Guyana Times Daily

GWI ups pressure on errant customers

Gunmen terrorise Mosquito Hall family

Roshana thanks supporters as she heads home

Eight homeless after Vryheids Lust fire

Trawler out of Guyana intercepted in Ghana with cocaine

EU hails land use planning project as a success

GWI ups pressure on errant customers – declining revenues force countrywide disconnection campaign

The Guyana Water Inc (GWI) on Wednesday announced that it has increased its countrywide disconnection activities for outstanding water service charges.

According to Customer Services Manager Jeanette Thomas, while the disconnection campaign launched in June 2013 initially garnered a large response from customers, the utility is experiencing a decline in revenues since October.

“Customers in particular areas simply refuse to respond to our appeals despite the fact that they are receiving excellent service,” Thomas was quoted in a GWI statement as saying.

She added: “We are now forced to remove the entire service of customers who have not made any payments or attempted to resolve their debt with the utility company.”

Thomas further explained that the utility launched several initiatives to recover outstanding debts, including the “Walletfriendly Payment Plans”, which allowed customers to pay their debt in small, flexible amounts.

“We also launched another phase of our Community Connect programme,” stated Thomas. She said the company visited communities in Mahaicony, Timehri, Buxton, Annandale and

Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, but unfortunately, the response was poor in some communities and the utility will be forced to disconnect the services of customers who refuse to clear their outstanding bills.

Meanwhile, GWI Finance Director Jaigopaul Ram stated that “more than 50 per cent of our customer database is in debt and we are forced to take this action because our energy costs continue to increase; we have expanded water service on the East Coast of Demerara and improved our service in Georgetown, East Bank of Demerara and Bartica, which has increased electricity costs. We cannot contin-

ue to provide water service at such high costs and not receive adequate rev enues from our cus tomers”.

No option

In addition to payment plans and community outreaches, GWI said it offered waivers to discon nected customers and customers with large ar rears. “This yielded minimal results,” stated Thomas. “We have no option but to disconnect our customers, remove their entire service and have them start the process of registering for a new service again.”

ex - plained that disconnected customers would be required to visit the nearest GWI branch to register for a new service, along with paying the necessary penalties, including disconnection fees.

“GWI contractors and water service inspectors will be policing communities to ensure that disconnected customers do not illegally reconnect their service or tamper with GWI’s system,” the GWI manager said, noting that once disconnected, GWI contractors will return all equipment including ser-

vice connections and saddles to the company; customers will not receive a new service until they have paid and registered for a new service; paid all outstanding debt or signed a payment contract.

Thomas stated that GWI contractors have mobilised for the countrywide service removal from Monday, November 18. GWI service inspectors will be visiting disconnected customers to inspect for illegal activities or tampering.

“We are appealing to every customer with outstanding payments to visit the nearest branch,” Thomas said, adding: “having to sign up for a new service and pay disconnection or tampering fees will be a long and arduous task for customers and must be avoided at all costs; GWI urges every customer to make payments immediately or sign up for a Walletfriendly Payment Plan”. To avoid the removal of their entire service, GWI customers with arrears can query their bills via 227-8701/03 or 04.

Int’l political will lacking in climate fight

– Jagdeo tells Commonwealth heads

Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo last week again warned global leaders of the serious threats of climate change as he presented a report on the phenomenon at the just- concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma back in June this year had appointed Jagdeo to lead a highlevel team of experts to identify solutions to enable small, poor and climate-vulnerable Commonwealth countries to fight climate change. Jagdeo has been joined by eight others to lobby the international community to help identify practical solutions for those countries most at risk from climate change.

The group will tackle how best to access resources to support low-emission and climate-resilient development in small and climate-vulnerable states. The secretary general had said then that the Commonwealth Expert Group on Climate Finance, convened under his Good Offices for the Environment, would have tabled their report to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka which was done Friday last.

The former president, as a special guest of the Commonwealth secretary general, was invited to Colombo to update leaders on the outcomes of the work carried out by the Commonwealth expert group, which he chaired.

Grave threat

Heads of government welcomed the report in their communiqué, while agreeing to progress consideration of its recommendations and requesting that it be disseminated and discussed at the United Nations climate change meet-

The picture above shows Prince Charles, Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma and former President Bharrat Jagdeo at the first meeting of the expert group in June 2013. The Prince of Wales represented Queen Elizabeth II at the Sri Lanka meeting of heads of government

ings. All leaders recognised that climate change is a grave threat to members of the Commonwealth, while at the closing press conference, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Rasak, and the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma both highlighted how the Commonwealth could provide global leaders on climate change, as set out in the report.

Speaking after the meeting, former President Jagdeo said: “Every Head of Government I meet knows what the science is telling us. They know the seriousness of a 3.6 or 4 degree rise in temperature, and they know that this could undermine decades of development. Most also know that investing in a shift to a low carbon economy today will save lots of money in the future. But what is still missing is the critical mass of international political will that can take the tough decisions needed to enable the de-

veloping world to achieve its low carbon potential – and without this, the world cannot avert catastrophic climate change, or deal with its consequences. Our report sought to identify practical steps that could make a difference now, alongside highlighting the huge importance of political leadership from Heads of Government between now and 2015, when all the countries of the world have agreed to seal a global climate deal.”

The report produced by the Expert Group presented five proposals, and recognised that Commonwealth developing countries are “seeking to lead the world towards a more sustainable future by creating low carbon development pathways, adaption to climate change and protecting their societies and impacts from its impacts”.

The report called for greater transparency and accountability from countries that were contributing climate finance and for increased ef-

forts to help the small and more vulnerable countries navigate today’s complex systems for climate change. The government of Mauritius offered to host a Commonwealth Finance Skills Hub, as set out in the report, and this was welcomed by the other Heads of Government. The report also called on Commonwealth leaders to attend the UN Secretary General’s Climate Summit in 2014. It also drew attention to the need for better structures to incentivise private finance into green investment in developing countries, and called for the operationalization and capitalisation of the Green Climate Fund, as agreed by all the world’s countries in Cancun in 2010. Jagdeo has been recognised internationally for his role in battling climate change as manifested in the Low Carbon Development Strategy for Guyana which has seen a financing deal from Norway worth potentially US$250M.

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

Monroe Doctrine ended?

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s announcement that his country has abandoned its 190-year-old “Monroe Doctrine” of President James Monroe did not resonate as loudly here as it probably did in South and Central America. And that is a pity because much of our present political predicament is a consequence of that doctrine.

Back in 1823, a half a century after the U.S. had fought its War of Independence against Britain, it had become powerful enough to declare it would oppose any effort of any European power to reassert colonialism in this hemisphere.

Latin America had just won its wars of independence from Spain, so the doctrine was pointedly directed at that country and not Britain, which retained its sugar producing colonies in the Caribbean, including British Guiana.

In the years that followed, however, the doctrine was converted from a shield into a sword, as the U.S. continued to develop economically and sought markets in Latin America. By the middle of the 19th century, with the gold rush to California in full swing, Nicaragua became a shortcut from the U.S. East Coast.

The United Fruit Company, which would make the banana into an American staple, also bequeathed the name to the individual countries in Latin America: Banana Republics. It was a resurgent U.S. in 1899 that insisted on getting involved to “settle” Venezuela’s claim against two-thirds of British Guiana. We are still fighting off this claim.

By 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt unilaterally introduced the “Monroe Corollary”: the role of the U.S. as a “civilised country” was not to just keep out European colonisers but to intervene to “preserve order and protect life and property” in Latin America.

Cuba, for instance, occupied after the U.S. defeated Spain in 1898, endured a series of U.S.-installed dictators ending with Fulgencio Batista. National Guards were trained by the U.S. and their commanders also regularly overthrew their governments, taking care to retain “friendship” with the U.S.

In the beginning of the 20th century, under the guise of “protecting” the individual countries from “disorder”, with increasing frequency, the U.S. invaded the countries and installed friendly dictators. By 1933, however, President Franklin Rooseveldt, with great fanfare, announced a “Good Neighbour” policy towards Latin America and vowed not to intervene or invade. It would rather foster trade and business linkages – economic penetration.

By 1945, that policy was discarded as the U.S. plunged into a Cold War with the USSR and a new wave of invasions and overthrowing of governments ensued. Jacobo Arbentz in Guatemala in 1964 is a good example.

It was rather unfortunate that Kerry mentioned John F Kennedy as a president with a “similar” vision of countries being allowed to act “independently” in Latin America. Kennedy’s “Alliance for Progress”, launched in 1961 did not even survive the decade. During that time, of course, there was the infamous Bay of Pigs invasion and subsequent economic embargo on Cuba were launched.

In what has not even become a footnote to that era of “progress”, there was also the ouster of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime in this country between 1961 and 1964. The Monroe Doctrine and its corollary appeared to be quite alive and well. As if in a time warp, Guyanese politics has not progressed much since then.

Earlier this year, Kerry himself referred to Latin America as the U.S.’s “backyard”, a comment that precipitated outrage from several regional leaders. It is to be hoped that Kerry’s disavowal of the Monroe Doctrine represents a realistic reappraisal by the U.S. of its role in Latin America. The world has moved on since the “containment” doctrines followed by President Harry Truman and his successors after World War II: the Cold War is over and the global and regional economic realities have undergone seismic changes.

A gesture by the U.S. to demonstrate seriousness on the issue would be to remove the economic embargo on Cuba –the last relic of the old Monroe Doctrine’s world view.

By hook or crook …

If tax owed to M&CC is written off, it must be treated as income

Dear Editor, Christopher Ram and Glenn Lall have claimed that they had understandings with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) with regard to payment of their rates and taxes. If, as claimed, the amounts owed by the city council were writ-

ten off in lieu of payment, then those amounts must be treated as income earned by these gentlemen.

The question is: Were these amounts included in their earnings as submitted to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in their income tax returns? Can the

GRA confirm this from their records? If this is not the case, then it is possible that false declarations were made to the GRA.

If these honourable gentlemen can show that they have declared as their earnings the millions they claimed were paid to the city council in lieu of services rendered, then they are in a position to make a case against the City Council. Hope they are able to do this for their sake.

Sincerely, Shaf Azeez

Our rich biodiversity must be explored

Dear Editor,

Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat. Though many of us may not be aware, every living organism plays a vital role in the ecosystem.

Biological resources contribute to a large per cent of needs, including the world’s economy. Rich biodiversity has for years offered scientists continuous opportuni-

ties for medical discoveries. Additionally, a healthy and rich biodiversity composition provides for a number of natural services, including protection of water resources; soils formation and protection; nutrient storage and recycling, pollution breakdown and absorption; maintenance of ecosystems and a significant contribution to climate stability.

With the many benefits

and advantages the rainforest offers, it is imperative for us to promote, maintain and care Guyana’s rich biodiversity.

Presently, the Biodiversity Assessment Team (BAT) is in the process of exploring the biodiversity composition of the South Rupununi.

With 241 unique species of main vegetation, 150 ant species, 302 species of birds,

34 species of reptiles and 25 species of amphibians, the Rupununi’s diverse plant and animal life holds significant implications for tourism. The assessment to be conducted by the BAT will soon provide us with accurate and more detailed documentation pertaining to Guyana’s biodiversity.

Sincerely,

Onel Maynard

Safety precautions for the Christmas season

Dear Editor, I must commend the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for taking precautionary measures to provide additional security and monitoring of the city during the upcoming Christmas season. The presence of police officers often inhibits criminal activities and further brings some sense of protection and safety to many.

An increase in police patrols can soon be expected around the city. Police officers; both uniformed and de-

coys, are expected to traverse the area both on foot and in vehicles more frequently than usual. Additionally, officers will be strategically placed in booths at several points throughout the city to monitor activities.

The traffic situation in Guyana can often become over whelming, particularly during the Christmas holidays. It is evident that our roadways cannot accommodate the many vehicles utilised. Additionally, there

aren’t enough lanes to facilitate the steady flow of traffic, and as such, we often encounter traffic congestions.

It is the responsibility of the traffic police to ensure the continuous and orderly flow of traffic at all times. They must continue to identify and castigate those who fail to comply with traffic laws and regulations.

Pick pockets and other petty crimes are often quite frequent during this time of the year. Pedestrians and

shoppers need to take necessary precautions since they are often the victims of such petty crimes.

Though we will have an increase in police patrols, I urge individuals to be aware of their environment at all times. They must be conscious of their surroundings, particularly when handling or exchanging money and other valuable items.

With kind regards, Ronnie Kanhai

The

DR

judge’s decision was based on interpretation of “blood” as the significant qualifier

Dear Editor,

What is the compelling raison d’être for a country, of mostly mulattoes (WhiteBlack racial fusion) of The Dominican Republic (DR) openly rejecting their ancestral black origin as evidenced in their refusal to accommodate the predominantly black Haitians in their country in equality? Is it economics, politics, sharp cultural differences or just simply fear of being overwhelmed into oblivion?

Obviously the DR’s mulattoes’ fusion has become a problem and cause for alarm. The DR High Court judge ruled that anyone born in that country does not automatically get DR citizenship because he/she is not of “pure” blood. Can similar alarm and concerns by those who feel offended by the clamour for douglarisation be also justified?

So far miscegenation, that is, mulatto/douglarisation has not solved any racial problem in any Caribbean country. It has now become a huge problem considering mulatto is a new improved “pure” race for an entire country.

The judge’s ruling was aimed specifically at the

mostly black Haitians who had been living in that neighbouring country after crossing the border. The French speaking Haitian black population has been living in the DR since 1920, but are not welcome anymore.

The judge’s decision also covers the children of Haitians born in the DR denying them citizenship by birth, claiming the parents are in-transit and not permanent or legal residents.

No Guyanese leader, Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), or public Caribbean outcry came after Guyana’s former Chief Magistrate Juliet HolderAllen’s bizarre advocacy of deporting all Indo Guyanese to India.

Contrast to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s silence unlike its current support for Haiti and Haitians in the DR. (See http:// www.kaieteurnewsonline. com/2011/01/14/juliet-holder-allen-should-be-a-littlemore-circumspect-with-herlaw-credentials/)

The DR judge’s decision was based on interpretation of “blood” as the significant qualifier. Apparently

the DR official policy somehow feels threatened by the multiplying black Haitian population, which can change future DR’s citizenship laws. Does this development reflect on the rest of the Caribbean, especially Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and Jamaica?

Many Blacks and some Indians advocate intermarriage and douglarisation as the panacea for our many political problems. Considering that the DR mulattoes now consider themselves a pure race what exonerates those douglarisation advocates who are also sowing the seeds of future conflicts when those offspring eventually consider themselves a pure race?

Would any “pure race” attempt to discriminate against local whites and Syrians in Trinidad, Chinese and Amerindians in Guyana and declassifying them as non citizens of Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad, just as the DR is doing, be any more acceptable? We must be careful for what we wish for. It may come back to haunt us.

Yours truly, Vassan Ramacha

GPL initiatives require the nation’s participation

Dear Editor, Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) recently installed approximately 2000 electric meters around Georgetown as its initial attempt to implement the first phase of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).

The GPL meter allows for a more efficient approach to monitoring electricity usage. They can be remotely read and therefore minimises any hassle for GPL workers to get to them.

The new initiative also

minimises the chances of people being able to illegally gain access to electricity.

Electricity theft is a crime that often goes unseen. Many individuals foolishly risk their lives in an attempt to illegally connect to a power supply or to reconnect a line that was disconnected or tamper with meters to interfere with electricity readings.

Many people fail to realise that an overload of electricity can result in an unreliable and unstable source of fluctuating power that can

damage many household appliances and further affect other customers.

As law abiding citizens, we need to take responsibility and immediately notify GPL of any customer or individual that may be suspected of being involved in any illegal activities as it relates to meter tampering, tapping into power lines and any other means of stealing electricity.

Yours truly, Neville Blackman

Tragedies waiting to happen

Dear Editor,

There is a popular night spot located in Lusignan, where just recently, a young man was beaten to death. This bar often attracts individuals of all ages from nearby villages to indulge in alcohol consumption.

Evidently, many of these individuals become intoxicated and proceed to get behind the wheel. I dare say if police officers wanted to catch drunk drivers in the act, just before they pull off, this spot would be an ideal decoy.

Additionally, bars and bar owners need to desist from selling alcohol to individuals who are already drunk. Instead of contributing to the

problem they should find it necessary to report these individuals to the police.

Aside from preventing a potential misfortune, this approach will hopefully give people a good reason to drink more responsibly. Moreover, bars should stipulate a legal age for drinking. We all need to be responsible citizens and I call for urgent action before more major tragedies happen.

Sincerely, Resident of Lusignan Name withheld by request

Alternatives to wrapping paper

Half of the paper America consumes each year is used to wrap and decorate consumer products. In the U.S., the annual trash from gift wrap and shopping bags totals over four million tons. In Canada, the annual waste from gift wrap and shopping bags equals about 54,500 tons. If everyone wrapped just three gifts in reused paper or fabric gift bags, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 hockey rinks.

• Use environmentally friendly wrapping paper

Choose wrapping paper made using fibres such as hemp or paper using recycled content.

• Avoid buying glossy foil or metallic wrapping paper

You can do a beautiful wrapping job for your gifts without having to use metallic wrapping paper. This kind of ‘paper’ is difficult to recycle and it has no value for use as mulch since there are heavy metals used in the foil paper. Foil gift wrap is also harder to reuse, since it wrinkles and creases easily when the gift is being unwrapped.

• Reuse gift wrap where possible

Large wrapped presents usually have large enough uncreased sections to be reused for wrapping smaller gifts. If you open large gift packages with care, the paper can be set aside for reuse for other gift-giving oc-

casions. Fancy ribbons and bows, of course, can be stored in a box till next year when you’ll appreciate having them around and not having to buy new ones.

• Use tape sparingly, or not at all

If you’re going to use ribbon to finish off your wrap-

Helping school-age children prepare for a new teacher Christmas

ideas, visit our page: Giftwrapping Alternatives

Reuse/recycle

Each year, 50 million Christmas trees are purchased in the U.S. Of those, about 30 million go to the landfill. And added to this is the carbon cost in trans-

ping, you may not need to use tape. By not using tape, more of the wrapping paper can be reclaimed, and it’s easier for the recipient to save the wrapping for reuse.

• Choose alternatives to commercial gift wrap

There are many options which are cost-free, attractive solutions. Gift bags can be made using fabric scraps, or wrapping can be made using comic strips from the paper, old calendars, maps, posters and more. For more

porting all these trees to the landfill. Much of the environmental costs associated with the holidays can be reduced by simple awareness and some pre-planning.

• Reuse or recycle gift packing materials

Bubble wrap can be stored for reuse, or recycled. Foam packing chips are not as easily recycled; if you don’t want to store this material for reuse, take it to a shipping centre like Mailboxes etc, who will ac-

cept it for their own use. Cardboard boxes should be opened flat and set out for recycling; storing and reusing these boxes is even better as no additional energy is used in remanufacturing.

• Save any special gift wrap, ribbons and bows

When unwrapping large gifts, save the paper for reuse; it can often be cut down for smaller presents. Creased wrapping can be ironed flat. Ribbons and bows are easy to save and reuse.

• Recycle old electronics

New flat-screen computer monitors, laptops, cameras, cellphones and other electronic items are common holiday gifts. Older models which are being replaced are usually still in working order, however, and should not be discarded to a landfill

• Christmas trees can be recycled too

Live trees that have been cut are a useful material for composting. Composting requires a carbon source and Christmas trees are just right for municipal operations which use chippers to shred the material. Look for tree drop-off locations in your neighbourhood. Artificial trees which are up for replacement can also be recycled. These trees are usually made from twisted metal which is accepted by most recycling centres.

(Eartheasy)

(continued from Wednesday)

BY LUCY DANIELS

The single most important way to prepare for a change is to talk. It is possible that a child will want to avoid thinking about his upcoming year. And although this is understandable – he or she will confront his nervousness about the upcoming year and the sadness about no longer having the prior class – avoidance will not serve a child well. Parents should find ways to bring up the next year, talk about what they do know, and help their son or daughter wonder about what he or she does not know. It may help to remind the child of ways that he or she has solved situation in the past that may have been worrying, such as how he or she made new friends last year.

On the other hand, parents have a different task with children who manage

their anxiety with repetitiveness rather than avoidance. After hearing his or her concerns three, five or 10 times, parents should tell their son or daughter that it is not helpful to just worry. It is more helpful to think about what he or she will do about these worries. Even if this is difficult for the child to do with his or her parent, it is worth persevering. The key here is to turn passivity – either expressed through avoidance or through the helplessness of worries that loop – into an active, solution-focused orientation. Activity, and the confidence that it brings, is the best antidote to anxiety. There are other kinds of preparation that might help. Visiting the school would be useful, especially if there is a change of schools. Meeting the teacher before class begins is often a great assistance. Planning a trip to get the supplies for beginning the year might help. It is always a good idea to involve the child as much as possible in this activity.

Because the relationship with his or her teacher will be so important in helping a child become grounded in the classroom, parents might ask their son or daughter what they would like the new teacher to know about him or her. Parents could tell the teacher about this on the first day (if possible) or, even better, encourage their child to tell their teacher.

There are many other ways to prepare for the coming school year. Parents should use their imagination and knowledge of what is important to their child.

Starting a new school year brings excitement and anxiety for a child. Every child will benefit from a blend of their parents’ understanding, assistance and expectations. When parents keep that hand to a reticent child’s back and remember that the development of emotional strength, what we call mental muscles, requires repetition and some heavy lifting, their child will be better for having met the challenge.

(lucydanielscenter.org)

Gunmen terrorise Mosquito Hall family

– escape with cash, jewellery after beating victims

BY BHISHAM MOHAMED

Fear gripped the Jagernauth family of Lot 59 Mosquito Hall, Mahaica early Wednesday morning when two young gunmen invaded their property, demanding cash and jewellery.

The gunmen, whose faces were partially covered with handkerchiefs, gained entry into the home from a back window, using a zinc shed as support. After an hour brutalising the family, they eventually left the Jagernauths in a bloodied state before escaping with cash and jewellery.

At the home of the Jagernauths, head of the household, Nandkumar explained that he was sleeping in one of the bedrooms when he heard his wife screaming and as he got up to make checks, he was confronted by one of the gunmen who gun butted him to the forehead and demanded money and jewellery.

“He start hit meh in meh head then he tie me up… tek one pillow case, shove it in meh mouth; tek another, one tie around me mouth… tek de phone charger and tie up meh hand… tek earpiece and tie up meh foot.. I seh wah, I go dead here now.”

He related that the gunmen then focused their attention on his wife and children who were in the next room, demanding money but after some struggle, he managed to escape by plunging through his bedroom window. He landed on the zinc shed and called out to neighbours for help.

Unmasked

“I only see one of them… the one that I see, I scramble with he and tek off the mask and he seh, he go shoot me and kill me it I talk is who… meh she bhai, me nah see you, meh nah recognise yuh, tek wah you want and go way.” He was convinced that the gunmen were from the village, but refused to release their identities to the police since he was scared that the men would return to harm his family.

Nandkumar said he has been living at his current residence for the past nine years and has never experienced this form of brutality.

Gaitree Ramesh, the auto electrician’s wife, told Guyana Times that she was in a room with her daughter when suddenly she heard a banging sound and decided to check, but as she walked towards the bedroom door, she was greeted by three men in front of the door.

“They shove meh down on the ground and one ah dem put a knife in meh back… and the next one went to meh husband. The one wah went with me ask for money and jewellery and tell me if I mek noise, he go kill me so I tell he don’t beat meh, I go give them the money,” the badly beaten woman explained.

She added: “I de still deh on the ground and he tek a knife and point it to meh face, so I hold de knife and attempt to tek it away, but he bite meh hand… we start to fight… and then he tell the other one to come and black me out.”

are the men and he ah hesitate.”

The angry man disclosed that last week at least three persons were robbed in a similar fashion in the community. He also stated that there was an active policing group in the area, but due to time constraints, it was abolished. With the escalation of robberies in the community, he is calling for the group to be resuscitated.

Son tied up

The other gunman, she revealed lashed her about her head and proceeded to tie up her four-year-old son, but not before covering her face with a curtain. “Dem then tek my daughter and carry she to the kitchen and ask she to hand over the money; meh hear she scream so I try to get up to check on she, but one ah dem kick meh to meh face.”

They then collected what they wanted and left the house.

Meanwhile, Michael Ganesh, a neighbour who went in aid of the family, said about 02:10h, he heard the Jagernauths screaming for thief.

“I come outside and went over to their house. When I reach over, he tell me that some men went in his house with gun… so I tell he let we go upstairs back, but he said he was too scared. When I go up stairs, I saw his wife inside the bedroom with her mouth tied and hands bounded and a sheet was wrapped around her neck,” he added.

Ganesh said he released the woman and then called out to neighbours for help, but by this time, he said the bandits had already left the house.

He also vented his anger at the Jagernauths, claiming that despite them knowing the identities of the two men, they refused to inform the police. “I risk my life and now

he doesn’t want to talk… the gunmen tied a sheet around he four- year-old son neck and threatened to hang him and now he get the opportunity to tell the police who

As recent as Sunday, two gunmen carried out a brazen robbery a few houses away from the Jagernauths, carting off money and jewellery. This newspaper was told that when the Jagernauths contacted the police at Mahaica, they were advised to lodge a report when the day “gets bright”.

thursday, november 21, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

Labourer remanded for cultivating cannabis

Elbert Stephen of Anna Regina, Region Two was charged for two offences after he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court. Stephen was not represented by an attorney.

He was charged for the cultivation of a prohibited plant and possession of narcotics.

A search was conducted and a quantity of seeds, leaves and stems were found in his pants pocket.

Police conducted a search

According to a police report, on November 15, Stephen had in his possession 10 grams of cannabis. Police on patrol duty saw the defendant driving a car and when they approached he drove away, ending up in a trench, but was unhurt.

at his home and found 10 cannabis plants. He was charged for both offences. Prosecutor Krishnadat Ramana refused bail, and as such, Magistrate Scarce remanded him.

Timehri squatter charged for break and enter

A17-year-old woman living in the Timehri Fire Station area has been slapped with several break and enter charges. She has been remanded to prison until March 24, 2014, to stand trial for the offences.

During the early hours of November 14, Timehri police officers raided the abode where Ronslyn Clarke resides and confiscated four motorcycles [three of which were in parts], one camera, one refrigerator, three cellphones, two laptops and one pair of computer speakers.

Ironically, police raided the same dwelling on November 1 and arrested and charged a couple –

Stanley and Nikita Johnson – following the discovery of 1406 grams of cannabis.

Stanley is currently serving three years for the drug charge while his wife was sentenced to 18 months.

The arrests of these individuals have prompted Public Works and Transport Minister Robeson Benn to reiterate his concern of individuals living in proximity to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

According to him, the vulnerability of the CJIA comes into question.

“That is one of the main reasons we want the squatters removed,” he stated. “Over the years, we have

been faced with many security challenges with undesirables living close to the airport. If one could remember, one of Guyana’s most dangerous criminals/terrorists (Rondell Rawlins also known as ‘Fine Man’) lived for months in the area. Imagine what could have happened if he had unleashed terror in the community.”

In light of this, Minister Benn has requested that CJIA officials amass data to formulate a security impact assessment report.

Over the last few years, the airport facilities have been exposed to theft. In 2008, runway lights valued thousands of U.S. dollars were stolen from the airport.

Police operations uncovered electrical cables at several locations in the Timehri squatting area.

Furthermore, burglars have breached the airport’s perimeter fence on a number of occasions to steal any accessible equipment and fuel from the navigation aids’ storage facilities. Navigation aids are critical to the safe over flight and landing of commercial aircraft.

When these aids are rendered inoperable, air traffic control workload increases as they will have greater difficulty in ensuring the safe separation of aircraft flying in Guyana’s airspace.

Charity man fined for issuing forged currency

ACharity man was found guilty of issuing forged current notes to a businessman. Rajiv Daljit appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce

on Monday at the Charity Magistrate’s Court, where a trial was conducted into the matter.

Daljit, a well known businessman, was charged on October 9, 2012 for issuing forged currency notes to clothes dealer Linden Moore, at the Charity Mall, Region Two.

According to a police report, Daljit on October 5, 2012, with the intention to defraud, issued to Linden Moore G$11,000, knowing same to be forged.

The money was exchanged for the purchase of brand name clothing articles.

He appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly in October 2012 and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Upon the transfer of Magistrate Daly, Magistrate Scarce took over the matter where a detailed trial was conducted.

On November 18, Daljit was found guilty of the offence. His attorney, Lachmi Dindyal, made a mitigation plea and asked the court for a non-custodial sentence; however, Prosecutor Krishnadat Ramana objected, stating clearly that custodial sentence should not be imposed due to the seriousness of the offence and its prevalence. Magistrate Scarce imposed a fine of $100,000 or an alternative of one year imprisonment.

Eyew tness

Pie in the sky...

...economics

In America today, one of the most discredited professions is that of “economist”. Not only did this bunch of pointy-heads not predict the economic collapse of 2008 (the exception of Nouriel Roubini just proves the point), but they’ve signally failed to offer any constructive advice as to how the U.S. might extricate itself from the mess it’s found itself in.

A major reason for the sorry state of affairs is the lack of a reality check by the U.S. practitioners of the trade. They sit in their ivory towers, feed numbers into their laptops, and insist that policymakers should ignore the evidence of their eyes and believe what the computer tells them.

U.S. economists have forgotten the basic rule of “garbage in: garbage out”. And the “stylised facts” they invent for their models are invariably that – garbage. And this brings us to the Alliance For Change (AFC) “donkey cart” economist Tarron Khemraj, who waltzed off into the arms of David Granger and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). And not coincidentally, was given back a column in the Stabber News.

Speaking with his master’s voice, he protests the government’s insistence that Cabinet should sign off on procurement contracts. Now rather than dealing with the practical implications of an executive losing control of its development agenda – for which the people voted it in –he goes off on a theoretical tangent on what makes up a “development state”. Except that he blithely proceeds to label the concept “Developmental Public Service”.

As if “state” and “public service” are one and the same. The confusion is clear when he lists the judiciary as part of the “public service”. Anyhow, he starts off arguing for a “no Cabinet role” by arguing for “bureaucratic capacity to implement policies and to be accountable”. Now who in heck would ever have any problem with this. Certainly, not the PPP government.

When the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) took over in 1992, they immediately halted the massive retrenchment the People’s National Congress (PNC) of Desmond Hoyte had started under the (kindly?) ministrations of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The PPP/C then tried to improve “bureaucratic capacity to implement policies”. What did they get for it? First, obdurate foot-dragging. Then, marches in the street by 1999 under Patrick Yarde – in support of the violent street protests launched by the PNC. The public servants resisted every effort to act impartially to “implement policies”.

Khemraj also betrays his impracticality by denouncing “short-term contract employees” in favour for trained and tenured public servants. Did he consider what they would be paid? And what this would do to the established pay scales which the present government has to work within?

Ahhh...it’s so easy to just spin words...

...telecoms sniping

The MuckrakerKN and its owner are so transparent, it’s not even funny. Every week, they concoct some scandalous allegations about people whose success they slaver over and print them in their rag. Then they go out and ask their lapdogs from the opposition to “comment”. Not just “the opposition” but certain members of the opposition – namely Joseph Harmon of APNU and Khemraj Ramjattan of the AFC.

These two fellas are then quoted on successive days – always in full and fulsome support of the Muckraker’s allegations, of course. One wonders, if the two parties think so closely on matters, why in heavens’ name they’ve remained separate? But then you wonder, for instance, on media matters, why wasn’t Moses Nagamootoo quoted? Or from APNU, Rupert Roopnaraine or Carl Barry Greenidge?

And you begin to understand Martin Carter’s dictum of the power of the hands that feed the dog.

...failed control

The PNC boasted about taking over and controlling the “commanding heights of the economy”. After the model collapsed ignominiously, everyone agreed that privatisation was the answer. Now that the PPP/C’s opening up the telecoms sector, the complaint of Harmon and Ramjattan is that there’ll be too much control!

This is like “newspeak”: more is less!!

thurSday, november 21, 2013

Roshana thanks supporters as she heads home

Miss Universe contestant Katherina Roshana has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from Guyana and further afield as she heads back from Russia to her native land.

Roshan and her family are back in New York after a great and wonderful experience in Moscow.

According to a release, Roshana having experienced the international pageant, has seen movements and situations that have caused her to reflect.

The release said attention is given to those countries which pay higher pageant fees and the bigger, more recognised countries are treated with favouritism.

Roshana firmly believes that the time has come for the government to create a budget to assist international pageantry, as is being done by numerous countries worldwide. Money, the release said has a lot to do with the results.

The Miss Guyana Universe queen expressed gratitude to NEW GPC INC Chairman, Dr “Bobby” Ramroop for his company’s sponsorship, and promised to represent the company and its various brands and corporations with energy if necessary.

She is grateful to Guyana Times and the other media entities, including the Guyana Chronicle, Kaieteur News, Stabroek news, and the electronic media.

True ambassador

Roshana highlighted Guyana in a magnificent manner, using her unique style and dynamic ways. She has also amplified the great work done by earlier queens and saluted their great work, despite their challenges.

Roshana is encouraging private enterprises and the government to work as a team, since beauty ambassadors add to the vitality and popularity of a nation.

Most countries, she said finance their queens as they showcase their countries. It would be prudent for the government to look at this as part of a ministry’s budget.

“It is not only about beauty and talent alone, but that queens are made (through constant training and availability of resources) queens,” she said.

Roshana is advising that

Yvonne Hinds re-elected

Guyana Relief Council’s (GRC) long-standing chairperson Yvonne Hinds was re-elected to the post when the council held its annual general meeting on Wednesday.

According to a release, the entire Executive Committee was re-elected.

The members of the committee are Maurice Amres (vice chairman), Barbara Walrond (treasurer), Adele Butts (secretary), Suparna Narine (assistant secretary) and Bernice Mansell (advisor).

The activities of the council are usually managed by the management, welfare and fundraising and finance committees.

Persons elected to serve on the Management Committee for 2013–2014 are Adele Butts (convener), Bernice Mansell, Rohini Bonar, Doris Lewis, Suparna Narine and Gilbert Gomes.

Bonar (convener), Kowsilla Mohabir, Gloria Thompson, Pamela Westford, Samantha Duncan, Ganesh Nauth,

Bernadette Adams and Roxan Abrams will sit on the Welfare Committee, while the Fund Raising/ Finance Committee will be managed by Barbara Walrond (convener), Maurice Amres, Bernice Mansell, Gloria Thompson, Doris Lewis, Adele Butts, Suparna Narine and Nirmala Ramroop-ter Welle

The council said it continues to render assistance to those persons who would have experienced unfortunate circumstances, or had their lives disrupted due to a disaster. For the year, to

a good strategy for the franchise holder is to skip one year, and start early the next as this gives an entire year to showcase the current queen and to building the infrastructure and budget, encouraging the private sector to be vibrant in their support, and convincing the government to come on board to help Guyana’s fledgling beauty ambassadors.

Need for govt support

Since Miss Guyana Universe, Miss Guyana World and Miss India Worldwide are international pageants; Roshana believes that these should also be budgeted for by government, each event, according to their magnitude, and support by their sponsors.

She pledged to assist any future local queen with counsel and friendship and believes Guyana has the capacity to win the Miss Universe sooner or later, “but as a people, as a nation, we have to help make her!”

She also said, “We must stop complaining that a person is too fat or too thin, or too white or too black. These are frivolous, and whoever wins must receive national support from all Guyanese… as a people, we must mature and grow, and cease behaving as if everyone is a pageant specialist.”

While in Russia, Roshana presented gifts of Guyana to many individuals she met. These gifts included Bank of Guyana mint coin sets, souvenirs made of coconut shells, and polished Amazon jungle log pieces (key chains). She also gave photos and cards of Guyana, to highlight the country’s

contribution to eco-friendliness (that is, saving the earth campaigns).

And of course, she educated individuals about the “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” motto of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, where peoples of six races live in harmony and 99 per cent of its citizens are religious-friendly.

“I did it for you, Guyana. I placed my feet on the great-

est and mightiest of places, and met some of the most influential people of the world; walked with the most beautiful women in the world, and stepped on the most majestic carpets in the world. You have given me the chance to highlight Guyana on the map. Guyana let me say to you a most heart-felt thank you!” Roshana said.

chairman of GRC Man gets three years for possession of cocaine

date, the council took on 63 cases of fires, consisting of 282 persons; two cases of high winds with 10 persons; and 49 welfare cases.

Gratitude

“The executive and members of the council appreciate the support of individuals and organisations who have contributed to the humanitarian work of the council,” the release added.

Meanwhile, the GRC said it held its annual luncheon and Dutch auction on October 27 at the Pegasus Hotel. It was another successful fundraising event, the council said. The luncheon was supported by many, including Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles; Mexican Ambassador Francisco Olgiun, other members of the diplomatic corp and supporters.

The Dutch auction was presided over by Ron Robinson, who added much humour as he encouraged persons to donate “through bidding” to the work of the GRC.

The Dutch auction raised a total of $203,000 from the sale of an art piece donated by Dr Theodora Madekurozwa, a BlackBerry cell phone from Digicel and an ornament donated by The Gift Centre. At the event, the GRC also recognised its benefactors.

These persons were St George’s Cathedral Dean, Father Terry Davis; Digicel; Toucan Industries; Dean Hassan and Dr Roger Morton.

They were awarded plaques as recognition of their consistent support and contributions to victims of disaster over the years.

The council also thanked individuals and companies who contributed to the success of the event and continues to plead with members of the public to contribute generously to its humanitarian cause.

“Our responses to disasters are timely and all donations received are recorded and financial donators are given a receipt,” the GRC said.

Alabourer of Bush Lot Village on the Essequibo Coast will have to spend three years imprisonment for having in possession three grams of narcotic. Mark Simon, 33, of Bushlot was charged for possession of narcotic for the purpose of trafficking.

He appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to the narcotic charge. He was not represented by an attorney.

According to police report, on November 18, ranks on patrol found Simon with three grams of narcotic. Police saw him acting in a suspicious manner and conducted a search on him, where they found a silver paper in his left pocket containing a hardish, creamish substance, suspected to be cocaine.

The substance was tested and found to be cocaine. Simon was arrested and charged for the offense. He was fined $30,000 and three months imprisonment.

Henrietta man admits to possession of marijuana

AHenrietta man, after realising that the truth will set him free, pleaded guilty to a narcotic charge during his trial.

Orlando Munroe from Henrietta on the Essiquibo Coast, appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court, where he changed his not guilty plea to guilty.

During his trial on

November 18, he told the court that what was presented by the police was the truth. He made the admittance during a police testimony. According to police reports, on September 12, he was found with three grams of cannabis in his possession. After listening to Munroe, Scarce fined him $15,000 or one month imprisonment for the offence.

Construction of Hope Canal eight-door sluice hits snag

Contractors working on the outfall sluice for the Hope Canal project have been give a deadline of Friday to submit a plan to address issues affecting its construction.

According to Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) consultants and the contractor will jointly formulate this noncost plan that will rectify several challenges affecting this phase of the project.

Minister Ramsammy said too, that the ministry will consider sub-contracts for the sluice. These decisions were taken following the November 16 meeting between the agriculture offi-

cials and contractors on the Hope Canal project.

During the meeting, it was agreed that the three components of the project:

the canal, head regulator and bridge are on track to meet the project’s December 31 deadline, but the sluice will require additional efforts to get there.

Minister Ramsammy had scheduled the meeting with the aim of restating government’s intention that it will not tolerate the contractors going into 2014.

“I have grave concern about the eight-door sluice at the sea-side. I am not comfortable that progress is being made. We had significant progress made in September and in October, unfortunately many opportunity days in November have been lost and that creates concern for me,” the minister told the Government Information

Agency (GINA) recently.

Construction on the project began in February 2011, with an estimated 18 months for completion. The August 2013 deadline however, was later pushed to August 31 and then again to December 31. The project, which will bring relief to the agriculture lands in Mahaica/Mahaicony areas, has four components: a channel which on completion will be 10.3 kilometres in length, from the sea defence embankment and extending to the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), a high-level sluice outfall structure, a conservancy head regulator and a public bridge being constructed at the Hope section.

Bajan organisation among winners of IDB’s Juscelino Kubitschek Award

Nominations for the prestigious award were received from 496 organisations in 28 Latin American, Caribbean and European countries

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) announced on Wednesday that three institutions from Barbados, Brazil, and Nicaragua won the Juscelino Kubitschek Award, which recognises outstanding contributions in economics and finance, and social, cultural, and scientific achievement.

Brazil’s Associação de Ballet e Artes para Cegos and Instituto Nicaragüense de Cultura Hispánica from Nicaragua won in the Social, Cultural, and Scientific Category, for which 388 nominations were received. In the Economics and Finance Category, 108 proposals were submitted, and the award went

to the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Youth Entrepreneurship from Barbados.

The announcement of the winners was the responsibility of the selection committee for the award, named after a Brazilian president who led his country and inspired the foundation of the IDB, the world’s first regional development bank.

The decision to select the winner in the economics and finance category was based on projects promoting youth entrepreneurship. In the second category, the committee considered cultural and social strengthening and promotion activities.

The third edition of the award, presented every two years, attracted 496 nominations, representing organisations in 28 countries in the Americas and Europe.

For each category, there is a prize of US$100,000. When there is more than one winner per category, the award is divided equally. The awards ceremony will be held in March in Bahia, Brazil, during the annual meeting of the board of governors of the IDB.

Chaired by IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno, the Selection Committee met in Washington on November 18 and 19. Ibero-American Secretary General Enrique V Iglesias served as secretary of the committee.

This year’s committee members were former Ecuador’s President Osvaldo Hurtado; former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson; current Bank of Spain Governor Luis Maria Linde; former United Nations diplomat Paulo Pinheiro; Japan Bank for International Cooperation

Chief Executive Hiroshi Watanabe; former Barbados Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Billie Miller; Mexican writer Angeles Mastretta; Nicaraguan writer Gioconda Belli; and from Colombia, analyst on the advisory board of the Avina Foundation, Bernardo Toro.

The Selection Committee decided to award honourable mentions to four organisations in recognition of the excellence of their work. The honourable mentions in the Economics and Finance Category were awarded to Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas (Brazil) and Consorcio de Investigación Económica y Social (Peru). In the Social, Cultural and Scientific Category, it went to Comitê para Democratização da Informática (Brazil) and Cauce Ciudadano (Mexico).

Guns firin in GT, but garbage ain’t goin no where

Alotta guns in GT de garbage town been firin off lately. A place pun Middle Street had a mad gunman firin de other day. Then guns fire pun Orange Walk in a domino game and a Jam Man get kill. Another set of guns fire in Albouystown and a man who get freed in court was no longer free. Not even de truth from de court coulda set he free.

More guns fire at de Camp Street prison and every man jack from guard to prisoner scatter. Another set of man reach George Street after a East Coast robbery and more guns start to fire from de police before one man get shoot. But he still keep running. De police was lookin fuh he, not to put he in jail, but to challenge de Bolt Man in Jamaica. De Police seh if a Guyanese can run though dem pot holes in GT like that bare foot, he must beat Bolt pun a race track.

De biggest one is when guns fire like wild West pun Main Street and a former army man get kill. Dem Boys who seh dem is boys, but dem not really boys, suddenly get friken to talk. Even de one who does send out de Mook official photos get friken now since de Mook back he up and threaten fuh give he a Main Street treatment.

Suddenly de Mook jump pun a plane and gone. Another one of dem boys who does dress like boys seh he notice that de Mook like to jump pun any ting, plane or no plane. Only de Big Man above know why he does jump pun plane and get away when certain tings happen nowadays. Even de police seh dem have de information, but dem can’t give it out.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And de mayor-fuh-life Green Ham and Roy Stone firin too. But dem only firin wid dem mouth and de garbage in GT still ain’t goin no way. After all, whah dem firin pun dem mouth is more garbage still!

Hire car driver Delney Gonsalves, 49, of Darthmouth on the Essequibo Coast was remanded to prison for causing death by dangerous driving. Gonsalves appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Wednesday at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court. Standing bravely in the courtroom, he pleaded not guilty to the four charges against him. Gonsalves was charged for causing death by dangerous driving, failing to report an accident, fleeing from the accident scene and failing to render assistance.

For three of the charges, he was granted bail in the sum of $40,000 each, but was remanded on the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

According to a police a report, on November 6, Gonsalves drove motor car HB 4188 in a dangerous manner, resulting in the death of Narine Singh, a religious leader from Riverstown Village on the Essequibo Coast. Immediately after the accident, he fled the scene, leaving the victim behind. Gonsalves was on the lam

for two weeks until he decided to surrender to police a few days ago. His car was found aback Darthmouth after he went missing and has been impounded at the Anna Regina Police Station.

Prosecutor Krishna Datt Ramana objected to bail on the ground of the seriousness of the accident, while also noting that Gonsalves evaded the police for two weeks before surrendering to them.

Magistrate Scarce remanded Gonsalves to prison until December 7 when a trial will commence on the matter.

Final night of drama tonight at NCC

As the curtains come down on the twoweek National Drama Festival, four plays are scheduled for this evening at the National Cultural Centre. Showtime is 18:00h.

“The Creative Burial Ground”

The first play is titled “The Creative Burial Ground”. Written by Rae Wiltshire, the play will be directed by Nickose Layne. Stage managers are Candacy Baveghems and Randolph Critchlow. Costuming will be done by Cindy Legall

Everyone has questions, which most of us are afraid to ask. This play, which is clearly a depiction of avant garde theatre, is set

entirely in a burial ground and chronicles the questions of four friends who have died because of war. The Creative Burial Ground is a special place for artistes, and the friends will soon find out why they were chosen, providing that the protagonist (Ororo) is versatile enough (personality and physicality) to surpass the challenges faced.

The main challenges of her role come from three particular characters who regard themselves as supreme beings. In the absence of her companions, she has to fight, fall in love with death, and, in the end, challenge the greatest god of them all, to prove her worthiness.

The play should take audiences through a plethora of emotions. They will quickly

become connected to the discussions about religion and God. As the play progresses, some may feel as though their toes have been stepped on or crushed; some will be filled with excitement and wonder; and others will not know what to think.

An open mind and a strong conscience are needed to make it through this play.

Whatever religious background you come from, do incline yourselves to the question:

“What if…?”

“Duplicity”

The second play, “Duplicity”, was written by Keron Bruce and will be directed by Natasha Azeez and Marissa Primo. In the play, one of the characters – Janice is having an

affair with her sister’s lover, Ryan. He decides to end the relationship. She gets upset and loses her mind, killing Sherry’s daughter and severely injuring Ryan, who subsequently dies. She then commits suicide but not before confessing her sins to her sister.

“Deep Wounds”

“Deep Wounds”, a play written by Melinda Primo Solomon, will bring the curtains down this evening. The play will be directed by Melinda Primo Solomon and Marissa Primo It centres on a young girl who has lost her brother. Over the course of the last three elections, her boss changes. Sarah completes the journey she takes to help her to forgive and find a new beginning.

National Drama Festival 2013 highlights

Trawler out of Guyana intercepted in Ghana with cocaine

Aconverted fishing trawler, which was previously called “Island Princess” but was renamed “Atiyah” that left Guyana’s shores, was on Tuesday last intercepted in Ghana with more than 200 kilograms of cocaine.

The estimated price per kilo of cocaine in that part of the world is between US$80,000 and US$100,000, but local law enforcement officers believed that the cocaine was not meant for sale in Africa. According to reports, the five crewmen (four Guyanese and one Vincentian) and one Ghanaian were subsequent-

ly escorted, along with the 21 bags of cocaine, to Ghana’s capital, Accra for further investigation.

Reports reaching this newspaper suggested that the trawler left Guyana on October 22 empty. It was intercepted with the illegal cargo by a joint Navy and Air Force patrol team in the western region of Ghana.

The vessel is believed to have been registered as a fishing trawler in James Town, a suburb of Accra, and part of the boat was customised and used to haul the cocaine. Guyana Times understands that the Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU)

has been working with its counterparts in Africa to accumulate information on the bust.

This publication further learnt that CANU is presently hunting for a Guyanese living in the city in whose name the boat was registered. The plumber by trade, who is also a carpenter, is not known to CANU and it is believed that other persons are connected.

Back in 2009, the “Island Princess” was found drifting off the coast of Grenada by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) after days of no contact. At the time the “Island Princess” disappeared, it was believed

that Mahendra “Sunil” Singh, Ryan Chin, Rickford Bannister and Titus Buckery Nascimento were part of the crew aboard. The bodies of Singh, Chin and Nascimento were later recovered at various locations in the Essequibo River with several gunshot wounds.

Later, Prince and Rohan “Jango” Paul, to whom the vessel was contracted, had denied that the vessel had any drug links. He had offered $5 million for information that could lead him to the vessel, which he felt could have clues as to what happened to the crew on board.

Sooba frets over non-passage of M&CC budget

Acting Town Clerk

Carol Sooba has expressed disappointment over the non-passage of the 2014 budget proposal by members of the council.

She was at the time addressing the media at a press briefing on Wednesday.

Sooba said she was surprised that members of the finance committee and councillors, who were included in the preparation of the budget, did not approve it.

“We did substantial examination to put together that budget for presentation to the local government minister on November 15… we were more than surprised when that budget was not approved on November 14,” she stated.

According to the acting town clerk, the proposal was refused by the mayor and councillors under his wing. She disclosed that the reason for their refusal was the budget should have included provisions for a number of items such as rates and appeal panels, salaries and al-

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

lowances for councillors, and evaluation of property.

Sooba said the measures in question are illegal, since there are no provisions for them in the law. She explained that provisions for items such as rate and appeal panels cannot be budgeted unless they were approved by the local government minister. The acting town clerk reflected on the 2013 budget, which, she said, was delayed because

of the “non attendance, disapproval and illegality that was placed in the 2013 budget”.

“For several months last year, we were unable to work according to an approved budget, the same council under the chairmanship of the mayor did not see it fit to have an approved budget and as a matter of fact, they budgeted for things that were illegal like pension and gratuity for councillors,” Sooba stated.

No provisions in law

She added that this was done against her and the legal adviser’s counsel. The legal adviser had clearly pointed out to the councillors that there were no provisions in law for pension and gratuity, since the mayor and councillors are not salaried employees. Sooba pointed out that for the entire 2013, the local government minister had to approve provisions for the town clerk and treasurer to do their work; as such, based upon advice,

steps were taken this year to prevent recurrence.

“I don’t know what the situation would be like, but my instruction last Friday was to provide the minister with written information so that he can give the instructions to the administration in the absence of an approved budget,” said the town clerk.

On November 14, a proposed budget of $2,055,467,116 for the Georgetown district was presented to the council; however, it was voted down by 11 councillors, while four voted in favour of it and two councillors abstained.

Subsequently, the following day, finance committee chairman councillor Junior Garrett informed the Minister within the Local Government Ministry, Norman Whittaker, that the council did not approve of the budget, since it was unconvinced that it reflected the municipality’s needs during the upcoming year.

Govt to establish district tender boards

Seventeen district tender boards will be established in the 10 administrative regions, head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon said on Wednesday.

Speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet new conference, Dr Luncheon stated that approval was granted by Cabinet for the establishment of these district tender boards to be set up by the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry.

He said the boards will occupy the lowest tier of contracts in the procurement architecture of the sector.

The Cabinet secretary noted that all the tender boards have prescribed limits, which are gazetted.

“The newly created 17 tender boards at the district level, those limits gazetted would see $100,000 to $249,999 for the procurement of goods and services,” he added.

Dr Luncheon said these district tender boards will competently deal with procurement within that range.

If this limit is exceeded, then it will be taken to the regional and national tender boards. Similarly, for civil works, the limit at the level of regional tender boards would stand between $100,000 and $599,999.

These boards will be empowered to award contracts within this amount.

“The last category consulting services from as low as $100,000 to $399,999, that’s the range for the procurement of consulting services,” Dr Luncheon stated.

Despite these efforts, government has been accused of dragging its feet in setting up the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which is the main body responsible for awarding public contracts and services.

In responding to questions on this issue, the Cabinet secretary said he is willing to concede that a PPC is important, especially given that it is a constitutional provision.

“I hesitate to give it the type of consideration that AFC has given it. And I think the lack of an expression of an identity by APNU for the AFC’s position reflects some understanding of the AFC position as being extreme,” he added.

The Cabinet secretary expressed dismay at how the anti-money laundering bill, which is important for the smooth transaction of business, was a subject of negotiation for the establishment of the PPC.

“The PPC was provided for in the 2001 Constitution amendment; 12 years and I ain’t dead, the AFC ain’t dead and the commission ain’t dead, but I tell you…12 years with no AML bill. We will have lots of funerals.”

Eight homeless after Vryheids Lust fire

Afire that started just after midday on Wednesday completely gutted the home of Yvonne Pearson, adviser to Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and another family who occupied the lower flat of the building at Lot 39 Vryheids Lust, East Coast Demerara.

Five adults and three minors once occupied the fire-ravaged house. Up to late Wednesday afternoon, firefighters were investigating the cause of the blaze, which originated in the upper flat of the house. No one was home at the time of the inferno, but occupants of the bottom flat of the home managed to salvage a few household items.

Scores of people, including church members, gathered to offer their support to the Pearson and Baptiste families, and firefighters were busy putting out the small blazes when Guyana Times visited the scene.

As the family are now contemplating their next move. Some blasted the Guyana Fire Service for their inefficiency, claiming that they took more than 30 minutes to arrive on the scene and when they

did, they had no water. As per usual, they had to tap into community water sources in order to contain the blaze.

Glen Baptiste, an occupant of the lower flat of the house, was too

distraught to comment, and had to be consoled by family members.

Baptiste explained that he vends a short distance away, and about 12:30h, one of the carpenters whom he left working at the premises ran to inform him that his house was on fire. He rushed to the scene and managed to salvage a few household items, including a furniture suite and some clothes, but owing to the heat, he retreated.

Pearson explained that she was at work when she received a telephone call from her son, relating the devastating news. She said she hurried home and saw her home in flames. Pearson stated that from reports gathered, her son was at a nearby shop when someone ran up and told him that the house was on fire. He said by the time he got there, the entire upper flat was already on fire. He managed to get into the house, but the tremendous heat drove him out eventually.

Pearson disclosed that she lived at the address with her son, her daughter-in-law and grandchildren, and was certain that no one was at home at the time. The children were at school and her daughter-in-law was at work. She could not confirm if any electrical appliance was left plugged in.

At the time, she could not reveal the magnitude of her losses, claiming that all their personal belongings and more importantly, personal documents including passports, marriage certificates, and birth certificates were destroyed by the inferno.

A fire-fighter on the scene explained that two fire tenders from the Alberttown Fire Station and Campbellville Fire Station responded to the report, but by the time they arrived, the wooden and concrete building was completely engulfed. They were, however, successful in saving nearby buildings.

Govt scraps US$30M recycling plant MoU

By Samuel Sukhnandan

Government has announced its withdrawal from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Natural Globe Guyana Inc for the construction of a US$30 million recycling plant here.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon made the announcement at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President on Wednesday.

Dr Luncheon said in the wake of media revelations about the company following its recent execution of the MoU, Cabinet has decided to withdraw from the MoU with the firm, forestalling the planned move to Go -Invest for the necessary feasibility studies, prior to the execution of an investment agreement with the firm.

“With the withdrawal of this agreement… the work leading to a possible investment agreement is now abandoned,” the HPS said.

Dr Luncheon recalled that the MoU was signed last Monday, as he noted that it was later discovered that the due diligence report was not done thoroughly.

Due diligence

“Let me be the first to concede that it did not attract the same level of due diligence had it been the execution of a contract… so a number of areas were inadequately attended to and the revelations in the media pointed this out for the attention of Cabinet and the Guyanese people,” he added.

He noted that an MoU, by no means, translates into an agreement or project approval.

When questioned by the media, Dr Luncheon denied that government, under the MoU, had promised to make tax holidays, concessions, and other fiscal incentives available. “The MoU did not in any way call for the administration to provide tax breaks and tax holidays, which are the usual demands and inclusions when contracts are being entered into.”

Natural Globe Guyana Inc Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Mohammed Osman had been giving conflicting information about his company to the media which sometimes differed drastically from what was offered by the government. Among those discrepancies was the fact that his company had only ever built a prototype of the facility he would have been required to build under the MoU.

Conflict-of-interest concerns

On November 15, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster held a special press conference at her ministry’s office to deny reports that her daughter was investing US$15 million to establish the controversial US$30 million recycling plant in Guyana, even as she sought to dispel the issue of conflict of interest. Webster’s comments came after the Kaieteur News reported that the minister’s daughter, Andriana Webster, was partnering with Osman to establish the recycling plant in keeping with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Local Government Ministry.

Irate over the situation, the minister argued that her daughter is not an investor but a director of the locallyregistered company. Webster stated that she was never involved in the decision-making process when Cabinet granted its no-objection for the company to establish the recycling plant, explaining that she was on travel duties.

Dr Luncheon had told media operatives that Webster did not disclose that her daughter was involved. Minister Webster explained

that her daughter never informed her that she was a director of the company, so it cannot be considered a conflict of interest. Webster further dispelled the notion that her 28-year-old daughter who resides in Canada had been influenced to pursue the project because her mother is a government minister.

In a letter to the press, Andriana confirmed that she is a director of Natural Globe Guyana Inc and not the investor. She said her work is no way influenced by her mother, noting that the decision to work for Natural Globe Inc was done on a professional basis.

Following criticism from sections of the press that Natural Globe Inc lacks the requisite experience to execute such a mega project and has a sketchy background, the Local Government Ministry on Thursday came out with a statement, defending the bona fides of the company. Natural Globe Guyana Inc is a Guyana-based and registered entity, owned by Osman, and not a Canadabased company.

However, the ministry is contending that the company is partnering with other Canadian agencies, including the John Mogford Enterprise Inc of Ontario, Canada. Mogford reportedly specialises in recycling waste into useful products, environmental management, and transportation planning. Additionally, Osman is a member of Tadger’s Fuel Economy Solutions, a key player in environmental management in Ontario. (samuelsukhnandan@guyanatimesgy.com)

Second man arrested for murder of Lusignan teen

Asecond person was on Wednesday morning arrested for the murder of Dhanraj “Troy” Budhan, 18, of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, who was killed on Sunday morning during a gambling game at the “Fantasy Night Club” in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The man was arrested by police and was taken into custody where he was interrogated. The suspect, “Tarzan” of Better Hope, ECD, remains under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The two men are expected to make their first court appearance before the end of the week.

An autopsy performed on the remains of the teenager proved that he died as a result of perforation to the heart and lungs due to stab wounds. The post-mortem was performed by local patholo-

gist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary.

Police spokesman Ivelaw Whittaker recently told this publication that on the morning of the day in question, the suspect and a group of men were gambling when an argument broke out among them.

He said during the argument “Tarzan” reportedly broke a bottle and attacked the now dead teen and the other men, but they put up a fight, hence, he was also injured. A third person who was also injured was treated at the hospital and sent away. It was reported that Budhan got into an argument with some other young men, resulting in them attacking him, using a broken bottle and pieces of wood. He was lashed to the face and other parts of the body with bottles and other articles.

The man who was seen hitting Budhan outside of the club was subsequently admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital under police guard. The young man was described as a good person who always had a smile on his face, no matter the situation. Budhan leaves to mourn his brother, sister and father.

MACORP, Canadian colleges sign MoU with LTI

MACORP, in association with the Marine Institute and the College of the North Atlantic of Canada, on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) for assistance in the area of technical and vocational education training (TVET).

The MoU will last for five years. MACORP, through the Caterpillar brand, has plugged a total of US$25,000 into improving the technical and vocational training programme at the LTI. In addition to monetary aid, the company has also donated machinery and tools to the LTI.

MACORP Managing Director Jorge Medina said his company, along with many others, is suffering from the lack of highly-skilled technical manpower, as such they need to invest in labour by developing highly qualified manpower.

He said his company was trying with its in-house technical institute to develop qualified technicians; however, it cannot do it alone, so collaboration such as these will benefit the country immensely.

“Educated... [persons] look for good opportunity and if they don’t get it, they will look outside of Guyana so we need

to avoid it; we need to create that opportunity here to retain our people and to do so, we need to develop our infrastructure to make life in Guyana more easy,” Medina stated.

Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles, said her country has invested in various TVET programmes in the Caribbean from which Guyana is also benefiting. She disclosed that there will be a new training programme implemented in heavy-duty equipment maintenance.

“MACORP and other elements of the extractive sector benefit when heavy-duty equipment operators and mechanics are trained in stateof-the-art technology and safety and are imparted with the skills that maximise the performance of the equipment,” Dr Giles explained.

The high commissioner disclosed that the Canadian government will be pursuing an additional partnership between the Government Technical Institute and three leading community colleges in the area of automotive electronics.

Developing human assets

Caricom Education for Employment Programme

Senior Technical Adviser

Craig Morrison said many companies like MACORP are constantly seeking skilled personnel and many top jobs are vacant as a result of the unavailability of skilled labourers to fill the positions.

He pointed out that collaborations such as these to develop manpower will change this. “Technicians who graduated from these programmes will be able to find work at home; for every graduate that stays and work at home in Guyana, one less foreign worker will be needed. This keeps people in Guyana, it increase investments and broaden the tax base… developing the human assets of a country is a prerequisite of developing its abundant natural resources,” Morrison stated.

LTI Principal Dennis Jaikarran expressed gratitude to MACORP and the two institutes for their support and contributions towards enhancing the level of training provided by the institute. “We are advancing the cause of the technical education at the LTI and that kind of partnerships with agencies overseas and locally allow us to grow and we want to grow so that we can take technical education where we want to take it in this country,” Jaikarran said.

thursday, november 21, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana blacklisted by CFATF

Guyana has been formally blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) as a result of the non-passage of the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Legal Affairs Minister has said.

Nandlall is attending a critical meeting of CFATF taking place in Freeport, The Bahamas. Prior to his departure for the meeting, Nandlall had observed that in May during the Nicaragua meeting, the country had been granted a six-month extension to pass the bill. “Not in my wildest imagination did I predict that the opposition would have behaved the way that they have done,” he said.

Nandlall had to report to a group of approximately 40 persons representing the interest of 26 countries. He had noted that he had no sensible reason to put forward as to why the bill was rejected by the parliamentary opposition.

The attorney general said the reasons put forward by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) would be reflected in the parliamentary proceedings and meetings which would be presented to CFATF. The AFC’s call for a procurement commission should not have been linked to the AMLCFT Bill, while the APNU’s call for the re-

turn of the bill to the select committee would see minutes reflecting that the bill had already been there.

Dire consequences

Nandlall expressed interest in the reaction of Guyanese when the consequences of the resultant sanctions would have to be borne by all persons, irrespective of their position on the social and economic ladder. “Guyana is now left at the mercy of the discretion of the CFATF,” the attorney general said bluntly. He noted that the opposition has put Guyana’s future in that position, as “it is out of my hands”.

Nandlall reminded that the draft report that has already been prepared declares Guyana non-compliant, and countries have been invited to adopt counter measures to protect themselves from the risks

of money laundering and financing terrorism emanating from Guyana.

The recommendations from CFATF are in two sections: legislative (the bill) and non-legislative (the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU)), he pointed out. The legal affairs minister added that while CFATF was already aware of this; the bill would allow the agencies to exercise their mandate. He said government was trying to put in place some of the recommendations contained in the bill, through mechanisms that will not require parliamentary intervention or will minimise it, “since the National Assembly has become a hazardous place”.

Earlier this month, the combined opposition blocked the passage of the anti-money laundering bill in the National Assembly after a period of deadlock and lack of compromise with respect to the process, which was used to move the bill from the special select committee, to the full House. The two opposition political parties withheld their support for the legislation for the second time after they voted first to send it to a special select committee, some six months ago, despite threats of serious sanctions.

Guyana had been given a November 18 deadline by CFATF to make amendments to the existing legislation, which was non-compliant with the sweeping

reforms taking place regionally and internationally to fight money laundering and terrorism.

However, despite the serious political risks associated with offering non-support for the legislation, the APNU and the AFC made a decision not to support the legislation. The nonsupport of the bill had come even after Western powers urged that it be passed. During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt and his UK counterpart, Andrew Ayre had urged the opposition parties to put forward their proposed changes to the bill. The diplomats underscored the importance of the legislation, noting that it will guarantee Guyana’s financial stability. They said approximately two years after the general election, it was clear that “compromise” was the way forward. “… In fact, there is no other country that I have worked in that has a minority government that has been able to put forward its policies without, on occasion, compromising with the opposition.”

The ambassadors said the interest of the people should be placed on top of the agenda. “We have, indeed, approached all political parties for discussion on this topic – a topic which is very important for the future of Guyana’s financial stability. It remains the topic of the highest importance to us all.”

Govt confirms salary increase for public servants

– implementation of minimum wage order being monitored

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon Wednesday confirmed that public servants (with the exception of teachers, who obtained their increases under a multi-year agreement in January), can expect an increase in their wages.

“That matter is hallowed. It is not likely to exceed the planned five per cent that is in the budget,” Dr Luncheon stated. This increase, he said at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President, is retroactive from January 2013.

In an article earlier this week, Guyana Times quoted a senior government official, who said a five per cent wage hike for public servants was being considered. The official, at the time, said discussions on the issue occurred at the level of Cabinet and that an announcement was soon to be made.

Meanwhile, Dr Luncheon

said government, through the Labour Ministry, is continuing to monitor the implementation of the new minimum wage order of 2013, which took effect from July 1.

Minimum wage order

The HPS pointed out that in complying with the minimum wage order, attention had to be paid to the cost increases associated with the eight-hour workday, five days per week and 40 hours per week arrangement for fulltime employees.

“As a consequence of the provisions of the minimum wages order, salary increases and cost of increases for the procurement of services had to be entertained,” Dr Luncheon stated.

In the local government system, Cabinet has undertaken to address the provision of the implementation of the minimum wage order, particularly with re-

spect to the thousands of sweeper/cleaners employed at schools in the administrative regions and security guards.

Dr Luncheon said implementation of the new order in the local government system has moved apace. Cabinet recently approved $9 million to enable the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Linden municipality to offset the expenditure incurred in complying with the provisions of the minimum wage order.

“Across the scale, the minimum wage order and its provision, has seen an escalation in the prices at which security services are procured, which directly led to increases in wages, salaries, and conditions of security service employees in the public service and, particularly in the local government system,” the Cabinet secretary stated.

Similarly, in the private

sector, the Labour Ministry continues to arbitrate in the instances when conflicts, disputes and the need for clarification arise in the interpretation of the minimum wage order.

The new minimum wage order states that no worker should be paid less than $202 per hour, $1616 daily, $8080 per week, or $35,000 per month. With 40 hours per week catering for a fiveday workweek, should workers be required to work beyond the stipulated workweek, they have to be paid overtime in accordance with the various labour laws of the country.

For workers who are not covered under this new structure such as those who work on a part-time basis, other statutes, such as the annual increases and orders that deal with categories of unskilled and semiskilled workers, issued by the Labour Ministry annually, will apply to them.

Mahdia businessman killed during robbery

ABrazilian businessman who operated a money transfer and cambio service in Mahdia, Region Eight, was on Wednesday evening killed moments after closing his business place. He was reportedly attacked by two men who went to the business under the pretext of changing money.

The dead man was identified as “Vandalay” (only name given as of press time) and he is believed to be in his 40s.

He was reportedly stabbed once to his neck and left to bleed out in front of his business place. It is not quite clear if the attackers carted off any valuables, as the business was already closed for the day.

Guyana Times was told that about 19:00h, a young

man went to the man’s business and found “Vandalay” lying on the ground in a pool of blood. The young man reportedly raised an alarm and he was rushed to the Mahdia Hospital, where he succumbed.

Attempts were made for the body to be transported to the city, but a decision was taken to keep the body at the Mahdia Hospital mortuary.

This publication understands that the man moved to the mining community a few years ago and opened a money transfer service. He also buys and sells gold from miners in the community.

The police have since launched a manhunt for the two men, who are believed to be sporting dreadlocks, although these could have been used as a disguise.

Kimberley process seeks to tighten flow of blood diamonds from

Africa

The world’s diamond watchdog began a four day plenary meeting in Johannesburg on November 19. South Africa says a lot of progress has been made in curbing conflict diamonds. Civil society groups disagree.

Delegates from 81 countries which belong to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) are meeting to discuss proposals that will give it more power to act against the peddlers and recipients of blood diamonds.

They believe this will strengthen the fight against these diamonds, which are mined by rebel movements to fund insurrection.

Speaking at the official

opening of the plenary meeting, Ambassador Welile Nhlapho who is representing South Africa, said he was hopeful the delegates would identify the organisation’s shortcomings and boost the struggle against conflict diamonds.

“Through its certification of rough diamonds, in countries emerging from conflict, the Kimberly Process can also continue to assist on the post conflict reconstruction and development of these countries,” Nhlapo said. However, he noted that they faced the challenge of maintaining the relevance of the scheme amid future efforts to clean up the diamond industry. (allAfrica)

Dubai Expo 2020 win may create economic bubble

Dubai’s successful bid to host Expo 2020 may lead to the creation of an economic bubble in the country, according to a new survey by CFA Society.

The survey, which spoke to 215 investment professionals in the UAE, found that 95 per cent of the respondents support Dubai’s bid and 97 per cent believe the UAE is likely or very likely to win the bid.

However, over half of the respondents (55 per cent) are concerned that a successful bid for Expo 2020 will create another economic bubble. Only a quarter of the respondents believe the UAE has done enough to make its economy immune since 2008.

The UAE – particularly

Dubai, was hit hard during the financial crisis in 2008, with the property market in specific witnessing a steep decline in prices. The market has recovered since then, thanks to renewed government efforts and improvement in sectors such as tourism. Most respondents to the CFA survey also stated that greater regulations will increase the economy’s immunity to another bubble, with 87 per cent favouring real estate regulations and 75 per cent supporting bank regulations. More than half of respondents (56 per cent) also opined that easier procedures for starting businesses would help protect the UAE from another bubble.

(Gulf Business)

EU hails land use planning project as a success

The Development of Land Use Planning Project (DLUPP) executed by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) with financial support from the European Union (EU) has come to a promising close.

The EU provided funding for the project to the tune of G$768 million between 2011-2013. Various stakeholders have been invited for the presentation of the final outcomes on October 18.

EU Ambassador Robert Kopecký noted that “the development of the land use plan and the lease approval and management systems are milestones in managing the waste land resources of this country efficiently and sustainably. The European Union was a proud partner in this endeavour. I have full confidence that the government of Guyana, in particular the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) led by the honourable Minister Robert Persaud, will ensure full implementation to ensure the fruits of this project to materialise also in the future. At the same time, it is crucial that other relevant ministries and governmental agencies are involved too”.

One of the key achievements under the programme has been the conceptualisation and preparation of the National Land Use Plan (NLUP), which was finalised earlier in 2013 and full ownership has been taken by the MNRE, which is preparing the plan for final approval and adoption.

This plan will form the basis for the government of Guyana to ensure a

more holistic approach to manage the land resources, striving towards realising new opportunities for utilising the waste land resources of Guyana, ensuring a sustainable use of the land and safeguarding the land masses for the future generations.

Another major achievement

Another key achievement has been the development of the Lease Approval Management System (LAMS), modernising the current system and increasing its efficiency and effectiveness. The LAMS, which is Guyana’s first e-government system, will considerably improve the service provided in connection with applications and pro-

cessing of land leases. It substantially increases transparency, allowing for a faster and streamlined process. Both also strengthen the attractiveness of Guyana as an investment destination.

Implementation of the DLUPP over the past three years has involved a partnership between the project, the GL&SC, the EU, the National Authorising Office (NAO) in the Finance Ministry and the MNRE.

The overall objective of the programme has been to promote sustainable and equitable regional development and land management, addressing explicitly environmental sustainability of regional development as well as the need to review and further elaborate planning legislation.

As such, the programme set out to achieve an enhanced capacity of Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission in regional planning, mapping and database management; strengthening of the linkages between GLSC and external agencies and stakeholders involved in the sector; and support the ground work for the improvement of the planning process for continued reform of the sector.

The idea was perceived back in 2008 with an overall view to provide the necessary assistance to Guyana to establish an improved basis on which the government can manage its land resources. The GLSC has been faced with the immense task and responsibility of advising government on land policies, management of state and government lands, issue of land titles and leases and support to land use development.

Man to do community service for ganja possession

A23-year-old labourer from Airy Hall on the Essequibo Coast will have to toil for four months at the Suddie Police Station, volunteering community services, after he pleaded guilty to a narcotic charge.

Dinesh Persaud appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty. He was represented by Attorney Haimraj Rajkumar. According to a police report, on November 14, Persaud was found in possession of three grams of cannabis.

Police on patrol saw Persaud acting in a suspicious manner at Airy Hall, and conducted a search on him and found an orange paper in his left side pants pocket. When the paper was opened, a quantity of leaves, seeds and stem was discovered. Persaud admitted that the cannabis was his. He was fined $5000 and four months of community service at the Suddie Police Station, commencing from November 23.

CDC Volunteer Corps launches Region Nine branch

IRohee to resume work on Monday

Hreturn to work on Monday, Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon said.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who is currently performing the duties of president, is also acting in the capacity of home affairs minister.

Rohee was admitted a patient at Woodlands Hospital on November 7. It is unclear what his ailment is, but sources say his condition has been stabilised. He was being treated in a private room at the hospital. Rohee, who is also the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) general secretary, was not present at the last sitting of Parliament.

Health Ministry, UGSS hosting wellness activity

Coordinator Alister Charlie and Secretary Kateri Joseph. These persons will be responsible for the routine management of the Region Nine arm of the CDC VC.

The CDC VC has in excess of 200 registered members. The voluntary corps intends to officially establish itself in all 10 administrative regions of Guyana. Thus far, this has been done in Regions Four, Six and Nine; with plans to have official launch in the remaining regions within the two years.

The Health Ministry in collaboration with the University of Guyana (UG) on Monday launched a one-week health and wellness event that targets students and lecturers, but is also open to the public.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud highlighted that emphasis is being placed on males since they tend to pay less attention to their health until something seriously goes wrong, and also as part of International Men’s Day celebrations, which were observed on Tuesday.

Dr Persaud added that this was also a part of the ministry’s quest to seek new partners in the health sector since the Health Ministry cannot do it alone. He said another reason for this collaboration was also to educate the students on stress management, since the inability to cope with situations leads to suicide.

According to a release, last Wednesday, the CDC VC officially launched its Region Nine arm. The registered members comprising persons from North, South and

n an effort to ensure the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) successfully achieves its mandate, the Civil Defence Commission Volunteer Corps (CDC VC), with financial assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has extended its membership to include persons from Region Nine.

Central Rupununi, were issued their CDC VC pins along with the CDC VC branded Polo jerseys and hats.

The Region Nine members also elected a three-member Management Committee comprising Coordinator Richard Rennie, Deputy

The CDC VC works towards assisting the CDC in achieving its mandate of promoting comprehensive disaster management nationwide, while at the same time building the disaster risk management capacity of all Guyanese.

The corp focuses on working with communities across Guyana.

The services that are being offered include eye care, a general outpatient clinic, voluntary HIV counselling and testing, counselling, checking of Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, random blood sugar and cholesterol testing, along with some types of vaccinations.

University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) President Richard Rambarran highlighted that lectures will also be held from 16:00h daily, on various health and wellness topics. He expressed sincere gratitude to the ministry for its support in this initiative. A dental outreach is scheduled be held at the university the following week, in light of the ministry’s ongoing discussions about establishing a dental school on campus.

SUDOKU

Share your emotions and discuss matters that concern your home reputation and future status. Much can be accomplished if you are open about where your loyalty lies.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Cover every angle and concentrate on what will bring you the highest return. Don’t trust anyone to take care of matters that concern you personally. Live in the present, not the past.

A true assessment regarding your skills and abilities must be presented if you don’t want to fall short when asked to perform. A change in your reputation or status is apparent. You may be enticed by something or someone unique, but problems will arise if you neglect your responsibilities or let down someone who is counting on you for support.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Make your move and don’t look back. You’ve got what it takes to dazzle and deal with anyone who comes along or challenges you. Romance will enrich your love life.

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t feel pressured to make a move or help someone who doesn’t reciprocate. You may be a doer, but that is no reason to let anyone take advantage of you.

(April 20-May 20)

Personal improvements will boost your ego and help you project a positive image that will attract interest. An agreement you make will ensure that you can accomplish your personal goals.

(May 21June 20)

Look at every angle of a situation and consider all the possibilities that can develop. False hope or an unrealistic standpoint will lead to a big disappointment.

You’ll gain respect if you offer your help, suggestions and expertise. The impression you make on someone in your life will strengthen your bond. Love is highlighted.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Not knowing which way to turn will leave you in an awkward position. Overreacting and making assumptions must not be allowed to result in you making a sudden and costly move.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Look over your assets and start making changes that will boost your cash flow. Using your talents and skills in a unique fashion will lead to unusual prospects and partnerships.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Keep your thoughts a secret. Dodging a sensitive situation will buy you time, allowing you to make personal changes that open up more options should you have to make an unexpected move.

LOST

One Dog which answers to the name Zion. Colour Cream/White/ Brown about 1 foot tall. Last seen on Wednesday, November 13, between Success & LBI, ECD. If seen please call on numbers 619-8086, 699-7077, 220-3183.

powerful protection. Private and confidential. Phone: 674-2112.

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationship, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 10am - 4pm. Tel: 592690-1824. Email: anew-life@live. com

Trike Can-Am style motorcycle, 200cc new, unregistered $450,000 neg or credit TEL 227-3939, 6214000

LEROY TRIDENT car 250 CC, 4 doors, power window, $495,000 cash or credit TEL 227-3939, 621-4000

Corriverton man gets 12 years for murder

1 stall stabroek market phone: 718757-8031, 658-0145

Mecury in large quantities, 99.9999% purity in grey flask. Phone: 219-4535

60FT Antenna (Mass) for Radio, TV, Cellular, with cables, brackets, sky light $500,000 227-3939, 621-4000 73” 3D TV Mitsubishi Like new

$450,000 227-3939, 621-4000

DIESEL Generator silent 28 kva

SDMO John Deere engine, missing Fuel Pump, Panel, Avr MAKE OFFER 227-3939, 621-4000

CLARKE forklifts 2000, 3000, 4000 Lb, lifting capacity MAKE AN OFFER TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000

Generac Generator 15 kva, portable, $500,000 cash or credit available Tel 227-3939, 621-4000

Diesel Generator, 3 cylinder Lister pitter (England) key start, 15 kva, $650,000 cash or credit Tel: 2273939, 621-4000

Chicken Hatchery (Robbins), 28,000 eggs capacity fully ready, $ 5.5 million or CREDIT available TEL: 2273939 621-4000

R.Sookraj & Gift Shop for the best in hand made jewellery ,(made to order) Phone: 612-2125/223-6156

suicidal, low self-esteem, loneliness, unloved, anger, conflicts and relationship problems? For appointments call 592621-0552. 12:00pm -6:00pm, Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca SAT/AP/CXC/IGCSE English classes, personalized tutoring. Phone: 6124821 after 4pm, 274-0437 after 7pm.

mEDitatiON

Learn transcendental meditation and reduce stress & anxiety, develop full brain potential, increase creativity and intelligence, concentration, focus and memory, be healthier & happier, increase energy vitality and longetivity, enjoy more success in life, improve relationships and develop higher states of consciousness, a technique that works for everyone, for next introductory lecture. Contact Ashoke phone 233-6921, 6093701, email: kashokejp_68@yahoo.com or Sherlock phone 2252243, 614-9726

PRIME COMMERICAL PROPERTY, AT BUSY JUNCTION CUMMINGS AND MIDDLE STREETS IN ALBERTOWN, 3 LOTS WITH BUSINESS, (NUT CENTRE) PRICE NEG. TEL 621-4000, 227-3939

1 flat concrete house at Parfaite Harmonie. Phone: 643-4740

Lot 48 Light Street, Alberttown. Contact Ram on 619-4483, 6017883 or 227-1454, 226-6325.

1 property at reasonable price, located in Bareroot, East Coast Demerara. Phone: 612-6417.

One two storey house at lot 93 Atlantic Gardens, ECD; upperflat-3 bedrooms, kitchen and bath; lower flat-2 bedrooms, kitchen and bath. Call 592-619-4483, 592-656-7471

EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVIENCES, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 696-8230

Gas station land. Size: over one acre Phone Ms Liverpool on 625-7582, 681-9293.

1 three-building centrally located downtown in Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, recently renovated, fully air conditioned, ideal for office with spaces for boardroom, or any other business. Immediate possession. Phone: 609-2876.

and ground work (strictly interior operation). Phone: 662-1247.

Dutch Spiritual work. Unite lovers, get rid of evil, enhance prosperity, good luck baths and charm bowu guards, etc. Phone: 220-0708, 612-6417, 687-5653

Small business space suitable for technician shop, taxi base, etc. Phone: 691-7164, 231- 2619.

Business place for rent , Plantain Walk ,Vreed –en Hoop. Phone:649-0707.

House at Lamaha Gardens. Hot & cold water, AC, etc. Phone: 2194535.

Two modern apartments at Campbellville, hot & cold water, etc Phone: 219-4535

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

EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVENIENCES FURNISHED/ UNFURNISHED, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 696-8230

Two-bedroom self contained apt. Caneville, Grove. PHONE: 669-1954

Two modern apartments at Campbellville, hot & cold water etc. Call: 219-4535

Recently constructed bond with house and office space on the same lot, centrally located in Broad Street, ideal for business or manufacturing. Phone: 623-0425, 609-2876

VaCaNCiEs

One customs clerk with at least three subjects CXC including English Language, mathematics. Applicant must be computer literate. Please submit application before the October 11, 2013 to email: windsortechhomes@gmail.com or call 669-6874 or 682-3481

HILUX SURF 4 DOORS, minor parts needed, sold as is $750,000 TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000

Nissan Maxima, fully powered needs repairs sold as is $300,000 cash 227-3939, 621-4000

Stretch limousine, Lincoln Town car, fully powered $6.5 million or credit available Tel 227-3939, 621-4000

Mitsubishi 3000 GT sports car, fully powered, $1.7 cash or credit available TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000

Toyota Hilux extra cab, pick up $3.m. Phone: 264-2682.

Titan (hardly driven) $3.5M neg. Phone: 691-9984

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA PREMIO; TOYOTA ALLION; TOYOTA COROLLA AXIO; TOYOTA NOAH; SUZUKI SWIFT; MERCEDES BENZ C200 COMPRESSOR; BMW 318i; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; HONDA CRV; 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; NISSAN ATLAS 2-TON 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. 6240762, 220-5177. A NAME AND A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

One 450 Honda ATV. Phone: 6263817

Toyota Hilux 172 diesel extra-cab pick-up, 4x4 manual (5-speed transmission) a/c, p/s p/w p/l, winch, off road front bumper, KC lights, side baranka bars, bush-ready, Old Man Emu, rear leaf springs, lifted Old Man Emu shocks, snorkel, bed liner. Phone: 623-0425, 609-2876

waNtED

BODYWORK MAN TO SPARY MOTORCYCLE, HANDYMAN TO WORK IN STORE, MAID GO AND COME CLEANING ONLY (UNDER 30 YRS) APPLY GUYANA VARIETY STORE Tel 227-3939

One experienced production manager to work in Furniture Factory and one AutoCAD/draft person. Contact 657-1414

Urgently needed! One plot of land in Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling and Eccles. Phone: 675-7292

One female babysitter, between 40 & 45 years, must be from Georgetown, be able to work flexible hours and some weekends, applicant with a sound secondary education may apply. Phone: 614-5711, 9am- 3pm

ACorriverton fisherman has been jailed for 12 years for killing a man who had refused to give him a job.

Mulshankar Sukharan, also called “Greg”, pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter in the Berbice Assizes on Wednesday when he appeared before Justice Dawn Gregory-Barnes on an indictment of murder.

On April 3, 2011, Sukharan unlawfully killed Krishnadat Kolandawel, also called “Sham” of Number 79 Village, Corriverton.

State Prosecutor Renita Singh told the court that on the day in question, Sukharan went to the home of Kolandawel and abused his wife, claiming that the now dead man refused to employ him as a worker. According to Singh, upon his return home, Kolandawel went to the home of Sukharan and verbally challenged him to a confrontation.

Kolandawel gained entry into Sukharan’s home by kicking and smashing a chair against the front door. According to the prosecutor, Sukharan armed himself with a knife which he used to stab Kolandawel to his neck and about the body.

She told the court that both men were engaged in a scuffle and fell on the street.

During the fight, Sukharan fired three “jucks” at Kolandawel and asked him if he was alright,

to which he replied saying “yes, I... alright. I had enough”. He then got up and jumped a nearby fence and lay on the ground where he subsequently died. Singh said the two men would usually verbally abuse each other. At the time of the murder, Sukharan was 19, while Kolandawel was 40. A postmortem report gave the cause of death as haemorrhaging due to a stab wound to the neck.

In a plea for leniency, Attorney Raymond Ali submitted that the deceased was the aggressor and that the accused tried to protect himself. “There is evidence of provocation,” he argued. Ali also asked the court to find that there was genuine remorse. “After he realised what he had done, he asked the decease if he was alright. He did not flee the crime scene, something people would expect him to do.”

Justice Gregory-Barnes said the matter is a classic case of high provocation, rather than self-defence. She said the court was forced to determine whether his response was reasonable. Sukharan was facing a 25-year sentence. However, Justice Gregory-Barnes deducted two years which represents the time he already spent remanded awaiting trial. A further five years were deducted because of the level of provocation that caused the killing.

For the fact that the accused did not waste the court’s time and made a guilty plea, the judge took off a further six years from the sentence, leaving him with 12 years to spend in jail.

Sukharan, who lived with his 72-year-old grandmother Mohanie Dasraj, when asked if he had anything to say, said “I am sorry. I am begging for mercy.”

Staff talent celebrations begin at the Caricom Secretariat

The 2013 edition of the Caricom Secretariat’s annual staff talent celebration was declared open on Monday by the Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque at the Secretariat headquarters, Turkeyen, Guyana.

Speaking at the opening of the showcase, Ambassador LaRocque said the event, now in its 11th year, was a celebration of the talent and culture of the Caribbean Community. He said it was a fitting way for staff at the secretariat to celebrate their talents.

“Congratulations for such fine work that you’ve done and for sharing your hobbies. It very often tells a story of a journey,” Ambassador LaRocque said. He commended the organisers for including a fund-raising charity event

for the St John’s Boys’ Orphanage as part of the activities. The theme for 2013 is “Celebration and Renewal”, in deference to the theme used for the Caribbean Community’s ongoing 40th anniversary commemoration. Included in the week of activities is a “How To” show today where staff will demonstrate their talents in different areas such as making simple pottery, make-up techniques and mixing of cocktails, smoothies etcetera. There will also be a culinary exhibition entitled “Sunrise… More than breakfast and not just lunch” on Friday. This is a “Caribbean brunch” which will offer a delectable fare of traditional, experimental and ornamental foods and drinks.

Narine keeps it simple

Kochi, India - A person of few words, Sunil Narine avoids the limelight away from the cricket field. But, after a concerted effort to get him to speak, the wily off-spinner finally took some time off during the Champions League Twenty20 2013 last month, and spoke in detail about his bowling, his variations, his concerns pertaining to the longer-format and the upcoming ODI series against India.

“I tend to be quiet and humble, I like it that way. When you get too excited things fall apart,” said Narine, who was part of the Trinidad and Tobago team that lost to Mumbai Indians in the semi-final. “It’s tough (to handle the limelight), but at the end of the day I’m doing something that I love, so that makes it easier.”

Narine’s high-arm bowling action is deceptive and few batsmen can come up with answers when he gets the ball to talk. But with access to match footage readily available and team analysts forever on the lookout for the weaknesses of an opposition player, Narine admitted that some batsmen had indeed started reading him.

“Only some batsmen have been able to find me.

But it’s not about the mystery, it’s about the consistency,” he said. “How hard you work and how effectively I can vary my pace and length.”

Elaborating on his technique, Narine continued, “I have about three variations. I plan well before I run up to bowl, so that helps. Having a clear mind and a clear head, so that I just concentrate on putting the ball in the right areas.”

Outstanding

In the shorter formats of the game – where spinners are often regarded as easy targets for big hitters – Narine has been an outstanding success.

Ranked No. 2 on the ICC’s list of top ODI bowlers, Narine reckoned it was in the longer format that he still has certain issues to address.

“In Tests you need to have a little more patience. In the shorter formats, the batsman is always coming at you so there is more opportunity of getting wickets. In Test cricket you have to settle down, and put a mindset that you are going to bowl longer spells. So that is a big test to my concentration level and consistency. I need to work on them.”

When Shane Shillingford, the right-arm off-spinner, was preferred over Narine for the two-Test series against India, the decision raised a few eyebrows.

But Shillingford lived up to the expectations of the se-

lectors by grabbing 11 wickets at 31.45, including two five-wicket hauls, and subsequently retained his place in the squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour.

Narine claimed he was not frustrated at having missed the cut. “You want to play all formats of the game, but I guess we have a lot of spinners back in the Caribbean and I don’t see any reason for me to try too hard and get frustrated if I don’t get picked,” he said. “At the end of the day I am enjoying whatever I am playing and I wish to play as much as I can.”

Crucial role

The New Zealand Tests may be beyond his reach, but his role is likely to be crucial in the ODI series against India that starts today.

“I just have to do what I’m accustomed to. I’ve trained hard in the nets,” he said. “Just have to concentrate on my game and focus on the job at hand. Different conditions demand different sort of skills, and I’m confident that I’ve developed the skills.”

As he continues to weave a web around the world’s top batsmen, Narine insisted he sticks to the team goal when it comes to dismissing a particular player.

“We normally have team goals,” said Narine, who was named after Sunil Gavaskar. “Before a game we sit down and discuss players with the captain and

South Africa clinch narrow D/L win

The two sides renewed rivalries for the 20th time in all formats in 2013 and the narrow win gave South Africa their 15th victory after posting 153-7.

Pakistan were 60-2 when the rain brought an end to the contest after 9.1 overs of their response, leaving them five runs short of the revised victory target.

Quinton de Kock (43) and Hashim Amla (31) scored well for the hosts and a slow start from the tourists saw them miss the chance to win the first match of a two-game series.

The wet conditions caused a delay in Johannesburg but South Africa quickly got into their stride when play got under way.

De Kock and Amla put on a 72-run partnership before

SCOREBOARD

South Africa innings

Q de Kock† c Sohail Tanvir b Mohammad Hafeez 43

HM Amla b Mohammad Hafeez 31 F du Plessis* c Sohaib

Maqsood b Junaid Khan 22

H Davids b Shahid Afridi 3 JP Duminy c Mohammad Hafeez b Bilawal Bhatti 11

of the

fellow teammates. So a particular player’s dismissal is not really my plan as such, it’s a team plan.”

Plying his trade for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, Narine finished the 2012 edition as the Player of the Tournament with 24 wickets at a miserly 5.47 runs per over. He continued the good work in the next edition where he bagged 22 wickets at 5.46.

“I would call it (IPL) a stepping stone in my career,” he said. “During the Champions League T20 2011, I was recognised and that helped my confidence and momentum. IPL has helped me reach where I am today.”

After winning the World Twenty20 2012, West Indies were thought to be back on the path of recovery. But with success coming only against relatively weaker sides, such as Bangladesh, New Zealand and Zimbabwe, West Indies still have a long way to go.

“I don’t think it’s stagnated,” argued Narine. “We’ve been playing good cricket, it’s just the end result of the game that hasn’t been the way we would have wanted it. But we’re on the right track; we’re coming much closer to winning games than before. We need to take it step by step and not look to reach No. 1 in two days. We have a long process in place; it all depends on how we build from strength to strength.” (www.windiescricket.com)

DA Miller not out 19

WD Parnell run out (Sohail Tanvir/Bilawal Bhatti) 6

DW Steyn c sub (Abdur Rehman) b Junaid Khan 1 M Morkel not out 8

Extras (b-4, lb-2, w-2, nb-1) 9

Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 153

Fall of wickets: 1-72 (Amla, 7.5 ov), 2-81 (de Kock, 9.4 ov), 3-87 (Davids, 10.6 ov), 4-110 (Duminy, 15.4 ov), 5-116 (du

Plessis, 16.3 ov), 6-134 (Parnell, 17.6 ov), 7-140 (Steyn, 18.6 ov)

Bowling: Anwar Ali 2-0-220, Sohail Tanvir 3-0-27-0 (1w), Junaid Khan 3-0-24-2, Mohammad Hafeez 4-0-25-2, Bilawal Bhatti 4-0-35-1 (1-nb, 1-w), Shahid Afridi 4-0-14-1

Pakistan innings (target: 65 runs from 9.1 overs) Ahmed Shehzad b Tsotsobe 9 Nasir Jamshed c & b Duminy 18 Mohammad Hafeez* not out 13 Umar Akmal† not out 7

Extras (lb-7, w-6) 13

Total (2 wickets; 9.1 overs) 60 Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Ahmed Shehzad, 2.3 ov), 2-50 (Nasir Jamshed, 7.3 ov)

Bowling: LL Tsotsobe 4-0-191 (2-w), DW Steyn 2-0-13-0, M Morkel 1-0-10-0, JP Duminy 1.1-0-3-1, Imran Tahir 1-0-8-0

Mohammad Hafeez (2-25) accounted for them both to leave the home side on 81-2.

Wickets fell at regular intervals as only Du Plessis (22) and David Miller (19) made notable contributions outside the opening pair.

The visitors began their response slowly, but after the dismissal of Ahmed Shehzad they began to raise the runrate through Nasir Jamshed (18) and Hafeez (13 not out). However, after the first ball of the 10th over the rain returned and play was suspended with Pakistan four runs behind on DuckworthLewis.

After 40 minutes of steady rainfall the match was finally called off, handing South Africa a narrow victory.

Armstrong settles bonuses lawsuit

Former cyclist Lance Armstrong has settled a lawsuit brought by an insurance company that paid him $3m (£1.9m) for successes while doping.

The American was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles before admitting he took performance-enhancing drugs.

Nebraska-based Acceptance Insurance said the Texan’s drug use meant their policy with him was void.

The US Postal Service is also suing Armstrong, 42, for money it spent sponsoring his team from 19982004.

A federal judge is expected to rule on Armstrong’s request to dismiss that suit in the next 30 days.

Armstrong’s settlement with Acceptance Insurance comes a day before he was due to give sworn testimony in court over the case.

He was banned for life by the United States AntiDoping Agency in August 2012 and stripped of the seven Tour de France titles

he won between 1999 and 2005.

Armstrong, who also had to return the time-trial bronze medal he won at the 2000 Olympics after his confession to television host Oprah Winfrey in January,

was reported to be worth $125m (£78m) earlier this year. Last week he told the BBC he would testify with “100% transparency and honesty” at any future inquiry into doping. (BBC Sport)

Touring OCA whipped by ECCCC…twice

Suffering defeat without putting up much of a fight can be demoralising, but enduring a similar fate on the same day can be even more devastating.

That’s the situation the touring Ontario Cricket Association (OCA) found themselves in on Sunday last at the hands of a rampant Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) side.

A scheduled 40-over-perinnings game lasted just 46.2 overs as hosts ECCCC raced to a nine-wicket win on the back of a brilliant allround performance.

Batting first, OCA found the going tough and were dismissed for a meagre 76 from 33.1 overs. Off-spinner, who picked up a four-wicket haul to lead ECCCC to title honours against Fairfield in the GT&T 35-over competition a fortnight ago, was again among the wickets, snaring 4-14 from eight im-

pressive overs.

Sixteen-year-old leftarm seamer Gavin Moriah continued his rise since joining the ECCCC, bagging 2-15, also from eight overs. S. Dillon topscored for the visitors with 18.

ECCCC then romped to victory at 76-1 from a mere 13.1 overs. Skipper Bheemraj Ramkellawan led the run-chase with 38 (4x4s), while West Indies Under-19 opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul made 28 (3x4s, 1x6).

After the match finished earlier than expected, the two teams agreed to play a 14-over game, which resulted in the ECCCC winning by 11 runs.

First-Class players Amir Khan and Chanderpaul hit 53 not out and 49 not out respectively as ECCCC posted 107-2 from the allotted overs.

Dyal again spun webs around the OCA batsmen, claiming 3-14 from

three overs, and fast bowler Chaitram Ramlall also picked up 3-14 as the tourists replied with 96-8 when the overs expired.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, Dyal was named Man-of-theMatch and best bowler of the day, while Ramkellawan copped the best batsman prize. Trophies were also presented to the teams, all compliments of Tiger Sports of Old Road, Enmore. The OCA also used the opportunity to present a cricket kit to the ECCCC, as a token of appreciation.

Meanwhile, the OCA tour did not get any better when they faced hosts Everest in a 20/20 game on Monday last.

Everest posted 155-5 with Troy Gonsalves hitting 44 and Ryan Ramdass and Chanderpaul scoring 35 apiece. Ayoub Ahmad picked up 3-31 for OCA, who were restricted to 63-8 when the overs ran out.

Indian actor building Tendulkar temple

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar might soon worshipped in a temple planned in his name in Bihar state.

The shrine is being built by Manoj Tiwary, a local film star, and will be opened to the public early next year.

Tendulkar retired from international cricket following India’s victory over the West Indies in a Test in Mumbai last week.

Shortly afterwards he was awarded the country’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.

Many of his fans in India describe Tendulkar as the god of cricket.

On Tuesday, Tiwary inaugurated the 5ft 6in (167cm) deity of Tendulkar amid prayers at the site of the proposed temple in Atraulia village in Bhabhua district in Bihar.

The idol of the star, sporting a blue jersey with the World Cup in his hand, is made of marble.

The 6000 sq ft (557 square metres) temple will

An idol of Sachin

has been unveiled at the site of the temple

cost seven million rupees ($112,464; £69,805) and will contain idols of other cricketers such as Indian captain MS Dhoni and star batsman Yuvraj Singh.

Tiwary hopes that Tendulkar will inaugurate the temple when it is ready.

“I decided to build the temple in my village soon after India won the World Cup cricket in 2011”, he told the BBC.

“The temple will provide an opportunity to the lovers of cricket from around

Kashif and Shanghai supporters to win phones –

Cell Phone Shack on board with

schools tournament

Twelve lucky patrons will receive a cellular phone, compliments of Cell Phone Shack, when the Kashif and Shanghai Secondary Schools football tournament kicks off on December 8.

At a simple presentation ceremony on Wednesday, the company presented the mobile devices to codirector of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Aubrey “Shanghai” Major.

Cell Phone Shack has been on board with the Organisation for the past 11 years and has committed to giving one lucky patron at every venue a chance to win a cellular phone.

The entity has also sponsored a large trophy that will be given to the player with the most goals in the competition.

The tournament, which will conclude with the grand final on New Year’s Day 2014, will

feature 24 teams drawn from Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, West Demerara, East Bank Demerara, Linden, Berbice and Region Seven.

The champion school will pocket $1.2 million, 75 percent of which will be used to finance a project identified by the school. The second, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $750,000, $500,000 and $250,000, 25 percent of which will used for a project at those schools.

The Most Valuable Player will be the recipient of a laptop, as well as a one-month stint with a top club in Trinidad and Tobago.

Admission to the games will be $500 and the partipating schools are Wismar/Christianburg, Wisburg, New Silver City and McKenzie High School of Linden; St George’s, Lodge, East Ruimveldt, North Georgetown,

Queen’s College, Dolphin Secondary, Christ Church and Queenstown of Georgetown; Waramadong Secondary of Region Seven; Leonora, Stewartville, Uitvlugt and Patentia of West Demerara; Bladen Hall, President’s College, Ann’s Grove and Annandale of East Coast Demerara; Ash Education Trust of Berbice; and Covent Garden and Friendship of East Bank Demerara.

The Kashif and Shanghai organisation is partnering with several other entitiesincluding Ansa McAl Trading, Beharry Group of Companies, Pepsi and Mohamed’s Enterpriseto stage the tournament, which will be played at the Mackenzie Sports Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Georgetown Football Club, Den Amstel ground, Number Five ground in Berbice and Buxton Community Centre.

Hamid, Persaud spur

the world to pay their respects to these cricketers who are nothing short of gods in India.”

Tendulkar bowed out of international cricket after his 200th Test match - 24 years and one day after his first.

He played in 664 international matches, scoring 34,357 runs and making 100 centuries. He scored almost 2,500 more Test runs than the second-placed batsman, Ricky Ponting. (BBC)

All-round performances from Aruph Hamid and Roy Persaud were key ingredients in Better Hope defeating Lusignan by 100 runs when action in the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) 40-over cricket competition continued recently.

Playing under overcast conditions at the Better Hope Community Centre ground, the home team post-

ed a hefty 239 from 34.1 overs, after the game was reduced to 35 overs due to some early morning showers.

Hamid led the way with a fine 70, while Persaud supported with 57, as S. Bhimsingh snared 5-17 for Lusignan.

Hamid returned with the ball to claim 3-18 and Persaud 2-25 as Lusignan fell for 139 in 33.1 overs.

Upper Demerara/Kwakwani leads athletics

– Mitchell pulls hamstring in 100m finals

Reports and photos by Treiston Joseph

Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani (District 10) took the lead in the track and field segment after 59 events on day two of the 53rd annual National Schools Athletics, Swimming, Cycling and Teachers championships concluded on Wednesday at the Guyana Nationa Stadium, Providence.

District 10 finished with 340.5 points, while North Georgetown (District 11) was tied for second with New Amsterdam/Canjie (District 15) on 204.5 points. Corentyne (District Six) was third on 187 points.

In the individual competition, it was a devastating end to Carifta 200 metres bronze medalist Tirana Mitchell’s (South Georgetown/District 13) year when she pulled her hamstring muscle 40 metres into the Female Under-18 100 metres.

North Georgetown’s Deja Smartt with a blistering start won the event in a time of 12.5s, while Mitchell watched on in agony, while Nadisha Gittens finished

second in a time of 13.0s.

Mearisha Carter was third in a time of 13.1s.

Carifta 400 metres

bronze medalist Jason Yaw (East Coast Demerara/ District Four) emphatically won the Boys’ Under-18 100 metres in a time of 10.8s.

Arinze Chance finished second with 11.0s, while Mark Wronge was third in 11.2s.

Kevin Abbensetts of District 11 equalled the Boys’ Under-20 100 metres record, winning the event in 10.6s. Selwyn Foster finished second in the event with a time of 11.0s, while Rennick Burnette was third in a time of 11.2s.

District 10’s Shannon Griffith blazed to the victory in the Women’s Under-20 100 metres in 12.4s, while Shaquonne Daniels was second in 12.8s. Tiffany Carto was third in a time of 13.0s.

North Georgetown’s Jevina “Little Bullet” Sampson easily ran away with the Girls’ Under-16 100 metres in a time of 12.4s, finishing ahead of Natricia Hooper, who clocked 12.9s for the second spot. Denita

Jackson was third in 13.0s.

Meanwhile, in the Girls’ Under-16 800 metres, Carifta gold medalist Cassey George easily disposed of her competition by winning the event for District 10 in a time of 2:23.6s, while Delicia Harper was second in 2:29.4s. Kezra Murray was third in 2:34.1s.

The Boys’ Under-16 saw District 10’s Jomal Johnson breaking the record with a time of 2:04.1s to finish ahead of Anfernee Headecker who clocked 2:06.5s for second. Ruel Chester was third in 2:09.0s.

Carifta bronze medalist Andrea Foster (East Coast Demerara/District Four) ran away with the Female Under-18 800 metres, winning in a time of 2:20.4s to defeat Melissa Byass, who clocked 2:31.4s for second, while Cassie Kirton was third in a time of 2:33.6s.

The Male Under-20 800 metres ended in thrilling fashion as the top three competitors dipped on the line in hope of winning. In the end, it was West

Demerara’s (District Three) Rondel Austin, who won the event in 2:11.3s, with Denzil Leitch second in 2:11.4s, and Collis Burnett third in 2:11.9s.

Jermey Garnett of South Georgetown/District 13 broke the Boys’ Under-14 record in a time of 2:12.8s.

District 11’s Toshwanna Doris won the Female 2000 metres cycle race in a time of 5:44.5s, while Corentyne’s Andre Greene won the Male 2000 metres cycle race event in a time of 4:13.3s.

Meanwhile, North Georgetown and Corentyne were tied for the top spot in the cycling championship with 51 points, while West Demerara was on top of the teacher’s championship with 148 points.

“Nationals” will continue today at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from 09:00 hours.

“Guyana’s best on show”

– acting president highlights as he declares “Nationals” open

The National Schools’ Athletics, Swimming, Cycling and Teachers Championships commenced with a colourful opening ceremony on Wednesday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The grand occassion was attended by acting president Samuel Hinds, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Chief Education Officer Olato Sam, along with a number of other senior officers and staff of the Education Ministry, Guyana Teachers Union, senior managers of the corporate sponsors, and interested members of the public.

The four-day event, which officially started early Tuesday morning, was declared open by Prime Minister Hinds, who noted that the athletes on show are Guyana’s best from across the regions.

“Those who will be competing at these champion-

He added, “I express my appreciation to the GTU and the MOE, who are once again partnering to bring off these important championships. A great deal of effort has gone into the organisation of this championships which brings together the students from all over Guyana.”

ships represent the cream of athleticism in our nation,” Hinds pointed out to a gathering of about 1,600 persons. On behalf of the government of Guyana, I [want to] thank the persons who help these athletes prepare for this championships and may you be richly rewarded.”

Hinds further pointed out that the event provides a moment for all the students to give of their best so as to bring glory and accolades to themselves, their districts and their regions. He congratulated all the participants and urged them to compete fiercely and fairly to ensure that the best person, region or district wins.

Extra-curricular activities

Meanwhile, Manickchand during her remarks pointed out that even though the Ministry is continuously working assiduously to ensure it provides the highest

quality education possible to the children of Guyana, it is also placing great emphasis on extra-curricular activities, particularly sport which she believes plays a significant role in establishing wellrounded students.

“We are at a beautiful stage in the history of our country, where - hav-

ing ironed out many of the problems we had in delivering an academic curriculum, although we still work hard every day with that which we deliver - we are at a place where we can pay far more attention now to extra-curricular activities that can bring out the best in our students,” she said.

The minister urged the participating students gathered to ensure they give of their best competitively at the championship and to use the opportunity to move on to greater competitions and dominate.

She alluded to the fact that Guyanese students have established themselves as leaders academically at CSEC after repeatedly topping that level and particularly winning five of the eight top regional prizes this year.

“We have seen repeatedly how Guyana has excelled academically, topping the

Caribbean at CXC over the past decade and we have the ability, we have the talent to top in every single sphere in the region, not only in academia,” Manickchand declared.

President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Colin Bynoe, forwarded the notion that the event is the foundation for future Olympians, while Digicel’s Head of Marketing Jacqueline James pledged continued support to the athletes, as a major corporate partner of the event. Digicel apart, the championships has attracted support from Courts (Guyana), Banks DIH Limited, Giftland Officemax and Demerara Distillers Limited. The event, in its 53rd year, will continue today at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. North Georgetown (District 11) are the defending champions.

Confident Bravo thinks Windies can turn things around

KOCHI, India –West Indies captain

Dwayne Bravo said his side has put the Test series defeat behind and have regained confidence ahead of the first Oneday International against India today at the Nehru Stadium.

Bravo said he had watched India’s previous ODI series against Australia, where total of 300-plus were scored regularly, but believes that West Indies have bowlers more suited to the conditions and that off-spinner Sunil Narine, the No.1 ranked bowler in ODIs, could be the trumpcard.

“Their previous series was a run-fest. . .but these are different conditions, different venues, and we have a different bowling attack,” he said.

“Our bowlers are similar to the Indian bowlers. We have Ravi Rampaul, Sunil Narine, Jason Holder. . .I think we expect this will be a high-scoring series and the team that bowls better will win the series, so it’s up to us as bowlers to try and get things right.”

He added: “We have some good fast bowlers in our line-up, but in India, the grounds are small, the outfields are fast, the pitches are batsman-friendly, so the team that bowls better will win.

“This will require more skills, not too much pace, as we saw with the Australians – most of their bowlers delivered at 140 kph and they were not successful. My advice to my team will be to be skillful and smart.”

On the differences between the different formats of the game, Bravo said: “I think One-day and Twenty20 cricket give you more freedom. Darren Sammy did not do well in the Tests, but he could be our match-winner in the ODIs, playing the role that Kieron Pollard has played for us. Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels could also find their feet here.

“It’s been a while since we played a Test series, so coming to India was never going to be easy, even Australia came here and lost 4-0 in a Test series –this will be an opportunity for the players to express themselves, but they still have to be smart, there are 300 balls in every innings, and as long as they play smart, we will have a good series.”

Inconsistent

On West Indies longterm prospects in the ODI format, Bravo said: “Our cricket has been up and down – we have not been consistent. The senior players have not played at times

for one reason or another. . .But now is the perfect opportunity for us to try and turn things around.

“It is going to be steady progress as long as the team does not change regularly because with changed teams the roles of players become more challenging. It will be important for us to try and build one team, keep one group of players and give them a good opportunity to play together for as long as possible. . .We have the talent and we have the ability, it is just for us to get some wins under our belt, so that we can feel comfortable as a team.”

Bravo is a confident allrounder familiar with conditions on the sub-continent. He has taken 173 ODI wickets – placing him among the leading wicket-takers in this format for West Indies. His careerbest figures of 6-43 also rank among the top 10 in West Indies history.

The 30-year-old said his side knew the challenge that India, the World No.1 and reigning World ODI champions, posed, but he expected the Windies to play competitively in the three-match series.

“The ODI format is one where we feel very comfortable as a team, but playing against India is not going to be easy,” he said.

“Lately, they have been playing some very good cricket. We respect them, we respect their players, but we know we are also capable of good performances. I think this series is going to be very exciting and will not be as one-sided as the Test series.”

He said: “Obviously, the first few days after the defeat in the Test series, the

Raj Singh Insurance Brokers O-40, 20/20 cricket…

Gangadin slams century for Bulls

Cwith

guys were a bit down and feeling a bit low. As captain, it is was very important for me to stress to them that this is a different format and this will give us a bit more freedom to express ourselves and show our skills.

“We had two good training sessions in Mumbai and we feel better about ourselves. We [had] another training session [on Wednesday] and Kochi is a new venue for most of us. The Test series loss is behind us now. We see ourselves more comfortable with this format and more confident too.”

(www.windiescricket. com)

hathram Gagadin slammed 119 as Lower East Coast Bulls finished the preliminary round of the Demerara Cricket Board’s Over-40, 20/20 cricket competition, sponsored by Raj Singh Insurance Brokers, on a winning note.

Batting first at the Lusignan Community Centre ground, the Bulls amassed a massive 2083, with Gangadin hitting nine boundaries and six maximums. He was well supported by Latchman Yadram, who made 46.

Upper East Bank Colts fell 64 runs short of the target, losing six wickets in the process. S. Ramdeen and S. Patadin were the main contributors with 38 and 32 respectively. Manof-the-Match Gangadin

and Dexter Jones were the pick of the bowlers with identical figures of 2-8 each.

Over at the Enmore Community Centre ground, Upper East Coast Tigers made light work of Lower East Bank Lions. Needing to win the match to qualify for a semi-final spot, Lions mustered 141-7 with Sahadeo Hardeo leading the way with 47 and Rakesh Gangaram making 29. Bashir Khan was among the wickets with 3-9.

In reply, Tigers accelerated to victory at 146-2 in just 14 overs with Eon Abel taking a liking to the bowlers, hammering 11 boundaries and four sixes in a blistering 92 not out.

At the Demerara Cricket Club, Georgetown

Bears romped to a massive 109-run victory over their city counterparts the Buffaloes. Surendra Heralall mauled the opposition bowlers, clobbering ten boundaries and two sixes in 97.

Chasing 179 for victory, Buffaloes were reduced to 69 all out in 10 overs after being bamboozled by the bowling of S. Khan, who picked up a hat-trick during his spell, finishing with figures of 4-5. L. Persaud who was also among the wickets with 3-4. The match at Wales Community Centre ground between West Coast Demerara Mavericks and West Bank Demerara Seals ended in dispute over a decision by the umpires. The semi-finals are slated for next Friday.