Guyana Times Daily

Timehri ranks deny sodomy claim

59-year-old killed in Bath Settlement road accident

Govt will not voluntarily compensate Harding

Tax cheats must pay up or face court – Sooba

Citizens up protest against police over alleged baton assault Harmon says

friday, January 17, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

59-year-old killed in Bath Settlement road accident

A59-year-old man on Wednesday became the country’s latest road fatality when he was struck down by a speeding car on the West Coast Berbice Public Road on Wednesday about 17:30h.

Ramdeo was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He had sustained major head injuries.

The grief-stricken wid-

Dead is Khemraj “Suresh” Ramdeo, of Waterloo, Bath Settlement, who was employed as a mechanic at the Blairmont Sugar Estate. According to reports, motor car HC 1217, driven by its owner Ryan Efuridaf, 27, of Hampshire Settlement, Corentyne, was proceeding from Georgetown to New Amsterdam at a fast pace when Ramdeo, who had been parked on the northern side of the road on his motorcycle, rode out resulting in a head-on collision.

ow, Serojnie, 48, told Guyana Times how she became aware of the death of her husband. “He was on his way home from work and he stop by his brother and I was there, he ask me if I want to come home with him and I told him no, that I will catch a car,” she recounted.

Minutes after arriving

home, she got a call from someone informing her that her husband has been involved in an accident. The bereaved woman tearfully stated that upon arrival at the hospital, she was told that her husband was dead.

Shocked relatives Ramdeo’s daughter, Shelly, of Belvedere on the Corentyne, said she was in a state of shock and grief at the passing of her father and blamed the speeding of careless drivers for his death.

“When me hear me daddy get accident, I did not think he go die; me husband took me and the children over the river and when we reach there, me see all them people and me start holler, me know me daady dead,” she cried.

She said her dad was a pleasant and hard-working man who took care of his family and it will be difficult to cope with the loss.

A post-mortem examination is to be performed on the body of Ramdeo today. He leaves to mourn his widow and

seven children.

B Division Traffic Chief Calvin

confirmed that speeding on the part of the driver and carelessness on the part of the deceased contributed to the fatal accident.

He said based on reports, Ramdeo rode into the path of the speeding car. He indicated that the police were at the time engaged in a routine road exercise about a village away from the accident and disclosed that the driver of motor car HC 1217 must have picked up speed after he passed the officers.

Many still uninformed about HIV/AIDS – Dr Misir

Youths between the ages of 15 and 24 are increasingly becoming infected with HIV, even with widespread information available about the virus, University of Guyana Pro Chancellor, Dr Prem Misir has said.

He stressed that notwithstanding, many persons are still ill-informed about facts of the deadly virus, noting that stigma and discrimination are still on the rise, preventing infected persons from accessing care and treatment.

It is against this backdrop that Misir said he recently launched his book titled HIV/ AIDS, Knowledge and Stigma in Guyana at the New Building Society Building, Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown.

While the book targets academics, its content focuses primarily on youth and their susceptibility to the dreaded disease. Some 379 students from 15 secondary schools across Guyana formed part of a four-year research project using the purposive sample, which sought to ascertain their level of understanding and knowledge of the social malady and the stigma attached.

In explaining the objective of the book, Dr Misir said: “Forty per cent of the people around the world who contract HIV are young people between

15 and 24. So, there are a lot of adolescents involved.”

Information gathered revealed that “a number of persons have graduated from HIV to AIDS. And, if you assume that the incubation period is roughly 10 years, if you accept that argument, then you can conclude that many people are contracting HIV in their adolescent years, if you have fullblown AIDS in your 20s”.

While the data gathered indicated no major difference in the knowledge scores of male and female students, there were variations among the age, religious and ethnic groups.

Dr Misir said while one fifth of the researched population embraced many myths and misconceptions about HIV/ AIDS, the responses revealed an overall moderate level of HIV/AIDS knowledge.

“They recognise the symptoms of HIV/AIDS, nearly half of them understood modes of transmission. Most of them believed also that a blood donor is at risk of contracting HIV,” the university professor explained.

The book, which was first introduced to members of the medical field in Georgetown and Berbice last November, was published by the University of the West Indies Press in Kingston, Jamaica.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, January 17 from 05:00h-06:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, January 17 from 05:15h-06:45h.

WEATHER TODAY

Countrywide: Thundery showers are expected to prevail during the day, giving way to partly cloudy conditions in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

Wind: East north-easterly at zero to 2.77 metres per second.

High Tide: 05:09h and 17:21h reaching maximum heights of 2.53 metres and 2.65 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:56h and 23:19h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.58 metre respectively.

Harding had "incarcerated hernia" – Ramsaran

… says Georgetown Public Hospital giving maximum assistance

By Michael younge

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran has expressed confidence in the ability of the Georgetown Public Hospital to render assistance and care to 23-year-old Colwyn Harding who was allegedly sodomised with the use of a police baton by a rank of the Timehri Police Station last November.

Dr Ramsaran also ruled out the need for overseas medical attention at this stage of the treatment of Harding.

The minister was at the time responding to a barrage of questions posed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP)and shadow home affairs minister Winston Felix about Harding’s condition and the assistance being rendered by the hospital.

Assurance

Ramsaran said the health practitioners at the hospital, along with the Health Ministry, were giving “maximum assistance” and “maximum resources” to the patient.

“We are of the opinion that the Georgetown Public Hospital and its team of surgeons can manage this matter,” the minister told the National Assembly, saying there was no need for panic or for Harding to be given independent or overseas medical treatment.

Dr Ramsaran said he has been monitoring Harding’s condition by constantly checking with the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Khan.

He has been advised that a conclusive medical report is in the making about the patient’s condition and all the measures taken to return his health to normalcy.

Sharing what appeared to be preliminary report from a team of health practitioners, the minister said that

the patient had surgery on December 18 for “an incarcerated hernia”.

He explained that if it is incarcerated long enough, it will cause injury to the lengths of the bowel... so the juxtapositioning of the claim or the complaint of the sexual assault has to be taken in this context.

At this point, the minister appeared to be cautioning against concluding that Harding was indeed a victim of sexual abuse, even though he did not say so out rightly. He reported that surgery was performed on the man and lengths of bowel were found gangrenous and strangulated in the right scrotal sack. “They had to be removed,” he said.

Complications

After this process was completed, Dr Ramsaran stated that other complications arose which warranted a second surgery to be undertaken on the patient as a result of a “breakdown of the two intestines”.

Harding was “reopened”, he told the House, and a second surgery performed. “Any doubting of this will put under question the professional

reports of the professionals,” he said, in the midst of loud heckling from the opposition benches.

The minister expressed confidence in the report, saying that he was sticking by professional advice and the findings thus far. “The situation of the patient has improved enough for the doctors to make another attempt to relink these two parts of the intestine... allowing the anus to be used for what it was originally intended,” he said.

Medical supplies

Earlier on Thursday, the Georgetown Public Hospital responded to media reports which suggested that colostomy bags which were needed by Harding to excrete waste from his body were out of stock.

The hospital in a statement said that this was not the case and it will address the matter at a media conference slated for this morning.

Dr Ramsaran said that sometimes a situation may arise when it is necessary for these bags to be re-ordered from the bond, as there may be a shortage in the wards.

“There should be no short-

age, but, unfortunately, from time to time, in the wards because of the volume being used, you may have to requisition from the bond,” he said.

Dr Ramsaran insisted that there were several other patients who in the past have utilised the said colostomy bags and apparatus, explaining that the hospital has treated and is in the process of treating at least five patients. He said that these bags were also among medical supplies that have been donated by organisations.

Cost

Asked to attach a cost to the medical attention already given to the patient, the minister said no analysis of this has been done and the public hospital is merely providing the resources as necessary to ensure that Harding’s health is safeguarded. He however indicated that the treatment he is receiving is “expensive”.

The minister’s remarks in came in light of serious allegations made by Harding’s family members that there was an unavailability of colostomy bags and he was left to defecate on himself several times.

They are also alleging that he was seen lying in faeces which were emanating from an already packed adult diaper.

These accusations prompted the Alliance For Change (AFC) to make a public appeal for citizens and its overseasbased chapter to provide the bags and other medical supplies which were necessary to ensure that Harding is taken care of.

Minister Ramsaran has not ruled out or denied scrutiny of the findings and actions taken by the hospital so far. He said he welcomes any attempt to seek the advice of independent medical personnel or institutions on the reports submitted by the medical team giving treatment to Harding.

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

The business of gold

The recent plunge in gold prices has seen a reversal of fortune for many of Guyana’s gold miners, and calls for government to assist the now struggling economic sector ring loud and clear enough for government to take note. Already, governmental efforts are under way to implement initiatives aimed at alleviating the current situation.

Gold mining is like any other industry in that proactive approaches to a business within the industry should have long ago been considered and, as prices spiralled, implemented to the point that there would be less hardships today.

Reiterating the advice from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), its “save, invest and diversify” strategy should again, long ago, have been put into practice, especially as history has illustrated repeatedly that the lustre of gold all too often can become dull, and many local miners have walked this dim road before.

Bemoaning, alas, is not good enough for those in the business who, since the previous year, ought to have seen this present scenario imminent and, with prudent management, put themselves in a better position than the one in which they are currently.

Carrying on business as usual was clearly not the right approach, and truth be told – no matter how bitter a pill it may be to swallow – many miners should have made better business plans as the writing was on the wall for a while now.

Speculating alone is not enough to make a business work – no matter the industry. Following market trends and paying attention to global information should have been matters of priority for those now feeling the brunt of supply and demand factors often out of the control of government.

No doubt, the small miners in particular are feeling the squeeze, and these are the very groups who are unable to implement any such plans, faced with overhead costs that eat into small profits.

However, it is also important to point out that prudent planning in any business, large or small, is crucial to staying afloat. Depending solely upon benefiting from a plethora of concessions when prices plummet is not a sound business plan.

With record-breaking figures last year, better attention should have been placed on the proverbial rainy day, and more forethought should have focused on the unpredictable nature of the industry. The gold rush into which many miners jumped should have been tempered by an awareness of the nature of the industry.

Nonetheless, the ‘should haves’ are obviously now hindsight, and the current reality is that many miners are facing huge debt and start-up costs in a rapidly fluctuating gold future. If market trends continue, many jobs in the sector would be lost and the trickledown economic effects devastating to those that rely on the gold industry.

Implementing solutions to ease the present circumstances should now be the main focus, and the lessons learned from past and current gold markets should be heeded.

Gold is an uncertain commodity. Its ups and downs require more than a dredge and land to mine. Besides benefiting from concessions, perhaps benefiting from workshops on financial and business management and global market economics can help assist our local small miners as well.

It cannot hurt to understand what drives the industry, and learn how gold miners can rally through or weather the storm during difficult periods, to gain more when prices are favourable, if they want to stay in the business of gold mining.

Relying on government to subsidise the industry is not the only option, even though it appears to be the easiest. Miners need to take a serious look at their own business and develop a business plan that, along with concessions, maximises their profits even if these returns have dipped.

Remaining afloat in the gold mining industry during its low periods can allow for great profit when or if the industry improves over the year. This can only happen if miners can educate themselves about the industry and business they have decided to become involved in, thereby avoiding the hand-tomouth existence that creates nothing but the types of hardship being experienced today.

Those who abuse women need help

Dear Editor, Many people have repeatedly called for a serious and detailed profiling of women beaters and potential killers. This kind of knowledge may very well predict the ultimate actions of some men who are in unstable love relationships.

Recently in Tuschen, a

37-year-old woman was allegedly killed by the man with whom she was said to be in a relationship. The accused is said to be a fisherman who was known by many for his erratic behaviour. His character comprised using obscene words and overall aggression. Many believe that he may

have also been a controlling person.

I am no specialist, but there are basic traits and commonalities that can help us to identify and distinguish men who may be potential abusers and killers.

These men need help. They need guidance and

counselling in order for them to develop a new mind set. We must take preventative measures in order to prevent the inevitable tragedy of women losing their lives at the hands of their lovers.

Regards, Compton Narine

Our youths need forceful intervention

Dear Editor,

Too many of our youths are involved in criminal activities and it is really beginning to worry me. The first step that we should take to avoid our youths becoming involved in any form of criminal activity is to get them off the streets, particularly if they are lingering during school time. Those found should be reported and dealt

with by the police and their parents or guardians.

Secondly, teachers need to be more assertive and concerned about their students. They need to take on the responsibility of following up on students who are frequently absent from school, whether this means contacting their parents first or the welfare officer, or even the police. At the end of the day,

children need to know that it is wrong for them to be elsewhere, other than school during school hours.

The ditching of school by our youths calls for serious concern. Aside from becoming involved with the wrong crowd, missing school causes children to fall behind, which often results in them becoming school dropouts and too often, these are

the youths who become even more involved in crime.

Researchers estimate that if graduation rates increase by 10 per cent, murders and assaults would be reduced by 20 per cent. Let us strive to steer our youths in the right direction, before things manage to get worse.

Sincerely, Viola

Isaacs

Enthused by the coconut industry

Dear Editor, I am extremely enthused by the coconut industry in Guyana. It is one of great potential that has provided employment opportunities for many Guyanese. It is, therefore, important that we address the red mite issue in order to protect, preserve and ensure the longevity of the industry.

Red mite is the common name for the parasite dermanyssus gallinae. It

can often be found on the leaves of trees and greatly interferes with the process of photosynthesis, further hindering the ability of the coconut tree to produce good quality nuts. Ultimately, the pest contributes greatly to economic losses.

There are quite a number of solutions to eradicating the problem of red mites, including the spraying of the trees with water which will cause the mites

to fall off, the use of a beetle which will feed on the mites, the use of horticultural soaps and oils, and the spraying of the tree with specialised miticides.

It is, therefore, necessary for farmers to be exposed to workshops and training sessions which will bring awareness to the above methods which can be used to address the present situation.

Another area to be ad-

dressed will inevitably be more time-consuming and will require a lot more effort. Farming has over the years become a quite vibrant way of earning a living. Additionally, Guyana’s soils are rich, fertile and in abundance, and it is, therefore, important that we maximise on this great resource of ours.

Your truly, Cedric Solomon

Protecting our children at all costs

Dear Editor, Guyana has had quite a few cases of abusive male spouses who often inflict pain and anger on their partners and children. Situations like these bring to light the urgent need to protect children, particularly those caught in the middle of a broken relationship. It is also important for these children to be properly educated and made aware of their rights as children.

For the vast majority of children and adolescents who witness and endure the dissolution of their parents’ relationship, they experience emotional, psychological and physical distress

that often manage to have a significant impact on their overall development.

In fact, it has been observed that children from divorced or separated families are significantly more likely to have emotional, social, and academic problems than those who come from stable families comprising both parents. It is for this reason that parents are urged to keep their children in consideration when contemplating a divorce or separation.

Additionally, the issue of suspecting that one partner or the other is likely to contemplate fleeing with or harming the children should be reported to the relevant

authorities.

The response and behaviour of those going through a divorce or separation is often quite unpredictable. Men in particular, being the bread winners of a family often feel more superior and believe that the law should be in their favour.

At the end of the day, more emphasis and concern need to be placed on the children of Guyana who are caught up in these unfortunate situations. Many of them yearn for emotional, mental, physical and psychological support.

Yours sincerely, Ruth McAlmont

GuySuCo contractor’s cry must be contextualised

Dear Editor,

A former Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) contractor who devoted the last 30 years of his life extending his lorry services to the Albion and Rose Hall sugar estates is soon expected to sell his lorries. This individual generously invested his money into 21 lorries with great expectations of fruitful returns and after 30 continuous years of service to GuySuCo, it would be smart to conclude that his business was surely one that was successful.

Additionally, aside from having 21 lorries, he still has several trucks in his ownership which can be sold for a good price. On that note, I must include that I noticed that the trucks were at no point altered to car-

ry cane harvesters and the trays can, in fact, easily be reconverted for its initial intended purpose. With minor adjustments, these trucks can be used for many other purposes. In Guyana, being a truck driver actually allows some to earn decently. The construction sector is most prolific and almost always, there is a shortage, or at least a delay, when it comes to fetching construction materials. There is no doubt that this man will still have good options to earn a good living.

Personally, I believe that this contractor should have scaled down his operation at the point when an extremely important clause was removed from his contract a few years ago. The clause removed was one that indicat-

ed that lorry rates should increase, given that the price for fuel and parts also increase.

GuySuCo remains viable, if not hugely profitable. The most important aspect of this corporation is that of keeping its employees on the payroll. Cutting cost is a norm in so many companies and if the company feels that fewer lorries are needed, then so be it.

The outcome of any business venture is always unpredictable and sometimes no one is left to blame but the investor himself. I am sure that this former GuySuCo contractor will find quite a few viable alternatives to earn a good living.

Sincerely, Noland

Leslie

Too many complaints about minibus transportation

Dear Editor,

The matter involving the unwarranted increase of bus fares is surely beginning to get out of hand as other route minibus drivers have decided to increase their fares also. Many people rely heavily on public transportation to get to their destinations and the current situation is forcing people to pay the increased fares due to the need to avoid facing consequences for reporting late to school or work.

Additionally, transportation is about comfort and safety, so I really don’t understand why many of these minibuses are heavily decked out with mag rims and loud music sys-

tems which are, in fact, banned, and touts who hustle and tug at passengers. Moreover, given the fact that these three factors cost a lot of money to maintain, I would assume that minibuses make quite a good profit.

Many of our transportation woes can be sorted out by simple reasoning. Firstly, we need to eradicate the idea for the need for touts and secondly, we need to implement that turn system at all of our parks.

Presently, the University of Guyana (UG) bus park is the only park that has some kind of order and sequence when it comes to loading buses. The system allows commuters to endure a has-

sle-free experience and also minimises the occurrence of bullyism and discrimination. Lastly, bus drivers need to be a bit more realistic and responsible. They need to be courteous when utilising the roadway and understand that their passengers are placing their lives in their hands when they get into their buses. These operators must be confronted about the rules and regulations that are applicable to them. All music systems should be removed and due consideration should be given to implement uniforms for drivers and conductors.

Sincerely,

Gracelyn Nicholson

Tax cheating

Dear Editor,

It upsets me greatly every time I read about the present situation involving those who are persistently trying and succeeding in defrauding the system put in place to ensure that taxes are paid by all citizens to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Tax cheating is an issue encountered in countries all over the world and it is inevitable for those who cheat the system to get caught. However, it is extremely important that proper penal-

ties and consequences are put in place for those who defraud the system.

As of December 31, several municipalities were expected to garner a total budgeted revenue of approximately $2.8 billion. However, several persons and businesses have failed to contribute their fraction of rates and taxes and measures are currently being taken to settle all outstanding balances.

It is mandatory for each and every citizen to pay their rates and taxes. The monies

collected are often used to contribute to the payments of wages and salaries and for the government to undertake numerous projects which involve maintaining and enhancing the country.

Moreover, tax defaulters ultimately hinder the timely execution of such projects. I urge my fellow Guyanese to ensure that they play their role as good citizens and pay their taxes in a timely manner.

Yours truly, Yogeeta Chandarballi

Page Foundation

Storytelling is an art that has mental, social and educational benefits on children. People of all ages love stories. Children are great fans of stories and love to listen to them. Storytelling literally means reading out stories to them or just telling a story from the memory to them. It is becoming a lost art today as many parents find very little time to spend with children as the hustle and bustle of life demands them to reserve more time for the needs of life.

But any parent can preserve few stories for children and spend a bit of time for them to tell them stories. Most of the parents ignore the importance of storytelling and are unaware of the advantages of storytelling. Let us see what ways storytelling helps children to learn and grow.

Children are born into a media-soaked environment today. They have numerous television channels and entertainment programmes to get them engaged with entertainment. Parents switch on cartoon channels and keep children before them for hours. But, many a times they forget the disadvantages, such fastpaced visual media bring onto children. Television cartoons and other entertainment programmes block the mental development of children to greater extents.

All the television programmes are designed for elder people, not for children. Children may lose thinking capacities and analysing pow-

ers if they are exposed to television, several hours a day. Children are slow to grasp and slow to think; thus they need entertainments specially designed for them. Storytelling is an activity that can transfer emotions and feelings and also can boost thinking capacity.

Storytelling is a great activity of learning. At each phase of the development of the story, children ask questions. A proper teller can use tricks to make them curious and encourage them to ask questions. Storytelling is the basic training for academic learning. When they see images in the book and listen to the stories, children learn to associate between images and story and later imagination and visuals.

You can increase the memory capacity of children by asking them to remember the stories you have already read for them or asking them to remember where you stopped

the previous day. Always ask children to share their contribution in the stories. Ask them to narrate a possible climax or encourage them to create a new story with the same characters in a story. Imagination is the key to creativity and children can be trained in many ways to develop stronger skills of imagination.

The most bulging benefit of storytelling is increased knowledge in children. They get to know about various places, practices in life, relationships etc, through stories. Most of the stories depict good and bad characters. Listening to stories will help children to have an idea of accepted style of behaviours and must to avoid acts. Stories also allow children to know about their own cultural roots.

Differences between cultures and various lifestyles are introduced to children through stories. All the stories are informative to children, as being new to the world;

they may know very little things about the life in the world. Stories help children to visualise the plot and characters. Television programmes block the imagination power of viewers, but stories are a great help in boosting creativity.

Another advantage of listening to stories is that children grow in academic learning. Storytelling introduces lot of new vocabulary to children. At home, people communicate with a limited number of words. But stories will have academic level vocabulary and lot of newer words for the child to learn. It is easy to teach the meanings of the words as children learn faster from the context of story.

Infancy is the period when children absorb most of the words they use in the future. Storytelling also encourages children to participate actively in the learning process. It can enhance the listening skills of children. Children love to talk instead of listening to anything. But this is not acceptable in classrooms, thus storytelling gives them with the necessary training to listen and understand instead of talking.

Parents need to take care of certain aspects when reading out stories for children. If you want children to listen actively and understand the story, you have to read out the stories emotionally. Change the pitch of sound according to the feelings and emotions depicted in the story. (Prokerala)

Step four

Encourage daily writing. The best way to improve writing skills, no matter the writer’s age, is through regular practice. If you’re homeschooling your child, you’ll want to include regular formal writing lessons, but you can also suggest your child write about his or her day at school or about a trip to the store after coming home. You can also provide writing prompts in the form of pictures clipped from various sources or picture books without words.

Step five

Get your child to think about a writing project before doing any actual writing. Most writing begins by planning the story, article, or poem before actual putting pen to paper

or fingers to keyboard. You can use any of the following approaches to encourage your child to think about the structure and content of a writing project:

* Ask your child questions about the project. For story writing, questions can revolve around the story’s setting (example, “When does the story take place?”), main conflict (“What is the most important event?”), and action/resolution (“How does Johnny get Green Lantern’s power ring back to him?”) For a report, appropriate questions can revolve around the journalist’s “who, what, where, when, why, and how.” If your child expresses difficulty in deciding what to write about, ask questions about things he or she has done in the past and particularly enjoyed, someone he or she particularly admires, or something else centred on the child.

* Play stenographer. Write down your child’s thoughts and read them back. You can do this with very young children to help them learn to connect spoken and written words or with older children to help them focus on their assignment.

Step six

Write along with them While it’s okay to help with the actual writing if asked, “write along with them” actually means doing the writing assignment yourself alongside your child. Doing the assignment yourself and showing the results to your child shows him or her that you value creative writing skills. Review your child’s work. With the child’s teacher’s approval, look over your child’s writing and gently suggest places where he or she can make the work better (example, “You might want to check the spelling of these three words.”) Overall, though, you should be looking for writing skills your child has displayed proficiently and point them out; “Your description of ‘Post 11 stood in the distance beckoning us to go on’ told me how much you would have enjoyed going further on the nature hike.” (WikiHow)

Govt will not voluntarily compensate Harding

Government is sceptical as to whether it will be able to voluntarily pay Colwyn Harding any compensation before his lawsuit is determined, Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon said on Thursday.

Dr Luncheon was responding to questions by reporters following his weekly post-Cabinet news briefing at the Office of the President.

Lawsuit

“I don’t believe you have a choice, if you say you’re going to court and I presume the filings in the newspapers reflect what has indeed happened – the $100 million suit against the Guyana Police Force (GPF) or government of Guyana has already taken place,” he said.

When asked if the government was willing to lend support for Harding to go overseas for treatment, Luncheon said he was not aware of any medical conditions affecting the young

man that would warrant an overseas trip for medical care.

Dr Luncheon said he was only aware that the man has a ruptured intestine. Harding’s attorney, Nigel Hughes had recently filed a lawsuit against the state for the staggering amount, claiming compensation for his client’s injuries after he was allegedly sodomised by a police constable attached to the Timehri Police Station.

Allegations

Harding claims he was sexually brutalised while in custody at the Timehri Police Station in November over a period of three days before finally being taken for medical attention.

Harding alleged that the police officer had used a police baton to sodomise him, hence the extent of his current injuries.

He also said the rank had beaten him repeatedly and as a result, he was rendered

Govt doing all it can to assist miners – ministry

Amid criticism that government is failing to alleviate the hardships faced by small and medium-scale miners in light of the plunge in gold prices, the Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry is contending that this is far from the truth.

In a statement in response to an article headlined, “Struggling miners get blueprint to stay afloat –many sceptical, bemoan lack of government input” in the January 13, 2014 edition of Guyana Times, the ministry said government has been a catalyst in addressing the concerns of miners.

It was pointed out that following discussions with the Natural Resources Ministry, the Finance Ministry, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Office of the President; miners now can receive 10 per cent of their gold sales in U.S. dollars.

Foreign exchange

unconscious several times.

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell has since stated that Harding was on remand after he had appeared in court on November 18 charged with assaulting a peace officer and disorderly conduct and was placed on $50,000 bail.

Probe

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPF) has since launched a probe into these most startling allegations.

In recent developments, Harding’s girlfriend was sentenced to two years in prison after allegedly stealing her grandmother’s television to post bail for Harding.

Several entities have since condemned the assault on Harding and are demanding an independent probe into the matter.

Today, members of the public took to the streets to protest the alleged police brutality of Harding.

This decision took effect on October 28, 2013. In an August 2013 meeting with the Donald Ramotar administration, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) advocated for up to 50 per cent of the proceeds of the gold sold to the Guyana Gold Board in foreign exchange.

Prior to November 2011, miners were allowed up to 100 per cent of sales in foreign currency.

During August, 2013, the GGDMA also pushed for the government to assent to tax waivers on the importation of 4x4 four-door, open-back vehicles. According to the Natural Resources Ministry, this request is still on the table, as the wavier has been approved by the government; however, the mechanism under which it will be implemented is still being finalised.

Additionally, the GGDMA has been granted a licence to import and distribute fuel under “GGDMA Trading Inc”. This move came after bitter complaints by the miners who explained that fuel accounts for 25-30 per cent of their production costs. With

the GGDMA now having the ability to source cheaper fuel, the high cost of fuel for miners is likely to be alleviated.

“The government has also agreed to the establishment of a Mercury-Free Mining Development Fund, which is a revolving fund being developed to provide miners with low-cost financing to adopt mercury-free technology and improved recovery methods in their operations,” the Natural Resources Ministry added, positing that miners are in full support.

In addition, approximately $491 million was used to maintain roads and infrastructure within mining districts. Another $7.858 million was used for the repairs of bridges.

Improved roads

“This improvement and maintenance of roads and bridges allows for easier access to mining sites, reduces the maintenance costs for miners, and reduces their transportation costs,” said the ministry. Further, the government pumped $21.065 million into rehabilitating the airstrip at Ekereku Bottom, while $150 million was expended on the UNAMCO road.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have also undertaken major road rehabilitation projects

in Regions One, Seven and Eight, totalling more than $1 billion.

“These roads are critical for miners to access their mining properties and, therefore, impact directly on production levels and the cost of production that miners face. In some instances, the lack of access to some areas had resulted in the closure of many operations by miners as was evident in the case of the Aremu road, which was rehabilitated to facilitate the smooth flow of vehicles to the mining properties,” the ministry explained.

Technical advice It was pointed out that technical advice from mines officers and field personnel have been given too in the areas of tailings management and sluice box construction, among others. “The undertaking of testing alternative recovery methods for the mining sector so that miners can adopt better recovery processes that will enhance their production levels and hence, increase their revenue generation capacity,” said the ministry.

The ministry further noted that while miners may not have benefited directly from funds allocated to the ministry and the GGMC, provisions are being made for a conducive industry.

Timehri ranks deny sodomy claim

– Brumell says they were poorly supervised

By Bhisham mohamed

One week after in-

vestigations commenced by officials of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) into the alleged assault committed on Colwyn Harding by police, several ranks have been questioned.

According to Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell, they all denied the allegations.

Addressing members of the media on Thursday at his Eve Leary office, Brumell said the investigations are wide open and should wrap up as early as Tuesday.

Statements

He reiterated that statements taken from the ranks who were transferred to other locations close to Georgetown did not reveal that any such act was committed.

“I must say that the ranks have denied the al

legations that a baton was used, more so one with a condom that was mentioned,” he said.

The police chief pointed out that visits were made to the Georgetown Prison where Harding was remanded after he was charged, but, at no time, was the alleged assault reported to any officer.

“There was a report that he was assaulted by the police… he made a report that he was assaulted with a baton, but never stated that the police used a baton to penetrate his rectum with a condom,” he said.

Brumell also noted that as investigations continue into the matter, visits will have to be made to the hospital to gather information from the doctors with respect to the man’s medical condition.

He is of the view that if Harding was severely injured, then when he appeared at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on

November 19, he must have made a complaint to the prosecutor or the court orderly. This the investigative team will find out.

However, almost three months after the alleged assault, police are yet to interview the injured man in order to get first-hand information as to what had really occurred.

Injuries

Brumell said this was not done due to the severity of the injuries and that Harding could not speak. But several media entities have so far visited the man and solicited lengthy interviews.

Pressed to explain why the police took so long to act, Brumell claimed that when he first received the text message from the injured man’s mother, he was told that her son was assaulted.

As a result, he immediately contacted A Division Commander George Vyphius and asked him to

look into the matter.

Since then, he has not received any report from the commander nor did he take the time to do a follow-up.

He emphasised that the rank implicated has been placed under close arrest and once he is found culpable of the act, he will be dealt with condignly.

“Persons are innocent until proven guilty,” said the commissioner. He stressed that once a report has been filed by any member of the public against a rank, an investigation will be conducted.

Investigations

“Once the investigations are wrapped up, the findings will be made known and if there is need for charges to be instituted, so be it,” Brummell said.

Vyphius stated that as soon as he got the instruction, he contacted the officer in charge of Timehri Police Station who told him that the man was charged and was remanded to prison after he could not post bail in the sum of $50,000.

He explained that the assault matter was reported to the Complaints Department at Brickdam Police Station where it was being investigated.

In addition, he noted that on Thursday last he was contacted by a member of the media who claimed that the prisoner’s mother had a recording of what really transpired at Timehri Police Station.

The commander immediately asked the reporter to send the woman to meet him and he was able to listen to the recording.

“Initially, all I was told was that the woman said that her son was assaulted….," he said.

Vyphius said he immediately called two senior ranks to launch an investigation. In such a matter, the report is sent to him as the commander, then to the Police Complaints Authority, and finally to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

He said the initial complaint was a mere assault, but reiterated that he did not know the extent until he met the prisoner’s mother.

Eyew tness

Warped mind...

...on Muslims

There’s a host of people who bemoan racism in our society. And they ought to...because, like in every other society, it seems people have been infected by the “racism” bug. But sometimes, the racist actions emanate from some you would’ve thought knew better. But there is always the reality of people not taking the plank from their eyes before complaining about the mote in others.

In a letter to the press, one Elton McRae takes it upon himself to castigate a GINA report about a bridge in the Triumph/BV area being donated to the local NDC. Now, you’d think that donating a bridge is a good thing, no? But evidently not when it’s done by the family of a government minister. Even when the minister was never identified as such and his given name was mentioned in passing as a child of the lady doing the donation!! So it couldn’t be that the minister – one of the most vigorous and visible in Guyana, Irfaan Ali –was gilding his lily as Mc Rae screamed: “shameless promotion”!

But the racism manifested itself when McRae asserted that the gift of the bridge couldn’t possibly be to the BV/Triumph NDC. And why this couldn’t be so? Well, the bridge provides access to the Muslim burial ground! You get it? The hundreds or thousands of Muslims in the BV/Triumph NDC, according to McRae, don’t count as members of the NDC. Where the heck does this guy get off? How can he separate and segregate, like Hitler did with the Jews, one set of residents from the rest.

Because Muslims have a burial ground designated for themselves? Well, last time we looked, the Constitution still guaranteed freedom of religion and belief and practice. All the patrimony of the land, including that of the NDC is theirs as much as any other citizen. What makes the racist outburst worse is that two newspapers printed it without any editorial comment. This demonstrates the widespread sentiment in this country that to be “Muslim” is not to be “Guyanese”.

What makes it doubly reprehensible is that McRae is a member of ACDA. You’d think that a member of an organisation that’s trying to erase the damage done by racism to his group would be a bit more sensitive to treating others less than equal just because of who they are.

Aren’t Muslims Guyanese? Don’t they have rights?

The answer is “no!”, if you go by McRae and his ilk.

...on PPP surmises

PNC’s Lurlene Nestor shrieks that the PPP’s tough response to the U.S.’s assault on Guyana’s sovereignty is because they want to “keep a section of their supporters (mainly Indo-Guyanese) in a perpetual state of fear and intimidation”. To “prove” her assertion, she offers two examples of the PPP’s supposed perfidy.

The public servants agitations were trotted out first as an innocuous event that the PPP cunningly blew up as the PNC seeking “power through the back door”. Really? So the public servants’ role in the ‘60s – revealed in the declassified documents of the U.S. and the British – is false? And the 1999 strike and marches in the streets of Georgetown were in no way connected to Desmond Hoyte’s slow fyaah, mo fyaah? Gimme a break!!

Even more ironically, she says, “when criminals terrorise the people and create mayhem, the PPP/C again shout “PNC/R trying to take the government’s power”.” So when Hoyte draped Blackie’s coffin with the flag of Guyana, that’s PPP’s hysterics? Or when he said “there are no criminals in Buxton” after Douglas and his gang holed up there?

Where there’s fire (forget “smoke”), there’s fire. ...in law

AG Nandlall wondered whether Ramjattan was not “ethically and legally prevented” from making public communications his client requested be kept “confidential”. He should know by now that Ramjattan is ethically challenged and legally blind.

Tax cheats must pay up or face court – Sooba

By Alexis Rodney

Town Clerk Carol Sooba

said tax defaulters must choose between paying the $3.6 billion they owe collectively to the council or face the courts.

For 2013, only $1.5 billion was collected in rates and taxes. Of that amount, $1.3 billion was expended in the execution of council duties.

Disappointment

At the council’s first press briefing on Thursday, the town clerk expressed her disappointment over the council’s financial state of affairs.

She said although the 2014 budget has not yet been approved, major infrastructural work is expected to be carried out on City Hall.

Town Clerk Carol Sooba

She is, therefore, urging persons who are indebted to the council to do the right thing before legal steps are taken.

“For many years you

Bosai detects source of Linden blackout woes

Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) has detected the main source of the constant power outages in Linden and up to press time Thursday night, the community was receiving a more reliable supply of electricity.

It said the problem was a damaged breaker within the company’s power plant and the problem was only identified late Wednesday evening.

The bauxite company is the main supplier of electricity in Linden. BMGGI sells electricity to the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated (LECI), which supplies electricity to the Mackenzie shore of Linden, and in turn sells power to the Linden Utility Services Co-op Society Limited (LUSCSL), which supplies the Wismar shore.

The Linden community experienced blackout much of Wednesday and Thursday. Speaking on the issue on Thursday, Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon reiterated the need for the advancement of the technical committee to deal with disaster preparedness, which was set up last year following the constant blackouts.

Committee

The committee was set up by the Region 10 Democratic Council and is headed by Horace James.

Solomon noted that the committee had made a decision at last Thursday’s statutory meeting to meet next Thursday.

He noted that public notices should have already been out and the committee has been pushing for an electricity response manual to be made available; however, the required response from BMGGI for assistance with the manual has not been forthcoming.

“The council, last Thursday, in recognising its response to disaster preparedness, would have asked for the reactivation of its

would have heard different town clerks speaking of the par rate execution, but you never had this execution done.

"But I promise you that for this 2014, and I faithfully keep my promise, that’s the only way I know some people will pay what they owe to the council,” she declared.

Defaulters

The town clerk said there are a number of popular businesspersons who are not only on the defaulters’ list, but who also carelessly break the by-laws.

Even though she was not willing to mention any names, she is of the view that the par rate execution plan may very well assist these defaulters in “paying up their rates”.

Sooba reminded citizens

that the payment plan is still available. Persons who are unable to make full payments can still approach the council to work out a system of payment with the council’s treasury.

The council’s state of affairs was also a concern of the city treasurer, Rawl McCalmon, who said that his department is using all available avenues to recover outstanding bills.

“As it relates to enforcement, we’ll also in terms of our revenue collection, continue to engage delinquents as it relates to payment plans and court matters so that persons could come in and pay what is due to the council,” he said.

He noted that the council will in itself be “prudent in our financial management… in terms of looking at what

are the priorities in terms of spending”. The council’s budget for this year stands at $2.3 billion.

Meanwhile, persons vending in markets around the city will soon have their many cries answered, as plans are well underway for major rehabilitative work to be done on the East La Penitence, East Ruimveldt, Kitty and Stabroek markets.

Restoration

Clerk of Markets Simone Mc Kend said the condition of these markets is not up to standard. As such, the council is seeking to be involved in their restoration.

However, as much as the council wants to work in the best interest of the vendors, they themselves have to take responsibility, she said.

“Just as the residents of

Georgetown, the stallholders themselves have to assist by not sending the 'social rejects' to dispose of their garbage. They should ensure that it is placed in bags if they miss the collection by sanitation staff,” she said.

She said strict measures will be taken against defaulters, who, with the help of vigilant citizens, can be exposed.

“So, if you notice persons doing it, assist by identifying those persons so that we could apprehend them and cause them to be disciplined,” she added. Mc Kend said the recurring issue of robberies at the markets will also be addressed, pointing out that the council hopes to provide a safe environment for both vendors and shoppers.

Clampdown on dirty ice, water operators coming

The Government

electricity disruption response manual that should have been completed in September.

"We expect to have more cooperation from BMGGI this year. At that meeting, we had asked all the various stakeholders to prepare for us, how they would respond to blackout in excess of five hours so that the residents are aware of the information relating to the cause, time (in regards to how soon power will be restored), also the agencies responsible.

“For services, for example, GUYWA (Guyana Water Authority [now Guyana Water Inc (GWI)]) is supposed to say, how we will get water once the blackout exceeds a certain time, the police will say how they will increase security in vulnerable areas, and also other entities such as the Linden Chamber of Commerce will also say how they will ensure that residents receive services in the event of continued power outages,” he noted.

Technical problems

Solomon said LECI must prioritise, while GWI must act on how to put water systems in place. Last June, BMGGI had deployed three temporary MACORP generating sets to the community, in an effort to bring relief to residents of Linden who had been affected by constant blackouts.

The issue had been caused by technical problems arising from two of the company’s generating engines, which had sustained damage to their crank shaft and bearings.

Plant maintenance supervisor at BMGGI’s electrical power plant, Oswald Prince had indicated that the generating sets were expected to ease the blackout woes by at least 90 per cent.

Prince had explained that each generator has a capacity of 1.6 megawatts and collectively they provide 4.8 megawatts.

Analyst Food and Drug Department is working towards the certification of water and ice operators and distributors owing to complaints about unhealthy practices at some outlets.

A number of water operators have sprung up in recent times, and there have been complaints that some of them are not sticking to regulations.

Department Director Marlan Cole said while the agency is mandated to enhance and facilitate trade, it will also continue to protect consumers.

He was speaking at the time at a sensitisation workshop for water and ice processors at the Regency Suites Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown on Thursday.

Cole said that for the sale and distribution of water and ice, stakeholders will now have to be certified by the food and drug department.

“Inspectors will be visiting at least 10 businesses per day carrying out inspection and water sampling, ensuring that suppliers are following regulations and standards set out by the Ministry of Health and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards,” said Cole.

Business closure

According to the director, businesses with water treatment processing equipment will now have their water tested and approved before distribution.

Cole stated that once the tests are carried out and it is proven that the water is unsafe, closure of the business will occur immediately.

He told Guyana Times that owing to the constraints they are experiencing with lab space, in 2014 plans are in place for relocation.

The deadline has been extended to June 2014 for the renewal or new licences for the sale of water and ice, whether packaged or loose.

The processing fee is $5000 and packaging $1500. Every water treatment plant and producer should have a flow chart available for pub-

lic viewing according to regulations.

Meanwhile, EMPRETEC representative Marilyn Collins, speaking at the workshop, said the organisation will offer training for persons interested in learning how to test water. She advised stakeholders to send at least one employee of the business to participate.

Customer satisfaction

While the cost of the programme is $40,000, she notes that it will improve the business’s financial outcome. Collins explained that once customers are satisfied they will return time and again. She further explained that after one person from the business is trained they can continue the training process within the organisation to other staff.

Collins, however, noted

that the selected staffer must have four CXC subjects, inclusive of English and a science subject, noting that the water treatment programme is somewhat scientifically associated.

Responsibility In addition, she reminded producers that it is their responsibility to ensure the safety of the water they are selling to customers. “Distributors must have knowledge of the quality of incoming water,” she added.

Consumer Affairs Officer Kishana Archer told the gathering that consumers have the right to safety and this should never be neglected as they are the ones who keep the market alive. Archer added that consumers also have the right to choose from goods or services offered at better prices. She explained that contaminated water can lead to various water-borne diseases cholera, and diarrhoea and vomiting.

House clears Evidence (Amendment) Bill despite scepticism

By Svetlana MarShall

The Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2013 received the support of the full House on Thursday despite scepticism expressed by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC).

For Guyana, this means criminal and civil matters in the court of law will be accelerated with certificates, analysis, reports, or any form of diagnosis becoming admissible.

In the National Assembly, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall moved the motion for the bill to be read a second time.

tem reports prepared by a pathologist and medical certificates prepared by a medical practitioner, after examination of a virtual complaint.

The legal affairs minister told the House that as technology and science evolves, it is important for amendments be made to the legislation of this nature.

scenario in which a mother is confronted with the argument that the father is not the biological father of her child, Nandlall said it becomes necessary to lead evidence to establish paternity, pointing out that an effective method is the use of DNA technology.

“Lawyers who are in practice would recognise the practical importance and pragmatic value of being able to tender into evidence certain documents prepared by experts, and the conferring of the law of certain evidential value to those documents,” he explained.

Currently, the legislation allows specific reports compiled by experts to be tendered.

He said the Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2013 was designed to expand the category of experts whose certificate, analysis, report or diagnosis would be admissible in the court of law without the expert presenting himself in person.

These include post-mor-

According to Nandlall, even in the smallest of the cases, the magistrates’ courts encounter difficulties due to the lack of this amendment.

Alluding to the common

Citing another example, the attorney general alluded to the illegal smuggling of fuel. Under the Guyana Energy Agency Act, fuel imported into Guyana should be marked; hence anyone found in possession of fuel not marked is, therefore, liable to an offence under the legislation.

In this case, he posited, “an analyst is, therefore, required to conduct an examination,” to determine whether it was indeed illegal fuel.

Hugly man tell a sick man to sue de police

Guyana is not only de land of many waters, but it does also be de land under a lotta water every time de rain fall. Water is a good ting, but water is also a destructive ting. Water mek Noah had to build the ark and water mek Moses had to part de Red Sea.

In de good book, Jesus turn water into wine and now wine tekkin people life when dem drink and drive. De people at GEE-W-High seh water is life so dem tryin to give enough good water to every body. As soon as dem boys who does wear boy clothes hear that, dem start to line up right away. Some line up twice.

Dem farmers in Essequibo and Berbice was prayin fuh God to send a Moses to part de water when every ting went under. De Nagga Man get excited and thought dem was callin fuh he. But de farmers turn he back because de only ting de Nagga Man can part is money. He does part whah he gotta drink from whah he gotta give he so-andso people.

Nagga Man even tek money from dem hard wukkin Berbicians when de bridge was about to build. Now if only de guvament had decide to bridge de Essequibo River, de Nagga Man woulda tek dem Essequibians’ money too. He done hopin to get some from de new Demerara bridge. It got to be some ting wid dem KFC people and money. Rum Jhaat tek money from a company all de way from India and promise dem he gon get de contract to build de Specialty Hospital that still ain’t build. No Gel Hugly tek from another company fuh a hydro project that end up givin both Rum Jhaat and de guvament hydro.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Now de Hugly man tell a sick man to sue de police fuh $100 million. Well, if that man don’t recover quick, Hugly gon mek that man get hydro too!

Timehri ranks deny...

On the issue of the transfer of the ranks, crime chief

Seelall Persaud said once a complaint has been lodged against a particular correctional facility, the ranks are transferred since the public would have lost trust in them.

He said they are, however, transferred to other locations where there are senior ranks. This transfer, he added, is to have a smooth investigation with little or no tampering of evidence.

He also explained that before charges are laid or disciplinary actions are taken against a rank, there must be enough evidence.

Police practices

Persaud also agreed that simple police practices were not upheld in this matter.

He added that when the statement was taken from the mother and the attendant rank was told the severity of the case, he/she should have reported it immediately.

With respect to the $100

million lawsuit, Brumell said he has already stated the police force’s position. “I told him that we are aware of the matter and that the OPR is investigating it…

"I ask him to let good sense prevail and let this investigation be completed in its finality… and when I see finality, let it go to the DPP for advice,” he said.

Supervision

The commissioner also explained that based on investigations thus far, there was a lack of supervision at the Timehri Police Station on the day the incident reportedly occurred.

Harding was reportedly arrested on November 18 and placed before the court on November 19 charged with disorderly behaviour. It was during his short time in the Timehri lock-ups he was sodomised by the police constable, but the matter was reported to the police a few weeks after.

Citizens up protest against police over alleged baton assault

By Vahnu Manikchand

Amid growing condem-

nation for the alleged brutality meted out to a young man in police custody, several Guyanese citizens and human rights bodies on Thursday intensified their protest action outside of Parliament Building.

The protesters gathered outside Parliament Square with placards condemning the police force as they call for Colwyn Harding to get justice.

Some of the placards read: “How long more before our leaders defend our lives” and “Police are there to serve and protect, not to maim and kill”.

Sherlene Wilkinson, a family friend of the Hardings, expressed her disgust at the alleged actions of the officers. She said her sister in Jamaica is willing to take Harding and his mother and give them accommodation, transportation and food so that he can receive the best treatment.

Diaspora

“The diaspora is waiting, get the money for this cause. There is a contingent of Guyanese in Jamaica watching at what’s happening; the diaspora in the U.S., the diaspora in London will be picketing the Guyana High Commission (today). The world is watching Guyana and is wondering what is happening to the people of Guyana,” she noted.

Wilkinson recalled her horror at the state the young

man was in when she first saw him.

“The state has hurt this boy and... it could have happened to any of us. This is a hole in the abdomen he has and he is really hurting. I’m saying if it was a rich person’s child, it wouldn’t have gotten so far, he would have been airlifted out of here at the expense of the state,” Wilkinson claimed.

"Psychologically damaged"

She noted that the policeman implicated, if guilty, has to be “psychologically damaged”, since only someone like that can perpetuate such acts. The woman pointed out that Harding’s mother, who is a former member of the police force, has been active in speaking out against alleged police atrocities.

Also part of the protest were members of the media, who also spoke out against recurring instances of police brutality as they called for

wider reform.

“No one deserves to be treated the way he has been treated,” stated Jenelle Persaud. She recommended that police training, recruitment and interaction with people be improved.

“The human resource is one of the most valuable resources for any country and the fact that we can see people dying and still not decide that a minister or a police commissioner should resign is just not enough.

"Politicians, as a whole, need to sit together, because that is what we have chosen them to do and come up with solutions, not only for what the Parliament has decided to sit and talk about, but other things that are affecting the country,” she pointed out.

Solidarity

Other persons who were part of the protest in solidarity also condemned the police’s action. Duane Edwards told this newspaper that this

is a very serious issue and what was (allegedly) done to Harding is below what is expected of any human being.

“When, as a country, we reach the stage that the very organs and institutions that are responsible for the preservation of peace and the protection of the citizens is engaged in brutal acts against citizens, it is a new low as a society,” he stated.

Edwards went on to say that this is the 21st century and such things should not be happening. He said hopes that the police officer accused of perpetrating the act, if guilty, is dealt with accordingly and not be given any special treatment. “The person who is guilty should be subject to the law and face the consequences,” he stated.

Another demonstrator, Suzan Collymore, said she was supporting the Hardings not only as a concerned citizen but as a mother also.

“I’m here to stand in solidarity with Colywn who

House clears Evidence (Amendment)...

“In the absence of this amendment, tremendous difficulty has been encountered in trying to establish that particular defence. This bill is intended to address that,” he stated.

The Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2013 repeats the beginning of Section 43 of the principal act, but includes a list of additional certificates or reports signed or purported to be signed by a series of analysts stating that he or she has examined or analysed: a fingerprint, firearm or ammunition, poison-

ous substance, a firearm or ammunition, local or foreign currency, human blood, bone or tissue, or fuel or fuel-based substances.

Forensic lab

It was pointed out that the bill also takes into account the newly-established Guyana Forensic Science Lab, creating avenues for the type of certificates expected to be generated by scientific officers.

“The bill before this honourable House is one that will be welcomed by practitioners

by the criminal law; in fact, it is long overdue,” APNU Member Basil Williams said in his introductory remarks. He emphasised that the bill will “speed up trials”.

In documenting the importance of the amendment, the APNU frontbencher said ballistic experts dealing with ammunition and firearms are not allowed to tender their examinations since they are not catered for in the identified category; however, the amendment now paves way for their admissions. (Only in person but after a process).

From page 10

AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan also threw his support behind the bill, emphasising too that the amendment will accelerate the rate at which trials are completed. However, he expressed concerns about the integrity of the experts and their certifications or reports."

The Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2013 was among bills submitted to the National Assembly by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee. However, they were rejected following the opposition’s move to gag him.

has been brutalised by some members of the force; and also as a member of the public, we are calling for justice for this child. Whether he did anything wrong or not, he doesn’t deserve to be treated in this manner,” she stated.

Condemnation

The Guyana Bar Association, in a statement on Thursday, condemned the behaviour of the police, noting that it is concerned with the reoccurring situations of police brutality.

“The severity and frequency of these allegations of police abuse suggest that there is maladministration within the police force and a systemic failure on the oversight from the Ministry of

Home Affairs and the Police Complaints Authority,” the association said.

The association made reference to the previous incident of a teenager whose genitals the police had set on fire in 2009, an act, which Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire had described as “cruel and inhuman treatment contrary to Article 141 of the Constitution”.

In addition, the association noted that several officers are reported to have perpetrated the act and this is proof that constitutional proscriptions of such behaviour are constantly ignored by the Guyana Police Force.

Failure

The association said it also recognises the failure of authorities to change the culture of law enforcement to ensure that they are charged with protecting citizens and not violating or abusing them.

It recommended that measures be put in place for adequate medical treatment for Harding and called for independent probe into the matter.

The association is also asking for institutional reform of the Guyana Police Force and the Police Complaints Authority.

friday, january 17, 2014

Harmon says delay in e-governance project is major concern

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) executive member Joseph Harmon said the delay in completion of the US$32 million e-governance project by approximately two years is a major concern, in response to allegations he is unfairly targeting its coordinator, Alexei Ramotar.

Through the National Assembly, Harmon asked Prime Minister Samuel Hinds about the cost overruns linked to the delay, as well as the qualification, experience and salary of Ramotar, President Donald Ramotar’s son.

While the prime minister has not yet offered a response, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has accused the opposition of chasing away investors and now launching an attack on young professionals.

Dr Singh was quoted as

saying: “As if chasing away investors is not enough to satisfy their lust for power afforded by their one-seat majority, they now move to attack and ultimately chase our human resources: our young qualified professionals working in government.”

Investment

But Harmon, while addressing the press in the Parliament Building, said the opposition is simply protecting an investment already made in Guyana. He made it clear that his questions to the prime minister, by no means, were intended to attack the E-Governance Unit project manager.

He explained that his interest in the project was sparked following announcements by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon that the e-

governance project has failed to meet its deadline by approximately two years.

Creating greater concern, Harmon said, is the Donald Ramotar administration’s announcement that the project will now be redesigned following two years of delays. “Two years after the completion date, we are now talking about redesigning the project,” the APNU executive member stated, as he lashed out at the government.

The multibillion-dollar project includes the laying of fibre-optic cable from Guyana to Brazil. It was slated to be completed since 2012 but has encountered serious problems, resulting in the two-year delay.

Suitably qualified

Justifying his need to zoom in on the salary of the project unit manager, Harmon said the opposition would like to determine the cost incurred by salaries. He contended that a high percentage of the US$32 million is likely being consumed by wages and salaries.

“I think you will be surprised when the answers come out,” Harmon further said. He said too that the finance minister in his recent utterances on the project said Ramotar was “deemed” most suitable for the position.

“But if we don’t have a competitive bidding process, if we don’t have other persons who are named, I could say okay I am deeming this person to be the most quali-

fied person for the position,” the APNU parliamentarian said as he raised the issue of transparency.

“Dr Singh would have to explain to this nation who deems this person to be suitably qualified, and, therefore, what were the criteria,” he added.

Asked to comment on the questions posed by the APNU, the project unit manager had referred Guyana Times to the prime minister.

Harmon had said that there was clearly an issue of competency. According to him, more questions will be asked by the opposition following the response by the prime minister.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Hinds said the questions posed by Harmon were a welcomed move.

Minibus operators upbraided over fare hike

The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry said it was deeply concerned about the uncaring and contradictory action being displayed by some minibus operators, who seem determined to unilaterally adjust their fares upwards and hold the travelling public to ransom.

In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said that instituting any fare increase without the conclusion of a joint agreement between operators/their bargaining body and the ministry is unacceptable, and breaches the good faith principle that should permeate discussions currently ongoing among the parties.

for

“As a consequence, …. [the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry] is categorically rejecting recent attempts of minibus operators to one-sidedly impose fare increases and calls upon commuters to disregard this unconscionable action.”

Not 82 deaths

Some 82 persons attempted suicide last year in Essequibo, nine of whom died, according to official records.

Guyana,U.S. to meet on LEAD project

Government and the United States are set to meet on the controversial USAID Leadership and Democracy Project, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Luncheon said on Thursday at his post-Cabinet press briefing.

Dr. Luncheon reiterated government’s position that genuine engagement on the way forward cannot be with government negotiating under duress. He said that if in the exchange there is indeed across the table proposal and discussion in a mature bilateral spirit, then there is no reason the negotiation would not end in bilateral agreement.

The USAID project was not approved by Cabinet and this was formally indicated to the relevant authorities, but unconfirmed reports later indicated that USAID project activities were being implemented, despite the embassy being in receipt of the formal correspondence from Cabinet voicing its disapproval.

Meanwhile, .he Private Sector Commission (PSC) said it has seen merit in the overall objective of the USAID Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Project and has urged the government and the U.S. embassy here to work out their differences to have the programme implemented.

The commission, however, cautioned against any unilateral implementation of the project without government’s sanction – something which U.S. Ambassador to Guyana D Brent Hardt virtually said he would do in a recent Stabroek News interview.

In a statement, the PSC said it met with the Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. embassy and with President Donald Ramotar with regard to the project and its proposed implementation. According to the PSC, it was fully briefed by Ramotar on the position of the government of Guyana and was advised that the administration is yet to be convinced that the project, as proposed and adumbrated, would be in the best interest of Guyana and that the government of the U.S.A. has been so advised.

“It is our understanding from our meeting with HE Donald Ramotar, that it is the position of the government of Guyana that the USAID project in its present form is unacceptable to the government and that the government has exercised its judgment as a sovereign state that the project is not to be implemented.”

Government sanction

effective and responsive democratic institutions in Guyana and motivate youth and women to be more engaged in the political and civic processes, but that its implementation must not go forward without the full agreement and sanction of the government.

“It is the conclusion of the Private Sector Commission, therefore, that both the government of Guyana and the government of the U.S.A. have left the door open for further discussion and refinement of the project proposal and we, therefore, have encouraged both parties to pursue consensus and to come to a mutually agreed position for the benefit of the country.

On Wednesday, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), urged the government and U.S. embassy officials to resume the discussion on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project, with the objective of finding common ground on the project.

After meetings with representatives from both sides, the chamber learnt that all parties were ready to engage officially on the issue.

However, the government has one precondition: the U.S. government must halt the current implementation of the project until the points of concern are resolved. The chamber believes this is a reasonable request.

Discourse

Additionally, the GCCI fully supports and endorses the objectives of the LEAD project. The chamber believes that its implementation will strengthen political institutions and enhance citizens' understanding of and participation in the larger civic and political discourse in their communities and throughout the country.

The report should have instead reflected that there were 82 cases, but, unfortunately, there was some misinterpretation of the statistics.

Guyana Times had incorrectly reported in its Thursday edition that 82 persons had taken their own lives.

Guyana Times deeply regrets the error and apologises to its readers

Meanwhile, police in a release clarifying the report stated that their records reveal that for 2013, there were a total of 111 suicides

countrywide, with nine occurring in Essequibo.

The figures in the other police divisions were: A Division – 20; B Division – 36; C Division – 20; D Division – 12; E Division –1; and F Division – 13.

However, the commission said having reviewed the summary and proposed activities of the project document, it is of the view that there is merit in the overall objectives outlined in the document to promote

The project also aims to bolster the operations of the National Assembly by giving parliamentarians the essential tools for delivering effective representation and policy formulation that represents the most ideal, mutually productive interests of Guyana, as a whole.

American racism U.S. diplomats booted from India

The U.S. diplomats expelled from India in retaliation for the Manhattan indictment of the Indian “Nannygate” envoy were no fans of the country –badmouthing its foul air, dirty water and Hindu gods while stationed there.

New York native Wayne May and his wife, Alicia Muller May, made “disrespectful’’ comments on Facebook as they chronicled their time in New Delhi, where he headed security at the U.S. Embassy and she worked as a community liaison.

In one posting, Alicia May

the U.S. State Department. The envoy claimed she paid her nanny US$4500 a month, when in, according to the allegations, she reportedly gave her just US$573 a month, a measly US$3.31 an hour.

The Mays’ comments, which span at least two years, have since been scrubbed from Facebook, but Indian news outlets copied them before they disappeared.

Lamenting the end of a visit to the United States, Alicia May wrote. “Heading back to New Delhi tomorrow night….What’ll I miss the most? Fresh air, clean streets, amazing food, old friends and tap water.”

She also noted she had gotten used to “no horns honking, no one staring at me, level sidewalks, no trash, no poop (human or animal), no monkeys….”

A friend stationed in Afghanistan replied, “Yeah, but you don’t have the convenience of going down to the river to do your laundry.”

Insult When a Facebook pal suggested that Alicia May had insulted a Hindu god with one of her comments, she retorted, “Not the first time, not the last!”

The Obama administra-

commented on sexual violence, noting, “It’s the vegetarians that are doing the raping, not the meat eaters – this place is just so bizarre,” she said.

“Applies only to Indians, not westerners!” she added.

"Stupid"

The Mays called the country’s sacred cows “stupid”, referred to India as a “zoo”, and noted that their dog was “bigger and in better health” than their Indian gardener because the pooch got “more protein in his diet” than the landscaper.

The couple was kicked out of the country in the wake of Devyani Khobrogade’s December 12 arrest in Manhattan for allegedly submitting bogus documents to

GT&T, THAG sign $9M pact

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) on Thursday signed a $9 million contract with the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), which will see the company funding some of the body’s programmes in return for promotion of its services and products.

The contract was signed by GT&T Chief Executive Officer (CEO) R K Sharma and THAG President Kit Nascimento. The event took place at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown. The agreement will support the programmes and activities of THAG.

These include the training of membership, the marketing of membership products, and the maintenance and organisation of the association. In turn, THAG will promote GT&T and its services through its programmes and members such as hotels and resorts.

Nascimento said “tourism is everybody’s business”, pointing out that whether a person is employed as a taxi driver or waiter, it involves “all of us because we are selling our country to the world”. He added that it was because of this, THAG needs to partner with mutual benefits. According to him, tourism in Guyana is still in its

initial stages and there are many things which can be done within the sector. One of those things, he said, is telecommunications, which is a “very critical part” of tourism development in Guyana. “THAG partnered with GT&T because GT&T is Guyana’s own “native telecommunications company,” he said.

According to Sharma, the three-year agreement is a continuation of a relationship that has grown between the two organisations over the past 10 years. He said this partnership recognises the pivotal role and contribution that THAG plays in the growth and development of this critical sub-sector of the

services.

The CEO stated that the “nature of tourism allows for economic diversification and the potential to create an integrated model that benefits the national economy in employment opportunities and poverty reduction in a localised environment”.

Since this involves several industries, and draws on a variety of skills, its benefits are spread over a sector comparative to others.

Sharma added that its “contribution to economic growth and development in our (Guyana) context can be also seen within the framework of a foreign exchange generating sector”.

tion distanced itself from the postings after the Times of India and other outlets revealed the Mays’ identity and blasted the remarks. “I would underscore that these do not in any way represent the U.S. government’s position,” a State Department spokeswoman said.

The Mays – whose 23-yearold daughter, Brianna, helped organise a “community diversity” campaign as a student at William and Mary College –could not be reached for comment.

Khobrogade got diplomatic immunity and returned to India. She has filed paperwork to have the indictment overturned so she can return to the U.S. to be with her family. (Adapted from the New York Post)

Guyana toughens law against gun runners –

fine can be as high as $5 million, jail term 10 years

By Svetlana MarShall

Traffickers of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and or related components can be fined a maximum of $5 million or jailed for a period of 10 years if found guilty at the level of the High Court.

This new breakthrough in the criminal justice system comes following the passage of the Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2013 in the National Assembly on Thursday evening. The bill was rejected when it was first presented last year by opposition-scorned Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee. It was, however, brought back to the House by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, who, in the second reading of the bill, said that the amendment was built in keeping within international obligations, making reference to United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime.

The National Assembly’s attention was also turned to protocols and regulations outlined by the Organisation of American States and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

Alluding to amendments made to the principal act, the legal affairs minister said penalties attached to

the charge of trafficking of firearms or ammunition have also been a concern.

He explained that Section 48 says “Any person guilty of an offence against this act from which no other penalty is specifically provided shall be liable on a summary conviction, to a fine of $15,000 and to imprisonment of three years.”

Harsher punishment

However, following discussions with Rohee, a decision was taken to increase the penalties, whether it is a summary conviction or at the level of the magistrates’ courts, to a fine of $500,000 and five years’ imprisonment. On conviction and indictment at the level of the High Court, an offender can be fined a maximum of $5 million or jailed for a maximum of 10 years.

Additionally, the principal act has been amended via an insertion immediately after section 17. The amendment stipulates that, “if any person knowingly imports, exports, acquire, sells, delivers, moves, transfers any firearms, or its parts, or components, or ammunition to or from another country without proper authorisation, he shall be guilty of an offence.”

Nandlall was keen on pointing out that the current law does not cater for the charging of a person who has been found with a component of a firearm. “We know of several instances where parts of firearms have been found hidden in goods and merchandise coming into Guyana, the current construct of our firearms act does not create an offence for a person being found with a part of a gun and this bill is intended to fill that gap,” Nandlall told his colleagues on both sides of the House.

Illicit weapons

According to statistics reports, there are more

than 2.5 million illicit weapons in circulation within the Caribbean and Latin America. He said at the level of the Caribbean, the United States of America has been working closely with Caribbean states through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative to combat the situation. Without any hesitation, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member Winston Felix signalled his party’s support of the Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2013.

In his detailed presentation, Felix said internationally the trafficking of firearms and or ammunition or related components is a serious offence and must not be condoned in Guyana. “The illicit use of firearms in this country has caused much suffering to hard-working people… citizens in their homes have been robbed under the threat of a firearm…. there are those who have been robbed at sea and those robbed in the interior”, and even in Georgetown.

It was on this note he lamented that persons who trade firearms ought to be dealt with condignly. With the new amendment, Felix said the coalition strongly believes that this is a step in the right direction.

Reform

“We feel that the law must be given teeth and must bite into criminal activities,” he added; a comment that received loud applause from his colleagues on the opposition bench. “We support the government with the introduction of this bill, but we want to ensure that criminal persons, persons who traffic in firearms must be caught and dealt with… but this cannot stand by itself, it must stand with the reform of the Guyana Police Force, which APNU has been deliberating on for years, for years, we have been saying this police force

must be reformed….” Felix added.

Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian Moses Nagamootoo, on behalf of the party, welcomed the amendment. He told the House that the AFC recognises the importance of the legislation, hence its support. “We believe that it is not a question that we can afford to play politics with –the illegal entry, the trading of re-exporting trafficking in arms.”

According to the OAS Firearms Convention, “for arms traffickers, the world is a very small place. If the price is right, these criminals have the capacity to move weapons from country to country, or even from continent to continent.”

In addition to the Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2013, the House also offered its support for the “Summary Jurisdiction (Procedure Amendment) Bill 2013, which was also presented by the attorney general. This bill seeks to amend section 8 (2) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Procedure) Act, Chapter 10:02, paving the way for a person who is issued with a traffic ticket for an offence to pay the prescribed penalty to the clerk of the court of any magisterial district regardless where the offence is committed.

St Lucia congratulates Cuba on anniversary of revolution

On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, the ruling St Lucia Labour Party (SLP) says the relationship between St Lucia-Cuba remains “strong and firm, bonded in the mutual understanding both at the party and country levels”.

In a statement, SLP General Secretary Leo Clarke said his organisation had every reason to congratulate the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and the government

and people of that sister Caribbean country, on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.

“Fifty-five years is no short period of time and for the Cuban people – led by the PCC – to have survived all efforts to reverse its progress, is no easy feat.

“For five-and-a-half decades, the PCC, led by Fidel Castro and now by Raul Castro, has provided the level of sterling leadership that has allowed for the Cuban state to be able

to provide for its people in health, education and other human needs, while consistently offering limitless solidarity to people’s causes abroad,” the party noted in a statement Thursday.

It noted that never has Cuba allowed its economic woes to reduce its commitment to give internationalist support to parties, people and governments in all corners of Planet Earth.

“St Lucia can attest to that, as we have continued to receive scholarships for students to study

in Cuba and Cuban health professionals to assist in St Lucia, among other forms of people-to-people support.

St Lucia-Cuba relations remain strong, just as SLP-PCC relations remain firm and bonded in the mutual understanding and acceptance that each has a leadership role to always be in step with the people’s needs and to always do what it takes to meet and provide for their most important needs,” Clarke noted. (Excerpt from

No comprehensive APNU policy on AMLCFT bill yet – HPS

Government is still awaiting a comprehensive position statement from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) bill, Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon said at his postCabinet media briefing on Thursday.

He pointed out that while the record will show that government has made every conceivable effort with the opposition to have the bill enacted, the country is still returning to the National Assembly, where the opposition would have the country believe that there is something “so profoundly defective” about the bill that the blacklisting of Guyana is a justifiable option.

The HPS noted, however, that the opposition, not for want of time or opportunity, has until now, not provided Guyana with what it thinks is the solution to the bill. The HPS said while the

Alliance For Change (AFC) can be credited for offering a ‘horse trade’ with regard to the merits of bill, there has been no proposed amendments to the bills from the APNU.

The AFC brought the Procurement Act and the Public Procurement Commission into its consideration of the enactment of the bill. “At least, we give them (AFC) credit, they are willing to say how and under what conditions, they would support a bill that would have prevented blacklist of Guyana. That is much more than APNU has said and done.

“To this day, no one has seen, and nowhere has there been present by anything or anyone in APNU’s colours, a comprehensive APNU position against the provision in the amended anti-money laundering bill and importantly, what their alternative proposals are,” the HPS noted. The HPS said that the government is committed to exploring with the opposition ways to have the bill enacted.

Kartel trial: Witness accused of misleading court

The defence in the Vybz Kartel murder trial have accused Crown witness Corporal Shawn Brown of deliberately attempting to mislead the court by presenting selected cellphone texts by a co-accused.

Defence attorney Tom Tavares-Finson suggested Thursday that the witness abstracted texts from a series sent by co-accused Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell which gave the impression that Campbell was referring to victim Clive “Lizard” Williams.

One of Shawn Storm’s texts presented as evidence to the court read: “How much for the thing to deal with Lizzy.”

The texts were sent to an unknown number, the court was told.

However upon request by the defence that information from the unedited disc be presented, it was revealed that the unknown number was that of Campbell’s girlfriend and the texts were

regarding their daughter Lizzy’s school supplies.

On Wednesday, a text message, believed to be the last sent by Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams, was read for jurors. The text to his girlfriend Onika Jackson was sent at 19:37h on August 16, 2011, while Williams was believed to be in a motor car heading to Havendale in St Andrew where he is believed to have been beaten to death over the disappearance of an illegal gun.

“Baby im shaking so badly im nervous jeff jus catch mi on my phone but i don’t care he is going to pin me,” read the text.

The text concluded 20-minute span of texts between Williams and Jackson on that day. In the texts, which were read for jurors on Monday, Williams begged Jackson to call the police and call Nadine. He said in the texts that Vybz Kartel was going to kill him and that he was scared.

from Jamaica Observer)

UN confronts Vatican on child sex abuse by clergy

The Vatican has been confronted publicly for the first time over the sexual abuse of children by clergy, at a UN hearing in Geneva.

Officials faced a barrage of hard questions covering why they would not release data and what they were doing to prevent future abuse. They insisted the church had learnt from the crisis and had taken action to prevent future abuse.

Victims’ advocates complained there was still too little transparency.

Last month, the Vatican refused a request from the UN’s Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) for data on abuse, on the grounds that it only released such information if requested to do so by another country as part of legal proceedings. The Vatican came to Geneva expecting a rough ride and it got one, the BBC’s Imogen Foulkes reports.

Victims say they hope the hearing, which is being broadcast live, will prompt the church to end its “secrecy”.

Pope Francis announced last month that a Vatican committee would be set up

to fight sexual abuse of children in the church.

The Holy See is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, a legally binding instrument which commits it to protecting and nurturing the most vulnerable in society. It ratified the convention in 1990, but after an implementation report in 1994 it did not submit any progress reports until 2012, following revelations of child sex abuse in Europe and beyond.

In a homily on Thursday, Pope Francis said abuse scandals were “the shame of the church”.

“The view of committee is that the best way to prevent abuses is to reveal old ones –openness instead of sweeping offences under the carpet,” Kirsten Sandberg, chairwoman of the 18-strong CRC, told the Vatican delegation.

“It seems to date your procedures are not very transparent.”

The Vatican was asked why it continued to describe abuse as an offence against morals rather than a crime against children.

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi said: “To prevent abuse of minors is a real, immediate concern.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Syria agrees to attend Geneva peace talks

The Syrian government has agreed to attend the upcoming Geneva peace talks, according to a leaked letter obtained by Al Jazeera, as the international community tries to reach a diplomatic solution to the Syria crisis.

The letter from the Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem to the secretary general of the United Nations appears to set conditions for the peace talks to be held on January 22 aimed at ending the nearly threeyear civil war.

“It should be noted that we do not agree with certain

points mentioned in the letter of invitation, simply for the reason that they are in conflict with the legal and political position of the State of Syria,” Muallem writes in reply to an invitation from UN chief Ban Ki-Moon.

Muallem goes on to say, “... It remains a priority for the Syrian people to continue to fight terrorism....”

“We demand the countries supporting terrorism cease and refrain from funding, training, arming or harbouring terrorist groups in harmony with international law and UN resolutions.”

The main umbrella oppo-

sition body in exile, the Syrian National Coalition, has said that the letter undermines the talks. This comes as Syria’s centrist internal opposition group, which rejects the armed rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad, said on Thursday that it would not attend peace talks in Switzerland next week.

Khaled Dahowd, an executive member of the National Coordination Body (NCB), accused Russia and the United States of rushing the conference to promote their own interests in the region, rather than those of the Syrian people. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Afghan Taliban “confident of victory” over NATO

Aspokesman for the Afghan Taliban has said it is “confident of victory” over NATO-led forces and already controls large areas of the country.

Interviewed by the BBC’s John Simpson, Zabiullah Mujahed said in remote parts it was “everywhere”, and foreign troops were scared to leave their bases.

He also denied any ties with candidates in the “fake” presidential elections.

But it is hard to believe the Taliban might make a comeback in Afghanistan as things stand, our correspondent says.

However, their takeover of Kabul in 1996 was unexpected, and the election of a weak, corrupt president could strengthen them, he adds.

Most NATO-led (Isaf) foreign combat forces are due to leave this year, having handed over control to the Afghan army, as combat operations are declared to be over.

In December 2013, the head of the British army warned that the Taliban could retake some lost territory after troops leave.

General Sir Peter Wall said the Taliban would fight

Egyptians back constitution, opening way to Sisi presidential run

Egyptians overwhelmingly approved a new constitution by referendum, state media reported on Thursday, a widely expected outcome that nudges army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ever closer to a bid for the presidency.

The vote advances a transition plan the militarybacked government unveiled after deposing Islamist President Mohamed Morsi last July following mass anti-government unrest.

The constitution won wide support among the many Egyptians who favoured Morsi’s removal. The Muslim Brotherhood had called for a boycott, saying

the vote was part of a coup that deposed an elected leader and revived a brutal police state.

But the vote was also a sign of widespread yearning for a return to stability after almost three years of violent disorder that has crippled the economy, impoverishing many.

The next step is expected to be a presidential election for which Sisi – wildly popular among his supporters – appears the only serious candidate. He has yet to declare he will run.

Around 90 per cent of the people who voted approved the constitution, state-run media reported. Al-Ahram,

the state’s flagship newspaper, said the constitution was approved by an “unprecedented majority”, citing early results. The authorities, who have billed the transition plan as a path to democracy, have also jailed leading Islamists and, in recent weeks, secular-minded activists, including prominent figures in the 2011 uprising against President Hosni Mubarak.

Morsi and other top Brotherhood politicians are standing trial on charges including inciting violence and conspiring with foreign militant groups against Egypt. (Excerpt from Reuters)

UN warns of genocide risk in Central African Republic

Asenior UN official warned on Thursday of the risk of genocide in Central African Republic without a more robust international response to communal bloodshed in which at least eight more people were killed overnight.

The former French colony descended into chaos after a mostly Muslim rebel coalition, Seleka, seized power in March, unleashing a wave of killings and looting that sparked revenge attacks by an “anti-balaka” Christian militia.

More than a million people have been displaced by

the violence since Seleka installed their leader Michel Djotodia as interim president. More than a thousand people were killed last month alone in the capital Bangui.

There has been relative calm since Djotodia’s resignation under intense international pressure last week, but sporadic violence has persisted in Bangui.

Neighbouring African states have evacuated more than 30,000 of their citizens.

“It has all the elements that we have seen elsewhere, in places like Rwanda and Bosnia,” John Ging, director of operations for the

UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told a news conference in Geneva.

“The elements are there, the seeds are there, for a genocide,” he said after a five-day trip to the country. Ging said the crisis was foreseeable and avoidable but an outgrowth of international neglect over many years. France’s UN envoy said on Wednesday that the level of hatred between Muslims and Christians had been underestimated and was making it “nearly impossible” to halt the violence. (Excerpt from Reuters)

for land which NATO forces had “suffered significantly” to capture, and that with UK combat forces due to withdraw by the end of 2014, it would be “quite bad news” if some areas changed hands.

Earlier, the U.S. National Intelligence Estimate predicted Afghanistan would descend into chaos if Kabul failed to sign a Bilateral Security Agreement with Washington, which would keep a contingent of U.S. troops in the country after 2014.

Mujahed said that historically Afghanistan had always defeated its occupiers.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

.S. investment bank

Goldman Sachs has reported a big fall in quarterly profits, due largely to a reduction in bond trading revenue.

Net earnings for the three months to December 31 fell to US$2.33 billion (£1.43 billion), down 19 per cent compared with the same period last year. But full-year net earnings rose eight per cent to US$8.04 billion on revenues of US$34.2 billion.

Rival bank Citigroup also reported results, with its profits also hit by reduced income from bond trading. Citigroup reported adjusted net income of US$2.6 billion for the quarter, up from the US$2.15 billion a reported a year earlier but below many analysts’ expectations. JP Morgan, which reported its results on Tuesday, also reported suffering from falling or stagnant bond trading volumes. Mortgage revenue hit

Goldman Sachs chief executive Lloyd Blankfein described the fixed-income market as “a somewhat challenging environment”, as U.S. investors prepare for higher interest rates. Goldman’s revenue from client trading in fixed income, currencies and commodities dropped 15 per cent in the fourth quarter to US$1.72 billion. This was partly due to “significantly lower revenues in mortgages”, the bank said. (BBC News)

INorth America Middle East

Jet CEO Gary Toomey quits within six months of taking over

n an unexpected move,

Jet Airways chief executive officer Gary Kenneth Toomey announced his immediate departure from the airline on Thursday. “Gary Kenneth Toomey, chief executive of the company has resigned with immediate effect,” Jet Airways said in a BSE filing on Thursday.

Toomey, who was appointed only last June on a three-year contract, could not be immediately reached for comments. Ravishankar

South America

Venezuelan papers threatened by newsprint shortage

Venezuela’s oldest newspaper is scrambling for newsprint as worsening shortages threaten to take several publications out of circulation in the coming weeks. While newspapers have been beset for years by currency controls that make it difficult to import supplies, the situation has turned critical in recent weeks as reserves of newsprint have fallen to an alltime low, says the Venezuelan Press Block, which represents the nation’s broadsheets.

Journalists accuse the government of restricting access to newsprint to censor newspapers, one of the last bastions of government criticism after a crackdown on radio and TV stations in recent years. “They want to silence us,” El Impulso, Venezuela’s oldest newspaper, wrote in a January 5 front-page headline. The Barquisimetobased newspaper warns that it may have to halt its presses in three weeks unless it receives a delivery of newsprint. Authorities didn’t com-

ment on the paper shortage. But the government has previously denied its policies are strangling press freedom, and has instead launched probes into larger papers favoured by the opposition for possible hoarding of supplies as part of an “economic war” to destabilise the government. At the end of last year, it said it would directly supply 5000 metric tons of newsprint for 83 regional papers, enough to guarantee circulation until March. (Trinidad Guardian)

European car sales in six-year slump

Sales of new cars in Europe fell for a sixth straight year in 2013, despite some strength returning to the market in December, as a sluggish economic recovery put a brake on spending. Data released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association on Thursday showed 11.9 million new vehicles were registered in 2013, a 1.7 per cent decline on the previous year. That makes 2013 the worst year in volume terms since

1995. Hopes of a rebound were buoyed in December as registrations jumped 13.3 per cent.

But the pickup was not enough to offset weak registrations in the first 11 months of the year, and sales by country reflected the region’s uneven recovery. Demand for new vehicles in Germany, France and Italy fell in 2013. By contrast, registrations in the United Kingdom jumped nearly 11 per cent. The UK pulled back from the

brink of a triple-dip recession last year to become one of Europe’s best performing economies. New car sales in Spain also improved.

Car sales in Europe are likely to rise in 2014 but the crisis will be felt for a long time to come, said IHS automotive analyst Carlos Da Silva. The mature market for new cars will see only limited growth, he noted, as austerity and growing environmental awareness dampens buying. (CNN)

Gopalakrishnan, the chief financial officer of the airline, will officiate as the “acting chief executive officer” till the board appoints a new chief, the airline said.

It is, however, not yet known as to what led to the sudden exit of Toomey.

Prior to joining Jet, Toomey, an Australian national, had served as president and chief executive of Air New Zealand Group and CEO of Airlines PNG in Papua New Guinea. Toomey

was made the chief executive after the then CEO Nikos Kardassis quit the Naresh Goyal-promoted carrier over some alleged differences with Goyal over the stake sale to the Gulf carrier Etihad.

Kardassis’ resignation was announced immediately after Jet agreed to sell 24 per cent stake for Rs2058 crore to Etihad last April. The deal was finally concluded last November, though it has been challenged in the apex court.

Etihad eyes further U.S. deals after European launch

Etihad chief James Hogan has revealed further codeshare agreements with U.S. airlines are imminent as the UAE national carrier launched the latest plank of its ambitious European regional expansion in Zurich. Hogan said Etihad Regional, which was formed after Etihad bought a 33.3 per cent stake in Swiss airline Darwin Airline last year, would by mid-2014 expand its network from 15 to 34 destinations, including seven gateways served by Etihad

Airways. Under the new airline, which will be operated by Darwin Airline though with Etihad Regional rebranded aircraft, new cabin interiors and crew uniforms, it would also link to the existing networks of Air Berlin and Air Serbia – two more of Etihad’s seven equity airline partners. It will continue to be headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, though Etihad and Darwin would share resources, codeshare agreements – starting with

16 routes in phase one – and Etihad’s frequent flyer programme, Hogan said. He said with strength in the restructure business, he hoped to bring Darwin Airline back to profitability by the end of 2014.

“What it achieves for Darwin Airlines is global connectivity, for Etihad Airways regional access throughout Europe and for us at Etihad Airways the opportunity to launch a new brand,” he told media at a press conference at Zurich Airport. (Arabianbusiness)

Air NZ, Singapore Airlines get into bed with new alliance

Air New Zealand’s return to Singapore and planned alliance with that country’s airline firms up the growing relationship between the two carriers but they must first get the plan past competition authorities. The plan has been welcomed by the tourism industry and analysts, and the company’s shares closed Thursday up one cent at US$1.70, their highest in

more than five years.

The airlines will have to convince regulators that consumers will not be disadvantaged and, according to one analyst, the outcome of that process is difficult to predict.

Air New Zealand last flew to Singapore eight years ago and will now through code share and sales coordination get access to the Singaporean carrier’s extensive Southeast

Asia network – including aboard subsidiary SilkAir –and beyond to India, Africa, Britain and Europe.

The two airlines will also share revenue between New Zealand and Singapore. The plan will involve Singapore Airlines putting an Airbus A380 on the route and Auckland Airport calculates 100,000 seats a year will be added between the two countries. (NZ Herald)

Work-study employment plans

Some students may wish to apply to their educational establishment to see if employment opportunities are available for them to earn money to put toward educational expenses while they study. The U.S. Federal Government currently offers a 60 per cent wage subsidy to employers of students engaged in workstudy programmes.

Internships and apprenticeships

On the job training op-

portunities are often available in the form of internship for white collar jobs and apprenticeships for blue collar jobs. These educational programmes are typically run half time during the school year to accommodate the need to attend classes, and full time during the August holiday. Although usually low paying, they allow students to obtain valuable hands-on experience in their chosen field and may even result in a job offer from the company they participated

in the programme with.

can be obtained by soliciting them from your friends and family, as well as from various other private sources. Such loans can usually be arranged at either fixed or variable interest rates, and they typically require a financially sound co-signer and a credit check if the lender is not familiar or comfortable with your credit history. (Business Dictionary)

SUDOKU

Keep a close watch on your situation today. Not everyone will play by the same rules. There is a good reason for your uncertainty – tread carefully. A last-minute change must not be allowed to ruin your plans.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Get whatever is troubling you out in the open. Discuss your thoughts, plans and intentions. The more direct you are, the surer you will become of the path you have chosen.

Get together with someone you love. Sharing stories will help you build a closer bond, as well as enlighten you regarding your family or cultural background. Make travel plans.

Don’t let added responsibilities get you down. The more quickly you get your chores out of the way, the sooner you will be able to enjoy a change of pace and space.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

You will not see your situation clearly. Don’t be fooled by compliments or someone using gestures of friendliness to ferret out personal information. Protect your reputation and your secrets.

(March 21-April 19)

Accept the inevitable, but don’t initiate change. Keep your eyes wide open and listen for any changes that might affect your status or your position. Help your peers and form beneficial alliances.

(April 20-May 20)

Broach personal subjects with caution. Showing compassion and understanding will help you ease into a situation that has the potential to turn emotional. Be willing to compromise.

(May 21June 20)

Deal with a fraught situation while you have the chance. Make changes or offer assistance, and things will be easier when you need a favour or aid in return.

Find out all you can about things that interest you. Listening to what others have to say will give you a wide variety of options to consider and pursue.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You may be forced to jump from one thing to another. Don’t dilly-dally or you will be criticised for being indecisive. Take action based on what works best for you.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Stay out of emotional talks that you cannot win. Concentrate on learning about new people, places and pastimes. An interest in an unusual lifestyle will prompt domestic alterations.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Consider making a personal investment or improvement to your home and your surroundings. A change in the way you live will inspire you to alter your vocational direction as well.

Entertainment

Fifteen chutney artistes are expected to create a whirlwind on January 25 at Bath Settlement Community Centre ground, West Coast Berbice as they vie not only for the coveted title of Chutney Monarch but a place to represent Guyana at the International Chutney Soca Monarch in Trinidad and Tobago.

The international competition is slated for February 15 at Skinner Park, San Fernando with at least 15 persons vying for TT$2 million and the title. The 15 talented artistes are all ready to compete for the first time on the West Coast of Berbice.

The reigning chutney monarch, Roger Hinds, also called “Young Bill Rogers” will defend his title with his tune “Ge Me Mo Chutney”.

The finalists include Pooran Seeraj with her tune “Under the Maaro”, Steven Ramphal with “Indian Queen”, while Joel Pharous also called “Prince JP” will dish

out “Indian Drums”. Also entering the competition are two Aamir Khans; the first performing “GT and Trini Girls” while the second will perform his entry “Leave Me Alone”. Danny Bholaram also called “Dante” will be singing “Wedding Crasher” while Uuvin Sukho called Waterflow will be performing “Leh Me Talk to You” and Berbician, Bunty Singh is expected to get the crowd support with “Me Wife Quarelling”.

Goonwattie Persaud will take to the stage with “Boy You are the One for Me”, while Paramdai Willi also called “Vanita Willi” will be performing “Tremble It”.

Savitri Li aka “Lady P” will sing “Celebrate” with Fiona Singh performing “Blow”. Another Berbician, Haresh Singh entered the competition with “Chutney in Guyana” while Michelle Gobin will sing “Young Gal” and topping off the list is veteran Chutney Singer, Harvey Gobin with “Sangina Darling”.

The sounds of two Trinidadian artistes have flooded Guyana’s airwaves in recent weeks and on the eve of Mashramani 2014, Guyanese will celebrate with a massive fete and welcome in an electrifying way, our country’s most colourful, dynamic, cultural and energetic festival.

On Saturday, February 22, the Hotel Tower’s poolside will come alive with the sweet sound of soca as Guyanese palance their way into Mashramani, our 44th Republic anniversary.

the recent release of “Sample (Stand Up Bend Ova)” which went viral in a matter of days.

However, Fadda Moses no stranger to the music scene and over the years has created a name for him self with songs like “Gyal Flex”, “Bubble Time” and “Never Bite”, among others.

Meanwhile, Mr Famous has not been doing too badly himself. He too has become a household name with his release of “Play More Local”. The calypsolike song has been heavily played on local airwaves as well as in Trinidad, creating quite a buzz about the artiste.

The voice of Devon Moses, better known as “Fadda Moses”, took the Caribbean and beyond by storm with

eyes eighth

When the 18 semi-finalists of the Carib Soca Monarch were recently announced, names such as Adrian Dutchin and George Anthony Abrams were not seen on the list!

But after contacting the artistes, it was concluded that they “just needed a break”.

Seven-time Road March King, Adrian Dutchin during an interview told Guyana Times Entertainment that despite him not being a part of the 10th Annual Carib Soca Monarch, he is participating in the Road March competition. He has his eyes set on his eighth Road March title.

He is still to decide which song to enter for the competition and might just have to resort to seeking advice from the public. There are two songs that have the vibes to lead a mash band down the road –“Jumping” which was recently released and the

other is called “Bend Over and Roll”.

However, he said this year he is taking a rest from competition and plans to fully enjoy himself on Mash day. He assured us that he intends to behave “dutty”.

Thus far, the soca singer has released a number of tunes in time for Mashramani including “Wine Up”; “Twerk it” and “Jumping” and will release soon “Bend Over and Roll”. All the tunes have already hit local airwaves and rest assured, they have been drawing a listening audience.

These songs, Dutchin said were written by him while on his long flights and is calling on the local deejays to promote locals songs as we move into the mash vibes. Fans of Adrian can follow him on Instagram and Twitter as well on other social platterns including BBM and Whatsapp.

On the other hand, he expressed his excitement that Jumo Primo, his other half in X2, will be representing Guyana on an international stage. He said that this is a major boost to the music industry and he is optimistic that he will do well. He also joins Primo’s calls for Guyanese support which is needed to see him through to the finals.

Meanwhile, George Anthony Abrams, also called “Chiney Man”, out of the mining town of Linden, says he is presently doing some work which will see him releasing a number of songs in the coming months. He said that the time off from the Soca Monarch competition will give him more time to concentrate on his career and more so his personal life.

Abrams noted that he will return with a bang and asked his fans to be patient at this time.

Guyana made an indelible mark at the annual Barbados music awards, now coined the Barbados Music, Fashion and Film Awards which was held last weekend.

A barrage of talent from the land of many waters hit the stage at the prestigious Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in Barbados at what has become a must-see event on the Bajan entertainment calendar.

A contingent of Guyanese talent – Lisa Punch, Ernesta Nelson and Travis Bowen –created quite a stir at the packed hall of creative arts enthusiasts and practitioners.

The Nation headlined that Lisa was the “Punch Line” at the event, belting out a powerful rendition of “Secret Admirer”, serenading the receptive front row attendees as she descended the stairs to access an intimate connection with her admirers.

Ernesta delivered one of her soca hits to the delight of the receptive audience while Travis Bowen, the winner of

Guyanese fashion icon

Sonia Noel poses with Barbadian supermodel Lene Hall, CEO of CAN Audio, Canada, Nouse; GFW’s Richard Younge; Barbados Music award executive Ronnie Morris and Travis Bowen after being presented with the Life Achievement Award

Gold Coast Record Talent Search in Guyana, courtesy of Guyana Fashion Week, was a breath of fresh air performing an Enrique Iglesias pop hit.

He was received with much enthusiasm and he is now being groomed, in Barbados, for international work and a record deal. “This is a dream come true for me and I must thank Guyana Fashion Week and Gold Coast Records for this opportunity,” Bowen said.

In the fashion department, Sonia Noel lived up to her reputation, presenting a stunning line up of Caribbean signature ensembles and separates that proclaimed that Guyana is a significant stakeholder in the development of the Caribbean fashion industry.

To top it off, she was awarded a Regional Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to fashion in the Caribbean. Her line was highly appreciated and indeed, prompted

extensive interest from entrepreneurs in carrying her line at their shops.”It is a great feeling to be appreciated for your work”, said Noel.

The Barbados music awards opened up its ambit to include fashion and film, all part of a regional campaign of integrating the region through the creative industries and ultimately promoting the Caribbean brand as an alternative on the global agenda.

Guyana truly represented at this occasion, and certainly proved that its talent and creative energies can make a distinctive mark on the

international scene and are a force to be reckoned with.

Ronnie Morris, producer of the award showcase and a director of Guyana Fashion Week, was elated about the inclusion of Guyanese style and asserts “this is just a beginning of remarkable things to come, in terms of collaborating with Guyanese artistes.”

He also commended Sonia Noel for facilitating the growth of dynamic inter-regional networking endeavours in this hemisphere. Brutal Tracks and Mystic were also in attendance. Mystic was scheduled to perform but was unwell.

Reigning Carib Soca Monarch, Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo will be leaving Guyana shortly to make preparations for his participation in the international Soca Monarch competition, slated to commence in Trinidad and Tobago on February 8.

Primo is all excited about his participation in the competition for the first time and promises to do his best, noting that while it is a personal achievement, it is one that Guyanese should be proud of.

While he is cognisant that he has limited time to prepare, his main focus is to put Guyana on the map with respect, as it relates to soca music. He is also well aware that there are some guns who will be sharing the same stage who are known to Trinidadians and who have already started to campaign and promote their

music.

He encourages all Guyanese to get on board and give him the support that is needed to move forward into the finals. The semi-finals will be held on February 8 and there will be a particular number to send text messages to in support of the Guyanese artiste.

“Once the number is available, I will broadcast it to make sure that all Guyanese become a part of the process,” he added. His entry into the international soca monarch is “On de Road” which will also be his Carib Soca Monarch entry as he defends his title come February 15, in the National Park arena.

The song was released on Thursday and has already been creating some vibes on the local airwaves. However, with less than a month away to defend his title, Primo is well prepared but claims that anyone can

be victorious.

He encourages all his fans to come out in their numbers on February 15 and party to the vibes and energy that he will bring to the stage. He recently

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Born in St Cuthbert’s Mission on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway to Michelle and Edward De Nobrega, Guyanese professional cyclist, Paul “White Boy” De Nobrega is just a few days shy of his 20th birthday. He is the third of four siblings – Ricky Kissoon, Naressa and the late Justin De Nobrega.

After spending one year in the small but well established St Cuthbert’s Mission, Paul moved to Charlestown, Georgetown with his parents and siblings. He is not the only cyclist in the family, his brother Ricky and the late Justin were also excellent riders.

He attended the St Stephen’s Primary School after which he went to Imperial College, a private educational institute but after some time, he elected for a transfer to East Ruimveldt Secondary, where he dropped out without completing his secondary education.

Talented

This was due to pressing family matters. Nevertheless, the young, talented rider is attending classes and will sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) in a few months time. As a child growing up, Paul was never allowed out the house to engage in co-curricular activities that included liming on the street corner and going on the road with friends.

Going with his eldest brother, Ricky Kissoon, on the road to ride was also a concern for his mother, who at that time thought that he was too young.

One day, he recalled his parents and siblings were spending time in the mission where he was born and while he was at home in Georgetown, he decided to pick up a bicycle and journey along the East Bank Highway and the lonely Soesdyke/ Linden Highway and made his way with a grand entrance at St Cuthbert’s Mission.

He took some nine hours to meet to his destination, much to the amusement of his relatives. That was when he realised that he wanted to be a part of the cycling fraternity, since he was young and full of energy. In 2009, he accompanied his brother to Berbice as he competed in the Five Stage cycle race.

He was fully geared up with his mountain bike with the hope of getting clearance to participate but at the starting line, disappointedly enough, he was not given the chance to showcase his hidden talent.

This did not dampen his spirit to ride thus Paul and “Uncle Joe” rode from Corriverton to New Amsterdam and from Rosignol to Georgetown. In the same meet, he also rode the West Bank Demerara and the Essequibo legs.

Potential

After seeing his potential, he was registered in the Continental Cycling Club of which “Uncle Joe” was an executive.

From that moment, Paul wanted to know what it felt like to be a winner and so he started to train hard and had the opportunity to be coached by Canadian Wayne Henry, who played a major role in his success.

He subsequently joined Team Coco but after some controversies, he left soon after he returned from the Inter-Guiana Games where he won the junior title. He also participated in the Caribbean Junior Championship in Antigua and was successful. While in Antigua, he participated in another race but did not place.

Apart from the regional competitions, he participated in several local competitions including the Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness Ride; the 2013 Five Stage, where he place seventh on the leaderboard; and the 2013 Three Stage but unfortunately, he did not make it into the top spots.

Taking into consideration that the National Cycling Programme commences in another week, De Nobrega says he is not in good condition and it will take him another three weeks to get his act together. He nevertheless, will participate but will not be expecting to place in the first set of races.

In five years time, he sees himself riding for a recognised club in the United States or Canada. He has his eyes set on riding for a team called “Alanis” which will soon be officially launched. His greatest inspiration and role model is Mark Devenish, a professional rider in the U.S.A. De Nobrega is cognisant that Guyana has real talent in the sport but advises all sportsmen and women to stay away from drugs, while at the same time encouraging them to train and eat right.

Lisa Punch served up a taste of the Guyanese music scene during her performance at the Barbados Music, Fashion and Film Awards held last Sunday evening at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Barbados. She was dubbed the Guyanese Rihanna by members of the audience who were pleased with the exhilarating performance at the event. With a powerful voice, she belched out some fabulous tunes that had the audience begging for more.

Forming part of the Guyanese contingent, which included Ernesta Nelson and Travis Bowen, Punch’s lithe dancing caught the attention of some admirers in the audience. However, it was famed make-up artist and stylist Adzil Stuart who she chose for her special serenade.

Now in its ninth year, the awards showcased the talent of local and regional musicians, film-makers and designers to a smaller, but appreciative audience. Punch sang one of her hit songs “Secret Admirer” to a smiling Stuart.

friday, january 17, 2014

Australian Open 2014...

Sharapova wins amid extreme heat

Maria Sharapova survived a scare to reach the Australian Open third round as the temperature exceeded 40C for the third consecutive day in Melbourne.

The 2008 champion edged Karin Knapp 6-3 4-6 10-8 in heat that eventually halted play on outside courts.

Defending champion Victoria Azarenka beat Barbora Zahlavova Strycova 6-2 6-4, while top men’s seed Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer won in straight sets.

But Roberto Bautista shocked fifth seed Juan Martin Del Potro in five sets.

The match lasted three hours and 35 minutes, finishing at 01:20 local time with the Spaniard winning 4-6 6-3 5-7 6-4 7-5.

Del Potro, who won last week’s Sydney International warm-up tournament, sent down 28 aces and had 18

fewer unforced errors than his Spanish opponent but his tally of 53 winners was 19 adrift of Bautista.

“It’s tough when someone plays at a very high level for four hours, tough to beat the opponent,” said Argentina’s top-ranked player.

“I was close. But at every

moment that I had a chance, he played an unbelievable shot.”

In the men’s doubles, Briton Jamie Murray and Australian John Peers progressed to the second round - although Murray was later treated for heatstroke. (BBC Sport)

Murray battles heat to stay alive in Melbourne

Andy Murray came through another day of punishing heat at the Australian Open with a straight-sets win over Frenchman Vincent Millot.

The Briton won 6-2 6-2 7-5 in the final match of the day on Rod Laver Arena, sealing victory at 23:58 local time.

He will play 26th seed Feliciano Lopez of Spain in Saturday’s third round.

Murray admitted before the match he knew little about the 5ft 8in left-handed qualifier, ranked 267th, who had his first Grand Slam win in round one.

It was the biggest match of Millot’s life and over the course of two hours he transformed from a nervous wreck into a stadium court showman, orchestrating the crowd, before Murray won the last 23 points in a row to end his fun.

“I didn’t really care about winning 23 points in a row,” Murray said afterwards.

“I wanted to win the match. I’m glad I finished it there, because it was very, very hard conditions. Even in the evening it was so humid.

“After they closed the roof they obviously had the rain and the thunderstorms - it

Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 3rd Test, Sharjah, 1st day…

Ajmal finds form in slow battle

The Sharjah surfacelargely devoid of pace, lateral movement and turn - provided the setting for a game of patience on the first day of the deciding Test of the series. Sri Lanka, needing only a draw to win their first away series since 1999-00 (excluding those in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe), batted with caution to wear the bowlers down on a pitch that was not conducive for shot making because of its slowness.

Pakistan’s attack, however, was resolute and remained accurate throughout. The upshot was a stalemate of sorts, with a run-rate of 2.44 and only five

Sri Lanka 1st innings

FDM Karunaratne c Younis

Khan b Abdur Rehman 34

JK Silva c †Sarfraz Ahmed

b Mohammad Talha 17

KC Sangakkara c Khurram

Manzoor b Junaid Khan 52

DPMD Jayawardene c Azhar

Ali b Saeed Ajmal 47

LD Chandimal c Asad Shafiq

b Saeed Ajmal 11

AD Mathews* not out 24

HAPW Jayawardene† not out 28

Extras: (lb-5, nb-2) 7

Total: (5 wickets; 90 overs) 220

Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Silva, 14.6 ov), 2-65 (Karunaratne, 27.4 ov), 3-125 (Sangakkara, 50.5 ov), 4-159 (DPMD Jayawardene, 61.6 ov), 5-166 (Chandimal, 65.2 ov)

Bowling: Junaid Khan 17-3-44-

1, Mohammad Talha 20-2-641 (2-nb), Saeed Ajmal 29-7-622, Abdur Rehman 24-9-45-1

wickets falling in 90 overs.

Pakistan’s spinners played a defining role. The left-armer Abdur Rehman, who replaced the injured Bilawal Bhatti, varied his pace and trajectory, and constantly attacked the stumps with tremendous accuracy to return figures of 24-9-451.

Pakistan’s biggest gain, however, was Saeed Ajmal’s return to form. Having taken only five wickets in 114.2 ovrs in the first two Tests, Ajmal was wicketless for 17 overs before he inflicted two quick blows to severely erode Sri Lanka’s position. Ajmal also tested the batsmen consistently with his flight and variations, and had an economy rate of only 2.13 after 29 overs.

Misbah-ul-Haq’s team would have had a better day, too, had they had more luck with umpire decisions and used the review system cleverly. They reviewed notout lbw decisions against Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews, but replays ruled in favour of the batsman by narrow margins. Had either of those appeals, from Ajmal and Rehman, been upheld by the on-field umpire, those decisions would not have been overturned had the batsmen asked for a review.

The Mathews moment was Pakistan’s 13th failed review, out of 14 in this series. They also had an out decision overturned when replays indicated,

quite bizarrely, that the ball would have passed high over the stumps, after Prasanna Jayawardene had been struck below the knee roll by Ajmal. The batsman had made a long stride forward but the predicted bounce was of a degree not consistent with what had been seen before on this surface.

And then there were the missed opportunities. Three deliveries after the failed review against Karunaratne, and before the batsman

had added to his 14, he inside-edged Ajmal on to his pad; the wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed, however, was so busy appealing for an lbw that he didn’t bother catching the ball. On 15, Sangakkara tried to sweep Rehman and the ball lobbed off the glove to Younis Khan at first slip, but because they had only one review remaining Pakistan decided not to use it to try and overturn the not-out decision. Sangakkara went on to make 52. (Cricinfo)

changed the way the court and the balls played a lot.

“It was heavier and a lot of balls went into the net. It slowed everything down a bit. I just was glad to get off. I’m still pouring with sweat now.”

Play had been suspended during the afternoon after the ‘extreme heat policy’ was implemented as the temperature peaked at 43C.

Murray had the benefit of starting his match at just before 22:00 local time with the temperature at 28C, although following an earlier rain shower the humidity had

rocketed and conditions remained testing.

“I’m through to the third round and I haven’t lost a set yet,” added Murray.

“I don’t know what else could have been expected of me. I wasn’t expecting to play perfect tennis and play great straight away.

“I played well in my first match; today, not so well. That’s what it’s going to be like for me now. I’m going to have ups and downs. I’ve just got to get through them and the consistency will come.” (BBC Sport)

GSCL to stage pre-Mashramani tournament

– registration closes on January 31

Teams desirous of participating in the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) organised pre-Mashramani softball tournament, which will be played in two categories - Open and Over-40have until January 31 to get registered.

The tournament, which was set to bowl off on January 25 and culminate the following day, was pushed back to February 14 due to unforeseen circumstances, hence the new closing date for registration.

The champion team in the Open category will pocket $1 million, a trophy and 15 medals, with the runners-up collecting $200,000, a trophy and 15 medallions. In the Over-40 category, the winners will receive $600,000, a trophy and medallions, while the secondplaced team will take home $200,000 a trophy and medals.

Man-of-the-Series for both categories will receive a three-piece living room suite or cash equivalent and the Man-of-the-Match of the final $10,000 and a trophy.

Teams desirous of competing in the Open catego-

ry are asked to pay an entrance fee of $140,000, while those who wish to do battle in the Over-40 segment will have to pay an entrance fee of $120,000.

The drawing of the competition, which is the brainchild of GSCL Inc. Trustee Mahendra Hardyal, will take place on a date and venue to be announced and already invitations have been extended to teams from Suriname, Canada, Florida and New York.

On the local scene, it is expected that teams such as Wolf’s Warriors, Berbice Titans, Regal XI, Memorex, Speedboat and Trophy Stall will seek to capture the first prize in the Open category, while Regal XI, Savage Masters and Industry Super Kings should be among the list of competitors in the Over-40 segment.

Preliminary matches are expected to be played at Everest Cricket Club, Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, and the Ministry of Education ground, with the semi-finals and final being contested at Everest Cricket Club, which will host the Open final under lights with live radio commentary.

Bramble out to cement wicket-keeper slot

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Wicket-keeper/batsman Anthony Bramble is determined to cement his place in the national team now that he is likely to get an extended run in the side.

With regular wicketkeeper Derwin Christian not finding favour with the selectors in the 14-man squad for the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board’s NAGICO Super50 competition, the 23-year-old has an opportunity to make the spot his own.

“It’s pretty exciting to be in the team ahead of the regular Christian. I want to cement myself in the Guyana side and play as much cricket for Guyana in all three forms.

"My main goal at the moment is working towards the upcoming one day tournament,” Bramble said during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport on Thursday at the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence at La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara.

He added, “I am not getting too far ahead of myself. I want to keep putting in the hard work and I’m looking to cement a place in the team.”

Bramble has been in and out of the national squad in recent years. Since his senior debut on October 15, 2010, he has only managed two FirstClass matches and five List A games.

Matches

He played both FirstClass matches and one List A game in last year’s regional tournament. His List A debut was against the Sagicor High Performance Centre in Jamaica back in 2010.

“It is a critical phase of my career and I am looking for runs and consistency behind the stumps,” he reckoned.

The former national Under-19 player said that preparation leading up to the tournament has been spot on, adding that he is looking to get the most out of the preparation period.

Anthony Bramble

“Our preparations have been very good. I would say spot on. On a personal note I have been working overtime to get my game right up there,” Bramble said.

Bramble believes that the team can produce Guyana’s tenth regional one day title since, according to him, the combination of the squad is well balanced.

Best chance

“When you looked at the squad it has [Shivnarine] Chanderpaul, [Ramnaresh] Sarwan, [Narsingh] Deonarine in the batting department and [Devendra] Bishoo and [Veerasammy] Permaul in the bowling department, so I feel this is Guyana’s best chance of winning the coveted title,” Bramble opined.

The squad will be led by West Indies Twenty20 all-rounder Christopher Barnwell and includes nine players who have represented the regional side in Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20s.

Guyana has the services of the prolific Shivnarine Chanderpaul, former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, West Indies middle-order batsmen Narsingh Deonarine and Assad Fudadin, and West Indies A team batsman Leon Johnson in the line-up.

The all-rounders include skipper Barnwell,

Royston Crandon, and the likes of Devendra Bishoo, Veersammy Permaul and Paul Wintz.

The bowling also hinges around fast bowlers Ronsford Beaton and Wintz, while Bramble is the lone wicketkeeper.

Former national Under-19 opener Robin Bacchus is the lone newcomer in the team, with fellow left-hander Trevon Griffith being the other opener in the squad.

The NAGICO Super50 competition will be held from January 30 to February 15 in Trinidad and Tobago, featuring Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, the Windward Islands, the Leeward Islands, the Combined Campuses and Colleges and ICC affiliate side Ireland.

The Barnwell-led Guyana team will open its quest for honours against Ireland in a Zone A match on January 31.

The other two teams in Zone A are Jamaica and defending champions the Windward Islands.

The Guyanese will then play the Windward Islands on February 4, before taking on Jamaica on February 8.

Action

When the action bowls off month-end, the Guyanese will be aiming for a 10th regional 50-over title, the last of which was achieved in 2005 when they defeated Barbados in near darkness in the final of the KFC Cup at the GCC ground, Bourda.

Prior to that, Guyana reigned supreme in 1980, 1983, 1985, 1993, 1995, 1998, 2001 and 2003.

Guyana’s 14-man squad reads: Robin Bacchus, Trevon Griffith, Leon Johnson, Shivnarine Chanderpaul (vice-captain), Narsingh Deonarine, Christopher Barnwell (captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Anthony Bramble (w/k), Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton and Paul Wintz.

Youngest player of K&S tourney rewarded

Former national foot -

baller Oscar Thomas made a contribution to the youngest player of the recently concluded Kashif and Shanghai (K&S) secondary schools football tournament on Thursday at the K&S organisation headquarters in Queenstown.

Nicholas McArter of Queenstown Community Secondary School was the recipient of a pair of pegs, shin guard and socks during the simple handing over ceremony.

Thomas noted at the ceremony that he is an ar-

dent fan of the game since his heyday as a player and believes that football will develop through players such as McArter.

McArter, who was 11 at the time of the tournament, scored one goal during Queenstown’s lone game in the tournament.

After receiving the donation, he expressed gratitude to the former national player, noting that he was excited and encouraged to continue playing the game. Meanwhile, co-director of the K&S Organisation, Kashif Muhammad, who was present for the dona -

Beach volleyball course fixed for month-end

Beach volleyball will be brought into focus through collaboration of the GVF and FIVB

The Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) in collaboration with the world governing body for volleyball, the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) will be hosting a sixday beach volleyball training course in Guyana.

The course will be held at the Carifesta Sports

Complex on Thomas Lands from January 28 to February 2. The event will be conducted by two beach volleyball experts from neighbouring Brazil, and will commence at 09:00 hours and conclude at 16:30 hours daily.

tion, revealed that plans are in progress to name a national junior squad along with hosting an international tournament between Guyana and a few other teams.

“Right now we are in the process to iron out the Under-18 squad; we’re also in talks with [Director of Sport] Neil Kumar to make the tournament bigger. We are in talks with both Suriname and St Lucia to come for a tournament; we also have information that a team form Tobago wants to come as well,” Mohammed stated.

The annual Lennie Shuffler birthday volleyball festival will take place on February 9 from 09:00 hours at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

According to a release from the organising body, the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF), executives of the local governing body are laying the groundwork to ensure this year’s event is a very exciting, successful and memorable one.

The release added, “This one of a kind volleyball festival is open to all existing and emerging third division teams across Guyana. The event will feature both male and female teams and an exhibition match between the reigning volleyball champs for Region Four and the fast rising Guyana Defense Force team.”

The inaugural festival was held in 2010 and it is now in its fourth consecutive year and is being planned to celebrate Shuffler 75th birth anniversary. According to the GVF, the initiative is

The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) is set to host the final two matches of the Sunburst Under-17 schools basketball tournament today at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court from 15:00 hours, weather permitting. Christianburg Wismar Secondary will meet the unbeaten Mackenzie High in

Interested persons are asked to get registered as early as possible since there are a limited numbers of spaces available.

Interested persons are asked to contact coordinator John Flores on telephone number 623-2030 or the Public Relations Officer of the GVF, Ronald Smith, on telephone number 684-5885.

Shuffler’s birthday volleyball festival set for February 9

geared at expressing gratitude to Shuffler and highlighting his unwavering dedication to the sport and his sportsmanship.

“Over the years it has attracted participants from other sporting disciplines such as hockey players who also performed admirably and which were well received. The same approach will be undertaken this year,” the GVF release stated.

Shuffler was introduced to the game at the tender age of 13 and since then has elevated himself to become a national player and later captain of the Guyana team.

Shuffler, who is now the president of the GVF, has a total of 62 years in the sport, first as a player then as an administrator.

This is Shuffler’s third and final term as president of the GVF, and soon he would be relinquishing the post.

The GVF release concluded, “This year’s activity will coincide and celebrate the illustrious career of Mr.

Shuffler. It will be the last time this event will take place while he still holds office as president of the GVF, but will continue to be an annual event. His philosophy of friendliness, team work, fair competition, peace and meaningful interactions are expected to be demonstrated on the day’s proceedings.”

Meanwhile, players and interested persons are asked to contact the coordinators John Flores and Ronald Smith on telephone number 623-2030 and 684-5885 respectively to get registered.

the final encounter of the tournament. Both teams have been unstoppable during the competition.

The finalists both play a similar type of game as they look to utilise a high pace offense while trying to establish a strong presence on the inside offensively.

However, on the defensive end, both teams play tough hustle basketball. The

difference will be the team that can controls the boards or make a higher percentage of its outside jumpers.

Meanwhile, there will be an earlier third place playoff between New Silvercity Secondary and Linden Foundation which should provide the basketball fans in Linden with a preview of the high energy final that is expected from 16:30 hours.

Great expectations as NAGICO Super50 launched in grand style

The first NAGICO Super50 tournament was officially launched on Thursday, with West Indies Cricket Bpard (WICB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Muirhead hailing the January 30 to February 15 event as a new approach to 50-over cricket in the region.

The launch, which took place at the at the Brian Lara Pavilion at the Queen’s Park Oval, was attended by Dwayne Elgin, CEO of NAGICO, and Asim Bassarath, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.

In the feature address, Muirhead praised NAGICO’s involvement in the tournament and underscored the value of the competition.

"NAGICO Insurances is a strong and respected brand with a presence in some 19 territories of which 11 are associated with West Indies cricket. What better partner could we ask for?

tle which we currently hold,” Muirhead said.

“In this present economic climate when many companies are forced to cut back we applaud NAGICO for their vision and commitment to West Indies cricket.

"Their decision to invest, not for one year but for three years, must not only be viewed in dollars and cents but also as part of their overall contribution to development of the game in the region.

and picturesque Shaw Park in Tobago. All matches in Trinidad will be day/night fixtures while the two matches in Tobago will be day games.

Elgin said his organisation was delighted to partner with WICB in the main 50-over event.

Resurgence

“It is our hope that with this sponsorship of West Indies cricket we will see a resurgence in West Indies cricket. We have been passionate supporters of West Indies cricket for a long time and we believe this partnership will help to lift the game,” Elgin noted.

Passion

"They have truly demonstrated in a tangible way, their passion and love of the game by sponsoring this important event in the WICB calendar. The 2014 NAGICO Super50 will be crucial for the players as we look ahead to the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup - a tournament we believe our team can win, as well as successfully defend the ICC World T20 ti-

“Some of the future stars of West Indies and world cricket will be ‘born’ in the NAGICO Super50 tournament and years from now when they star on the world stage I’m sure we will look back and remember the moments when they got their exposure in the NAGICO Super50,” he added.

The NAGICO Super50 bowls off on January 30 and will conclude with the final on February 15. Matches will be played at the historic Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain

“Cricket is a way of life in the Caribbean and we believe it is necessary to contribute to the communities to help make them success. We hope out alignment with the WICB will be something big and will continue.”

Bassarath said his organisation was ready to stage a “carnival of cricket” for the world to enjoy.

“For 2014, 2015 and 2016 Carnival will come early. The super excitement of the NAGICO Super 50 tournament is here,” Bassarath said.

“The time is right to let the world know that Trinidad and Tobago is ready for this is the most exciting event to hit town for a while. During this NAGICO Super50 T&T will be exposed to the world via ESPN...our investment in this event is sure to be a success.” (WICB Media)

Webb receives UN recognition for social work through sport

CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb has been honored with a special recognition by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Webb received the 2013 Protect the Goal Special Award for the Diaspora at the fourth Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit for his exceptional work in utilising sport to advocate for social development. The theme of the summit concerns youth unemployment in the post-2015 development agenda of the United Nations.

UNAIDS presented this recognition to individuals from the African diaspora whose contribution to promoting social good through sport has been exemplary. According to senior adviser to UNAIDS, Dr. Djibril Diallo, Webb’s efforts “have demonstrated the highest commitment to this vision of creating a better world through sport.”

Healthy society

“CONCACAF feels privileged to partner with the United Nations in the framework of our social responsibility initiatives, to reach out to millions of young people with prevention messages towards a healthier society,” said Webb during his acceptance speech during the gala dinner held at the Grand National Theater.

On April 19, 2013, CONCACAF and UNAIDS signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to work together in the AIDS response, particularly among young people.

This is an unprecedented commitment to carry out joint advocacy and communication activities in all of CONCACAF’s regional competitions in support of the UNAIDS Protect the Goal campaign.

The Confederation embarked on the dissemination of the Protect the Goal message to thousands of football aficionados. This entailed the presentation of the campaign banners and a pledge read by the captain of each of the participating teams before the games throughout all its tournaments.

“This beautiful sport is filled with passion, and passion is the starting point of all achievement. It’s the energy that fuels our dreams. The dream that we can be something bigger than ourselves. That the currents of change can build a bigger wave with the power to act in support of a healthier and more conscious society,” added Webb during his address.

Global visibility

Throughout this past year, football has provided a platform to increase the global visibility of UNAIDS and its work in the AIDS response. Given the size of the CONCACAF tournaments, both in attendance and viewership, these events provided an opportunity for UNAIDS to send its message across colossal audiences and identify potential new sponsors and partners.

Globally, an estimated 4.6 million young people 15 to 24 years of age are living with HIV.

“We felt we could use

the power of our sport to reach out to youth with a message of awareness. Gold Cup 2013, our biggest tournament, conveyed UNAIDS’ message to 500,000 fans and more than 60 million viewers,” said Webb. The fourth Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit, which is attended by 500 youth leaders from 54 countries of Africa, the diaspora in the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe, is held at the King Fahd Palace hotel up to January 17.

Active role

Youth leaders are expected to adopt the Dakar Declaration in which they will reiterate their plan to play an active role in international consultations under way in the framework of the post-2015 development agenda of the UN.

The main objective of the youth summit, organised by the Pan-African Youth Leaders Network of the United Nations for the Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (ROJALNU/MDGs) in collaboration with UNAIDS and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is to provide a platform for youth leaders from Africa and the diaspora to discuss and share innovative ideas on key issues of sustainable human development.

Other themes pertaining to the demographic dividend, gender violence, youth and adolescents’ reproductive health issues, HIV/AIDS and information and communication technologies are also being discussed during the weeklong summit. (CONCACAF)

RHTY&SC teams launch community/children development programmes

The eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) last weekend launched their third major programmes for 2014 when they made their first donation under the Community/ Children Development Project.

The teams - RHT Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and second division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and first division - had last week launched their 2014 pro-education and charity projects.

The cricketers donated a set of office furniture, notice boards, stationery and cleaning detergents to the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost, while 11 outstanding students of the Rose Hall Town Nursery School received personal collection of children story books, stationery and snacks. A donation of children clothing and snacks were also donated to the Camal Children Home of Albion.

Public Relations Officer

and Office Manager of the RHTY&SC, Moonish Singh, in handing over the donations, noted that the club is based in the Rose Hall Town area and therefore is committed to the development of the township, its surrounding villages and young children.

He stated that the donation to the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost was to assist the lawmen to fulfill their

mandates to protect and serve the township. Singh noted that children are the future of Guyana, and as such, the cricketers of the RHTY&SC were proud to invest into their future.

He urged the nursery school students who received the story books to develop the love of reading at a young age and to be good listeners.

Secretary/CEO of the club, Hilbert Foster, hailed

the cricketers for their continued commitment under the three major programmes to make a difference. Foster stated that 20 community projects/programmes would be organised while the cricketers intend to make positive differences to at least 2500 children during 2014.

Headmistress of the Rose Hall Town Nursery School, Sandra Whyte, and

Corporal Tyndall of the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost expressed gratitude to the RHTY&SC cricketers for their assistance. Tyndall praised the cricketers for being sport ambassadors and role models for youths in the township.

Whyte stated that the RHTY&SC has always assisted her school and its students and wished the club success on the cricket field

and their personal careers. Among the cricketers who have represented the RHTY&SC are Test player Assad Fudadin, ODI player Royston Crandon, West Indies female players Shemaine Campbelle and Erva Giddings, Jason Sinclair, Dominique Rikhi, Shawn Pereira, Esaun Crandon, Delbert Hicks, Rajiv Ivan and Clinton Pestano.