us when we stepped out and started our own firm. It was a huge risk. We had a big name behind

us and we just let that go.

We took a huge step. I was lucky in the sense that I had a good client base already but it did not mean that it had to follow me. So that was a huge risk and one of the best risks that I have ever taken.

Another risk was I put myself with the blog. I read an article in early part of the 2008 about blogging and how you need to have a blog. I had no idea what a blog was. I am sure if you read this at the site. My interpretation of a blog was getting on my space and hearing at hip hop music and looking at pictures of people, I really did not get it. I started just reading and researching and looking at blogs. It took me months to figure out.

Cut out the crap Third thing is cut out the crap. What I mean by this was that I was listening to a podcast of someone that was consulting another individual that wanted to be an entrepreneur. They could never set up the time because the guy, the “wannabe” entrepreneur, could not schedule the time because he did not want to miss the show Wipeout. He couldn’t schedule his consulting session to take him to the next level because he couldn’t workout the time that didn’t allow him to miss Wipeout. Really? (Business Dictionary)

SUDOKU

By Bernice Bede Osol

Put more effort into your personal life and your connections with loved ones. Invite the people most influenced by your decisions to comment and make suggestions before you make a move.

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

When confronted with a restrictive situation, jump into action and counter whatever is standing in your way before it’s too late. Partnerships can be formed that will ensure your success.

(June 21July 22)

Explore new interests and develop ideas. Research interesting ways to present and promote what you have to offer. Love is on the rise, and socialising will invite romance.

Be careful what you agree to today. It’s admirable to be accommodating, but not at the expense of missing out on an even greater opportunity that pops up. Ask, and you shall receive.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

It’s a good day to get things accomplished, be they big or small. Interacting with others will help you seal a deal or come to a conclusion that will allow you to make a wise choice.

(March 21-April 19)

Pick and choose wisely. Avoid people who tend to exaggerate or are forever asking for something. You have to nurture and take care of your needs, for a change. Make positive personal improvements.

(April 20-May 20)

Take a look at your work relationships and look for a way to collaborate equally. Allowing others to contribute will help you avoid resentment.

(May 21June 20)

You should foster change and refuse to be influenced by what someone else is doing. Branch out into an area that will allow you to use your talents to the utmost.

Check out what’s being offered and sift through any questionable promises being made before you take a leap of faith. Protect your assets and your family.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Listen to what others are saying, but don’t act on hearsay. Follow your heart and only share something when you know what you will get in return. Privacy and consistency should be maintained.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You need to take control of matters pertaining to the home. If you’re firm and fair, your stance will be appreciated in the long run. Quickly shifting conditions could lead to unexpected developments.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Helping others will help you get what you want, but before you decide to go that route, double-check your motives and consider possible consequences. A mistake could affect your reputation.

Entertainment

10 to vie for Miss Amerindian Heritage 2013 CROWN

In the true spirit of honouring our culture, advancing our future, 10 delegates will be vying for the crown of Miss Amerindian Heritage 2013.

The young ladies recently returned from a visit to Mashabo Village, Region Two, where they engaged in a pre-pageant activity which included a trek around the Ituribisci Lake to the village.

There they participated in a number of activities.

The evening of September 28 will include guest appearances by many Indigenous artists and the pageant will be divided into the following segments; introductory, traditional wear, discussion of their platform, talent, evening wear (this segment will not be judged, since it is just for display) and the final question.

Miss Region One

Mariah Vedika Lall, 17, enjoys a delicious meal of labba pepperpot and cassava bread, and is proudly representing Region One. Mariah was born in the village of Santa Rosa, the largest Amerindian Village in Guyana, and believes that the traditions of the Arawak people are not being passed down to the younger generations, especially skills such as pottery and craft making.

Miss Region Six

Shevon Hyderkhan, 19, hails from Siparuta, which is a tiny village, 53 km down the Corentyne River. Siparuta, which is a satellite of Orealla Village, is predominantly made up of descendants of the Dutch, Arawaks, and Warraus. This aspiring paediatrician, of Arawak descent, who has a passion for helping others, especially children, hopes one day to be in a position to provide shelter for children in need. Shevon’s platform is child abuse in Amerindian villages.

The Miss Amerindian Pageant is not just a beauty pageant, but a display of their rich cultural heritage in a complete package.

Patrons will not be disappointed, so come out and support the Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant. The next staging of the pageant will be in 2015. Tickets are available at the National Cultural Centre and the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and will cost $1500, 2000, and $2500.

Meet the delegates

Miss Region Two

Danielle Felicity Graciela Calistro, 19, an Arawak beauty hails from the Kabakaburi Mission in Region Two. Danielle enjoys swimming, basketball and has a knack for dancing, which she will be showcasing as her talent piece. Danielle believes that teenage pregnancy is a phenomena that not only affects Indigenous communities but communities at large. Hence her platform will be teenage pregnancy with a special emphasis on Indigenous communities.

Miss Region Seven

Gleary Williams is Region Seven’s ambassador. This 21-year-old Warrau beauty hails from Batavia, in the Lower Cuyuni River, Region Seven. A finger licking meal of Paku Tuma with Cassava bread and a refreshing drink of Sweet Fly is her favourite on a cool afternoon, while overlooking the mighty Cuyuni River during family dinner. Currently pursuing her dream in the nursing profession, this beautiful young woman also loves helping people and this love and compassion has not only lead her to her profession but also influenced her choice of platform. Gleary will be promoting the benefits of traditional herbal medicine.

Miss Region Three

Letitia Sacajawea Daniels, 19, is representing Region Three, and comes from the village of Santa-Aratak in the Camuni Creek. Letitia who aspires to become a charted accountant, is a final year business management student at the University of Guyana. As her platform, she chose the area of youth and education and will be promoting the empowerment of Indigenous youth through education.

Miss Region Eight

This 19-year-old Patamona beauty, who is an aspiring entrepreneur, wants to one day be able to provide her village with affordable goods of high quality. Vickiola Aaron hails from the largest village in Region Eight, Paramakatoi. She believes that transportation in Amerindian communities is essential for networking as it currently poses a developmental challenge in many communities, especially those found in the mountainous areas.

Miss Region Four Salina O’Selmo, 18, proudly represents Region Four. Born in the Village of Pakuri, otherwise known as St Cuthbert’s Mission, she believes that every Indigenous person should know how to relate to their culture in order to advance their future. Salina enjoys track and field events, and sees the urgent need for the promotion of education in Amerindian communities, as education is the key which opens the path out of poverty.

Miss Region Nine

Representing the Upper Takatu/ Upper Essequibo region is 20-year-old Gail Robeiro, from St Ignatius village. This avid football fan, whose special talent is Cassava Bread making, is of both Macushi & Wapishana descent. Gail believes that the strategic location of Region Nine makes it ideal for eco-tourism; hence her choice of platform is eco-tourism in Region Nine.

Miss Region Five Analaisa Andrews, 21, proudly represents the only Amerindian village in Region Five which can be found down the Mahaicony River. This village is Moraikobai Village. Analisa enjoy a delicious serving of crispy fried Otocuma (Tocuma worms), with thin Cassava bread and a cool glass of Cassiri. She believes that youths have an integral role to play in the development of communities. Hence youth leadership in Amerindian communities is her chosen platform.

Miss Region 10

Seventeen-year-old Melissa D’Oliveira, an aspiring teacher, hails from the village of Malalli, in the Upper Demerara River. This proud Arawak descendant enjoys a good meal of pepperpot and Cassava Bread, especially after a refreshing swim in the Demerara River. Melissa believes that language plays an important role in one’s identity, she therefore chose to promote as her platform, the loss of the Lokono dialect.

Miss Guyana World among front runners ahead of Miss World Pageant

With a week away from the hosting of the 63rd edition of the Miss World 2013 finals at Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre in Bali, Indonesia; Miss Guyana, Ruqayyah Gabriella Boyer is among the front runners as one of the favourites in the pageant.

At number 28 on the leader’s board, the 23-year-old who stands at a height of 1.75 metres tall lists her pageant experiences as being a delegate in the Miss Universe 2012 pageant.

Out of 130 delegates in the pageant, a record number since its existence of the pageant, Boyer has used her expe-

rience and charm and to the judges in the preliminary competition.

Thus far, Miss Brazil, Sancler Frantz; Miss France, Marine Lorphelin and Miss Philippines, Megan Young top the leader’s board and are sighted as being potential finalists in this year’s pageant which is scheduled to be aired live on September 28.

Speaking with the Guyana Times Entertainment the Guyanese beauty expressed her excitement to have been named in the top 30 among some of the most beautiful women in the world. Boyer who claims to be well poised and could be in the top 15 on pageant night,

remains optimistic and hopeful while noting that Guyana has a big role to play.

She encouraged Guyanese to log into her facebook page, Miss Guyana World and “click” LIKE. While she did not come in the top 10 in the preliminary competitions, she is at a perfect spot.

The Guyanese beauty has been having a ball as she visited various places in the continent of Asia and more so being involved in a number of activities leading up to the pageant. These include photo shoots, dinners, site seeing and many other fun activities.

Amerindian heritage “Chutney Wash down”; Chutney in the Village for Next weekend

As Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations come to an end, residence of Port Kaituma, North West District are in for a treat as Deejay Garwin out of Slingerz Family and Marlon Sherriff will be hosting a grand affair called “Chutney Washdown”. The event is slated for September 28 at Sheriff Place, Airstrip Road, Port Kaituma and will see live performances by Trinidadian Chutney star, Adesh Samaroo and Guyana’s Chutney

in the mining community along with the Calibro Band out of Brazil which is also known for its sassiness.

With one week to go, Port Kaituma residents are urged to brace themselves for a night of Chutney and Brazilian music.

Meanwhile, the duo will also participate in “Chutney in the Village” slated for Sunday September 29 at the Diamond Market tarmac.

This time around, Samaroo and Singh will be performing before their fans on the East Bank of Demerara. The event will be an unforgettable one which will see a day filled with fun activities for the entire family. Gates to the venue open at 12:00h for the children as they engage in trampoline, bouncy castle, face painting and many more games.

There will also be a variety of ice cream flavours from Igloo and other food and drink bars. Admission to the fun fair is absolutely free but patrons will pay $500 after 18:00h. Apart from Adesh Samaroo and Fiona Singh, Slingerz Family and 71 Sound System will be heating thing up. The event is promoted by Deejay Garwin and Sanchez.

The Celina Beach Resort, Kitty will come alive on September 29 when the first ever Miss Beach Body pageant will be held under the theme “Bikini Fest”.

This is a new and exciting concept with a fresh venue that caters for the entire family where children can also have fun.

The venue hosted the “Welcome Summer Bummer Beach Jam” which saw hundreds in attendance who were given a carnival style party that was dubbed one of the best.

However, Rose Productions along with Hits and Jams entertainment will bring you “Bikini fest and Miss Beach Body Swimsuit Contest.

Gates will be opened form 12:00h with free bouncy castles and other attractions for children and beach games such as cricket and football that the entire family can be a part of.

Then as the day of activities unfolds there will be the main event: at least a dozen beauties will take the runway in their Swimsuits and compete for the Miss Beach Body Contest where they will be competing for $200,000 in cash and prizes.

If you are interested in participating in the contest contact Sasha on 682-1115 or Trevor 601-9911, there is also food and Photo Boots available.

Three Saturdays ago, patrons were blown away when

club Monaco hosted its inaugural “Girls Run the Night” party which was described as fantastic.

Due to its success, the club will host another party of this nature, this Saturday which will see the “big girls” coming out to party with intention of running things for the night.

This concept is called “Girls Run the Night” and will see ladies being admitted free all night. But the promotion gets better as they are entitled to free tequila shots upon entry.

Celebrate the night at Club Monaco with vibes from Selector Carl from 94.1 Boom FM who is expected to set the place on fire with his fabulous selections of music ranging from Soca to Chutney, to the best in dancehall and other genre of music that will surely put patrons in the right party mood.

To ease the congestions at the facility, there are three bars, a chic indoor lounge area and an outdoor area for you to relax.

The facility’s friendly staff will tend to your every need while you party under confetti and their amazing lighting effects. Patrons will also have the opportunity to win tickets to the club’s “Total Recall” Dancehall party to be held on September 14.

To make the event even more exciting, everyone will be admitted free before midnight. Admission to the event is $1500 after midnight and all VIP cards are active for this event.

Be a part of the action by following the light in the sky and make sure you are in the right mood for a party. Remember what happens in Club Monaco stays in Club Monaco...”

ACCOmmODAtiON

Tourist villa apartments 1, 2 & 3 bedroom, long & short term, and car rental service. Phone: 227-2199, 227-2186

Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

Electronics course - hands-on training, starting October 2, Abdul Electronics. Phone: 226-6551, 225-0391.

Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

Mixed breed pups. Phone: 253-3114, 692-0126

One 320CL Excavator located at Mahdia; excellent working condition. Owner migrating, call 682-0365 or 614-1669

Gold Land, excellent investment. Priced to sell, call 682-0365, 614-1669

Wine vessel (jue) Shang dynasty, old Chinese painting, old Ming prints, Ming dynasty Chinese painting on bamboo, Qi Baishi orginal painting, rare bowls and pots, all Chinese antiques. Phone: 592623-7029

Pure bred American Akita puppies for sale $200,000. Phone: 639-8924, 2274674 Mercury in large quantities 99.9999% purity. Call: 679-1985, 219-4535, 6935004 1 Canon copier (Image Runner 6020) with finisher. Call 647-5150, 694-5738

Healthworld Holistic Centre: Psychotherapy available for all types of abnormal behaviors – addictions, emotional, suicidal, anger, relationships and sexual problems. Treatment of stress disorders, depression, fear, low self-esteem, insomnia, trauma, psychosomatic sicknesses and children's disorders. We also conduct IQ evaluations and behavioral assessments. By appointment only. Clinic hours: 11:00 - 17:00h. Tel: 592-6210552. Email:healthworldhc@gmail.com

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for all chronic genetic/none genetic diseases, including HIV, Cancer, diabetic, pregnancy, sexual (weakness), etc. Phone: 685- 3220.

Are you pouring on pounds? Then call Raul /Carol Wilson: 660-6818, 641-5923, 216-3016, 216-3601 for your healthy eating package.

Stay healthy and flexible with yoga. Phone: 693-2233

Immigration & Visa Services

248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

One business property, Lamaha Street. Phone: 669-3313, 231-4586, 695-4382. Properties for sale. Phone: 642-2116 2-storey concrete house 32’x 55’, 4 bedrooms, block 8 Mon Repos, ECD, $35 million. Phone: 642-2116

EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVIENCES, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 6968230

Dutch healing and upliftment, for clearing of land, dredging and ground work (strictly interior operation). Phone: 6621247.

J Eastman & Associates Financial Services: Taxation, VAT Compliance, Accounting & Consultancy, and Cash Flow Projection. Address: 190 Church St, S/Cburg (East of Austin’s Book Store) Phone: 662-7467, 223-2105

Lethem – Rupununi Heritage Month event September 27-29. Visit: Iwokrama, Rock View Resort, Bonfim - Brazil, Moco Moco & Kumu Falls, St Ignatius - Lethem. Package $150,000. Phone: 662-3665

3 bedroom bottom flat for rental situated on the ECD. Phone: 669-9384, available for viewing after September 27 after 4:00pm. No animals.

One house located in Lamaha Gardens, hot and cold water. Call 219-4535

EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVIENCES FURNISHED/ UNFURNISHED, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 6968230

tOuRS

Kaieteur Falls day tour, US$150. ManausBrazil US$800 Phone: 231-6663

One Honda Cappa (Yellow) ideal for taxi or private use. Leather seats and roof, alarm, reverse camera, DVD/TV/ CD player, mag rims. Also Motorola Base Radio with Antennae. HC series; immaculate condition; give away price $1M. Call 647-2491.

One black scooter for sale, excellent condition. Phone: 602-7277, for information.

One new Yamaha R1 Motorcycle 1000cc (candy red & black) recently registered 2013. Latest double exhaust, bug lights, immaculate condition. Give away price, call 647-2491

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA PREMIO; TOYOTA SPACIO; TOYOTA VITZ (NEW SHAPE); TOYOTA NOAH; SUZUKI SWIFT; MERCEDES BENZ C200 COMPRESSOR; BMW 318 I; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, SOLID DIFFERENTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 3, 3.5 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TON DUMP TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICE AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

Kevin Dean Smith Mr Guyana Talented Teen contestant

Born under the zodiac sign of Scorpio, 17-year-old Kevin Dean Smith also called Denzil Washington or Kevo was born at the Davis Memorial Hospital to Shamaine Smith and Kevin Cross.

Being the first of five children, Smith grew up with love and unity in West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme with his other sibling Usain, Kiana, Shaquana and Shahanna.

His childhood days were the best, filled with a lot of happiness and of course scolding which moulded him and made him who he is today. His mother is one in a million, she can be fun and she can be serious but she is also a strong, loving, caring and phenomenal woman, with no word to describe her.

He is currently an employee of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and is a contestant in the Mr Guyana Talented Teen Pageant where he will be competing with at least eight others for the coveted title.

He attended South Road Nursery where he graduated and went to Smith Memorial Primary after which he wrote his Secondary School Entrance Examination (SSEE) and gained a space at St John’s College.

“I had no interest in pageantry but I am always a decked out fashion kid at any function, party or even at work, so my cousin Tattianna Davis heard about the pageant and persuaded me to be apart which it took a lot out of her to do”.

The experience, thus far has been great, the young man told this publication. “A lot of persons may think that being in a pageant is just you putting on those outfits and walking the runway but it’s a lot more”.

He praised the founder of the pageant, Pamela Dillon for grooming him to speak at public forums, to rock suitable outfits and most of all, attending educational workshops.

“We are the future, we are the world. We need to be someone our other generations can look up to and want to be or want to be better than”.

At the age of 25, he hopes to wed a gorgeous young woman who will be faithful and caring and mother three children; two princes and a pretty princess.

The young model stated that there is stigma attached to males participating in pageantry which he sees as one of the biggest challenges. “There is a lot that will be said but some on the streets will tell you what they think, you can tell them what you know. I am the same person I was all the time, same personality with a smile and I am always entertaining”.

This handsome fellow proudly represents Parika and hopes to be the best on October 12 when the pageant is hosted at the National Park. He said there is no greatest rival in his book since he is prepared for the competition and promises to do his best.

“In five years I see myself battling cases (criminology) in other words I would be a lawyer; I aspire to be a lawyer and that’s exactly where I see myself; in a big house with pool, having about three vehicles and helping out people that are in need especially children”.

His greatest inspiration and role model is Attorney James Bond who is a professional lawyer, a parliamentarian and one who sets his goals high.

“My advice to young men who would want to participate in pageantry is to let them do exactly what their mind tells them to, they will be no regrets, you have to live to please you – it’s your life… you are the future, make your name with a positive stain so your children can be bold enough to say who you are. Come on go make our country a better place, be ambassadors.”

His favourite colour is white since it speaks and shows purity and blends with any other colour while his favourite dish is cook-up and his favourite movie is Love and Basketball.

Smith’s hobbies include reading, drama, dancing, browsing the Internet, watching television and says “there is nothing like a sweet street football”.

Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 2253923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

Suriname astrology palmist and Djuka healer, the most powerful spiritualist in the world, are you suffering from the following problems - (any religions) love, marriage, family, health, business, husband and wife relationships, property, court, children, promotion, visa, pregnancy, education, depression, job, sexual, jealousy, enemy, money, drinking, also you can have all evil forces destroyed such as black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, obeyah, etc, and gives powerful protection. Private and confidential. Phone: 674-2112. Dutch Spiritual work. Unite lovers, get rid of evil, enhance prosperity, good luck baths and charm bowu guards, etc. Phone: 220-0708, 612-6417, 6875653

Divinations and cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá and Khemetian spiritual guards, pendants, crystals and rune stones to help you overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money and many more. Call 10:00-16:00h on: +592-690-1824. Email: anew-life@live.com

“Paa” for ICC this Saturday

The Indian Cultural Centre, AT Lot 67 New Haven, Bel Air, Georgetown is inviting all members of the public to view a comedy titled “Paa” on Saturday, September 21 from 17:30h at its headquarters.

This 2009 film, directed by R Balakrishnan tells the story of Auro (played by Amitabh Bachchan) – a 12-year-old boy with the rare aging disease progeria.

Auro’s mother Vidya (played by Vidya Balan) has been estranged from Auro’s father Amol (played by Abhishek Bachchan). Auro is determined to reunite them before his condition worsens.

Amitabh Bachchan received his third National Film Award for best actor and his fifth Filmfare Best Actor Award and Vidya Balan received her first Filmfare Best Actress Award. The music is from acclaimed South Indian composer Ilaiyaraaja.

Admission is to the viewing is absolutely free.

Edwards states comeback case with ton

After West Indies A were hammered in the opening one-dayer, they had just one day to regroup against an India A side high on confidence and a captain who made a stirring comeback ton on Thursday.

For the second game in succession, West Indies lost the toss, but it wasn’t a bad thing as their batsmen batted the hosts out of the game to take the series 2-1. ‘A’ tours are essentially auditions for the national side and West Indies ended the series with two gains. The relatively unknown Jonathan Carter sent a message to the selectors with a century in the second match and in the third, Kirk Edwards sent them a reminder with a comeback ton.

The tour had a lot of context for Edwards, who said ahead of the series that he was looking to build on this opportunity to make a come-

back. He last played for West Indies in May 2012 and his previous ODI appearance was a year earlier. Though he has played an equal number of Tests and ODIs, indications have been that the selectors see a bigger role for him as a Test batsman. Having juggled both one-day and four-day captaincies so far, Edwards was relieved of the duty in the shorter format to allow him to focus on his own batting and give Kieran Powell experience at leading a side.

Edwards was guilty of not converting his starts in the first two matches. On Sunday, he edged to the keeper after making a brisk 19; on Tuesday he moved to 36 after smashing a six over square leg but was stumped down the leg side the following ball while trying to repeat the stroke. Today, he held back, initially prefer-

ring to play from the crease. Three boundaries off Yuvraj Singh, through the off side and over midwicket, got him going.

What would have helped settle Edwards early was the start provided by the openers. Kieran Powell, who had struggled to push on in the earlier matches, made a conscious effort to force his way into form, risking his wicket with a few top edges. When Edwards walked in at No. 3, he had the cushion of 74 runs made in just over 13 overs.

The start rubbed off on Jonathan Carter and Leon Johnson as well, who shared stands of 66 and 93 with Edwards. Edwards’ knock was a typical one-day innings - steady building followed by acceleration. He focused on taking singles, and as his fifty approached, had the confidence to waltz down

the track to the offspinner Yusuf Pathan and loft over deep midwicket. He reached the mark with a massive six over long-on that was headed perilously close to the press box windows.

Edwards took apart the part-timers, cutting the offspin of B Aparajith past the wicketkeeper and short third man for boundaries. Johnson’s more aggressive knock at the other end put West Indies on the path to a big score and after he was dismissed, caught at cover, Edwards took control.

He was helped by questionable field placements by Yuvraj after the 40th over. With no Powerplay restrictions, India had as many as five fielders in the ring on the off side, with three in the deep on the leg side. It worked against India as the bowlers repeatedly used length deliveries against the

Swansea secure stunning win in Valencia

Swansea City humbled 10-man Valencia as the Welsh club began their Europa League group campaign in style on Thursday.

Home defender Adil Rami was sent off for a ninth-minute professional foul when he hauled down Wilfried Bony.

And Bony was first to make the Spanish side pay with his right-footed opener, which went in via a deflection.

After the break Michu fired in from eight yards to make it 2-0 and Jonathan de Guzman curled in a 30yard free-kick to put Swansea top of Group A.

That concluded a memorable, historic night for the visitors as manager Michael Laudrup returned to the country where he remains revered for his successes as a player at Barcelona and Real Madrid. As Swansea and their fans celebrated, the home supporters aimed their howls of derision at Serbian manager Miroslav Djukic, who was appointed in the summer.

The hosts and visitors went into the clash with mirror-image domestic records of played four, lost three and won one, but that is where the comparisons ended.

Los Che boast a proud record in Europe - they lie 10th in the all-time overall European standings - while Swansea have never been beyond the second round in seven previous forays

into European competition.

Djukic made nine starting line-up changes following their 3-1 La Liga defeat by Real Betis and Laudrup made five changes, one enforced by skipper Ashley Williams’ ankle injury.

If Djukic’s wholesale changes were intended to garner a positive response to their early-season set-backs, the plan unfolded.

The hosts were left exposed to Swansea’s passing style after Frenchman Rami was sent off for dragging down Bony as the Ivory Coast international threatened to race clear.

The visitors, who made five starting line-up changes, took the lead when Alejandro Pozuelo broke away and found Michu on the left and the Spaniard crossed for Bony to convert right-footed from inside the penalty area.

Swansea could have added more as they dominated the first half with Nathan Dyer spurning a great chance when he fired across goal while Michu had a less clear-cut headed chance but was off-balance just outside the sixyard box and saw his effort drift wide.

Bony shot wide from 20 yards just before the break and he missed another opportunity to double the visitors’ lead after half-time after being played in by Dyer.

Dyer’s well-placed cross gave Bony another chance to double the visitors’ lead as they pressed early in the second period.

Michu flicked another chance over the bar from close range as Swansea continued in positive fashion.

But Michu was not to be denied a goal and confidently stroked in Swansea’s second from eight yards after Pozuelo found him with a wellweighted pass.

Moments later de Guzman, on loan at the Liberty Stadium from Villarreal, sent a dipping, curling free-kick into the top corner to seal Swansea’s victory. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD

West Indies A innings

A Fletcher lbw b Nadeem 28

K Powell* c Uthappa b Nadeem 40

K Edwards b Unadkat 104

J Carter b Aparajith 35

L Johnson c Jadhav b Unadkat 54

A Russell b Unadkat 1

D Thomas† c & b Unadkat 21

A Nurse c Kaul b Unadkat 10

N Miller not out 2

V Permaul c Pathan b Vinay Kumar 2

M Cummins not out 0

Extras: (lb10, w5) 15

Total: (9 wkts, 50 overs) 312

Fall of wickets: 1-74, 2-79, 3-145, 4-238, 5-255, 6-295, 7-308, 8-308, 9-311

Bowling: R Vinay Kumar 10-156-1, J Unadkat 10-0-55-5, S Kaul 7-0-56-0, S Nadeem 9-1-33-2, Y Pathan 5-0-38-0, Yuvraj Singh 5-0-34-0, B Aparajith 4-0-30-1

India A innings R Uthappa run out (Fletcher) 27 B Aparajith b Permaul 78 N Ojha† c †Thomas b Carter 0 Yuvraj Singh* b Nurse 61 K Jadhav c Miller b Cummins

Raikkonen joining Ferrari because of money dispute

Kimi Raikkonen has said the reason he will leave Lotus and race for Ferrari next year is because he has not been paid by his current team.

The Finn, who is on a basic salary of eight million euros (£6.7m), is joining Fernando Alonso at Ferrari to form potentially the strongest driver line-up on the grid.

“I haven’t got my salary,” said the former world champion. “I like to race - that’s the only reason why I’m here.”

Lotus have declined to comment.

Raikkonen said that despite being owed money by the team he would continue to race for Lotus this season.

“It’s unfortunate but I want to help the team and I want to win,” he added.

Before making his decision to join Ferrari, which was announced last week,

Raikkonen had asked Lotus for reassurances that they had the technical and financial strength to continue to compete at the front next year.

“There were a lot of things and they know what they are. Hard to say how it would have gone if they had done them,” he said.

The 33-year-old has not been paid at all so far this season.

As well as his basic salary, he also earns a bonus of 50,000 euros a point and has therefore earned 14.7m euros (£12.6m). He earned a total of 18.35m euros (£15.8m) last year, when the team were also late in paying him.

There have been claims from former F1 drivers that partnering Raikkonen with Alonso, a double world champion who has led Ferrari for four years, is a potentially explosive mixture.

Who are the DCB office bearers?

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Alarge cloud of anonymity continues to hover over the identity of several persons who were reportedly elected to serve on the executive of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) following its January 25 elections this year.

To date, the board has failed to reveal the identities of those who have been given the mandate of running the controversial entity that has been the centre of public concern, leadership duels and rifts in the most recent past.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), when contacted on the issue recently, could not divulge any substantial information to this publication, but pointed in the direction of a DCB appointed administrator, who then referred this publication back to the GCB.

The failure to reveal the identities of the new board has led to mounting criticisms about the reasons behind the secrecy and lack of transparency about the internal affairs of the DCB.

Following the January 25 elections, it was promised that the names of the office bearers would have been made public through an official release from the GCB. To date, this has not happened.

The DCB has been affected by factionalism, which for the past three years, has been blanketed in one court case after the other, caused by a crippling power struggle.

Eventually, a court ruling in the High Court prohibited both factions from acting on behalf of the entity after they held

separate elections back in January of 2010.

Surprisingly, in January this year, one of the factions held elections. Observers maintain that elections were held so as to ensure that there was some amount of validity to GCB elections that were two days after and that there would have been a quorum to facilitate the local governing body’s elections.

The East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) and Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) were not part of the DCB elections and have since pulled out of any dealing with the current DCB setup that draws its support from the East and West Bank Demerara sub-associations.

One faction proceeded with the elections, despite another injunction that was served against the faction hours prior to the DCB elections.

The injunction was granted to plaintiffs Roger Harper and Davteerth Anandjit and the defendants named in the court document were Rajendra Singh,

Lalta Digamber, Anand Sanasie, Alfred Mentore, Anand Kalladeen, Ravindranauth Persaud, Ronald Sarjoo, Nazimul Drepaul, Colin Europe, Ray Persaud, Krishnchand Mangal, Chetram Singh, Lionel Jaikaran, Ramsey Ali, Fizul Bacchus, Drubahadur, Troy Mendonca, Terrence Holder and Rayon Griffith.

The interim injunction had restrained the defendants “by themselves, their servants and or agents acting collectively or individually…from convening or causing to be convened or holding an Annual General Meeting of the Demerara Cricket Board on January 25, 2013 or any other date for the purpose of the election of office bearers to the Executive Committee of the Demerara Cricket Board for the period 2013 to 2015 term of office.”

So, it therefore means that the DCB, which is a national body that should be accountable to the nation, ought to make the names of its officials public.

Bolt “would only run 200m” at Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Usain Bolt says he would probably only run the 200m if he decides to compete at next year’s Commonwealth Games.

The six-time Olympic champion hopes to participate in Glasgow, but will discuss it with his coach Glen Mills.

“It’s on my to-do list,” Bolt, 27, told BBC Radio 5 live. “I really want to do it but I never go against my coach.

“It [the 100m and 200m double] probably would be unlikely. I probably would run the 200m if I go because it’s my favourite event.”

The Jamaican has never won a Commonwealth medal but added: “We are going to discuss it, we are not fully sure if I will go but throughout the season we will decide if that will be a good

thing to do.”

Bolt came to prominence with victory in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and did the same in London four years later.

He now aims to complete the ‘treble treble’ by winning all three disciplines at the 2016 Games in Rio to cement his legend status.

“That would be outstanding for me,” said Bolt. “I’ve done so much so far and to go and to defend my titles once more would just set me apart from a lot of athletes. “I want my name in stone with many other athletes[boxer] Mohammed Ali, [runner] Michael Johnson, [basketball player] Michael Jordan - all these greats in their different sports.

“I want to be among these guys when I retire, so that when people talk about sport I’m always in the mix.”

Bolt is considering putting plans to end his career after the next Olympics on hold to run at the 2017 World Championships in London.

“I wanted to retire after Rio,” he said. “But my fans are really saying: ‘No, go one more year, do it one more time’. Then my sponsors came on board, so I might go one more year.

“I said it to my coach and he said it’s possible, it can be done. We’ll see.” (BBC Sport)

Plaisance/Vryheid’s Lust Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust through to semis

By Treiston Joseph

Plaisance/Vryheid’s Lust escaped with a narrow 75-72 win over Lodge/Meadowbrook when the quarter-final of the Trinity Grid Holding Pacesetters Inter-Ward Basketball Championships was held on Wednesday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The East Coast side came out hot, playing their usual run and gun style that features a lot of threepoint shooting. Stephon Gillis lit up the Lodge/ Meadowbrook defence with 11 points to give his side a

first quarter lead of 25-16. The second quarter was a different tale. Plaisance/ Vryheid’s Lust went cold as Lodge/Meadowbrook dominated the paint with physical and tough plays to end the first half with a 36-34 lead.

The physical contest continued in the third quarter and the Plaisance/ Vryheid’s Lust players were not given the space to launch their threes at will. The quarter ended all tied up on 50 points.

Nikkoloi Smith, who was cold for most of the evening, came alive in the fourth for the East Coast

side, starting a 10-point barrage with a driving floater before following up with two consecutive threes. He also nailed two clutch free throws to push his side ahead and eventually handed Plaisance/ Vryehid’s Lust the win.

Shelroy Thomas was also instrumental in the win with a team-high 20 points. His drives and six clutch free throws in the final quarter were pivotal for preserving the lead for the East Coast team.

Smith finished with 12 points, Enoch Matthews had 17 while Gillis, who had 11 points in the first,

finished with 13, fouling out with 2:55s left in the game.

Hodayah Stewart had a game high 21 points for Lodge/Meadowbrook that consisted of a number of mid-range floaters and fast break points. Drumson McCully had a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Meanwhile, in the earlier game Wortmanville/ Werk-en-Rust held their nerves to pull off a nailbiting 69-68 victory over McDoom/Diamond.

Wortmanville/Werk-enRust players dominated the game, using their strength

in the low post to inflict damage on the McDoom/ Diamond defence, clogging the lanes to prevent drives to the bucket.

However, Travis Burnett was not to be denied when he gave his East Bank side the lead for the first time in the game with 48.7s left on the clock.

Neylon Loncke then game his team a one point advantage with 14s left to go in the game. However, Burnette, after trying to save a ball from going out of bounds threw the ball into the hands of his opponents, who were immediately fouled with only 1.9s

left in the game.

Both free throws were missed but time expired soon after to give the Georgetown side the game. Loncke had a game high 23 points while Michael Turner contributed 14 points.

Burnett had 20 points and four steals, three of which came in the final period to bring his team back. Ryan Stephany had 14 points.

Meanwhile, games will continue this Saturday at the CASH with the final set of quarter-final matches round before the semi-finals on Sunday.

GOA commits to funding coach for GRFU

Trophy Stall softball tournament bowls off on September 29

– GFSCA prepares for Guyana Softball Cup III

Trophy Stall will sponsor the next nationwide male/female softball tournament, which is a prelude to the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) international softball tournament, Guyana Softball Cup III.

Games begin on September 29 at various venues around the country. The tournament will use white balls.

Male and Female Open and Male 40 years and older are the categories players will compete in. The top prizes for the two male categories are $100,000 and a trophy. Runners-up will receive $25,000 and trophy.

On the distaff side, the winner will pocket $50,000 and trophy, and runner-up, $25,000 and trophy.

There will also be prizes for player of the tournament and man of the match in the final.

Teams interested can call Wayne Jones at 650-1790 (Demerara), Khalid Baksh at 618-1905 (Essequibo) and David Looknauth at 618-3717 (Berbice).

Meanwhile, the international tour-

President of the Guyana Olympic Association KA

Juman Yassin has committed to funding Level Three coach Spencer Robinson to aid the national sevens rugby team in their quest to reclaim Caribbean supremacy.

“I had discussions with Mr Green (Peter Green president of the Guyana Rugby Football Union) and his treasurer yesterday and basically in principal we have agreed to support

Sevens Championships in November, which would also enter them into qualifiers for the Rugby World Cup.

In a telephone interview, Green confirmed that the Canadian will be offering his services to Guyana but could not say what role national coach Theodore Henry will be playing. He indicated however, that would have to be discussed at the GRFU level.

Robinson gained his credentials from

the Guyana Rugby Union for them to attain the services of Spencer Robinson.

“We have committed to one million dollars but they are still to work out the mechanic with Mr Spencer. But once that is done the funds would be made available to them,” Yassin stated at a recent press conference.

The main reason for choosing Robinson is to aid Guyana’s chances of regaining the North American and Caribbean Rugby Associations (NACRA)

the Canadian National Coaching Certification Programme (NCCP) and currently coaches the True Blue BC Rugby Under-15 boy’s Provincial team. He also has experience at all levels of the game.

Further, Robinson will be supplying Guyana with programmes for training to assist assistant coach Lawrence Adonis.

Robinson is expected to join the team in the Cayman Islands for the NACRA Championships.

(Treiston Joseph)

nament will feature teams from New York, Florida, Canada and Guyana. Guyana Softball Cup III will be held in Georgetown at various venues on November 8, 9 and 10, for the finals at the GCC ground, Bourda.

Edwards states comeback case with ton

The FIFA World Cup trophy will arrive in Guyana on October 30 as part of the FIFA World Cup tour by Coca-Cola, title sponsor of next year’s event in Brazil.

The tour is being labeled the world’s most “inclusive, participatory experiential event ever” by Coca-Cola.

According to a release from FIFA, the World Cup trophy tour by Coca-Cola will give more than one million people across the world the chance to experience the FIFA World trophy in their own communities.

The release added the tour will be the largest and longest global tour of the FIFA World Cup trophy, visiting 89 countries, with events planned in 39 of those countries. Fifty new countries will also have the opportunities to host the trophy.

The tour is an exhibition of the real, one-of-a-kind, solid-gold FIFA World Cup trophy.

The tour officially started in Brazil on September 12, its first international stop. It then moves to Fiji, Vanuatu and Tahiti in the South Pacific to get to Costa Rica on September 24, as the first point of its appointment in the Americas.

On the other hand, the tour arrives at theCheddi Jagan International Airport

(CJIA), Timehri, at 09:00h on October 30 and dignitaries will get a first look of the trophy before, the media event.

Banks DIH Limited Sports Club at Thirst Park will be the venue for an exclusive experience where the trophy will be on display and invitees will get a chance to have their picture taken.

The tour continues through Central America and the Caribbean to November 7 and from there will travel to Africa, Middle East, Asia, South and North America and Europe, before returning to Brazil in late April next year, in time for the start of the World Cup.

The Coca-Cola company has had a long-standing relationship with FIFA since 1974 and has been an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup since 1978. Coca-Cola is a long-time supporter of football at all levels. This is the third time that CocaCola and FIFA have come together to bring the trophy tour to the world, starting in 2006 and then again in 2010.

For more details on the tour dates, upcoming events and access information, visit www.Caribbean. Coca-Cola.com, follow the Twitter account @CocaCola and @TrophyTour or visit on Facebook facebook.com/ Coca-Cola.