Guyana Times Daily

Miner stabbed to death in Mazaruni River

EU pleased with success of mangrove project

Senior superintendent testifies at Lusignan Massacre trial

Mothers in Black member appeals for caution on roadways

Brumell warns ranks against corrupt acts

Ideal Road murder suspect surrenders

CCTV cameras for investigative purposes, not rapid response

The Closed Circuit Television Cameras

(CCTV) installed at major traffic lights across the country, are intended to provide footage for the investigation of crimes as opposed to rapid response interventions.

This is according to head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, who made this disclosure during his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday.

He said while the preferred intention of the CCTV cameras was to implement a rapid response mechanism, it was more feasible to install the cameras to record footage for the purpose of reviewing for future reference and solving crimes through investigations.

Interventions

He explained that when the installation of the cameras was discussed with Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, he insisted that they be designed for instant interventions when criminal activities are detected.

“Presumably, we had the resources and the will to set up rapid response mechanisms all over, CCTV now not only captures for the purposes of investigating and prosecution, it now could turn around for capture of intervention and

that is what we do not have. We have not included in the current design, a rapid response mechanism associated with the CCTV plan that we have here,” he said.

Dr Luncheon said that type of monitoring would have called for more investment, thus the decision was made to utilise the equipment only for investigative purposes.

“When we started looking at the number crunching, instead of 140 cameras, if you wanted to put rapid response, you probably would have to put three cameras because the rest of the money would have had to put rapid response people in place like at the fire service, who would be train-

ing and preparing themselves for rapid response,” he explained.

The Cabinet secretary added that “the whole intention to getting the footage is to promote law enforcement and crime prevention”.

National Intelligence Centre

Meanwhile, as it relates to the Office of the President overseeing the National Intelligence Centre (NIC) which monitors the footage from the cameras, Luncheon said the agency was not meant to be a replacement for the intelligence departments of the law enforcement agencies.

“When we say NIC, we must be careful in not misconstruing that NIC is an-

other appendage of the law enforcement apparatus. Each of the law enforcement entities continues to have their own intelligence apparatus… the NIC would never be used to overtake units of those agencies,” the Cabinet secretary explained.

He also added that footage is readily available to those agencies upon request. With the advent of the fibre-optic cable from Brazil, which will allow for improved bandwidth service, the functions of the CCTV cameras will be boosted.

“You see that cable that is coming from Brazil and the bandwidth that is going to be made available, it is going to revolutionise the whole application of benefits of CCTV,” he stated.

“It would allow us now … to have the footage provided to not only where it comes in at Castellani at the NIC, but to have that information seamlessly on the basis of the access where we want it to go.”

Acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell had disclosed that the CCTV cameras have been of assistance in gathering evidence in some instances. However, with a direct link, the police force will be in a better position to monitor and in some cases, apprehend the perpetrators.

Guyana observes Mandela Day

Scores of youths joined the Culture, Youth, and Sport Ministry’s African Heritage Museum in observing International Mandela Day as the former South African leader this year marked his 95th birth anniversary on Thursday in a hospital bed.

The body commemorated the day with a march titled “Journey to freedom”, which started at Plaza Bridge, Mandela Avenue made its way down the avenue and culminated in a ceremony at the National Cultural Centre.

Speaking at the event, Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony reiterated that the freedom fighter has been a true inspiration to the world and has transformed it tremendously.

“All of us are better, because Mandela did what he had to do and struggled in some ways for all of us, because of that contribution we must remember him,” the minister said. Mandela is well known for his struggle for freedom and justice in the country and his values of promoting a fair, just and equitable world.

He noted that if persons like Mandela did not resist the National Party in South Africa when it started implementing racist policies after it took office in

the 1940s, things probably would have been different today. The minister underscored that despite imprisonment and other efforts to sway Mandela, he remained resolute in his fight against oppression.

He reminded that Guyana also lent its support to anti-apartheid efforts, one of the major reasons Guyanese are so respected in the country. Dr Anthony stated that Guyana did not only offer support through its political leaders but rendered support culturally, making reference to the Eddie Grant’s song “Gimme Hope Joanna”, which is about Johannesburg and the struggle .

“That is where the talking about apartheid, the popularity of the song and the way it resonated with people helped, since it not only educated them about what was happening but aided to bring that system to its demise,” Dr Anthony said.

He posited that all Guyanese should be proud of the kind of support the country gave South Africans. “The reason we did that was because of the injustice that was occurring and we wanted to fight in our own little way against that injustice.”

Miner stabbed to death in Mazaruni River

The body of a miner is still to be recovered after he was stabbed in his chest and subsequently fell into the Mazaruni River on Wednesday evening. The stabbing incident reportedly occurred about 22:15h.

The dead man was identified as Glendon Parks, 27, of Santa Mission, East Bank Essequibo. Investigations revealed that Parks was involved in an argument with another man on a floating mining dredge at Kangaruma, Middle Mazaruni River, during which he was stabbed.

A search party was launched, but his body has not yet been retrieved. The suspect in the stabbing incident has been arrested and is in police custody, pending charges.

“Dark

President says:

day for Guyana!”

… as opposition rejects hydro project

By Samuel Sukhnandan

President Donald Ramotar said he was deeply saddened by the opposition’s move to vote down the passing of the Amaila Falls amendment bill as well as a motion to raise the debt ceiling, saying this latest move signals a very dark day in the country.

The opposition’s move was made on Thursday evening after hours of debates and deliberation between both sides of the National Assembly, which eventually led to the opposition using its one-seat majority to reject the project.

Ramotar told Guyana Times on Thursday that “it’s a very dark day” for the Guyanese nation. He said this move could cripple the government’s ability to enhance the well-being of its citizens. Ramotar added that this is the closest Guyana has ever been to developing a hydro electricity project aimed at reducing the cost of electricity and expanding the industrial and manufacturing sectors.

The president believes that the opposition’s move is also geared towards damaging the country and the quality of life of its people, by simply refusing to give the people the possibility of having clean, cheap electricity.

“This will stymie the development of the industrialisation of the country, the creation of jobs, and reduce the chances of ending blackout,” Ramotar posited.

He also pointed out that the “devious” move made by the opposition could be linked to when it made cuts to the electricity subsidy in the 2013 national budget. This, he noted, has the possibility of placing an additional burden on the poor people and now that the project has been vot-

ed down, the consequences could be greater and more detrimental to economic development.

Ramotar recalled that the idea to set up a hydroelectricity station in Guyana was mooted since the early 1960s, where the Tiger Hill Falls was being looked at as a source of clean energy.

Another instance was in the 1970s when the government was looking to build a hydroelectricity project in the Upper Mazaruni. He said the Amaila Falls project had the greatest possibility of being successful after these failed projects.

Government was seeking extra financing to continue other aspects of the project, while awaiting the approval of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The opposition has, however, maintained from the onset that it will not sup-

port the approval of extra financing, unless the project was approved in its entirety by the IDB.

However, government has reiterated that unless consensus is met at the level of Parliament, then the IDB will not find favour in granting the finance.

The government has also repeatedly stated there are many benefits to be derived from the project and was looking to have it completed by 2017.

The main benefits of the Amaila Falls hydro power project was to reduce Guyana’s dependence on fossil fuel, remove the high subsidy paid annually to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), and create employment opportunities for Guyanese through the expansion of industrial companies among several others. (samuelsukhnandan@guyanatimesgy.com)

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Bigger is not better

In an age of unipolarity, it is critical that policymakers reorient their thinking to the changed realities on the ground. This is especially important in the area of military funding and deployment by the U.S., now that the threat from the USSR has receded. The inertia immanent in its military organisations might resist change and there is the danger of unnecessary blowback to U.S. economic interests if the old tactics are used against smaller states.

An intriguing article on this issue, “Military Primacy Doesn’t Pay (Nearly As Much As You Think)”, is summarised below by its author, Tufts University political scientist Daniel Drezner. We agree with its premises and recommendations.

“For the past generation, U.S. military hegemony has been a concrete fact of life in world politics. The coming austerity to the defence budget has triggered anxiety from some quarters of the U.S. national security community. Advocates for a large military argue that the world is safer and more prosperous today precisely because of the United States’ outsized security capacities and deep engagement with the rest of the world.

“Critics, however, have long questioned whether military preeminence yields the benefits claimed by proponents.

Given the unchallenged military supremacy of the U.S., some argue that is natural to target cuts in defence spending after a decade of dramatic budgetary increases. We evaluate whether the economic benefits of military pre-eminence and deep engagement are as great as advertised.

“There are three plausible pathways how military primacy can yield economic returns: The ‘geo-economic favouritism’ argument posits that private capital will gravitate towards the military superpower because it provides the greatest security and safety to investors. The ‘geo-political favouritism’ argument is sovereign states, in return for living under the security umbrella of the military superpower, voluntarily transfer resources to help subsidise the costs of hegemony. Finally, the ‘public goods’ logic argues that a unipolar distribution of military power is most likely to lead the provision of global public goods that accelerate global economic growth and reduce security tensions. These public goods benefit the hegemony as much if not more so than other actors.

“After reviewing the evidence, each of these arguments is less empirically persuasive than is commonly articulated in policy circles. There is little evidence that primacy yields appreciable geo-economic gains. The private sector responds positively to a country’s military capability, but only up to a point. Military primacy is hardly a prerequisite for attracting trade and investment. The evidence for geopolitical favouritism is also modest.

“Geo-political favouritism does occur, but only during periods of bipolarity (as during the Cold War). Economic exchange is actually less correlated with security ties under conditions of unipolarity. The evidence for public goods benefits is strongest. Military primacy does appear to be an important adjunct to the creation of an open global economy and a reduction in militarised disputes and security rivalries. Military supremacy is only one component of unipolarity, however.

“A decline in the hegemony’s economic power undercuts many of unipolarity’s posited benefits. It is only full-spectrum unipolarity that yields appreciable economic gains. The principal benefits that come with military primacy appear to flow only when coupled with economic primacy.

“There are clear implications for U.S. foreign policy and fiscal policy: an over reliance on military preponderance is badly misguided. Again, it is not that military power is useless, it is that the law of diminishing marginal returns has kicked in.

“Without a revived economy – and the global recognition of a renaissance in American economic power – the U.S. runs the risk of strategic insolvency.

The U.S. needs to focus primarily on policies that will rejuvenate economic growth, accelerate job creation, and promote greater innovation and productivity. If the U.S. economy is perceived to be rebounding, then the biggest economic benefits that have been hypothesised to flow from military predominance will be preserved.”

Guyana observes Mandela Day

Kudos to the CPG in Courbane Park, Annandale

Dear Editor,

I read the letter from Mansoor Baksh in your daily papers and I would hereby like to congratulate him for highlighting the importance of the Community Policing Groups (CPGs) in our area.

I’m exceptionally proud of some of the guys from the

Courbane Park CPG, for example Rohan Persaud and others who would respond to his call to report to Vigilance Police Station in order to start their patrol for any particular night. He is an exemplary guy in this area because of the way he carries out his duties towards

I welcome the new

Dear Editor,

At least one security company seems to be doing a lot of arm-twisting. The company is claiming that since government is still unwilling to increase rates on existing security contracts, it was forced to terminate one of its contracts.

However, the company is not about to proceed with its threat of terminat-

the CPG, even though it’s a voluntary job. We need more men like him out there to keep the citizens of Guyana safe. As you may or may not know, he is looked upon as the protector of his community, since he can be reached at anytime of the day – when he is in Guyana – to assist people in apprehending thieves and maintaining peace and order in his community. Keep up the good work guys!

Best regards, Name withheld for security reasons

working arrangements

ing contracts. I have to ask myself how come all of this noise. For a long time, security workers have been complaining about the brutal conditions under which they have to work. It is time they got some measure of reprieve, if only in salary. If it is a case where security companies are about to lose by paying out more,

then there are options. They can go ahead with its threat and make allowances for the necessary work of other security services to kick in. In Guyana, there are quite a few reputable security companies.

Some security companies hardly ever put out advertisements for employees. I get the impression that their staff turn-over is

very low. I gather from this that their employees are enjoying some level of comfort and satisfaction. Now, with government’s intervention, this comfort factor, in all likelihood, is now at a higher level. That is why the new law is so much welcomed.

Sincerely, Jevon Harris

Taxi driving needs regulation

Dear Editor,

In reading about this phenomenon of “private hire cars” and I am most bothered. This illegal practice is now fully accepted in every area, especially Georgetown. It is like the norm and how it got to be this way I just do not know. What I do know is that this wrong is so entrenched that it will now look bad if and when government seeks to stamp it out.

I recall former President Bharrat Jagdeo attempting to streamline this taxi business. That was when the yellow cab option was born. Many chose against this route and forsook the concessions for going yellow. I think that if this rule had

been made national, a lot of problems would not have surfaced.

Almost all of the yellow cab drivers are with years of driving experience and most of them are very mature. This makes for safer roadways. Now, most of these private cars are being driven by young and brash newcomers, who are prone to making accidents, as they break traffic rules all the time.

Driving a minibus or going daily to and from work in a self-owned private car is not that challenging. Buses, as we all know, have routes and so road knowledge and traffic awareness are not things to really worry about.

In the case of taxi driving, the routes are very random and way off limits at times. Then the call for a drop can be at just about any hour. These logistical factors clearly demand high expertise, plenty of experience and sobriety at all times. So using private cars, driven by neophytes, simply may redound into all kinds of trouble on the road.

I was looking at what obtains for the professional job of being a taxi driver. Most companies internationally look at the experience factor. The combined qualities listed for taxi drivers make for a good study – they must be friendly and polite; be a safe and experienced driv-

er; have good geographical knowledge; possess the required class of driver’s licence and for a certain number of years; hold a passenger endorsement, which includes police clearance; and pass a medical test and psychological test. We here in Guyana have a lot of work to do if we are going to carry on from the former president’s initiative, but at least we can start with the taxi drivers themselves. They need to be holders of hire car licences. Then we can move to the vehicles and work on enforcing all the rules.

Yours faithfully, Coreen Howard

Guyana is tolerating a bad prison culture

Dear Editor,

The Ministry of Home Affairs said that it is concerned over the proliferation of cellphones at the various prisons, particularly at the Georgetown and New Amsterdam Prisons, as evidenced by the recovery of various items during security searches. It bothers me that after taking criminals off the streets, we have problems with them in prison.

Now, the technology is so easily accessible. All that is required is that the telephone companies here keep a tab on all who have cellphones, from and to where these calls are made, and for what purposes. Cellphones can be used as weapons to undermine national security and do other prohibited things. Cellphones do play

a major role in terrorism and personal feuds. We cannot allow them in our prisons. I find it strange that the Ministry of Home Affairs had to charge officers to be on the side of the law. This is their sworn duty. If they fail, then they go to prison.

I think that prison officers must be held accountable. When cellphones and marijuana are found in the jails here, a penalty of high degree must be meted out to them. They are the enforcers and guardians of the law. If and when they fail to dispense their duties, then all of us are at risk.

Let us start with them for a while and see what happens.

Yours truly, Gary Sinclair

Wasting the court’s time should not be taken lightly

Dear Editor, I believe that too much time is being wasted by many of our courts here. Recently, there was a clear case of time wasting in that a magistrate granted bail to someone charged with threatening language. He had appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Later, the complainant, a female, indicated to the court that she would not be going ahead with the case.

I think such a woman should be charged for making a fool of the court sys-

tem. All of a sudden, she decides that she would not go ahead with the matter. How many like this must we tolerate? Shouldn’t she have made such a decision a long time ago, when the matter was in the hands of the police?

Some time ago, a court in Delhi, India directed former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin to pay a fine for wasting the court’s time. The same should obtain in Guyana.

Yours truly, Sandra Bailey

Music carts must change or go

Dear Editor,

My first concern is that of endorsing pirated music. I was fortunate to hear Ernie Smith on this. He just wished that technology had not reached this far. People are simply pirating and selling and it should really stop.

When it comes to these music carts, something must be done in this regard. I know it is a hell of a task to even think about.

But maybe government could seek to obtain some form of revenue from this – they need to have some kind of operating licence. The other issue is that of their noise level. I go to some stores and I can listen to my selections via earphones.

This must be enforced where these cart pushers and riders are concerned.

How about what they do in traffic? Sometimes, they impede traffic in narrow lanes. They move slowly and the traffic builds up and this simply irritates everyone. This has to be considered too.

I am so enthused that the Home Affairs Ministry is shifting some needed attention towards these vendors now.

The talk is that they must remodel their carts, vend in one place and use headphones as a means of keeping their noise level down. This change must come about quickly too.

Yours sincerely, Haresh

Gobin

Crime fighting must not be politicised

Dear Editor,

The spate of recent armed robberies has caught the attention of the police, who have also said they will have more police patrols, especially through the capital where businesses have been targeted.

My response is that there should have been more patrols, in the first place. This was what the Home Affairs Ministry promised. Why wait for an avalanche of crimes before

taking serious action?

Also, the way to fight crime is to be pre-emptive. We need to stop the crime as much as we can, instead of looking for perpetrators. We already have a case of a very non-cooperative public. People in Guyana tend to be very hesitant when it comes to informing the police. That is why we have to go more for increased patrols. It is a tested ploy.

Currently, there is the

threat of disturbance in the U.S. in relation to the George Zimmerman issue. One on occasion, a bit of looting and vandalism took place. Instantly, increased patrol was the response.

Take another case, and this was just last month. Gun possession arrests made by a concentrated, proactive patrol unit in the Houston Police Department, Texas were linked to significant reductions in subsequent crimes involving fire-

arms. This is what a study by Sam Houston State University found. Police presence and crime reduction go together – this must never be forgotten. I make a sincere and strong appeal for every citizen to see crime with nonpolitical eyes. I am also asking for more police to be deployed all over the country.

Yours faithfully, Pamela Compton

Helping children cope with change

BY JEANNE BURNS

As a child, I recall being acutely aware of the fact that I was drawn to people, things, situations, and settings that were reliable and consistent. Therefore, I remember being amazed when, at 11 years of age, my parents shared that our family would be moving. The move was to another state and away from family and friends. Growing up in a pastor’s home, a move was apparently beyond our control since this was something that God had provided and guided us to do.

Therefore, although my life would alter drastically, I joined my family’s journey into the unknown. Having my parents, my two brothers, my belongings, and our sense of peace that God was in control helped make this move okay. But even with these benefits, I still recall being almost overwhelmed at times as I assimilated all of the differences into my life. Fortunately, my coping skills were not only tested but expanded as I experienced this significant change.

Nothing is as unchangeable as change

One thing that we can always count on is the reality of change. Nothing remains the same. In the culture of today’s world, we can be sure that change is going to happen. Actually, change is a good thing and something we should welcome. However, change can be challenging. A favourite comment in my

church is one that our pastor shares often. He says that if you are a member of our church, you should expect change!!

What is change?

What do we mean when we use the words cope and change anyway? Realistically, based on a dictionary definition, cope means to deal with difficulties. However, many things in a child’s life require coping skills and have nothing to do with actual difficulties. Change means to make or become different. Therefore, when we “cope with change,” we are dealing with something different happening. Anything different requires abilities to handle those differences.

Change can be good and healthy. It is often necessary for anything positive to occur, enabling us to move ahead and become more than we even dream. Change can also be difficult, especially for children. Children need consistency, routine, reliability, and the known in their lives. Change offers none of these! Children grow strong and develop trust as things in their lives are predictable and follow the expected. Because of children’s limited life experiences, change can foster insecurity and anxiety.

Who can make a difference?

As parents you hold the key, in this ever-changing world, to providing a sense of safety and assurance in your children’s world. Nothing else, whether a person or an item,

can encourage a child to feel at peace with his or her situation like a loving, involved, dependable parent. Therefore, whatever the change occurring in a child’s life, the best prescription for coping with that change is to have a reassuring parent who is living through it with the child.

Think of things that involve change for your child and your family. These items can be simple, such as moving a piece of furniture in the house, to complicated, such as moving the family across the country. Because children flourish in stable settings, parents must be conscious of and committed to considering their child as any alterations occur.

What can a parent do?

What can a parent do to help a child learn to deal with the inevitable change that occurs as a part of life experiences? Here are some suggested opportunities for positive input:

Be available. A child handles all of life better if a parent is fully present.

Be intentional. Do not let things just happen. Think ahead. Prepare your child, if at all possible, for any change in life. Do all that you can to protect and provide for your child. If the totally unexpected does occur, your preparedness is one step ahead in dealing with it.

Be involved. You are not a spectator. You are an intricate element in your child’s life, whatever is occurring. Participate fully.

Be informed. Have as many answers as possible and educate yourself in advance about things you anticipate or things which could occur.

Be prayerful. As is true throughout your child’s life, communicate about what is happening, especially about all aspects of any type of change that will occur. Pray for your child, about your role, about the change, about God’s obvious presence through it all, and about how He can be honoured through it.

Best coping skill – trust! Fortunately, coping skills that are learned in a safe, secure, positive, protected setting, such as a child’s home, can be used as that child grows and moves into other settings, enabling him or her to be adaptable in other areas of life.

By providing a stable way to view and live with life’s alterations, parents can make it possible for a child to be able to be productive in all of life’s changes.

The benefits that are possible include those that encourage self-assurance, selfsufficiency, dependability, and acceptance.

They also involve a high level of trust as children learn to trust themselves, to trust their parents, and ultimately, to trust the Lord. He is the one in whom a child can place faith knowing that while all is changing around him or her, God is reliable and consistent, never-changing, and accepts us no matter what our circumstance or setting in life. (http:// www.lifeway.com)

Preparing your child for a move

Sooner or later, many families face the prospect of moving. Disruptive as moving can be for parents, the experience can be even more traumatic for children, who may not be a part of the decision to move and might not understand it.

Children can need some time and special attention during the transition. Try these tips to make the process less stressful for everyone.

Making the decision to move

Many children thrive on familiarity and routine. So as you consider a move, weigh the benefits of that change against the comfort that established surroundings, school, and social life give your children.

If your family has recently dealt with a major life change, such as divorce or death, you may want to postpone a move, if possible, to give children time to adjust.

The decision to move may be out of your hands, perhaps due to a job transfer or financial issues. Even if you’re not happy about the move, try to maintain a positive attitude about it. During times of transition, a parent’s moods and attitudes can greatly affect children, who may be looking for reassurance.

Discussing the move with children

No matter what the circumstances, the most important way to prepare children to move is to talk about it. Try to give them as much information about the move as soon as possible. Answer questions completely and truthfully, and be receptive to both positive and negative reactions. Even if the move means an improvement in family life, children don’t always understand that and may be focused on the frightening aspects of the change. Involving children in the planning as much as possible makes them feel like participants in the house-hunting process or the search for a new school. This can make the change feel less like it’s being forced on them.

If you’re moving across town, try to take your children to visit the new house (or see it being built) and explore the new neighbourhood.

For distant moves, provide as much information as you can about the new home, city, and state (or country). Access the Internet to learn about the community. Learn where children can participate in favourite activities. See if a relative, friend, or even a real estate agent can take pictures of the new house and new school for your child.

Moving with toddlers and preschoolers

Children younger than six years old may be the easiest to move, as they have a limited capacity to understand the changes involved. Still, your guidance is crucial.

Here are ways to ease the transition for young children:

• Keep explanations clear and simple.

• Use a story to explain the move, or use toy trucks and furniture to act it out.

When you pack your toddler’s toys in boxes, make sure to explain that you aren’t throwing them away.

• If your new home is nearby and vacant, go there to visit before the move and take a few toys over each time.

• Hold off on getting rid of your child’s old bedroom furniture, which may provide a sense of comfort in the new house. It might even be a good idea to arrange furniture in a similar way in the new bedroom.

Avoid making other big changes during the move, like toilet training or advancing a toddler to a bed from a crib.

Arrange for your toddler or preschooler to stay with a babysitter on moving day. (Kidshealth.org)

EU pleased with success of mangrove project

By Whitney Persaud

European Union

Ambassador Robert Kopecký has lauded the partnership that has been developed between Guyana and the EU, specifically on the nation’s largest mangrove project.

Kopecký made this comment while speaking with the media during a site visit to sections of the EU-funded project on the East Coast of Demerara on Thursday.

The ambassador said from his first visit to now, he has been impressed with the work that has been completed, and noted that this will assist Guyana greatly especially during the rainy seasons.

“I have been in country for 21 months now, and we have been having challenges from nature side, some of them are hitting the coast and all these are showing how this project between Guyana and EU is very good,” he said.

The envoy urged that government, through the Agriculture Ministry, continue to invest into the venture. He explained that mangroves are very critical to the preservation of sea defence structures and to prevent flooding.

Mangroves would see Guyana having an alternative to spending large sums to rehabilitate and build sea defences, Kopecký added. “It’s all about dialogue and I’m glad that we have bet-

ter partnerships and what might be a good start is strengthening theses partnership, we have a running project and I hope the government continues to invest in mangroves, because this will maintain the sea walls’ structures,” he added.

The visit by the EU ambassador, along with a team from the EU office, was aimed at observing the progress of the Mangrove Restoration Project, which is funded jointly by the government and the EU.

The administration said it does not view the mangrove restoration project as just a one-off project, but as part of a programme for shore zone management that started before this project and that will continue for as long as there is Guyana. The project, which started in 2010, caters for mangrove restoration under shore zone management and is allocated funding through several ministries inclusive of agriculture, public works, and local government.

Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy has said that with Guyana’s shores being battered every day by the sea, coupled with riverbed erosion and the challenge of climate change, such programmes are significant.

He said in Guyana’s case, defences against the rising sea level are necessary, and building capacity on the use of mangrove in this area is crucial to addressing such issues.

Local govt bills deferred

The combined opposition on Thursday used its one-seat majority in the National Assembly to move a motion, which sought to halt government from having its business discussed and determined ahead of the opposition’s motions.

This motion was moved by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Basil Williams calling for government’s business to be suspended, and paving the way for debate on the four local government bills, which were approved at the special select committee level.

These bills include the Fiscal Transfer Bill, the Municipal and District Councils Amendment Bill, the Local Government Amendment Bill, and the Local Government Commission Bill. This move by the opposition did not go down well with members on the government side of the House. Several objections were made and government’s chief whip, Gail Teixeira expressed her disappointment with the move, explaining why the motion should not be approved.

“Mr Speaker, this is unacceptable that the member would come and bring a suspension order to distort, disrupt, and violate the government’s right to bring its bills, in the order that it wants,” the MP said.

She argued that while such a motion was moved, there are no sound provisions to substantiate a suspension order. The chief whip noted that this would see that the Amaila Falls hydro project amendment bill, the debt ceiling motion, the land surveyors profession bill and the local government bill being shifted to the end of the entire Parliament session.

Unpalatable

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman gave his ruling on the matter after contributions were made by both sides. Trotman, who based his ruling from the Erskine May Parliamentary Practice, noted that any standing orders could be suspended. “Inasmuch as it may be unpalatable, distasteful, and unprecedented, it does say that any one or more of these standards may – after notice, or with leave of the Speaker, be suspended on the motion.”

A division was subsequently called with 32 members of the opposition agreeing to the motion and 31 members of government side disagreeing.

Leader of the opposition, David Granger

also requested a deferral of a motion that was on the order paper for Thursday’s sitting, calling for the local government bills to be debated instead. The Speaker ruled in favour of the leader of the opposition, and requested that the four local government bills be debated.

At that point, the Speaker asked Local Government and Regional Development Minister Ganga Persaud if he was willing to go ahead with the debate.

He was greeted with silence and the same happened when the Speaker requested an answer from Prime Minister Samuel Hinds. Trotman said he was not in a position to compel the minister to answer his request, and Parliament later went into recess for at least 10 minutes, during which the government and opposition chief whips met with the Speaker.

Recess

After the short recess, the silence continued. The Speaker was forced to break for a one-hour recess. During that recess, Alliance For Change (AFC) leader Khemraj Ramjattan said his party will not support nor contribute to the debate on the Amaila Falls hydro project, if the local government bills are not debated first.

APNU’s Basil Williams expressed similar sentiments. According to Williams, it is not surprising that the government is trying to push its agenda to have the bills it desires debated and passed first.

However, he also stated that the move made by government on Thursday is another indication of its non-support for local government reform in Guyana. He reiterated that local government elections

have not been held in Guyana for more than 19 years and the time has come for this to happen, he said. The APNU also believes that the government is trying to have the Amaila Falls bills passed first, despite the urgency that is attached to the other bills.

Western diplomats here have said that the path is now clear for local government elections to be held in Guyana, with a parliamentary select committee completing its work on the four bills critical to the process.

Confidence

In a joint statement, representatives of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union had noted that at the start of 2013, political party leaders, civil society, private sector representatives, and members of the diplomatic community all expressed confidence that this would be the year in which Guyana would move forward to ensure that its citizens benefit from strong and effective local governance.

According to the diplomats, after months of debate, hard work, and compromise, the parliamentary select committee on local government has forged agreement on the four bills necessary to establish a more modern and effective system of local governance.

They said local government reform would make it possible for the active civic participation that leads to better services, increased investment, and greater accountability and transparency, all of which contribute to better governance and stronger communities. Guyana had its last local government elections in 1994.

Senior superintendent testifies at Lusignan Massacre trial

As the trial into the Lusignan Massacre continued on Thursday, a voir dire (trial within a trial) commenced.

Mark “Smallie” Williams and James “Sally” Hyles are indicted jointly with the murder of the 11 persons who were killed in the wee hours of January 26, 2008 at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Williams is being represented by Attorney Roger Yearwood, while Hyles is being represented by Attorney Nigel Hughes.

On Thursday, the pros-

ecution, led by Senior State Counsel Judith Mursalin, called its fifth witness, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram, who testified about arresting the first named accused, Williams. The officer said on June 15, 2008, about 10:30h, he, along with several other ranks, was in a police vehicle in the Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown area when they received certain information and as a result, went to the South Cummings Lodge home of Sheldon Williams. The witness continued that when they arrived at the house, they got out of the vehicle and entered the yard. He said he identified himself and the ranks and then he made contact with Royden Williams, also known as Mark Williams. The officer stated that he told the suspect he was wanted in connection of the murder of 11 persons at Lusignan and he responded, “Bigga, yuh get de wrong man.”

Budhram said he then cautioned the man about his rights before proceeding to arrest him. He and the other officers escorted Williams to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters at Eve Leary, where he made a record of what hap-

pened.

The officer told the court that at no time during the arrest, did he use threats, force, or promises to Williams. He then identified the number one accused to the court.

No coercion

Budhram was cross-examined by Williams’ attorney, Yearwood. The officer, when asked, told the court that when he got to the house, the accused was inside, but there were other persons in the yard and on the veranda. He noted that he put the allegations to the accused in the yard and did not use any force or threats to arrest the man but was professional.

The officer continued that the accused did not resist arrest and denied the allegations of murder. He further stated that at the time they also searched the premises but found no firearm or ammunition.

When asked by the defence attorney why he did not take the accused to Sparendaam Police Station, which is the closest station, the officer said that the CID was involved in the matter, so he took the man there.

The attorney then questioned the witness about whether he told the officer at

the enquiry desk who the accused was and why he was arrested. Budhram responded that he cannot recall if he had told the officer that, but he might have. The officer also told the court, when asked, that at the time of his arrest, Williams did not complain about being ill or injured. After Budhram’s testimony, the trial went into a voir dire, which is being held in the absence of the jury, to determine the voluntariness of a caution statement alleged to have been given by the accused.

The trial into the horrific killings of those 11 persons commenced on Tuesday, with the prosecution calling their first four witnesses, three of whom were survivors of the incident. They recounted to the court what transpired that night.

The other witness was Durwin Wright, who told the court that he and Hyles used to hang out with Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins at Friendship Backdam, ECD, and that on the morning of January 26, 2008, the accused had told him that he was there in Lusignan when the incident happened.

The trial will continue today before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court.

Maid placed on bail for stealing gold ring

Adomestic servant charged with simple larceny appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that between July 8 and 10, 30-year-old Rhonique Fraser, of Lot 11 Samaroo Dam, West Bank Demerara, stole one gold ring valued $180,000, prop-

erty of Welton Adams. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge read against her.

According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, the defendant was employed as a maid for the virtual complainant when the incident occurred.

The prosecutor said the accused admitted to taking the ring when she was confronted by Adams, and said she

had given it to someone to have it sold.

Fraser was represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson who made an application for bail.

There were no objections put forward by the prosecution, and Magistrate McLennan granted bail at the sum of $75,000. The matter was transferred to Court 10 for August 13.

Stirring up...

...Linden ashes

The Stabber News ran a three-page update on the Linden protests of July 2013. They focused on the personalised reactions of relatives of the three unfortunate men who’d been killed in the protests organised by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC). Nothing wrong with that: it’s important for people to deal with the consequences of their actions. But what was striking about the report was its adamant refusal to deal with the tragedy in a holistic fashion – as for instance, the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) did.

That CoI was assembled at great cost to this country. The government acquiesced to the opposition’s demand for a dominant foreign component. The chairman and two of the commissioners were eminent jurists from the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The government went along because they wanted justice not only to be done, but for it to also be seen as done. If the CoI were stacked by locals, unquestionably the opposition would’ve cried, “interference!!”

But to read the Stabber’s report – aimed at the heart strings – you’d think they read only half the report. They only mentioned the report had pronounced the police “responsible” for the shootings – and blamed all the lamentations of the grieving relatives on that statement. But that betrayed cherry picking of the most obscene –and in this instance – incendiary kind.

The police were deemed “responsible” only because the CoI couldn’t find evidence of any other persons firing guns. The bullets that killed the three men were proven by an independent expert, brought in by the AFC, not to be of the type used by the police. There wasn’t even circumstantial evidence for proving the police’s “guilt.”

It’s extremely disappointing that the CoI’s allocation of responsibility to the police – clearly done so that the fortunate survivors should receive some humanitarian compensation – is now being trumpeted to stir up dissatisfaction in Linden. What the Stabber’s report studiously avoided was that the CoI placed blame for the initiating the tragedy on the organisers of the protests.

“The Lindeners applied to the appropriate regional police authority for permission and received same with conditions attached to ensure that the rights of the citizens were balanced. The evidence revealed that the conditions were breached and therein was the birth of the ensuing problems.” How much clearer can you get as far as ‘responsibility’ is concerned.

...lambs to the slaughter

The CoI wasn’t shy about naming names – yet the Stabber was also mute on this. “It is noteworthy that a member of parliament (Desmond Trotman) who was at the scene on July 18 when much of this was taking place or had already taken place stubbornly refused to accept that the protesters had resorted to unlawful means to carry out what would otherwise have been a lawful endeavour.”

APNU member of parliament and Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon and another APNU member of parliament Vanessa Kissoon admitted that they knew they were encouraging protesters to do something illegal. Yet, “both Assistant Superintendent Walter Stanton and Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken testified that they approached Aubrey Norton, Lincoln Lewis and Kissoon to have the protesters leave the bridge, but without success. Assistant Superintendent Stanton further stated that he overheard the activists, Norton, Kissoon and Dr David Hinds, encouraging the protesters to remain on the bridge as it was a just cause.”

The CoI had no hesitation in concluding bluntly: “The organisers of the protest must accept some responsibility for what subsequently transpired on July 18, 2012.” And yet, just one year later, as if the entire nation had suffered from collective amnesia, the Stabber would rewrite history and lay all blame of the police for the Linden tragedy.

All those who have ears, let them hear.

...anti-police hostility

We cannot ignore that blaming the police for the Linden tragedy is being emphasised when the AFC, which started the Linden fiasco, has once again called for street protests. This time in Georgetown. Beware the fire next time.

IAST seeks collaboration with private sector

The Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) on Thursday engaged private sector companies with the hope of forging stronger partnerships in the promotion of the work of the agency. At the meeting hosted at IAST’s Turkeyen headquarters, its director, Professor Suresh Narine said the meeting was the first of many consultations between the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the institute. He said the IAST plans to host such meetings about three times annually to showcase its products.

He underscored that the aim of the meeting was “to familiarise the private sector on what happens here… to get their feedback on what they think about some of the things we are doing, where they see opportunities, perhaps even tell us, some areas we’re working on that they think maybe we shouldn’t be working on, because they wouldn’t go anywhere”.

Cost sharing

Dr Narine stated that one of the advantages of the IAST-private sector partnership is the cost-sharing funding formula that will be worked out during the creation of technology and science. He underscored that IAST is currently 100 per cent funded by government. While it hosts one of the most advanced laboratories in the Caribbean, its usefulness is only going to be re-

alised through commercialisation with private sector companies, since the people responsible for commercialisation is the private sector, he explained.

He explained that the government spent the last five or six years developing the facility, recovering it from a state of almost complete collapse, noting that it has poured an average of $200 million annually into the facility. Dr Narine said IAST is at a stage now where this kind of engagement is not only appropriate but essential.

He said if companies partner with IAST, it would mean more commercial employment, more tax dollars, and a better landscape for the country. “There will obviously be a role for government to play in funding that

capacity, but when it gets to some of these stages, where specific projects will be commercialised, the private sector will be footing their part of the bill,” the institute’s director said.

The professor expressed his enthusiasm with the response from the meeting, adding that he saw a lot of nodding from persons present, so he hopes the meeting will result in fruitfulness.

“Institutions like this can do a lot of work that companies really cannot afford to do in house, we can do it cheaper, because we already have the equipment and trained staff, so then by providing project funding to do specific things that are valuable to them, it will obviously be a very symbiotic type of relationship,” Dr Narine said.

Holistic approach needed to tackle abuse – U.S. professor

Professor Linden Lewis from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology of Bucknell University in the United States, who is here to conduct a study, said abuse should be tackled holistically.

During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times , the Barbadian national said often Indian men are bashed for killing or inflicting bodily harm on women, but they are not the only abusers. He said efforts to truly heal the society of this scourge of violence must begin from the root.

To start with, major emphasis is frequently placed on physical abuse, but attention must be given to the other forms of abuse, which often lead to physical abuse, Dr Lewis said. “It is a significant component of it, but I think that one needs to look at the broader issues of violence and to understand that there are different levels of violence – psychological violence, there is physical violence, emotional violence and it’s much more complex than I think people give it credit for,” the sociology professor explained.

He said that rather than isolating a particular group, the approach should include everyone since abuse exceeds racial, ethnic, and class boundaries.

“Domestic violence transcends racial and ethnic and class boundaries, and I don’t think we should forget that, because when we

isolate a particular group and hold them responsible for domestic violence, you are doing an injustice to the complexity of the phenomena,” he posited. According to him, it is only fair that the matter be addressed in its broadest terms.

Cope and hope

Additionally, he was adamant that while much attention has been given to the abuse meted out to women, men also mete out a lot of violence towards each other.

“Men mete out a lot of violence on each other and you can see it in the police report, you can see it in the statistics of crime and homicide and assault, all of it you have to consider and we can’t look at one aspect of it.”

He said the time has come for men and women

to find new strategies to resolve conflict among them. The professor also underscored the importance of training law enforcers on the best ways to intervene in domestic violence situations.

Earlier in the year, the administrator of Men’s Affairs Bureau Pastor Diego Alphonso, in attempting to explain the issue of abuse, said men are suffering from years of hurt, verbal abuse, but, most of all, the failure to meet the unrealistic goals set out by society.

He said it appears as though there is an apparent lack of the “cope and hope factor,” in their lives.

Pastor Alphonso noted that while the bureau will never support the abuse of women, issues concerning men must be addressed and only then there will be a major reduction in domestic violence.

“There is a sense of despair, a sense of hopelessness, not having the ability to cope with the situation and the circumstance and they somehow think that domestic violence is the answer or avenue out,” the administrator had said. Nevertheless, he said there was hope, positing that the problems can be solved via education, effective communication, respect, love, and trust.

He emphasised the need for all organisations to get involved, pointing to the Guyana Police Force in particular and noting that much more is required.

High winds topple aircraft at Ogle

Asingle-engine twoseater aircraft registered to a Guyanese businesswoman flipped over at the Ogle International Airport on Thursday as a result of heavy winds.

The aircraft, which was reportedly secured onto the ground, was hit by the abnormal winds and flipped, leaving its wheels in the air. Guyana Times understands that a similar aircraft was also damaged by the winds.

Airport officials refused

to comment on the issue, but confirmed that the two aircraft were affected by the winds which exceeded 50 miles per hour. At the time of the incident, no one was in the planes.

There were also reports of pilots having difficulties touching down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport owing to the heavy winds.

Attempts to make contact with senior officials at the country’s main port of entry proved futile.

Landlady charged with disturbing tenant’s peace

A52-year-old woman appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after she was charged with disturbing her tenant’s enjoyment of peace and abusive language.

It is alleged that June 1, Suzette Nurse, being the landlady of Tricia Mc Entire, disconnected the water without notifying the tenants. She pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is further alleged that on July 17, Nurse made use of abusive language to Garfield Cox; to this charge, she also pleaded not guilty.

According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, the water had been cut off, but the ten-

ants were receiving water through a hose from a neighbour and the defendant pulled the hose out, cutting off the supply of water to the property.

The defendant was represented by Attorney George Thomas, who stated that his client has five children and resides at 721 C Field Sophia. He added that it was not his client who disconnected the water, but the Guyana Water Inc, and made an application for her pre-trial liberty.

There were no objections to bail, and Nurse was granted bail in the sum of $5000 for each offence. The matter was transferred to Court Six for July 25.

Family brawl ends up in court

On Thursday, a man appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on two counts of assault, two counts of threatening language, and one count of threatening behaviour.

It is alleged that on July 16, at East La Penitence, Daniel Younge assaulted and threatened his grandmother, Ayona Younge and his cousin, Ronald Younge. He made use of threatening behaviour to Ronald. The unrepresented defendant pleaded not guilty to all

the charges read against him.

Ronald Younge appeared before the magistrate on a counter charge of unlawfully assaulting his cousin Daniel on the same day and at the same address. He too was unrepresented and pleaded not guilty to the charge read against him.

According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, the men are both grandchildren of Ayona Younge. There were no objections to bail put forward by the prosecution.

The court placed Daniel and Ronald Younge on a bond to be on good behaviour and bail was set at $7500 and $5000 respectively. The matter is set to return to Court 10 on July 29.

De naggers tekkin over

Naggin is sum ting most people does associate with women or old people. But that is not a fair comment. It got plenty women who don’t nag. And it got plenty old people who happy wid life. And dem don’t nag no body. In fact, on de other hand, it got a lotta young and not so young people who does nag plenty all de time.

Is dem ones who mouth does can’t open at home who does look fuh other places fuh open dem mouth and nag. Freddie Kissmansoon is one of dem. He like open he mouth every where he go. And is not just fuh kissin another man. Or fuh another man kiss he. Since he get fire from UG, he tryin fuh mek up all the talkin he used to do in class elsewhere.

This is a man who nag so much at de guvament tv station a long time ago that dem had to tek he off. Then he nag at de Chronicle and dem tek he off too. He went on to nag at de Stabber, which does entertain a lotta naggers, but even so, dem still tek he off.

De only resort was de Kocheur, which got de other set of naggers. Sus Penders is de latest member. Is no wonder de Man Kisser holdin on fuh dear life. If de Kocheur tek he off, is like tekkin off life support pun a dyin man. Is just like if he life gone.

Just ask de real Nagga Man who teach de Man Kisser fuh nag at de guvament station. But is another ting when de two of dem start naggin at one another. It does sound just like when de world coming to an end. Thank God de Man Kisser is not in Parliament.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And look out fuh de newest nag man on de block. Stony Virus. He naggin whole week in de Stabber and de mud paper.

Opposition votes down debt ceiling motion, hydro bill

– Ali tells Parliament Amaila Falls project critical to development

By Svetlana MarShall

The combined opposition

Thursday night voted down a motion to raise the debt ceiling on loans and also the Hydro-Electric Power Amendment Bill, both crucial to the advancement of the multibillion-dollar Amaila Falls hydro project.

The second reading of both items were done without any debate by the opposition that was angered by government’s refusal to take forward the four local government reforms bills when that matter came up for debate earlier in the day. (story on page 7)

In moving the motion for the second reading for the Hydro-Electric Power (Amendment) Bill 2013,

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds told the House that the existing law governing hydropower development dates back to December 1956. “There is much that needs updating in this legislation and one would think there is cause or good reason to even rewrite it all together and commit to do it at some convenient time.”

Until it is rewritten, the prime minister had emphasised the need for approving the bill to facilitate closure on the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project.

Non-support

By this time, the joint parliamentary opposition had signalled to the National Assembly that they will not debate the Hydro-Electric Power (Amendment) Bill 2013. Nevertheless, Natural Resources and Environment

Minister Robert Persaud in

defence of the bill said there are close to 150 countries with various capacities in hydropower. He pointed out that 20 per cent of the world’s electricity is generated by hydropower.

Zooming in on Guyana, Minister Persaud said it was not only about utilising the country’s vast electrical power capabilities as confirmed by the United Nations in 1976, but rather creating greater economic opportunities for the people of Guyana.

Economic survival

“It is about the economic, social and even the environmental survival of our nation too and that is where we need to also situate the importance of developing and having hydroelectric facilities, starting here with the Amaila hydroelectric project,” Persaud said.

Alluding to the agricultural sector, the natural resources minister said the provision of cheaper electricity will pave the way for greater production, and the move to hinder such a major developmental project can stall the sector’s progress.

“A farmer would ask why is it, why it can we not produce these items, why is it can we not have value added, and very quickly that farmer would recognise too that the main limitation in moving from just a primary commodity exporting nation in terms of agriculture to one that is substantial value added, the barrier is the cost of electricity and also having unreliable electricity,” he expounded.

Investors in the construction and mining industries ex-

press similar sentiments due to the challenges faced on a daily basis, as a result of the high cost of electricity, he noted.

“Mr Speaker, if you go and you examine all the sectors and subsectors of our economy and you can see how much we are losing as a nation, you can see how much our development is being held back and you can see the frustration of the private sector and even the new investors who want to come because our country do not have affordable and reliable electricity,” he lamented.

Persaud assured the House that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will never give up on the concept of establishing a hydroelectric project in Guyana and “will get it done”, if not now, in the future.

In his closing arguments before the House voted on the bill, Hinds said: “We are prepared to beg the opposition to reconsider their position and support this bill.” But this was not to be as the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) banded together and voted against the amendment.

Debt ceiling

The debt guarantee motion dubbed the “Limit on amount outstanding under the guarantees given under the guarantee of loans (Public Corporations and Companies) Act, met the same fate.

The motion was tabled several weeks ago by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, who said the Guarantee of Loans (Public Corporation and

Mothers in Black member appeals for caution on roadways

Amember of the Mothers in Black organisation is calling on all road users to exercise the greatest care, courtesy, and consideration when utilising the roadways.

Agnes Dabidyal is the mother of 13-year-old Trishanna Dabidyal, who was killed by a drunk driver on the East Coast Public Road, eight years ago. Trishanna was struck by a truck on the pedestrian crossing as she attempted to cross the Better Hope Public Road on December 5, 2005.

While one driver stopped to allow the teen to cross, another vehicle, GJJ 3006, approaching from behind, overtook the first driver, and struck Trishanna dragging her for a considerable distance.

She died on the spot. The driver attempted to flee the scene, but was apprehended by witnesses. Trishanna, the youngest of three sisters, would have been 21 years old on July 19. She attended the St Rose’s High School and was a second form student who always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian.

Her eldest sister said the dead teenager loved animals and described her as very religious. Trishanna took part

in many cultural activities, including Diwali celebrations and was remembered for her participation in the 2005 “Kala Utsav”.

During an interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, Dabidyal said her daughter placed second at the Vryheid’s Lust Primary School when she sat the Common Entrance Examinations.

“She was a very dedicated and had a lot of potential. But she lost everything; I lost everything to a drunk driver,” the dejected woman lamented.

“He took our happiness from us. These drunk drivers must take into consideration when they pick up the keys and get into a vehicle that they are responsible for people’s lives.”

Lenient

She believes that the law is too lenient with drunk drivers. The man responsible for her daughter’s death was charged and was placed on $40,000 bail. The preliminary inquiry lasted about five years and after the lengthy proceeding, the driver was jailed for two years.

The teen’s father, Jerrick Dabidyal shortly after her death, said: “The police need to

be on the road, especially at pedestrian crossings, during peak hours to monitor what goes on there,” Dabidyal stressed. He said that if this is done, many accidents could be avoided.

“Kids are normally at that crossing for about 10-15 minutes. The traffic doesn’t stop. If someone does stop, other vehicles would usually overtake from the inside or outside.”

The child’s father, who was on his way home when the accident occurred, recalled hearing from persons in the area that his daughter was on the pedestrian crossing around 16:00h when she was hit by the truck.

A relative of the girl added that at the time of the accident, the driver of the truck was under the influence of alcohol according to a breathalyser test.

The Mothers in Black believes that the slaughter on Guyana’s roads will rapidly become worse unless strong and immediate action is taken.

Guyana has a population of approximately 700,000 and about 150 of those persons are unnecessarily killed each year on the roadways, mostly as a result of speeding, carelessness and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Companies) Act permits government to guarantee the discharge by a public corporation or company of its obligation under any agreement authorised by the state with a lending agency.

He explained that the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) will be executing a power purchase agreement with the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Inc. under which it will be purchasing power.

“In order to ensure that the other parties and partners to this transaction are satisfied of GPL’s ability to discharge its obligations to provide them with the necessary assurances that they require and to conclude the transaction of this nature... certain assurances are required of us as a government, including an assurance that GPL will meet its obligation,” Dr Singh explained.

He said in order to accommodate the transaction, it is essential for the National Assembly to raise the limit on the aggregate value of guarantees that can be issued under the act. The finance minister pointed out that in 1980, the limit was raised from $500 million to $1 billion. “We seek, Sir, to raise the limit by virtue of the motion before us for the amount of $150 billion.”

The minister told the

House that on a number of occasions dating back to March 14, 2012, the Donald Ramotar administration consulted with the opposition on the hydroelectric project, mentioning the connectivity between the hydro amendment bill and the motion to allow the government to raise its guarantee limit.

Critical to development

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, adding his voice to the debate, said there was need for consensus and increased support for the project, which is critical to Guyana’s overall development. Ali said the new proposed ceiling was also necessary to secure US$175 million from the InterAmerican Development Bank for the project.

“It is important to note that raising the ceiling is not the same as guaranteeing any debt for GPL. On the contrary, it will only serve to expand the options available to access concessional financing from lending agencies,” the minister explained. Ali told the Parliament that it was significant to note that the guarantee on loans was last raised in 1980 from $500 million to $1 billion, the guarantee would have been equivalent to US$400 million at that time.

“Adjusted for U.S. inflation from 1980 to 2013, the equivalent figure in U.S. dollars terms, today, would have been US$1.1 billion, which exceeds the new proposed limit of US$750 million,” he articulated. The $1 billion guarantee set in 1980 accounted for 73.2 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at factor cost and 27 per cent of projected GDP this year, but based on projected nominal GDP by the International Monetary Fund of public guaranteed debt-to-GDP ratio, it is likely to improve further to 20.8 per cent by 2015 and 7.1 per cent by 2030.

“If we fail to provide the guarantee today, this will place the Amaila Falls project at risk. This project is unquestionably important for improving the country’s competitiveness as it is expected to substantially reduce the cost of electricity, as well as improve the reliability of this electricity supply.” Ali warned that citizens could find themselves deprived of the catalytic benefits that the project offers such as the ability to save consumers approximately US$3.5 billion over the next 20 years, which undoubtedly would have seen a reduction in residential, commercial and industrial tariffs. (Svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

Brumell warns ranks against corrupt acts

Acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell on Wednesday reiterated that the Guyana Police Force has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and ranks are often warned to stop the ‘shaking down’ of miners.

Speaking at a press conference at his office, the police chief said those found culpable of corrupt acts will face the full force of the law, while noting that the authorities have been working around the clock to root out corruption among serving members of the force.

He added that on many occasions ranks have been disciplined and placed before the courts after evidence was gathered based on complaints made.

“I joined the job in 1977… and I told my colleagues the other day, when I got married, things weren’t too right, but I never thought about shaking down… I used to borrow loans from the police welfare section, so I urge them if they broke, let them come and let’s issue them with a loan,” Commissioner Brumell said.

Recently, there have been a number of complaints that police officers are indulged in corruption and other practices unbecoming

Ideal

Aof the police force. As a result of these complaints, a number of ranks have been transferred to various regions to facilitate an investigation or with the aim of curbing the practice.

Commenting on the issue of transfers, Brumell stated that upon appointment, police ranks are cognisant that transfers are necessary in the force as it expands. He said it was not a case whereby transfers are done to facilitate errant officers, as the practice is merely a regulation by the Guyana Police Force.

He added that since his appointment 36 years ago, he was transferred on many occasions but that did not mean that he was involved in skulduggery. The police chief posited that once the

force sees the need to transfer a rank, it is done at the earliest opportunity.

However, over the years police officers have been reportedly transferred to rural and interior locations after they were implicated in “shakedown” practices in the city, but even at their new locations they continued to harass and exploit businessmen and miners. Two of such policemen were Constables Marlon Letlow and Leadon Aaron who were shot and burnt after miners allegedly retaliated during an attempted robbery by the men.

The ranks were shot while they were reportedly fleeing from their attackers, crashing their All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) in the process.

Road murder suspect surrenders

fter days of hiding, Rudolph Singh, the main suspect in the Ideal Road murder surrendered to ranks at the Timehri Police Station on Wednesday in the company of his attorney.

He is presently in custody. According to a police source, the suspect claimed that he acted in self-defence when Kevin Harrison was killed. Harrison, 26, of Ideal Road, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, was brutally stabbed to death. Singh is expected to be charged with murder today.

Harrison was killed allegedly by Singh during a

confrontation over a woman with whom they were both reportedly involved.

According to information, the woman in the controversy, Onefa Atkinson, and Harrison were confronted by Singh at a shop in the neighbourhood. A heated argument ensued among the three people and escalated into a scuffle. The woman reportedly left the shop, but was followed by the suspect who was armed with a cutlass.

Upon realising that Singh went behind the woman, Harrison followed him. As he approached the house, he heard them argu-

ing and attempted to intervene by taking the cutlass from Singh. The suspect reportedly had a knife tucked away in his pocket, which he then allegedly pulled and used to stab Harrison to his back at least four times. Harrison fell to the ground and died almost instantaneously. He is survived by his mother and six siblings.

A post-mortem examination was performed on the body of Harrison by local pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, who gave the cause of death as perforation of the lungs due to stab wounds. The alleged murder weapon was recovered by police.

Case dismissed against common-law couple

Amason and pump attendant were brought before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after they were charged with unlawfully assaulting each other on Thursday. It was alleged that on July 15, at QQ 36 Lamaha Park, Irving Griffith, 60, unlawfully assaulted Deyon Gram, 41 and she

retaliated. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the counter charges. According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, Griffith and Gram share a commonlaw marriage and both reside at QQ 36 Lamaha Park. On the day in question, he pulled the phone out of her hand and while doing so, he touched her. She in turn hit him with a pot spoon.

Magistrate Ann McLennan asked both parties if they would like to proceed with the matter and they replied in the negative.

The case was dismissed on the grounds that no evidence was offered. The couple was placed on a bond to keep the peace for 12 months, if they fail to do so, they will spend four months in prison.

Carifesta organisers expect 30 countries to participate

The chairman of the Carifesta Host Country Management Committee (HCMC), Ivan Graanoogst, disclosed that 24 countries have so far confirmed their participation in the festival, but this number was expected to rise to 30 countries by August 16.

Speaking at a weekly breakfast with the press recently held at the headquarters of Carifesta XI in Paramaribo, Suriname, Graanoogst said the Caribbean Festival of Arts and Culture (Carifesta) was meant to highlight Caribbean culture. The weekly breakfast will be used to inform the press about preparations for Carifesta XI in Suriname.

According to Graanoogst, “participating countries are expected to pay for their contingent’s transportation to and accommodation in Suriname. The various contingents are expected to give their very best performances. Our responsibility is to make them feel welcome and at home while in Suriname”.

Haiti

He further disclosed that Haiti will be the next Carifesta host and will participate in Carifesta XI with a world famous dance group. Haitian President Michel Martelly has indicated that he would personally head the Haitian contingent to Carifesta XI.

Graanoogst called on the assembled press to inform the population about Carifesta XI, and noted that Carifesta XI will not only take place in Paramaribo,

but will by way of community festivals be spread to all 10 districts of Suriname.

“This means that we will have to conduct a massive logistical operation, which not only accommodates the Surinamese participants, but also ensures that our guests arrive on time and are provided with everything they need to perform at the designated venues,” he explained.

Graanoogst added that the Carifesta XI Youth Village, which is being built at the Wil Axwijk Sport Centrum in Paramaribo, will provide youths from the participating contingents with an added incentive to take part in the activities organised by Youth Focus.

Star studded

“We want to start the Youth Village activities with a bang,” Graanoogst declared, indicating that Wycliffe Jean and DJ Chuckie are among those who have been contacted to contribute to Carifesta XI. “You should know that 75 per cent of the world’s most famous disc jockeys have Surinamese roots,” he noted, highlighting the importance of recognising Surinamese art and culture.

Graanoogst also informed the press that the focus will be on Suriname during the next Festival del Fuego in Santiago de Cuba in 2014.

Coordinator of the Surinamese contingent for Carifesta XI, Siegmien Staphorst, said Suriname will be participating in all aspects of Carifesta XI. According to Staphorst,

Suriname will pay special attention to the visual arts, starting with the opening ceremony “Welcome to Suriname” and highlighting, among other things, the exclusive woodcarving in the villages Pikin Slee and Nieuw Aurora in the Upper Suriname River area.

Dance and music from all ethnic groups in the country have been incorporated into the Surinamese productions, she said, adding that apart from traditional, classical, modern experimental dances and martial arts, performances of next-generation Surinamese dancers and choreographers will also be included in presentations by the Surinamese contingent.

Workshops

Additionally, there will be a Kawina/Kaskawi event, including workshops in schools and performances by various ethnic groups which will culminate in the crowning of the Best Kawina Band in Suriname, Staphorst reported. She asked that attention be given to the filmmakers workshop, which is due to start in the next week and called for the participation of Surinamese artists in the diaspora.

Jazz diva Denise Jannah, the IKO Foundation, Wycliffe Jean, the Cuban Tropicana Ballet, the Jamaican No-Maddz, the Haitian Bacoulou Dance Company and Shaolin monks from China, are part of a star-studded programme currently being prepared for Carifesta XI, which will be fine-tuned during the coming weeks.

Felonious wounding suspect on bail

Aman who was initially charged with attempted murder was granted bail on a charge of felonious wounding when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

Osmond Kennedy Pearce, 41, of Lot 1058

Nutmeg Street, West Ruimveldt, was first charged with the offence of attempted murder of Rolly Smith on November 25, 2012 at Pigeon Place, South Ruimveldt Park, but the charge was dropped against him after the prosecution sought advice from the Director of Public

Prosecutions (DPP). On July 18, the accused was charged with felonious wounding which he pleaded not guilty to and was granted his pre-trial liberty in the sum of $150,000. Pearce, who was represented by Attorney Basil Williams, will be returning to court on August 2 for statements.

Caricom maps out renewable energy plan

The Worldwatch Institute is assisting the Caribbean Community (Caricom) in developing a Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy (C-SERMS) to provide a more strategic approach to implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in the region.

The overall goals are to address the inadequate energy security of most Caricom member states and to establish them as climate-compatible economies through greater diversification of the energy supply away from heavy dependence on imported petroleum products and toward smarter, more-sustainable energy technologies.

Information sharing

On Thursday, Caricom hosted the C-SERMS Resource Mobilisation Forum, with support from the Inter-American Development Bank and the government of Germany, in Christ Church, Barbados.

The aim of the forum, which included key participation from Worldwatch, was to share information among various energy-sector stakeholders and to garner funding support, technical assistance, and commitments toward further development and implementation of identified initiatives, programmes, and projects.

“Caricom, as just the third regional community in the world after ASEAN and the European Union, and its member states, has now committed to ambitious renewable energy goals, raising the targeted share for renewables from only eight per cent currently to 20 per cent, 28 per cent, and 47 per cent by the years 2017, 2022, and 2027, respectively,” said Alexander Ochs, director of climate and energy at Worldwatch and the institute’s lead person for the C-SERMS project.

“Through our forthcoming report for Caricom, Worldwatch is proud to have helped build the methodology behind, and the consensus on, these targets.”

Energy transition

In addition to informing the Caricom targets, the Worldwatch report, to be released this month, identifies important information gaps and capacity needs that stand in the way of developing a more concise sustainable energy strategy for the region, and suggests high-impact areas ways that Caricom can support and coordinate national actions.

“It is now up to member states to make the targets a reality through political and financial reform,” said Ochs. “From an economic, social, and environmental perspective, the energy transition en-

Regional youth ambassadors off to Russian forum

aricom Youth

Worldwatch Director of Climate and Energy Alexander Ochs, the institute’s lead person for the Caricom project

visioned in our report is the only viable path forward.”

At Thursday’s forum, Ochs and other members of the Worldwatch team highlighted significant regional initiatives, with Caricom at the helm, as well as the next steps member states can commit to in the transition to an energy sector that is less reliant on costly and damaging fossil fuels.

Historic step

“With the initial sustainable energy roadmap established through the various targets, and the identification of critical next step actions, Caricom now has the basis for a more strategic approach for advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region,” said Caricom Energy Programme Manager Joseph Williams. “This historic step will go far in enhancing the commitments of member states toward achieving a transformed energy landscape. We note and welcome Worldwatch’s commitment to continue support of our move to a more affordable and more reliable energy future.”

“Our research shows that Caricom states have the potential to be real leaders in the transition to sustainable energy solutions,” said Worldwatch’s Caribbean programme manager, Mark Konold. “However, it also shows that sizeable data gaps still exist and must be resolved so that Caricom can begin executing the most dynamic and well-defined strategy possible.”

Worldwatch’s Climate and Energy programme identifies key components of energy and transportation systems that de-carbonise economies, boost energy efficiency, spur innovation and job creation, address resource scarcity, and reduce local environmental pollution. Learn more about the institute’s work from the reports Sustainable Energy Roadmaps: Guiding the Global Shift to Domestic Renewables” and the recently-released “The Way Forward for Renewable Energy in Central America”.

CAmbassadors Tamira Browne (St Vincent and the Grenadines); Patrice Harris (St Kitts and Nevis); and Jamonn Roberts (Barbados) are scheduled to participate in the International Youth Forum Seliger 2013 from July 2128 in Moscow, Russia.

This opportunity is as a result of the partnership with the Caricom Secretariat, the United Nations Development Programme Office for Barbados and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and regional youth ministries.

According to the Caricom Secretariat, Seliger 2013 is an international project aimed at uniting the world leaders of tomorrow. The Caricom youth ambassadors would join other exceptional individuals from around the world to build an international network as the forum is geared to uniting active young people to examine developing global trends.

Opportunities for growth

It is expected that this would enable young leaders to identify opportunities for growth and development within their communities, countries, and the international sphere.

International Youth Forum Seliger features cutting-edge training and insights delivered across a range of courses within four blocks: politics and international relations, growth and sustainable development, innovation and enterprise,

and creative media and public relations. The sessions are based on current realities and are delivered by internationally renowned experts.

The main goal of the forum is to build an international community of young people based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, the promotion of personal and democratic liberties, and recognition of cultural diversity.

Strengthening social consciousness

The organisers have set a number of objectives which include: empowering global youth, by giving them a greater say in the globalising world; encouraging young people to find solutions to global challenges: poverty, social conflict, and environmental degradation; fostering cooperation among young people in social, political, and economic life; giving participants real opportunities to put their leadership skills into practice; helping and supporting young people in team building and fundrais-

ing exercises; examining the main trends and tendencies in global business, science, culture, mass media, nongovernmental organisation communities; offer young people the chance to meet and interact with highlyqualified specialists ready to support them in turning their project ideas into reality and helping them embrace diversity in delivering practical projects.

One of the main outcomes is to foster an active social position among young people worldwide, as putting these objectives into practice will help strengthen social consciousness

among young people while also attaining the forum’s main goal. International Youth Forum Seliger 2013 offers intellectual resources that can be utilised to build projects now and in the future.

Upon return to their respective Caricom territories, local and regional organisations, the ambassadors are responsible for reporting on the forum to the various stakeholders and would also be working on projects that would build the capacity of regional youth through the utilisation of their increased competences and networks.

Antigua ramps up dispute with U.S. over Internet gaming

The Antigua and Barbuda government on Wednesday said it had established a select committee to oversee the implementation process, as the island seeks to suspend certain concessions and other obligations with the United States in their ongoing Internet gaming dispute.

The seven-member “WTO Remedies Implementation Committee” (RIC), chaired by Attorney General Justin Simon QC, is responsible for directing the government’s plan to build the framework necessary to

suspend selected U.S. intellectual property rights to the tune of US$21 million per year, effective from April, 2006.

Antigua and Barbuda has criticised the United States since 1998 of breaching its commitments to members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) by enacting laws that prevented foreignbased operators from offering gambling and betting services to its citizens.

In 2005, the WTO ruled

that the U.S. had violated international trade agreements by prohibiting operation of offshore Internet gambling sites.

Antigua claimed that it lost US$3.4 billion a year due to the U.S. action, but the WTO awarded the island US$21 million. But in its final ruling, the Geneva-based WTO has allowed Antigua and Barbuda to suspend certain concessions and obligations it has under international law to the United States in respect of intellectual property rights. (Trinidad Guardian)

Jeep Cherokee 2014 production to hit full stride by September

Production of Chrysler Group LLC’s new 2014 Jeep Cherokee is expected to reach full capacity by September, the company said on Thursday. Currently, one shift of workers at Chrysler’s Toledo plant is building the Cherokee, which went into production June 24 as a successor to the Jeep Liberty. The company is beginning to ramp up a second shift.

“Within three weeks, we’ll be at full volume” for a single shift, said Zachary Leroux,

manager of the Toledo Assembly Complex. The 2014 Cherokee is scheduled to go on sale in August. At full capacity, the plant will be able to produce 500 vehicles per nine-hour shift, or about 240,000 Jeeps a year.

The plant currently is making about 150 Cherokees per day, Leroux said on a media tour of the Toledo complex, which also builds the Jeep Wrangler.

Mechanics, team leaders and skilled trades workers

have already begun training for the second shift and other workers will begin training this week. Chrysler is adding 1100 jobs to run the second shift. The automaker invested US$550 million to prepare the Toledo plant for the new Cherokee.

The 2014 Cherokee shares its basic underbody design and a number of components with the Dodge Dart sedan and redesigned 2015 Chrysler 200, which is scheduled to launch early next year. (Reuters)

Germany’s Schaeuble praises Greek economic progress

Germany’s finance minister has praised Greek economic reforms just hours after parliament passed a bill cutting thousands of public sector jobs. Wolfgang Schaeuble visited Athens on Thursday amid massive police security.

During the visit he discouraged talk of Greece receiving a second write-off on its public debt owed to eurozone governments through bailout loans. Deeply unpopular in Greece, Schaeuble is viewed as the enforcer of the country’s harsh

austerity measures. “I am very impressed by what Greece has already achieved in rebalancing and modernising the economy,” Schaeuble said, adding that Germany would contribute to a fund to provide liquidity to Greek businesses.

His visit followed several days of protests and a general strike over the new bill of austerity measures outlining the redeployment of up to 25,000 civil servants.

The bill is tied to new bailout loans worth 6.8 billion eu-

ros (£5.8 billion), needed to keep the Greek government afloat. While the German minister acknowledged that Greece had taken “big steps” to try and balance its budget, he said it was a “long and painful path” to achieve sustainable growth.

“There is no convenient shortcut. We Germans know this.” He also warned Greeks to stop lobbying for some of the bailout loans Greece owes to be written off, saying it would undermine confidence in Europe’s rescue programmes. (BBC News)

Africa

Butterfly business puts food on table for Isles families

Aviwa Ali is among 10 residents in Pete village, South Unguja, Isles, Tanzania who have benefited from butterfly keeping, a venture they never believed would one day change their lives.

“We earn between 70,000 and 250,000 on a monthly basis through selling butterflies to the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre (ZBC),” Aviwa, a house wife says, adding that children go out in the nearby bush to hunt for female butterflies.

“We keep the butterflies in a tent covered with a net.

The insects fly freely in the net and hatch. The eggs change into larvae, and when they become pupae, we sell them to ZBC at a cost ranging from 100 to 600 shillings a pupa,” Aviwa said. On how female butterflies are identified she says:

“It is only by chance. Children catch any butterfly and bring it to me. But after training in Tanga I can differentiate between a male and

female butterfly. The male is lender than the female, particularly after conceiving!” The village women say butterfly keeping is an interesting piece of a game particularly to those who go out to catch the insects. But the butterflies’ life span is only two months, and in villages, poultry and rats eat the insects if not handled with care. Aviwa says she manages to pay school fees for her five children and fend for the family from the money she gets in the butterfly business. (allAfrica)

Huawei faces cyber security investigation over Chinese spying fears

The Chinese telecoms company Huawei is to be investigated by a senior government security official, in the wake of a parliamentary report that raised concerns about the firm.

Britain’s national security adviser, Sir Kim Darroch, will investigate operations at the company’s cyber security evaluation centre – known as the Cell – in Banbury, Oxfordshire. He will report directly to the prime minister later this year.

The parliamentary intel-

Middle East Asia

ligence and security committee (ISC) raised concerns last month that Huawei’s equipment could be used by Beijing to spy on the UK, and called for an urgent probe. The Cell site was set up at the company’s expense to ensure the integrity of Huawei’s products, which include routers used across the UK’s fibre optic cable network.

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “The government has carefully considered the ISC’s report on foreign investment in the critical na-

tional infrastructure and its particular focus on managing new threats to the UK’s telecommunications systems and networks. We take threats to our critical national infrastructure very seriously and need to be responsive to changes in a fast-moving and complex, globalised telecommunications marketplace. We have robust procedures in place to ensure confidence in the security of UK telecommunications networks.” (The Guardian)

UAE telcos fail to agree network sharing deal

The United Arab Emirates’ two telecom operators, Etisalat and du, remain at loggerheads over a deal to allow them to compete on fixed line services nearly four years after negotiations began.

Du and Etisalat already offer fixed-line, broadband and television packages in the UAE, but not in the same districts, with du confined to the newer areas of Dubai.

The two companies, which are both majority-

owned by government institutions, started technology trials that would allow network sharing more than two years ago and an agreement was slated to be concluded by 2011-end.

But a report from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) this week shows the companies cannot agree on the extent of so-called bitstream access, which would enable one operator to permit the other to use its fixed network, or a

method to determine the fees for allowing such access.

“The two licensees are still negotiating,” states the regulator’s report, which was published on its website. “Bitstream access could have a significant impact on competition.” The TRA states it will “impose a requirement to offer bitstream access products for both residential and business markets,” reiterating a commitment it made in a 2010 policy document (Arabianbusiness)

Options for small town entrepreneurs

Living in a town with a small population presents a unique challenge to entrepreneurs. A narrow local market means the margin for error is greater than in centres of higher population. But a small town presents a great opportunity to form strong bonds with customers. The trick is to find out what business is suitable for the town.

Options for acquiring a business

Start a brand new business

Open a store or agency that has not existed in the town. There may be hurdles, such as educating residents as to how your company will enhance their lives, but if it is a “first”, there will probably

be interest in your company. Take over an existing business

It may be the right time for a business owner to get out, which presents an opportunity to continue the business. The advantage of buying an existing presence is a shorter customer acquisition period. Residents are familiar with and comfortable with the company.

Introduce a franchise

This option may meet resistance from residents who see a franchise as the death of a small town; however, a franchise presents a familiar image that can attract local patrons. One of the biggest hurdles for the franchisee is the upfront cost.

Prior to determining

whether a new business is appropriate, there are several avenues to investigate in order to find a need that exists. Business brokers recommend that entrepreneurs do some research before introducing a new business to a small market. Research can be done by simply asking residents what kind of business they would like to see open locally. Examining other towns that are similar within the state is helpful in order to find out what has worked elsewhere. Another research technique would be to look at companies that operate in multiple small markets to see if that type of business would work in your town. (Business Dictionary)

SUDOKU

By Bernice Bede Osol

You might not fulfil the day’s expectations until the last minute, so don’t be too quick to give up on your endeavours. Better late than never.

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

A friend who is quite different from your usual pals might come to you with a unique proposal. Even if it sounds a big goofy at first, hear him or her out.

If there is an important objective you’ve been unable to achieve, it might be time to discard your current methods and try something different. Be imaginative.

Should you meet someone who seems to have a few unappealing characteristics, strive to be open-minded. You could be misjudging a potentially good friend.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Opportunities might be of a fleeting nature, especially ones that relate to your business. Indifference or procrastination could deprive you of success.

(March 21-April 19)

As long as you know what you’re doing, go ahead and improvise a little. The important thing is that you do what needs to be done.

(April 20-May 20)

There is a strong chance that you could become involved in an unconventional endeavour. Don’t be afraid to let your hair down – there’s a lot to be gained here.

(May 21June 20)

Circumstances could place you into a partnership arrangement with a person who is usually operating in opposition to you. Today, you’ll be supportive of each other.

Chance could play an important role in your affairs, especially concerning a financially important matter. Be alert for some unusual opportunities.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

It could prove exceptionally helpful to discuss some potential plans with a person whom you respect and trust. He or she could offer some suggestions that you would otherwise have missed.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

If you have a special job that needs doing, be sure the person or firm you select has a good reputation or can supply you with references. If these aren’t forthcoming, keep looking.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

You would be better off seeking business help from a social contact than you would be hiring someone. Check around to see who knows the kind of person you need.

Entertainment

Nothing to Laugh About 6

The sixth edition of “Nothing to Laugh About” is slated to be hosted at the National Cultural Centre on July 19, 20, 21 and 22. One which, according to the producer, has outdone the previous episodes.

Those who have seen this side-splitting laugher fest are already storming the Cultural Centre for tickets as newcomers prepare to be consumed by the

promised that the sixth edition is expected to create havoc, at least in a positive way. He added that the team had a whole year to plan and write the script and promises that this sequel will be the best of the rest.

The theatrical presentation is set for four days and is expected to be explosive and will see a top class cast who have been the cream of the crop including Mark Kazim, Henry Rodney, Lisa Singh,

for Club Monaco

Hstatic to introduce “Biker’s Fest” for the first time on its calendar of activities to mark Jamzone Summer Break 2013. This event is scheduled for Sunday, August 18.

Anticipated to be one of the biggest family events of the season, Bikers Fest is set for the National Park tarmac where fans can look forward to an exciting, thrilling and unforgettable show.

Bikers Fest will be introduced to the Jamzone roster this year and the Hits and Jams team has booked some of the biggest names from the United States to come and

Fans can also look forward to seeing performances from Guyana’s best bikers and local BMX bicycle stunt men. The show will see a combination of bicycles, dirt and street bikes made for extreme stunts, mind boggling flips, twists and tricks.

Viewers will be privileged to witness the craziest burn-out competitions by international bikers who will be competing for various monetary prizes.

In addition to this, there will be dances and other forms of local entertainment for the enjoyment of patrons.

Club Monaco is popular for hosting some of the best concept parties in Guyana such as Oliver Twist; Back to the 90s Dub Party and Epiphany and the latest party ‘We Cricket Fete’.

This Saturday the club will be doing it again with “Dancehall Therapy” which is definitely going to join these events as an unforgettable club experience.

As Guyanese prepare for the August vacation, this is definitely one of the parties to put you in the right mood in VIP style. Dancehall Therapy is expected to be explosive with some of the best deejays on show

including Selector Carl, Selector Diamond and Gully Ras. Tickets cost $1500 but everyone is free until midnight. Tickets will be available at the door. Patrons will also have the opportunity to win Jamzone tickets. Club Monaco is redefining the club experience in Guyana with exquisite club lighting, unparalleled service and amazing vibes. This ultimate dancehall party is made possible by Tennessee Motor Store; Travellers Sound; 94#1 Boom FM; and Jamzone Summer Break, 2013.

East Bank Summer Feelings

East Bank partyholics are in for a treat this Saturday when Soldier International Entertainment and Ravi Singh team up to host “East Bank Summer Feelings”. This exciting show and dance is set for the Diamond market tarmac and is expected to be sizzling hot.

The show will feature George Anthony Abrams, also called “Chiney Man”, out of the mining town of Linden along with others who are sure to put you in the right mood for the summer. “Chiney Man” is known for his hits such as “Lime, tomato, celery seasoning”; “Chapping Grass”; and he has recently released a few

dancehall and reggae tunes.

This versatile artiste is eager to perform before his fans on the East Bank. Also adding some vibes to the show will be Selector Diamond and Gully Ras from Fusion Sound System and 94 #1 Boom FM; Deejay Bevaughn and the Stereo Sonic Crew and members of the Inferno Sound System. Pretty Love music system will also be passing

The event is sponsored by Carib Beer, Future Star Barber Shop and Seon’s Sport Bar. Admission to the event is easy.

George Anthony Abrams

Stars of Florida to thrill patrons at Beach Jam

Guyanese get ready to witness one of the most impressive ski groups as they perform at the Jamzone Beach Jam on August 25 at the Splashmin’s Fun Park and Resort.

Known for their broad spectrum of water sports and water ski shows “Stars of Florida” will showcase their incredible talent in Guyana for the much anticipated Jamzone 2013.

In an effort to continuously develop Guyana’s biggest summer event, Hits and Jams Entertainment have added to their Jamzone beach day string of events, this magnificent spectacle of renowned skiers who have had many tours around the world.

The Stars of Florida feature the world’s top show skiers in performances that will thrill and delight spectators. These professionals are trained in practically all aspects of the sport including bare footing, jumping, swivel, adagio doubles, pyramids, wake boarding, air chair/ski sky and even delta wing hang gliders are choreographed into one grand performance.

Stars of Florida has performed in Japan, Paris, Jordan, Colombia, Turkey, Malaysia, India, Egypt, Las Vegas, Norway, Korea and other exciting locations. These very talented performers are sure to provide a splendid show for patrons.

11 to vie for Miss West Side Talented Teen title

Eleven young ladies will be vying for the title of Miss West Side Talented Teen on Sunday July 27 at the Beraserie Play Ground, East Bank Essequibo.

The delegates will be competing in casual wear under the theme “Fun

in the Sun”; professional wear; cocktail wear; talent piece and the intelligence segment. The pageant is slated to commence at 15:00h sharp. Gates open at 12:00h. Apart from the pageant, there will be loads of fun for the entire family

15 Village: Den Amstel Sponsored by: Nichola’s Guinness Bar Tuschen, WCD Name: Hemrajie Mangra Age: 15 Village: Zeeburg Sponsored by: Savours Choice Met en Meerzorg

The pageant and show is promoted by Troy Amsterdam and is sponsored by ANSA McAL. Music will be provided by Slingerz Family.

Name: Kimesha Hyman Age:

Guyana’s number one entertainers, Hits and Jams Entertainment and Pulse Entertainment have joined forces and are all fired up to host one of the hottest soca parties called “Whistle and Horn”. The event is slated for the Buddy’s Night Club on Saturday evening.

From past to present Fusion Sounds; Pulse Entertainment and Boom Fm Deejays including, Deejay Bevaughn; Deejay Ryan and others will leave you panting for breath as

they dish out some of the best soca vibes from yesteryear and present.

Promoters promise that it will be an unforgettable night and are advised to turn all mobile phones off so that they can be ready to “Whistle and Horn”.

Ladies FREE before 22:00h, after which general admission will be $2000. Doors open at 21:00h. Which one will you be doing on Saturday night, whistling OR horning or both???

Posh Prestige presents Guyana’s first shopping and cocktail party, fused into one, Sex and the City style! The event called “Wine, Dine and Shop in a Dress”, is scheduled for Sunday August 11 commencing at 15:00h at the Pegasus Hotel.

Wine, Dine and Shop in a Dress promises to be an upscale shopping party extravaganza where attendees can browse and purchase quality merchandise from some of the trendiest stores in Guyana, all at one classy venue.

Wine, Dine and Shop in a Dress was created by Tamika De Souza, the CEO of Posh Boutique and Posh Prestige. After attending similar events in Canada, Tamika wanted to introduce this amazing event concept to the local fashionistas in Guyana.

She imagined a classy, exclusive fashion bazaar where vendors market their merchandise and network with the most fashion forward clientele. Add some cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, great music and a “Carrie Chic” dress code and you’ve got Wine, Dine and Shop in a Dress, the ultimate shopping cocktail party.

Fashionable clothing and accessories will be on sale

from boutiques and designers including Posh Boutique, Pink Memo, Ego Boutique, Rainbow Fashions, ShaSha Designs and Wendez Designs. There will even be other specialty goods and services available for attendees to enjoy such as make up services by Bromeliad. Rnc- Renee Chester Thompson, salon services by Jessica Does My Hair and even bedroom novelty toys by Bedroom Kandi. All goods and services will be available with exclusive deals, sales and promotions redeemable only at the event. Wine, Dine and Shop in a Dress is a complete fashion, shoes, accessories, makeup and pampering dream come true! But it gets even better. The first 25 ladies to arrive will each win a FREE “Swag Bag”, compliments of Posh Boutique, filled with gifts, coupons and other prizes.

Tickets cost $5000 for all inclusive access to the event, which includes hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary glass of wine from the Pegasus Hotel.

Tickets can be purchased from Posh Boutique, Charlotte Street; Pink Memo Boutique, Ego Boutique, Rainbow Fashion, Camp Street; Studio Fix Hair Salon and Antonio’s Bar and Grill, Sheriff Street.

cAr rENtAL

Journey Inn Apartments & car

rental. Rooms & car to rent from $3000 Premio, Vitz. Phone: 6896668, 639-4452.

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

AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762 , 220-5177. A NAME AND A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

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

Garden earth and builders waste also bobcat rental excavating clearing and leveling done phone:616-0617, /663-3285.

Duckling phone:617-9300.

All models of engines (Perkins, cummins, lister, deuez, john dere etc) enclosed and open air any size of KVA. Call Ram on 619-4483 or 226-6325

German Shepherd pups for sale. Phone: 619-6086, 699-7077.

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Electro Glow party @ Palm Court

Known for the hottest parties in town, Palm Court will again set the tone for a fantastic weekend when it hosts “Electro Glow Party” this Saturday. With design lighting effects at every corner; patrons will feel the vibes as deejays power the latest music that will undoubtedly see the dance floor packed

Bachchan for ICC this Saturday

The Indian Cultural Centre, Lot 67 New Haven, Bel Air, Georgetown is inviting all members of the public to view the classic movie “Mother India” on Saturday June 20 from 17:30h at its headquarters.

“Bol Bachchan” is a 2012 romantic comedy directed by Rohit Shetty and stars Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Asin and Prachi Desai in lead roles.

Abbas and his sister Sania lose their ancestral home and move to a village. Abbas breaks into a temple to save a child but does not realise he is violating a village tradition.

In order to save himself,

to capacity. It will be one of the most mind blowing glow parties you will ever attend.

Patrons will be given glow accessories upon entry into the venue.

The Sean Major Entertainment event will see two international deejays taking you on a musical journey with various genres of music including electronic; pop; trance; hip hop; du;

step and Latin among others.

The two deejays are Deejay Dash from Canada and Deejay Red from Trinidad and Tobago.

Admission to the event is easy while ladies will be admitted free until 22:00h.

Electro Glow Party is sponsored by Top Branz Distributor, the home of Corona Beer.

he creates a fake identity and this leads to several hilarious situations as he tries to cover up one lie with another. The film was a box of-

fice hit and will last for approximately two hours and 30 minutes.

Admission to the viewing is absolutely free.

The Edge Night Club is definitely the place to be this Saturday as “Summer Invasion” is held in the spacious and partylike environment.

The night promises great entertainment from the creative moguls of “sophisticated minds clique” with some of the best dee-

jays to rock patrons all night. These include DJ Sean called “Summa Ras”; DJ Akelo; and Entertainer Marlon.

This invasion will be spectacular with lots of prizes to give away for the August holidays such as tickets to Jamzone; free membership to Hotel

Tower’s Gym and Pool; all expenses paid evening at Hotel Tower and much, much more.

Tickets for the event cost only $2000 and are available at the door. Ladies will be admitted free until 23:00h. The event is powered by Jamzone Summer Break, 2013.

Bell hits century before England falter at Lord’s

Steve Smith took three late wickets to swing the momentum towards Australia despite a third consecutive Ashes hundred from England batsman Ian Bell on the opening day of the second Test.

Leg-spinner Smith, who did not bowl in Australia’s 14-run defeat at Trent Bridge last week, removed Bell, Jonny Bairstow and Matt Prior as England slipped from 271-4 to 289-7 by the close at Lord’s.

England, who won the toss, had fallen to 28-3 in the first hour of play but were hauled out of trouble by Bell’s superb 109 and half centuries from Jonathan Trott and Bairstow.

Smith’s dramatic late intervention, however, ensured Australia will be the more satisfied of the teams as they look to level the five-match series. England’s predicament could have been worse had Bairstow not enjoyed a significant stroke of luck midway through the afternoon session.

The Yorkshire batsman was bowled by Peter Siddle for 21 but reprieved when television replays revealed a no-ball by the narrowest of margins. He went on to score a further 46 in a fifth-wicket partnership of 144 with Bell that looked to have put England in control.

Other than a run-out chance, Bell had not offered a chance as he followed up his crucial innings in Nottingham with another century at a time of need for his team.

At Trent Bridge, a sluggish pitch forced the Warwickshire man to play late and score a large proportion of his runs behind

square on the off side, but on a quicker Lord’s track he was on the front foot much more often, driving through the covers and punishing anything too full as he passed 1,000 Test runs at the home of cricket.

The arrival of Smith looked unlikely to trouble Bell as he lashed a full toss through mid-on for his 16th four. The next ball, however, gripped and turned before taking the edge of Bell’s bat on the way through to Michael Clarke at slip.

Sensing an opportunity, Clarke delayed taking the second new ball to give Smith another over, and the decision paid off in style as Bairstow drove a low full toss back to the bowler.

Prior was deceived by a ball that skidded through a bit quicker, edging an attempted cut to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. Tim Bresnan, picked ahead of Steven Finn, was seven not out at the close, with James Andersona nightwatchman for Stuart Broad - on four.

The rapid fall of three wickets mirrored the start of the day when England, following a presentation of both teams to Her Majesty the Queen, lost Alastair Cook, Joe Root and Kevin Pietersen in the space of 11 balls.

Cook, who chose to bat first on a scorching day, was drawn across his stumps and trapped lbw by a Shane Watson inswinger, justifying Clarke’s decision to throw the ball to the all-rounder for the fifth over of the day.

In the next over, Root was lbw to the recalled Ryan Harris, and failed with a review when replays suggested the ball struck his pad marginally before bat.

Four balls later, Kevin Pietersen got a thin edge to a ball that shaped away from him and England were listing badly on 28-3. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD

England 1st innings

A Cook* lbw b Watson 12

J Root lbw b Harris 6

J Trott c Khawaja b Harris 58

K Pietersen c †Haddin b Harris 2

I Bell c Clarke b Smith 109

J Bairstow c & b Smith 67

M Prior† c †Haddin b Smith 6

T Bresnan not out 7

J Anderson not out 4

Extras: (lb11, w3, nb4) 18

Total: (7 wkts, 89 overs) 289

Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-26, 3-28, 4-127, 5-271, 6-274, 7-283

Bowling: J Pattinson 18-379-0, R Harris 20-6-43-3, S Watson 12-4-41-1, P Siddle

20-6-53-0, A Agar 13-244-0, S Smith 6-1-18-3

K&B Mining sponsors GPF track and field championships

K&B Mining and Hardware Supplies will be continuing their support of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) InterDivision Track and Field Championships expected to start this weekend with the road relay.

Speaking on behalf of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the mining organisation Hema Persaud, accountant Seeta Husain revealed that the development of sports was an obligation of the organisation.

“We are pleased to support this competition. We believe that it’s part of our right to help develop certain aspects of society. This is not the only event we have supported and will continue to give our support once we are satisfied that the gesture is right,” Husain stated.

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Colin Boyce thanked the mining company for their contribution to track and field event.

“On behalf of the Guyana Police Force, I am extremely grateful for your unyielding support of the Police Athletics Championships. With your contribution, the Police Force has continued to churn out champions that have gone on to make

BCCC receives support from BTS

The Blairmont Centre Cricket Club (BCCC) was recently, the recipient of a new set of clothing donated by Baksh Travel Service (BTS).

The club was also the beneficiary of $50,000, which will be used for proposed projects for 2013, to target youths, the elderly and the less-fortunate.

At the presentation cer-

With entries topping the 60-horse mark, the principals of the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facilities (RCMTC&SF) and the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) have already put all systems in place for Sunday’s horse race meet, scheduled to be staged at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

Organisers have put together an impressive ninerace programme for the meet which will be the first race meet for the second half of the year.

All the big names are set to be on show for what is expected to be a competitive day of racing.

An impressive lineup of animals from the Shariff, Habibulla, Jumbo Jet, Colin Elcock’s Delmur and P&P Syndicate, Jagdeo, Asrafalli, Simply Royal, Senior Council Marcel Crawford, Night Eyes, Mahaicony, Jagmohan, Bacchus, Sukdeo and Singh racing stables, among others, have already entered their animals.

Organisers have also added a substantial amount of cash and other attractions to the day’s activities that total over $6.5 million in cash and trophies.

Guyana proud,” Boyce noted.

With the celebration of its 59th championship, the event will continue with the track events during next week after the road race this weekend and will conclude on August 26.

The feature race is classified for horses in the B Class category over 1200 metres, with the winner set to race away with a $1.5M and trophy.

The other events on the day’s card are the E and lower race for a winning purse of $400,000 and trophy over

emony held at the business’ office, D’Edward village, West Coast Berbice, supervisor of the BTS, Maria Baksh, stated that the company is pleased to be associated with the club because of the club’s recent performances.

“We are pleased to be associated with the club and the team’s performance over the years has been rapidly growing,” said Baksh.

She expressed confidence in BCCC and challenged the members of the club to maintain their high level of performance.

First Vice-President of the BCCC, Angad Ganesh expressed the club’s gratitude to the donor for their continued confidence in the club. He assured that all donations will be used for its intended purpose.

1300 metres. Then there is an event for Three -year-old Guyana and West Indies animals for a top money of $350,000 and trophy over 1300 metres.

The Two-year-old race for Guyana and West Indies bred horses will be a 1000m affair with the animals running for a winning purse of $300,000 and trophy.

The G1 and lower event is a 1300 metres contest for a winning purse of $300,000 and trophy.

The G3 class match up will see the winner pocketing $300,000 and trophy and is another 1200 metres encounter.

The event for Two-yearold maiden animals bred and born in Guyana has a top money of $220,000 and trophy over 1000 metres.

The ‘I’ and Lower race will be a 1200 meters affair with a first prize of $200,000 while the J and K class event will fetch a winning prize of $150,000 over 1200 meters. Meanwhile, coordinator Bobby Vaughn informed this publication on Thursday that the track is in an excellent condition, despite the recent rains. Race time is 12:30h and admission to the venue is $1000. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

Universal DVD Titans take top prize in BSA tourney

– Karibee Rice Strikers are female champs

Universal DVD Titans and Karibee Rice

Strikers adorned themselves in glory, when the Berbice Softball Alliance (BSA), led by its president and ardent cricket fan Vicram Seubarran, hosted a two-day 10/10 affair at the Port Mourant ground late last month.

Competing against Capo’s XI in the final, the Titans, who were led by Balram Samaroo, walked away with a comfortable 16-run victory and the $200,000 first place cheque while Karibee Rice Strikers defeated Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Female 10/10 champions Trophy Stall Angels by three runs in a nailbiting encounter.

This was after both teams played unbeaten in their respective categories, in the preliminary round of the competition which attracted several prominent softball teams from across Guyana.

Batting first in the final, the Titans scored 105-6 from their 10 overs, with Samaroo leading the way with 34 (1x6); he received support from Mahendra Ramdhial who struck three sixes and one four in his 31, with extras contributing 17, all wides.

Karan Persaud, Chandradat Haniff and Suresh Chenapen took a wicket each for Capo’s XI, who were restricted to 89-7 in reply, with Persaud returning to topscore with 21 that was decorated with two sixes and Lakeraj Sukhra making 16, as Mahendra Baldeo and David Lukenauth took two wickets each for 19 and 24 runs respectively for the victorious Titans.

Semi-finals,

In the semi-finals, Capo’s XI disposed of Karibee Boyz by 28 runs, after scoring 1148 from their 10 overs, with Tony Ramanan topscoring with 28 (4x4s) before being forced to retire hurt, Keith Fraser 21 (3x4s, 1x6) and Sukhra 19.

There were two wickets each for Kalydass Khemlall, Shazeer Rangasammy and Ram Bharrat bowling for Karibee Boyz, who were bowled out for 86 from 9.3 overs in reply, with only Leon Gurdyall 34 (3x4s, 2x6s) and

Mahendranauth Sooklall 17 (2x6s) reaching double-figures, as Persaud (3-19) and Haniff (2-20) took Capo’s XI into the finals.

Universal DVD Titans competed against Young Achievers in their semi-final encounter and made an imposing 159-2 from their 10 overs, thanks to Mangal’s unbeaten 56 (24 balls, 7x6s), Luknauth’s 46 (4x6s, 2x4s) and Chandrasekhar Arjune’s 32 (3x6s, 2x4s).

There was a wicket each for L. Arnold, S. Ali and Fazeer Hidar, bowling for Young Achievers, who in reply reached 118-9 from their 10 overs, thanks to Azim Khan’s 31 (4x6s), A. Singh 25 (2x6s, 2x4s) and S. Ali’s 21 (2x4, 1x6), as T. Seenanand grabbed 3-18 and R. Sukhdeo and N. Punwasi 2-9 and 2-20 respectively for the Titans.

Earlier in the day, Capo’s XI defeated Universal Tigers by 23 runs, Titans blew away Kris Jagdeo’s XI by 38 runs and Karibee Boyz got past Edinburgh Cricket Club by 10 wickets, in their quarterfinal match-up, with Young Achievers drawing a bye to

the semifinals.

In the female category, Karibee Rice Strikers batted first and were limited to 73-5 by Trophy Stall Angels, with Trishanie Cort 12 (1x4) and Erva Giddings and Shemaine Campbelle 11 each leading the way against the bowling of Tremayne Smartt and A. Allen who took two wickets each for the Angels.

However, despite the presence of female West Indies wicketkeeper/batter June Ogle in their lineup, Trophy Stall Angels found it hard to surpass the Ancient County team score and were bowled out for 70 from 9.2 overs, with Jinelle Nero’s 15 and Leona Harris 12 being the lone players to reach double-figures.

Ogle made five before she was dismissed, as Sherika Campbelle’s 3-15, Melanie Henry 2-13 and T. Park’s 2-15 powered Karibee Rice Strikers to the $100,000 first place prize and trophy, leaving Trophy Stall Angels to settle for the runner up prize.

In their semi-final matches, Trophy Stall Angels were too good for Universal DVD

Solutions Tigress, coming away with a comfortable 42run victory, after posting 107-7 with Smartt topscoring with 26 (1x6) and Onika O’Neil adding support with 19 (2x4s).

Varsha Basdeo (3-24) and Chira Singh (2-16) led the bowling for the Solution Tigress, who were limited to 65-6 in reply, with Onika Felix being their principal scorer with her 23 (2x4s, 1x6), while Devonne Frank made 11, against the bowling of Nero who scalped 3-8.

Competing against Mike’s Wellwoman in their semi-final match-up, Karibee Rice Strikers saw their opponents reach 94-6, with only Katana Mentore 15, Hazina Mohamed 13 and Rhonda Isaacs 12 reaching double figures.

Melanie Henry took 3-14 and Sherika Campbelle 2-11 for the Strikers, who reached 95-9 off the final delivery of their 10 overs, to complete the five-wicket victory, Shemaine Campbelle hitting six fours and one six in the top score of 40 and Tessa Park 20, as Isaacs took 3-20 and S. Chester 2-18.

Early exit for Gobin, Coggins in GBTI Tennis Open

By Avenash Ramzan

The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Tennis Open served off on Wednesday evening with Kahlif Gobin and Oswin Coggins making early exits after the opening night at the GBTI recreational facility at Bel Air Park.

Gobin, the fifth seed and a former national junior player, is known for his aggressive style of play, but was tamed by veteran Harry Panday in three keenly contested sets: 7-6, 4-6, 3-6.

Sixth seed Coggins was booted from the tournament by clubmate, Jonathan Fagundes, also in three sets: 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

As both players showed their intent early, by matching each other stroke for stroke, Fagundes was the one to surge ahead in the eighth game of the first set when he broke serve to lead 5-3. He subsequently closed out the set 6-3.

Coggins, who lifted his game in the second set, was becoming a bit agitated, when his powerful groundstrokes were track down by a very fit and athletic Fagundes. The sixth seed managed to take the second set 5-7.

The match was later called off for the night by tournament officials, after time elapsed, which was all the unseeded Fagundes needed, as he returned on Thursday morning to eliminate an out of sorts Coggins, who was broken twice in the third set. That set, which was interrupted by intermittent showers, finished 6-3.

There was also wins for Saenden David-Longe over friend, Owen Lewis 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 and Jonathan Christie, who eased into the second round with a comfortable 7-5, 6-1 victory over Eduardo Arguello.

Next up for Christie is a showdown with Fagundes on Sunday evening.

However, matches are being daily with action in various categories.

Meanwhile, at a brief opening ceremony on Wednesday afternoon at the tournament venue, the players were reminded about the importance of dis-

cipline, as well GBTI’s continued investment in the sport.

Delivering remarks at the ceremony, president of the GTA, Ramesh Seebarran, said the tournament is one of the premier events on its annual programme of activities.

He added that it is from such tournaments that the future of tennis is nurtured as categories are created for different age group of players.

Seebarran noted that the GBTI competition has served the tennis fraternity well, as several age group champions have emerged over the years.

The GTA has also charged the players to observe the rules of the tournament, while urging them to make a special effort to be at the venue at least 1015 minutes prior to the start of their respective game. He emphasised that lateness will not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, Sean Noel, the ManagerAdministration of GBTI, who served off the tournament, said the bank is proud of its partnership with the GTA.

He said GBTI is willing to collaborate with any entity or organisation which shares its vision and aligns itself with the bank’s values.

Noel also used the opportunity to give some sound advice to the players, as they embark on what is expected to a very keenly contested competition over the next few weeks.

Like Seebarran, Noel also encouraged the players to exercise a high level of discipline, as that is a primary ingredient in their endeavours to make progress in the sport.

In giving a preview of the tournament, second vice-president of the GTA, Andrew Sawh, said a total of 94 players, inclusive of 71 males and 23 on the distaff side, are lining-up to do battle in the various categories.

The competition will run until August 3, and matches will be played weekdays from 17:00 hours to 21:00 hours and on weekends from 08:00 hours to 21:00 hours.

Zach Johnson takes slender first-round Open lead

American Zach Johnson took a one-shot lead after a difficult opening day that saw some of the world’s best struggle in the 142nd Open Championship.

Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, shot a five-under 66 on a firm and fiery Muirfield course to head Spain’s Rafael CabreraBello and 56-year-old Mark O’Meara, the 1998 Open champion.

Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez, India’s Shiv Kapur and Americans Dustin

Johnson, Brandt Snedeker and 1996 champion Tom Lehman ended another stroke adrift on three under.

Tiger Woods recovered from a penalty drop following a poor drive at the first to shoot a two-under 69 in conditions he described as “progressively more difficult” as the course dried out.

The world number one, chasing a first major title since 2008, ended alongside Phil Mickelson, last week’s Scottish Open winner, 2004 champion Todd Hamilton,

Argentina’s two-time major winner Angel Cabrera, Italy’s Francesco Molinari and 19-year-old US Tour rookie Jordan Spieth. But on a stunning day for spectating, if not low scoring, the bouncy, fastrunning Scottish links claimed a number of notable scalps.

Rory McIlroy’s woes continued with an eight-over 79, which he blamed on a series of mental errors rather than technique.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m walking around out there a bit unconscious,” said the

world number two, who has struggled all season.

England’s Luke Donald, the man McIlroy duelled with for the number one spot for much of last season, ended on 80. Of the field of 156, only 26 ended at level par or better.

Ian Poulter, who finished one over, and Mickelson branded the bone-dry greens and some of the pin positions a “joke” and “unplayable”.

The R&A defended the set-up, but admitted it would review its course policies ahead of Friday’s second round, while

O’Meara said in more than 25 Open Championships he had seen conditions far worse.

Woods sympathised to some extent with the complaints and said: “I’m very pleased to shoot anything even par or better.”

Johnson led for much of the day after reaching six under at the 12th, but he was briefly passed by Kapur, who raced to six under after seven despite the tricky afternoon conditions before dropping back. O’Meara also shared the lead at one stage but

slumped from five under after nine to two under at 15 before an eagle on the long 17th.

Masters champion Adam Scott, who blew a four-shot lead with four to play at Royal Lytham last year, ended level par, while defending champion Ernie Els carded 74.

Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke, who excelled in the wind and rain to win at Royal St George’s in 2011, carded a one-over 72 alongside stablemate Lee Westwood, chasing his first major title in 62 attempts. (BBC Sport)

Chris Froome increases lead despite penalty

Chris Froome was penalised 20 seconds for taking food in the final 5km of stage 18 but still extended his lead in the Tour de France by 37 seconds on Thursday.

With Froome struggling on the second climb of the Alpe d’Huez, his team-mate Richie Porte dropped back to the team car to get an energy bar for Froome.

Porte broke the rules, but Froome was also docked time by race commissaires.

France’s Christophe Riblon won the showpiece 18th stage for the first home win of this year’s race.

Despite a rare sign of weakness, Froome finished 57 seconds ahead of secondplaced Alberto Contador and, even after his time penalty, extended his overall lead over the Spaniard to five minutes 11 seconds.

The Tour marked its 100th edition by climbing the iconic Alpe twice in the same day for the first time in its history.

Froome attacked and dropped Contador at the start of his second ascent of a mountain steeped in Tour history, but needed help from Porte after running out of energy before reaching the end of the climb through the Alpe’s famous 21 switchbacks.

“It was a difficult stage,” Froome said. “When I signalled for help, I needed sugar and I was thankful

that Richie was there.”

Colombia’s Nairo Quintana attacked as Froome refuelled, and finished one minute six seconds ahead of him, enough for the Tour debutant to move third overall, just 21 seconds behind Contador.

“I still haven’t won a stage yet but I am very happy with my performance,” said Quintana, who tightened his grip on the white jersey, for the best-placed rider aged 25 or under.

By the time the race reached the Alpe for the first time, Froome had already come under pressure from Contador’s Saxo Tinkoff team-mates, who set a furious pace in the first hour of the 172.5km stage.

Froome was briefly isolated from his Team Sky team-mates but kept his cool and also remained

calm when Contador attacked on the descent of Col de Sarenne, the twisting mountain pass which linked the two ascents of the Alpe.

Contador pulled 20 seconds clear of Froome at one point, but was caught after a bike change before reaching the bottom of the Alpe for the second time.

As the riders battled up the Alpe again, through hundreds of thousands of fans, Froome launched his attack and Contador could not respond.

At that point, Froome looked as strong as he did when he won the previous two mountain-top finishes on this year’s Tour, at Ax 3 Domaines and on Mont Ventoux, but this time he could not stay with Quintana or Joaquim Rodriguez. (BBC Sport)

Boyce/Jefford meet attracts more corporate support

Kand B Mining and Hardware Supplies will be a part of the Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Classic fourth running year, confirming their sponsorship for the event last Wednesday.

The Boyce/Jefford classic in its fourth year received great praise from the accountant of the mining company speaking on behalf of the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hema Persaud.

“It’s our pleasure to support this event; we have watched it grow from the beginning, and we are in full support of this event. We are proud to be a part of something that is continuing to develop local athletes and the community of Linden,” Husain told media representatives.

Husain also indicated that the reason for the enduring investment was to provide Guyana with a benchmark event for athletics according to the organizers of the event that sold their idea positively to the mining company while indicating the support for the growing event will continue in the future.

Competitions Director on the Management Committee

for the Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic IV, Mark Scott while thanking the organisation for their support also revealed that two workshops will be held in other to raise the standard of the event.

“We’re extremely grateful for your support of this event. We will continue to have an impressive meet that you can always be proud to be apart,” Scott said, adding that the meet will continue to raise the bar for athletes and athletics in Guyana.

RBC/Bryden’s cycling at Seawall Bandstand on Sunday

The Kingston area comes alive on Sunday when the Roraima Bikers Club (RBC) stages its fifth event for the year around the Seawall Bandstand from 10:00h.

The club will be collaborating for the first time with Bryden and Fernandes, a subsidiary of the John Fernandes Group of Companies, to stage the 10-race event.

President of the RBC, Brian Allen, said the aim of utilising the Seawall Bandstand is to generate spectators’ interest in the sport, and he’s pleased that Bryden and Fernandes has seen it fit to assist in this regard.

Earlier this month, the RBC, in partnership with the National Milling Company (Namilco), attracted a massive crowd for the 10th annual Caricom Day event, held around the Seawall Bandstand for the first time, and Allen is confident Sunday’s activity will be just as successful.

Leading cyclists from across the country will compete in the main event, the Bryden and Fernandes

Classic, which will go for 30laps, and carries a top prize of $10,000. The top six finishers will receive cash incentives, according to Allen.

Other races carded for the day include the 1214 Juveniles (three laps), Junior/Catgory Four (five laps), Category 1-3 (five laps), Veteran Over-50 (five laps), Veteran Under-50 (five laps), Team Time Trial (four laps), Win and Out (eight laps), Mountain Bike

Open (five laps) and Female Open (five laps). The top three finishers in these races will collect cash awards.

At a simple presentation ceremony, Marketing Director of John Fernandes Group, Bernie Fernandes, handed over a cheque for an undisclosed as his company’s sponsorship to Allen, noting that they are pleased to partner for the development of cycling.

“When you look around, you had every other major sport in Guyana with a signature event with lucrative cash prizes, but none for athletics; the founders, Mr. (Colin) Boyce and Mr. (Edison) Jefford wanted to change that with this meet,” Scott noted.

Meanwhile the Classic which will be held on August 17 and 18 at the Police Sports Club ground (Georgetown) and the Mackenzie Sports Club (Linden) ground respectively will be launched on Friday.

Early exit for Gobin, Coggins in GBTI Tennis Open

Limacol CPL brings Ireland’s O’Brien

Ireland all-rounder Kevin

O’Brien cannot wait to get “back where it all started” when he links up with the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League later this month.

The 29 year-old, who scored the fastest hundred in ICC Cricket World Cup history when he reached three figures from just 50 balls on the way to 113 from 63 deliveries against England in Bangalore in 2011, has admitted it will be a “massive” tournament for him.

O’Brien and Ireland burst on to the international scene in the Caribbean at the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup when the men in green tied with Zimbabwe and beat Pakistan in Jamaica to make the Super Sixes before recording another win against Bangladesh in Barbados.

It means the region has a special place in the hearts of all those involved in Irish cricket, and O’Brien is no exception when it comes to that love affair.

“It is always fun to go back

to the West Indies,” he said.

“St Patrick’s Day 2007 was where it all started for myself and Irish cricket with that famous win over Pakistan. It announced Irish cricket to the world, and we had tremendous support not only from our own fans but the West Indies fans who backed us too.

“It is great to play cricket in the Caribbean. The fans are very knowledgeable and appreciate entertaining cricket; that is what myself and T&T will be looking to provide.”

Since 2007 O’Brien has gone from strength to strength and now stands as Ireland’s most capped OneDay International (ODI) player, the team’s vice-captain and someone capable of gamechanging spells with his medium pace bowling and destructive hitting of the sort he showed against England.

Form like that was enough to earn him a place in the Bangladesh Premier League earlier this year and he admitted the prospect of lining

up again among some of the world’s best players over the next couple of months would be a big test for him.

“It is absolutely massive for me in terms of my career, but having said that I do not want to place too much pressure on myself,” he said. “It is going to be an excellent tournament with global exposure and I’ll be looking to impress and improve as a player, and keep putting my reputation as a Twenty20 player out there on the world stage.”

O’Brien is looking forward to playing against players such as Chris Gayle and Ricky Ponting because he believes they will show him just how far his bowling has come on.

“You always want to test yourself against the best and these two certainly fit into

that category. There are going to be world-class players in every team so it is going to be a great challenge to play with and against them in the tournament, hopefully learn from them and improve my own game.”

The younger brother of Niall, wicketkeeper for Ireland, Kevin says he just wants to learn and improve as a cricketer, and that he is not going to put too much pressure on himself in terms of statistics.

“Hopefully I will make allround contributions and T & T will be successful. I am looking to enjoy my cricket, play with a smile on my face and entertain. I am certain it will be a wonderful tournament.”

And what does he think of the prospects for the Red

Steel in the inaugural event, with his side’s campaign getting underway with a match against Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on 31 July?

“Looking at our squad, it is full of world class players,” he said. “As well as Dwayne Bravo, Ross Taylor and Fidel Edwards, there is also Davy Jacobs, Samuel Badree, who been incredibly consistent, and Kevon Cooper, who had those stints in the IPL.

“We have got a lot of experienced and exciting players who I think will do well in the tournament. It is a great team to be involved with and hopefully we can turn in strong performances through the competition.”

O’Brien will be helped by the fact that he has previous experience playing in Trinidad & Tobago, and can also rely on some reliable inside information of the venue and the region too.

The inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League starts on July 30 in Barbados and concludes on August 24 in Trinidad. (CPL)