Guyana Times Daily

Mining building more than breaking – Persaud Granger tables motions for veterans’ commission, village day

Govt secures injunction against man occupying state land

Guyanese boy stabbed to death in Barbados PNCR invokes blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for Guyana

monday, november 4, 2013 | guyanatimeSgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday, November 4 from 05:30h to 07:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday, November 4 from 16:45h to 18:15h.

WEATHER TODAY

Countrywide: Heavy rain showers are expected to prevail during the day and into the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East north-easterly between zero and 1.94 metres per second.

High Tide: 04:43h and 16:55h reaching maximum heights of 2.78 metres and 2.90 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:30h and 22:56h reaching minimum heights of 0.47 metres and 0.30 metre respectively.

Politics sapping the soul of UG – Insanally

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Rudy Insanally said politics is the greatest obstacle hindering the development of the University of Guyana (UG) and called for the “demon” to be exorcised if the institution is to progress.

Insanally made the comments during a recent event at the institution’s Turkeyen Campus as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. “Without a doubt, the greatest obstacle which the university has had to face for all its existence is political interference in its academic activities,” he said.

Insanally said politics have been “sapping the strength and corroding the soul”, of the university. “I hope that it (demon) will be permanently exorcised from the institution so that it can perform the functions for which it was intended,” he added.

Meanwhile, he said the financial problem facing the university is not unique to Guyana, noting good univer-

sities do not come cheaply.

“Unfortunately, governments of developing countries, with much call on their limited budgets, are hard put to fund their universities as they should.” Guyana, however must “think out of the box” to overcome the issue of finance and simultaneously achieve its objective.

Mobilising resources

“One of the criteria for appointment to the presidency of universities and colleges abroad, is the ability to mobilise resources. I am reliably told that a sister institution in the region, by establishing a foundation in North America and paying a small percentage of the funds collected to an agent, is able to raise millions of dollars every year for the university.”

The former foreign minister said UG’s ability to meet 50 years, is not necessarily an achievement but rather a confirmation that the institution has the ability to survive for the next 50 years

and beyond.

Nevertheless, he said the institution continues to produce a high calibre of individuals, who have the ability to take Guyana into the 21st century.

“The university is the heart of our nation and you are its lifeblood. Without you and your work, there will be no circulation of knowledge and ideas within the society: the heart will stop and the nation will wither away,” he

said in a message to the current students of the university.

Insanally said students must not fall short in realising the vital role they must play to accelerate development within Guyana.

“Irrespective of our political affiliation, your economic means and social standing, you are duty bound to discharge your responsibilities as best you can.”

Amid increasing criticisms, he encouraged students to hold strong, noting that the golden jubilee may be the turning point for a brighter university. He made the remarks at the end of the “Commemorative Walk” held to mark UG’s 50th anniversary. The march commenced at the old Queen’s College Campus to the Turkeyen Campus, under the theme “Honouring the past, moulding the present, and transforming the future”.

Insanally is one of the university’s first lecturers and a past chancellor.

Granger tables motions for veterans’ commission, village day

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) leader David Granger will move a motion for the establishment of a National Veterans’ Commission, when Parliament reconvenes on Wednesday.

According to the motion on the Order Paper for Wednesday, the commission will seek to examine the conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the defence and disciplined services, and to make recommendations for their health and welfare.

Granger’s motion will be in accordance with Article 24 of the Constitution, which prescribes that “every citizen has the right to free medical attention and also to social care in case of old age and disability”.

It is also in keeping with Article 197 A (five) of the Constitution, which allows for disciplined forces commissions to be constituted by the National Assembly from time to time.

He notes that thousands of persons have served in the “defence forces and discipline services of Guyana in which they rendered essential national defence and public security services to the nation as whole”.

He also believes that “many ex-soldiers and servicemen have faced challenges which have had deleterious effects on their employment, health and welfare and of their dependants”.

Section 20 of the Defence Act, Chapter 15:01 is also cited in his motion, which highlights that certain members of the defence forces are required to retire

only after 22 years of service while other veterans of the disciplined services may be discharged honourably from regular service.

National Day of Villages Meanwhile, the opposition leader is also calling on the government of Guyana to issue a commemorative stamp and coin, as well as designate November 7 as National Day of Villages.

The significance of this day will be to honour and respect “the pioneering purchasers and to promote national appreciation of the village movement at all levels”. turn to page 7

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

Irresponsible youth

Much attention is paid to overt and heinous wrongdoings, such as violence, cruelty and greed with all their tragic effects, and too little attention is given to the passive transgressions, particularly the downright laziness of some youths. This apathy in the long run can have devastating effects on society.

Laziness is a dependency culture, with drastic consequences, and this is why solutions must be identified to solve the dilemma of dependency on others in today’s youth. In this situation, the very well-to-do have to be very careful.

The question to address then is what is causing this dependency in the society’s youth. Many children grow up slovenly and lazy, because they have learned the patterns from their parents. This happens when cajoling parents give in to the wants of toddlers.

Moreover, housemaids or nannies are extremely depended on in terms of household chores, which should be divided among all members of the household. Housemaids should not be hired to do everything for particular households, but rather to help out in households, where both parents are working and have no time to contribute to housework.

Many maids these days have become the slave of teenagers, who are too lazy to get themselves even their own glass of water. Does the reliance of some youth on everyone but themselves guide them towards the responsibility and independency aimed at by their society?

Parents provide everything for their children, ranging from allowances, which are received by the children, with no contribution to the household on their behalf whatsoever, to the housing provided for them even sometimes after marriage, to the wanted goods and services given to them blindly with no bargain in terms of chores.

Children have no incentive to work hard for what they want, as everything is easily given to them on a silver platter. This results in their lives being all about luxuries and cash. Money will never help children become more self- sufficient.

One proposed solution to this problem is presenting an overview on how allowances should be earned – through chores and voluntary work. Not everything should be provided by parents to their children. Maids should be hired part-time as to teach the youth a sense of responsibility.

The lack of independence in today’s youth should be taken into consideration, and though there is no solution written in stone to address the problem as it varies among youths, parents must not allow their actions to slide.

In addressing the problem, parents must first identify what they would want their children to be, strive to know their strengths, and work concertedly to address their weaknesses.

Excessive pandering to the whims of the child is not a demonstration of love but a hindrance in getting the child to understand the values of contentment, responsibility and hard work to improve their current station.

The failure to address this problem in the home results in its manifestation in the workplace where young workers hardly report for work on time, see wise upbraiding as an offence, and generally fail to acknowledge that hard work brings success.

Success is always on their minds, but if they lack vision, creativity, the spirit of hard work, and responsibility, they will quickly become frustrated when challenged, and when their parents cannot help anymore or ceased supporting their indolent behaviour, the possibility exists that they can become menaces to society.

Children must know that not everything they ask for will be given. Real love for the child is demonstrated by pointing out their weaknesses, working to address them and helping the child to become a creative, productive and responsible member of society.

It is never too late for parents to imbue these values in their children – the useless pampering must stop, and as long as the child is within legal age, the buck stops at the parents. Parents must act now before it is too late, to provide children with the tools to develop a vision of what they want in life and to work to achieve it.

The livelihood of livestock farmers

Dear Editor, There is a rapidly growing demand for meat and milk in Guyana, and several Caribbean Community (Caricom) states have offered opportunities to thousands of livestock farmers. Unfortunately, the problem lies in the shortage of veterinary services to our animals, particularly in remote rural areas.

People residing in rural areas are often underprivileged and rely heavily on livestock for their livelihoods. As a result, loss of their animals threatens basic necessities such as food, education, and health care.

In Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, Guyana, residents used to keep their cattle in large grasslands behind their home. An animal or two would have then been sold in the event that additional income was needed for extra food. Unfortunately, in 1990 their pasture lands were converted into rice fields.

In 1992, government had promised to return the land to the cattle farmers of Dartmouth, but to this day, that promise has never materialised. Many of the livestock owners sold their cattle and became fishermen, while some migrated to the

Caribbean islands in search of jobs.

Animal mortality and morbidity is high in Region Two owing to a desperate shortage of conventional veterinary services. The existing private veterinarians are inadequate, given the number of farms and animals that exist.

As with all forms of medicine, preventive care is important in animal husbandry, yet livestock owners have limited access to vaccines and other treatments that could prevent illness.

In many of the rural areas, livestock farmers face severe market implica-

tions, as disease-infected livestock minimises their chances of participating in the livestock economy. As a result, many farmers suffer from financial losses. In the absence of affordable veterinary services, many rural livestock owners make their own diagnoses and treatments, capitalising on local knowledge and capacity.

This surely highlights the consequences of unsatisfactory animal health policies, especially in times of globalisation.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

Vending at street corners

Dear Editor,

Street vending is a serious concern for many, particularly since these areas have become known as prime spots for criminal and illegal activities. Just recently in Georgetown, a cigarette vendor was shot at his stall situated just outside his house. His assailant quickly managed to escape, but police are still probing the matter. Over the years, Guyana has become acquainted with the habit of establishing vending stalls, particularly alongside roadways. If

these locations are qualified for such business transactions or if a legal permit is required to operate and sell is still two of my main concerns. Not so long ago, I recall dropping my wallet at one of these vendors and as I was bending to retrieve it, I was confronted by a disrespectful individual who was lingering in the vicinity. The incident almost escalated. I further recall a similar incident where a lingering man disrespected a girl. She then brought her father to the

scene after which he allegedly chopped the individual accused of harassing his daughter.

In the event that these vendors are legally operating, then there needs to be some form of code of conduct that the operators should adhere to, in addition to stipulations pertaining to discouraging idlers and unlawful activities. Many of these street vending stalls are now being used as gambling tables. They promote sale of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs, including

marijuana. These incidents of altercations at street vending facilities are becoming too regular and the matter needs to be addressed immediately. Police officers and patrols need to complete regular inspections of these facilities to determine the legality of the operations and their owners. They should also monitor the conditions under which the vendor is operating.

Sincerely, Deane Cromarty

Turn the clock forward by two hours on January 1, 2014

Dear Editor,

Many Guyanese justifiably long for more daylight hours. In actuality, there are sufficient hours of daylight in Guyana, but we fail to utilise them optimally due to the extra early setting of the country’s time.

Guyana’s time setting results in an unfavourable imbalance where we have excess daylight in the early mornings, which is mostly wasted, and a severe shortage of daylight in the early evenings, when it would be much more useful. Though there are people who put the extra morning hours to good use, the net benefits of Daylight Savings Time (DST) will likely prove significantly more valuable to the nation as all can share the benefits of more daylight in the evenings.

Fortunately, this is one important condition that we have full control over and can easily remedy. DST, as implemented in many countries, is the process of turning the clock forward in order to better utilise additional daylight in the evenings.

I propose Guyana turns the official time forward by two hours in order to jolt the nation into a more fruitful mode. Many of us in Guyana today, including children, wake up when the sky begins to get bright, which is often much earlier than we need to and results in us be-

ing robbed of a full night’s sleep. We then leisurely prepare for our day ahead which typically starts some three hours later.

Adjusting the time will result in daybreak moving from around 05:00h to a more appropriate 07:00h, and nightfall moving from around 18:00 h to a more rewarding 20:00h. Just imagine the benefits the children and all of us in Guyana will derive from DST.

Humans are most productive in the early morning hours after waking from a good night’s sleep. Reducing the time between daybreak and the actual start of the work/school day can significantly boost productivity and reduce the sleepiness so many Guyanese feel early in the mornings. This sleepiness is often a direct result of waking up too early and being up for too many hours before starting to work.

Supporters of DST argue that the additional evening daylight helps to boost tourism and increase commerce as stores can open for extended hours and tourists and residents can more comfortably partake in outdoor activities. Spending more evening time out of the house arguably results in lower at-home electricity costs as lights and other appliances will not be turned on as early. In addition, studies have shown a direct correlation between long-

er days and reduced violent crimes. Further, supporters argue that DST helps to lower traffic accidents at nights. Finally, and very importantly, the additional evening daylight allows for more after-school/work activities for children and adults, and increases opportunities for quality social, leisure, and family times.

The main opposition to DST historically came from farmers, night-time businesses, and transportation systems providers. With improvements in technologies, however, many farmers and other former opponents now strongly support DST due to the many benefits it brings.

One option would be to restore the previous time setting by turning the clock forward one hour. However, I propose we push the limits to maximise our gains by setting the time in Guyana two hours forward.

This is urgent and important as the Guyanese society needs immediate restructure to best equip our people for success in this increasingly competitive global economy. We should make every effort to start the year 2014 with renewed structure, opportunities, and vitality.

January 1, 2014 is an appropriate date for Guyana’s time reset. This simple adjustment will enhance the psyche of Guyanese so significantly that in one year

we may see measurable reductions in serious crime, improvements in worker and student productivity, better social engagements, increased commerce, and a better sense of happiness and peace of mind throughout Guyana.

From today I wish to challenge every person in Guyana to pay attention to their use of time and think about the net benefits of this proposal. Check the time and observe whether it is already daylight when you first rise in the morning.

Keep track of the amount of time that goes by between

the time you first rise and the time you begin work or school, and consider how much you could have already accomplished, or how much more sleep you could have enjoyed.

While at work or school, do you feel sleepy and lose focus? Would you have been more engaged and productive if work or school had started two hours earlier?

Do you wish you had more daylight after work/school?

Would you and your family be able to accomplish more in a typical day with two additional hours of daylight?

Would you feel safer

walking the road at 19:30h if it gets dark at 20:00h rather than 18:00h? Do you feel safer driving home with natural daylight or with artificial night lights?

Starting today I implore all Guyanese to support the call to restructure the way we live by appealing to our esteemed lawmakers to set the time forward by two hours effective January 1, 2014.

Thank you, Halvard George

Page Foundation

Parenting For Success

Growing up with violence

Growing up in a violent home can be one of the most terrifying and traumatic experiences a child can go through. It can affect every aspect of his/her life, notably growth and development. Children learn by observing their parents, so an abusive home may be seen as one factor which causes children to become violent and abusive, allowing the cycle of violence to continue. The case study you are about to read is a typical example of how a child can become violent as a result of growing up in a violent environment.

Successful intervention

Case study – Names and places have been changed to protect persons’ privacy.

Eleven-year-old Keno Marcus lives with his mother and father in a two-bedroom home in a rural community. The case was referred to a ChildLinK counsellor by Keno’s class teacher, because he was violently attacking other students in the class.

According to the report from the teacher, Keno became aggressive towards a female student in his class after the student corrected his spelling during a class lesson. Keno had angrily pushed the student to the floor and hit her in the face repeated-

ly. After the teacher had intervened, Keno was sent to the school counsellor who was able to have an initial session with the child concerning his behaviour.

From the initial session, it became apparent that Keno’s father physically and verbally abused his mother. Keno mentioned that almost every day he would hear his father call his mother names such as “slut” and “lazy”. When asked about how this affects him, the child stated that he believes his mother deserves whatever his father does to her, because she is always nagging/quarrelling with him. The counsellor then asked him if the student he violently attacked also deserved it, to which Keno replied in the affirmative. Keno claimed that the girl had been nagging him and by attacking her, he was merely demonstrating how men dealt with women who nagged them.

Fear and frustration

The counsellor then visited the home for further investigation, Keno’s mother expressed frustration and fear about the situation. She said not only did her husband physically and verbally abuse her in the presence of their son, but he did nothing to

help out at home. She related examples of how her husband would take off his clothes and leave them on the floor for her

cutlass after an argument had starting surrounding Keno’s increasingly negative behaviour. In the end, it had been

to pick up and leave his dirty dishes for her to take to the kitchen and wash. The mother understands that her son, who models himself on his father, is out of control; however, she fears retaliation from her husband if she tries to discipline Keno. The frightened woman revealed that not long ago her husband had chased her down the street with a

Keno who saved her by jumping in between her and his father.

The mother admits that she is scared and wants to leave the marriage and the home; however, her husband has threatened to kill her if she does. Her family members, who live abroad, offer no support and have been encouraging her to stay in the abusive relationship. They believe that the couple should work out their issues and that divorce is not an option. The domestic abuse taking place in Keno’s home has never been reported to the police, his mother is too fearful of what her husband might do if she files a complaint against him. She is convinced that he would get custody of Keno. It became clear from all

of this information that Keno needed help dealing with his family situation. Permission was sought from the parents for counselling sessions to be conducted with Keno to support changes in his behaviour and build his resilience in the situation. Although efforts to make contact with Keno’s father have been futile, his mother happily agreed for the work to be carried out with Keno in the school environment.

Counselling

At school, Keno attended counselling sessions once a week. For the first three weeks, Keno’s sessions focused on the importance of men and boys treating women and girls with respect. Keno admitted that he felt badly whenever his father hit his mother; however, he also felt anger towards his mother for allowing his father to hit her. Keno shared that he thought his mother liked the abuse because she never fought back. The counsellor explained that every human has the right to be respected and treated fairly no matter what their gender, age or race. He was then asked to compile a list of ways in which he believes girls should be respected by boys. In the sessions that followed, Keno was introduced to the anger management workbook tools, which allowed him to identify what/who makes him angry and ways in which he can express his anger appropriately. He was encouraged to hit a stuffed toy in the counselling room whenever he got angry during sessions and at home he used his pillow. He learned that by playing football with his friends, he could

let out some of his angry feelings while focusing his energy on a positive sport.

Resilience

The counsellor also supported the mother by sharing information on local organisations and how to contact them for support in domestic violence. Even though Keno still lives in the home where domestic violence occurs frequently, he has developed resilience to his living environment and has adopted healthy methods of expressing his anger. As a result, his relationships with his mother and school friends have improved. At home, Keno is picking up after himself, helping his mother with the house chores and being respectful towards her where necessary.

Violence is a learned behaviour. Children may grow up believing that it is okay to hurt other people or let other people hurt them. Children who grow up seeing one of their parents being beaten by the other are often affected emotionally or they develop behaviours that are not appropriate. When a parent is violent towards another parent, their children are likely to become violent towards others in their environment. However, ChildLinK believes that whatever is learned can be unlearnt, and with the right support and the correct methods, those behaviours can be unlearnt.

Please contact us on telephone number 231-7174 or at programmes.childlink@networksgy.com for any support you may need on parenting and any other challenges that you may be experiencing with your children.

Mining building more than breaking – Persaud

In wake of recent criticisms highlighting the negative impacts of mining, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said increased mining activities in Guyana continue to positively affect the country’s development.

“The growth of the industry has resulted in significant job creation and stimulated economic activity in remote communities and across the country. Increased investment in the sector has resulted in innovative technology being utilised to effect more efficient recovery and production,” the ministry pointed out.

In 2012, gold and bauxite exports represented 50 per cent and 10 per cent respectively of total export revenues, the ministry posited, noting that gold export earnings totalled US$716.9 million, 38.7 per cent higher than the 2011 level.

According to the Natural Resources Ministry, the

Granger

average export price per ounce of gold increased by six per cent to US$1575.4 per ounce in 2012 from US$1486.5 per ounce in 2011.

“Declared gold production of 438,645 ounces was the highest recorded in the entire history of the gold industry (excluding one of the largest producers, Omai),

tables motions for...

In light of this motion, Granger has sought to highlight the preamble of the Constitution that declares “We the Guyanese people… proclaim our commitment to safeguard and build on the rich heritage, won through tireless struggle, bequeathed us by our forebears.”

Article 35 further states, “The state honours and respects the diverse cultural strains which enrich the society and will seek constantly to promote national appreciation of them at all levels.”

Meanwhile, the stipu-

lated November 7 date is identified, given that on that day in 1893, emancipated Africans established Plantation Northbrook, a free community which was later named Victoria Village. This move was followed by a series of other purchases of communities, known as the Village Movement. The most recent issuance of commemorative coins was last month when the Bank of Guyana, in collaboration with the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, issued two coins in honour of the 250th anniversary of the Berbice Slave Rebellion and the

and was 20.8 per cent higher in 2012, than 2011.”

Meanwhile, the bauxite industry experienced a 12.5 per cent growth, with the production of 2,213, 972 tonnes of cement grade bauxite. In general, the mining and quarrying industry recorded 14.8 per cent growth in 2012 over 2011.

Guyana’s capital account also reflected a surplus in 2012, driven by significant growth in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), linked to investments in the mining and quarrying industries. As a result, FDI grew by 19 per cent, accounting for US$293.7 million in 2012. Net domestic credit by the banking system expanded in 2012 with strong contributions from the mining sector, reaching 51.5 per cent.

“Mining is an important part of the Guyanese economy, contributing 10.6 per cent to the nation’s annual

175th anniversary of Indian Immigration to Guyana.

The 1763 Slave Revolt and the 1838 Indian Arrival are the names of the two commemorative coins.

According to Culture Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, the coins serve as a good reminder for current and future generations of the importance of their past and “the resistance that our ancestors put up, they didn’t just accept the conditions under which they laboured, but they also tried to resist the horrors of the slavery system that was imposed upon them”.

GDP in 2012. Between 2007 and 2012, there was 14 per cent growth of the total export value of mining. In 2011, it was estimated that 13,800 people are directly employed in the small and medium scale mining of gold and diamonds, and 19,000 indirectly employed in mining support industries,” the ministry posited.

Based on the ongoing trend, the ministry anticipates that mining will continue to be the key driver in Guyana’s economy.

In an effort to alleviate the negative impacts of mining and promote sustainable development in the industry, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said its 2013-2018 Strategic Framework will reduce degradation from the mining sector.

Improving reclamation of mined out areas, and providing initiatives to address impacts on deforestation and forest degradation from mining are among areas to be tackled within the strategic framework.

21,000 Guyanese obtained U.S. visas in past year

Approximately 35,000

U.S. visa applications have been processed in the past year, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana D Brent Hardt disclosed. He said Guyanese interest in acquiring visas has increased radically over the years.

“There has been a dramatic increase in the number of Guyanese interested in travelling to the United States, we think that is a good thing, and we welcome tourism,” he posited during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times

According to the U.S. ambassador, approximately 21,000 of the 35,000 applications were approved. In wake of the recent visa fraud, Ambassador Hardt said applying to the U.S. embassy should be the only way of acquiring a visa, noting that the online application has made the process less tedious. He said the embassy has increased staffing to meet the demand of Guyanese.

He briefly disclosed that the U.S. embassy is investigating the recent incident of visa fraud. On September 30, approximately four immigration officers stationed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were taken into custody after being accused of collecting monies to

allow three persons to pass through immigration with forged U.S. visas. It was reported that the four female immigration officers requested $60,000 from the three people in exchange for not reporting the matter to authorities. The money was reportedly paid and the three persons were allowed to pass.

Meanwhile, on October 17, two Colombian nationals appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after being charged with forgery.

Twenty-seven-year-old Samir Edwardo Garcia Salazar of 1414019 Bogotá, Colombia and Jamie Enrique Mereses, 52, of 18 Fifteen Street, Bogotá, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman. Salazar and Mereses, with the help of a translator, pleaded not guilty to the charges which stated that between February 17 and March 21, 2012 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, they conspired with person(s) unknown and forged two Republic of Guyana business visas, numbers 270 and 272 dated February 17, 2012 purporting to show that the same was issued by the Central Immigration and Passport Office knowing it to be false. They were granted bail in the sum of $100,000 each.

monday, november 4, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

APNU seeks revision of salaries for members of the judiciary

APartnership for Natural Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Basil Williams is expected to raise questions relating to salaries and emoluments for members of the judiciary when the National Assembly reconvenes on Thursday.

The parliamentary Order Paper for that day outlines that Williams will be seeking answers from Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, concerning the revision of employment benefits for judicial officers before the end of this year.

In light of this question, Williams is also seeking clarification on the date of the last revised salary structure for that category of workers.

The APNU MP is also expected to call for the adjustment of salaries, even as he questions if government considers it “discriminating against the majority of the members of the judiciary by only paying the chancellor of the judiciary and chief justice taxfree salaries”.

“In essence, non-appointment of a substantive chancellor continues to frustrate this upward mobility and imminent access to superannuation benefits,” Minister Singh noted.

Without the order, the acting chief justice, who is the only senior counsel sitting on the judicial bench, could leave office as a substantive justice of appeal, even after providing years of commendable service that has been and continues to be beyond that required of a chief justice.

DEyew tness

We are...

...a Caribbean people

ave Martins wrote a wonderfully evocative piece yesterday on the gradual dissolution of our early Caribbean dreams of becoming “one people”. He noted the articulation of that dream since the 1960s – but what was interesting was it was mostly from the lips and pens of cultural activists and popular artists. People in touch with ordinary folks.

Martins mentioned that it was after he left Guyana, he found his “Caribbean-ness”– over in Toronto, Canada. It’s an experience so many who preceded or followed him have shared: meeting Caribbean people outside of the Caribbean, you discover how similar we are. Even though we have our inevitable differences, we’re so much more different from the Canadians or Americans or the British or whoever.

take charge of realising our commonalities as one people. We can’t all go to New York and London and Toronto to see how similar we are, but today we have the means to demonstrate that commonality in every living room: through the new media.

We don’t have to wait on governments. The owners of the private media can immediately start recording more local programmes on the everyday lives of our people and these can be shared with other entities in the region. Let’s have less U.S. programming. This can be dawning of the age of a common Caribbean civilisation.

...being legally bambzooled

In 2010, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh informed the National Assembly that the basis for Order Number 16/2010, places the personal emoluments of the acting chief justice on the same level of the acting chancellor of the judiciary.

As such, he said the acting chancellor is currently being paid a chancellor’s salary, with emoluments to which he is currently entitled.

This, he explained was to highlight and remedy the extant rules which denied an officer access to reasonable benefits. The minister was at the time replying to a question posed by the late Alliance For Change (AFC) member, Sheila Holder, as to why the emoluments of acting chief justice equated with that of the acting chancellor of the judiciary.

With the acting chancellor being paid a substantive salary, the acting chief justice’s salary has been upgraded to that of the chancellor, resulting in them receiving the identical sum of money.

Meanwhile, Legal Affairs Minister Nandlall told this publication that he will be responding to the question of tax-free salaries for members of the judiciary in the National Assembly on Thursday November 7, when it is posed to him by Williams.

We then begin to see the Caribbean forest and not be transfixed by the individual territorial trees. But Martins didn’t stress enough the factor that’s most undermined our dreams of becoming a “Caribbean People” – the politicians. While there are some who’ve always kept the flag flying, they’ve always been in the minority. From the very beginning, even though the West Indian Federation had problems over-centralisation with the federal government, having great powers was certainly not one of them.

So the politicians couldn’t complain of not having freedom of action in their individual territories. Yet, starting with Bustamante in Jamaica, they’ve balked. Today, we can still have a leader like Freundel Stuart of Barbados, who has no compunction in maligning Jamaicans and Guyanese by saying his country may be flooded with criminals and thieves in the wake of the Shanique Myrie decision. He’s the perfect example of the small-minded politician who’s deferred the realisation of a Caribbean people.

His outburst simply continues the politicians’ abuse of immigrants from other islands as scapegoats as their “better-off” economies continue to nosedive. They’re setting us against each other. So what do we do? The people can

Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall has really put Rex McKay, SC, in his place – that place being sent to stand in the corner of the room with a dunce cap on his head. Now in our culture, we’re taught to respect our elders. But the elders must respect themselves also. What McKay did was to make a mockery of the legal education his parents must have spent a bundle to give him.

We don’t want to get into the legal minutiae, save to say that McKay should know better than cutting and pasting passages to buttress his point – but leaving out the parts that could’ve totally vitiated it. As an officer of the court he cannot hide evidence – even if it weakens his case.

McKay agreed with a judge, and disagreed with the AG, for prohibiting this newspaper from publishing news on a company involved in a case before the judge. Even though the news has absolutely nothing to do with the instant case.

Well yesterday, the Stabber News printed portions of the same news on the company. We’ll see what the court and Mc Kay have to say about this. We bet it’ll be a studied silence.

...sugared out

Diwali is nice and all that but it does send you on a sustained sugar high. Your loyal Eyewitness is unable to just look at the goodies: he has to taste...and taste...

Families of slain KN pressmen cry foul over money raised

– one man collected, and handed out funds, say families

In the wake of recent explosive Guyana Times articles, the family members of the six Kaieteur News pressmen who were brutally gunned down on August 8, 2006 are crying foul over the money “supposedly” raised for them in the wake of that fateful morning.

The owner and publisher and the muckraking, opposition-aligned Kaieteur News, Mohan Lall, aka Glenn Lall, had embarked on a fund-raising effort, reportedly for the assistance of the family members of the victims in the wake of the shooting incident.

But it appears not all of the millions of dollars raised were used for that purpose. And even now, no one knows for sure the total amount of money collected by Lall.

Millions of dollars were raised, but the amount of funds handed out for relief to the family members did not add up, said one relative. “One man collect all de money and one man hand out all de money. Nobody know what went on,” she told this publication.

“Everything was under he control.”

She begged that her identity not be revealed publicly, visibly afraid for her safety, as well as her children’s.

The family members of those killed also say they have been waiting for answers from Lall, but none has been forthcoming. There has been widespread speculation that the slain pressmen were collateral damage for a deal gone sour – a deal that involved the export of certain substances.

When pressed as to

why they expect answers from Lall and not the police, one family member, said, “Everybody in Guyana know the truth. Even the police know the truth. But we still nah get justice yet. The workmen dem dead and gone and nobody remember we. But that is life.”

The killings occurred during a period of unprecedented crime in Guyana from 2000 to 2006, which sent shock waves throughout the nation. Overseasbased Guyanese were fearful of returning home and life changed for many who lived in Georgetown, coastal villages and, in particular, among the business community, many of whom feared for their safety and that of their families.

Seven years ago, the Kaieteur News printery at Eccles, East Bank Demerara came under attack by gunmen, who are believed to be connected to Lall in other suspected gang-related dealings that went sour.

Chetram Persaud, of 76 CC Eccles, East Bank Demerara; Eion Wegman, 47, of 51 Fourth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown; Richard Stewart, 24, of 239 Lamaha Park, East La

Penitence, Georgetown; Mark Maikoo, 22, of 5 Yarrow Dam, La Penitence, Georgetown, and Shazeem Mohamed of 267 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara, were shot point-blank and killed.

Another worker, Wordsworth Grey, of 31 Norton Street,

Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, was shot dead shortly before the killers stormed the printery. Senior pressman Ramchand Harripersaud and security guard Julian De Grace were the only survivors of the bloodshed.

One of the most intriguing developments coming

out of the crime wave was the alleged connection between many of the notorious criminals and Lall. More than 200 persons were killed in cold blood and to this day, there are more questions than answers.

Lall and his editorin-chief Adam Harris

through their column, “The Baccoo Speaks”, appeared to know well in advance about many murders and robberies and were on the spot to give coverage. On some occasions, they had reporters turn up before the events.

The Kaieteur News always appeared to have an inside line to Guyana’s criminal underworld, but the linkage was made explicit after WikiLeaks released a number of cables from the U.S. embassy in Georgetown.

In one that went back to June 15, 2006 – incidentally less than two months before the slaying of the Kaieteur News workers –the embassy’s political officer, Benjamin Canavan reported to the State Department about various Guyanese who passed on information to him the previous week.

“Lall has a sketchy past – he translated a shoe trading business (and rumoured involvement with alien [human] smuggling) into a muckraking independent newspaper. He has a finger firmly on the pulse of Guyana’s underworld, which serves his media enterprise well,” Canavan said.

Ali forecasts $32.5B investment for tourism sector

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister

Irfaan Ali said in the coming years, some $32.5 billion will be invested in the tourism sector.

Ali made the announcement while addressing the launch of Tourism Awareness Month last week at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Ali, delivering the feature address, said the tourism sector is poised for major expansion, outlining some future plans such as the upcoming launch of a direct flight service to the U.S. on December 4, the construction of a new golf course on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, a five-star rated revolving restaurant, two new hotels in Georgetown and several ecotourism resorts under construction. These represent about $32.5 billion in investments in the sector, in addition to the Marriott Hotel.

Ali said too that there was also more interest from Latin and South American countries in the tourism sector, and in order to capitalise on this, there must be investments in human capital,

and in new and improved infrastructure for the tourism sector. As part of this effort, it was announced that a National Institute of Hospitality will be built in a joint effort between government and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Tourism Awareness Month 2013 is being held under the theme, “Communication and Information Sharing for Tourism Development”.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) report, the

sector currently generates billions of dollars while providing jobs for approximately 10,000 people, but the quality of what is offered locally needs to be improved if the industry is to achieve greater heights, according to the minister.

CTO lauds Guyana

The minister, who described the formal launch of the month at the Guyana International Conference Centre as a “bitter-sweet” occasion, said the most recent figures from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), praised Guyana for its progress, and cited an increase of 13.5 per cent in visitors. He acknowledged that much more needs to be done, and outlined several of the challenges facing the sector. He said while Guyanese can celebrate their country’s tourism product, “we have to be clear about what we are offering, especially in the eco-tourism sector”.

Citing the efforts and marketing of honey produced by the single mothers' group attached to the Mangrove Project at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara, the minister said it was an example of what was possible locally. “Human, cultural and service changes are needed to complement the infrastructural changes occurring,” he urged. Once this is done, the tourism sector could actually become a major livelihood option for many Guyanese. “All of us must respond to the problems, not hide from them,” Minister Ali stated.

De headitor can’t get he boss up

There was a time in Guyana when every ting was either goin down or goin up. Power supply was goin down and de light bills was goin up. Cost of living was goin up and standard of livin was goin down. People used to pay more and get less. Burnt Ham, De Height Man, Green Ham and he cronies dem was gettin richer and de poor people dem was gettin even poorer. Every man jack does want to get up in life. But some a dem does can’t get up fuh life. Some a dem does got to go down before dem can get up. Some a dem does got to get dem boss up before dem can get up. But all that mek up life. If yuh tink is lie ask de headitor who spend a lifetime gettin all he bosses up.

From de days of de No News Nation, no matter what he had to put up wid, at de end of de day, he had to get he boss up. Whether it was up in de news or up in some other way, he had to go get he boss up. That was de wuk of de headitor.

Then de headitor had to wuk at what used to be de Conicle. At that time, de Conicle used to con de whole country. In order to do that de headitor had to also get he boss up every day. Up in de news, up pun he high horse, up pun he throne pun Vlissengen Road, up at Bee Hive, and up in every way. That was de wuk of de headitor.

Now years down de line, de wuk of de headitor ain’t change all dem years. This headitor got a lotta experience gettin he bosses up, especially when dem down. And this boss man whah he got now always down in human smugglin, down in de U.S. countin backtrack money, and down in de mud tryin to pull other people wid he.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And word out all over that de headitor bossman can’t ever ever get back up!

Times Notebook

Using Guyana as collateral damage

Times Notebook will watch closely when Guyana’s Parliament next meets. It will be a time for Guyana’s politicians to stand up for the people and for the country, or expose their toxic thirst for power. It will be a time to give thumbs up for Guyana or to “diss” Guyana.

Parliament will meet soon to consider the amendment bill for the anti-money laundering act. This amendment is critical to the economy and to the fortunes of business in our country.

Businesses that must pay for equipment, services, and commodities and private citizens who need to send money abroad or have money sent to them would experience great difficulties with those transactions unless the bill is passed.

Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) have promised to vote against the bill, although business leaders and the private sector have appealed to them to pass the bill.

The combined opposition sees this as an opportunity to bring the government down and grabbing power is the end game, not what is good for Guyana.

Blackmail and paralysis

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has decided that it will have its way. Its motivation is to embarrass Guyana. Its interests are supreme and the country’s interest is collateral damage.

The bullies of the pre1992 period of dictatorship and hegemony have raised their heads, and they have decided the way forward is blackmail and paralysis

for Guyana. Alliance For Change (AFC) MPs have decided that they are equal in playing hardball and blackmail politics and now want government to agree to the party’s demand on the Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

For the opposition, what matter are the interests of the AFC and the APNU.

The amendment to the bill is an international obligation that has been at the centre of the political deadlock gripping Guyana for many months now. Guyana has already missed two deadlines. A third and fatal deadline is upcoming later in November.

Parliament had agreed that it would send the bill to a Special Select Committee (SSC) to consider clause by clause before it comes up for final passage.

Since 1992, government has made increasing use of the SSC mechanism – in 1992 during the Sixth Parliament, then increasingly in the Seventh Parliament in 1997. It was also used extensively in the Eighth Parliament.

The majority of bills in the Ninth and the Tenth Parliaments have been through an SSC mechanism, and everyone agrees that it has contributed to an extension, modernisation and strengthening of Guyana’s parliamentary democracy.

Delay tactics

From 1964 to 1992, the SSC mechanism was rarely used. The People’s National Congress (PNC)-led government railroaded bills through Parliament and the usual practice was that a bill was introduced for its first

reading and taken through the second and third readings and passed on the same day.

Bills are now introduced for their first reading and a minimum of six days must pass before the second and third readings and the passage of the bill.

Bills are often sent to an SSC after the first reading or after the second reading. The SSC can often invite the public to give their views and make recommendations for changes in the bill.

This is one way in which Guyana’s parliamentary democracy has been strengthened. This is one way to build a participatory democracy.

Unfortunately, the opposition MPs tried to frustrate the work of the SSC by absenting themselves in an ef-

fort to delay the work of the SSC. In spite of the looming deadline and the urgency of completing the work of the SSC, meetings of the committee had to be postponed several times because of the absence of opposition MPs.

Thus, the SSC had to conclude its work in the absence of the opposition MPs. But it must also be recognised as reckless behaviour by these MPs and it is an abdication of their duties to the people who elected them.

When Parliament meets next time, all MPs would have another chance to demonstrate what is more important to them – to get their own way or to stand up on the side of the people and for Guyana.

Readers are invited to comment on this article via email (times.notebook@ gmail.com) and on Facebook.

monday, november 4, 2013 | guyanatimeSgy.com

Giving back to the community

Have you heard about the Volunteer Youth Corps Inc (VYC)? I have yet to meet the industrious Goldie Scott, but I can assure you that, from what I’ve heard about her and the VYC, she is doing much needed work.

Located at Lot E Luckhoo Street, Durban Backlands, the VYC has been in existence for about 17 years. It is a non-gov-

ernmental, non-profit organisation that has dedicated years to improving the lives of children and youth by providing quality holistic health, social and economic support in the community.

Volunteers work daily with more than 80 at-risk youths with behavioural problems and encourage them to stay in school to reach their full potential. The youths not only

receive capacity building from the VYC but academic support to improve in mathematics and science at school.

The organisation also supports children who need medical treatment overseas and children under six years old every Saturday at the local orphanage.

Every Christmas, the VYC hosts a concert and gift-giving ceremony where it works to bring a toy to each child in and around the community. This year is no exception, with a target of 500 youths from south-east Georgetown, including Sophia, Tucville, South Ruimveldt, Lodge, and east La Penitence.

At the concert, the children will be performing carols, dances, poems and dramatic pieces along with a few special artistes. The VYC has already received commitment in the form of food and costumes from families in the communities in support.

In order to make this happen, the VYC humbly asks you to donate an unwrapped toy to help make this holiday a joyful one for these children. The

The Youth Corps Inc is asking members of the public to donate an unwrapped toy to help make this holiday season a joyful one for children at the centre deadline for donations is Saturday, November 30. The event will be held on Saturday, December 21 at the Lodge Community Ground (adjacent to the VYC centre).

The VYC and I encourage everyone to please help ensure all of the children in their community have a special holiday this season. Donations are collected daily and we welcome toys for children between the ages of six and 16. For more information on how you can assist, please contact Goldie Scott at goldiescottvyc@gmail. com or call 227-1011.

Caribbean statisticians’ association launched

The Caribbean Association of Professional Statisticians (CAPS), whose motto is “Promoting statistics for sustainable development”, was launched last Monday in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis.

The association was launched during the opening ceremony of the 38th meeting of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians (SCCS), and the 23rd meeting of the Regional Census Coordinating Committee (RCCC), the Caricom Secretariat said in a release.

The launch featured the presentation of prizes to Roydenn Silcott of Montserrat and Jason Reynolds of Dominica, who were the winners of competitions that were held regionwide to select the CAPS’ logo and motto, respectively. The main prizes, an iPad and trophy for each winner, as well as airfare and per diem relative to the collection of their priz-

es at the SCCS were contributed by the European Union (EU), while the Caricom Advisory Group on Statistics contributed a cash prize to each winner.

The CAPS, which had its genesis in 2009 at a high-level advocacy forum on statistics held in Trinidad and Tobago, is a non-profit organisation that has as its objectives the promotion of the contribution of statistics and its applications to evidence-based decision-making in the Caricom region; collaboration and discussion among professional statisticians; and the promotion of continuous training and development of professional statisticians. The organisation aims to be a forum for discussion on statistical matters and will act to encourage research on statistical methodology and its applications, and to publish and disseminate findings. Its other objective is the promotion of a culture of statistical literacy, awareness and the

Ali forecasts $32.5B...

The efforts of Dr Bobby Ramroop to buy the Amazon Warriors team and sponsor the Guyana leg of the recently-held Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cricket tournament were lauded as an example of what could be achieved with forward thinking, and good business acumen, Minister Ali noted. He said as a result, Limacol brand awareness has been increased and businesses in India and other Asian countries are now interested in what Guyana has to offer, not only in goods and services but in tourism.

A call for the media to be more nationalistic and patriotic was also made by Minister Ali. He acknowledged that while every country has issues, their media recognise the need to sell their individual country and what they have to offer. He chided some sections of the local media for their sensa-

tionalist front pages, noting that the media in other countries which are affected by worse crimes desist from doing the same.

Touching on the hospitality aspect, he noted that the Marriott Hotel’s construction and the Cheddi Jagan Airport expansion project, are “absolutely essential” to offering better services and increasing Guyana’s visibility in overseas markets. The country’s diplomatic partners also can play a role in increasing Guyana’s outlook abroad, said the minister.

South Rupununi Safari

Meanwhile, the inaugural South Rupununi Savannah Safari was also launched Thursday evening. The event, which follows the successful Pakaraima Mountains Safari, will run from November 27 to December 1. It is open to drivers of all-terrain (4×4) vehi-

general use of statistics in everyday life.

The association came into being as clarion calls continue to be made for demystifying statistics and for the integral role of statistics in everyday life to be heightened.

It is anticipated that the establishment of CAPS will positively impact the harmonisation process within the region and its membership directory could be a catalyst for the database of regional experts. It is envisaged that chapters for CAPS in the Caricom region will consist of individual member countries in the case of the larger countries and of groupings of member countries, in the case of the smaller countries. It is also envisaged that the association will establish committees to deal with subject matters, such as official statistics, survey statistics, statistical computation and statistical education.

From page 10

cles; participants who pay a fee of $15,000 at the Tower Hotel, will experience outdoor camping amid majestic scenery, according to organiser Frank Singh. He said the approximately 1000 mile round trip from Georgetown to Achiwib will see participants visit at least 10 indigenous communities, the largest ranch in South America, glimpse lots of wildlife. The high point will be visiting Lethem for the community’s expo on November 30.

Former Local Government Minister Harripersaud Nokta, who conceptualised the Pakaraimas safari and was instrumental in developing the hinterland, said tourism is expanding and the safari, which is part of an effort to create a “Safari Driving Club”, will open new horizons for participants. “It will offer you a chance to see things you have only dreamed of seeing and some

Guyanese boy stabbed to death in Barbados

An air of sadness enveloped the Pinder household at Cypress Street in Barbados on Saturday as family and friends grieved over the death of 14-year-old Andgan Smith, who was stabbed several times to the chest, allegedly by a 12-year-old playmate.

The incident occurred on Friday evening near a pasture not far away at Pondside, where Andgan and several other children were playing. He died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Police were on Saturday still trying to locate the 12-year-old who also lives in the Nelson Street area.

Andgan’s grandmother, 50-yearold Sandra Pinder, who raised him from the age of seven, said it hurt her to break the devastating news to his mother, Diane Payne, who lives in Guyana and who was due to travel to Barbados Tuesday but was trying to get an earlier flight.

Surrounded by her teary-eyed family, including Andgan’s 15-yearold sister Annake, Pinder said her

things you may have never imagined… once you go once, you’ll want to go back.”

Representing newly-elected Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana President Kit Nascimento was Andrea De Caires, who noted that the theme of this year’s Tourism Awareness Month was indeed an apt one. She called the sharing of information as essential for tourism operators as they were all partners with each other.

“Together, each one of us is a part of tourism in Guyana”. She pledged to work with government and the Guyana Tourism Authority to develop the sector further.

Diwali scenes across Guyana

Dominica celebrates 35 years of political independence

Dominicans have been urged to embrace freedom of movement within the region as the country celebrates its 35th year of independence from Britain on Sunday.

President Charles Savarin, in his message to the nation, said this must be done to give meaning and relevance to the regional integration movement.

“We must embrace the freedom of movement and right of establishment provisions of the Caricom (Caribbean Community) and OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) treaties and welcome our OECS and Caricom citizens who take up residence here in much the same way that we would expect to be welcomed in other Caricom and OECS countries in which we seek to reside and work.

Our Caricom Community Passport is one of the most tangible symbols which identifies us as citizens of

a wider Caribbean community”.

“If we truly embrace regional integration as the way forward for our overall development, we must refrain from statements and actions which in their ordinary meaning could be interpreted as being insular, hateful, racist and xenophobic. In a democracy, we must tolerate differences in opinion on a whole range of subject matters including matters of policy and national development. Debate on such issues must be respectful of other people’s views, of the law and the Constitution, and should not degenerate into acrimonious exchanges aimed at destroying the personal or public reputation of those with whom we disagree,” he added.

The president also acknowledged Martinique and Guadeloupe’s interest in becoming members of Caricom and the OECS. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

International Financial and Economic Report

Chairman, Guyana Americas Merchant Bank

1

Market Dow Jones Industrial Average DATE Index

October 31, 2013 15,545

October 1, 2013 15,191

January 2, 2013 13,412

January 3, 2012 12,397

January 3, 2011 11,670

January 4, 2010 10,583

January 2, 2009 9,034

January 2, 2008 13,043

Low March 9, 2009, 6,547

The most important economic news of the month, namely the employment report for October was due Friday but has been delayed until November 8, because of the U.S. government shutdown.

The 130,000 private sector jobs increase was the smallest in six months and followed a revised 145,000 gain in September that was weaker than initially estimated.

This points to a soft jobs gain in October, with the government shutdown cutting the overall number for employment. But, we have to wait another week before this is confirmed by the Department of Labour report.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve did what

was universally expected and will continue buying bonds at a rate of US$85 million a month. But many commentators argued that the Fed will start “tapering” these bond purchases in December or January so interest rates and the dollar have risen.

The favourite date by economists for the beginning of “tapering” was in March (before Wednesday and Thursday), but this date is data dependent. If the U.S. economy recovers before, then tapering will begin sooner, but, if not, then Dr Janet Yellen (the likely new chairperson) is unlikely to cut bond-buying.

Over the last five years since 2008, the stock market has benefited both from being so low in 2009 and the in-

troduction of ultra-easy monetary policies by the Fed. As can be seen from Table 1, the stock market has risen by about 140 per cent from its low in March 2008.

As might have been expected, the turmoil in Washington in October and its run-up did not help the dollar and virtually all currencies rose particularly in emerging markets as can be seen from Table II. The exceptions were the pound sterling and the Japanese yen which fell in value marginally.

Interestingly, the governor of the Banque de France, Christian Noyer, argued that Europe’s planned Financial Transaction Tax (or Tobin tax as is popularly called) poses “an enormous risk” to the countries involved and could threaten financial stability.

The UK government has already said that the tax would not be applied in the UK in order to safeguard those who engage in foreign exchange transactions. But, to have a leading European central banker argue that a tax amounting to €35 billion a year across 11 eurozone countries would destroy the French financial industry is new.

Rabobank, the Dutch lender, agreed to pay US$1 billion to the U.S., UK and

Dutch authorities and admitted that dozens of employees manipulated Libor and other key benchmarks over a sixyear period. This is still an ongoing investigation and many more banks are expected to be charged with Libor manipulation.

Also UBS was told to increase the amount of capital it holds against litigation, compliance and operational risks by 50 per cent. In addition, UBS and Deutsche Bank said that they had become involved in a global probe into the alleged manipulation of the US$5.3 trillion foreign exchange market.

Last week, the U.S. economic data was mixed. On Monday, it was reported that industrial production rose 0.6 per cent in September, but this was boosted by a jump in utilities. Factory output only rose 0.1 per cent, with the August increase revised lower to 0.5 per cent and the Dallas Fed manufacturing survey fell from 12.8 in August to 3.6 in September. The next day, retail sales fell 0.1 per cent restrained by the biggest decrease in auto dealers since October 2012, as purchases early in the month were included in the August data. Outside of autos, retail sales rose 0.4 per cent and wholesale prices unexpectedly fell 0.1 per cent in September as food costs retreated.

The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property prices in 20 cities rose 12 per cent in August from a year earlier

(Tuesday). Consumer confidence fell sharply with the Conference Board’s index slumping to 71.2 from 80.2 in September.

Consumer prices increased 0.1 per cent. Jobless claims decreased by 10,000 to 340,000 in the week ended October 26, while the Chicago PMI index jumped to 65.4 in October from 55.7 in September. Friday morning, it was reported that the ISM factory index rose to 56.4 in October from 56.2 a month earlier.

In overseas news, euro-area inflation fell to 0.7 per cent from 1.1 per cent in September, while unemployment was at a record 12.2 per cent in the same month. In addition, German unemployment rose for a third month in October to 2.97 million suggesting that the German economy expanded at a slower pace in the third quarter.

The U.S. employed unusually sharp language criticising Germany’s economic policies and particularly its export-led growth model, which was held responsible for the euro-zone’s weak recovery. All of this is putting pressure on the European Central Bank to cut interest rates from 0.5 per cent.

Interest rates rose over the week from 2.50 per cent for 10-year U.S. treasuries to 2.60 per cent and 30-year bonds from 3.59 per cent to 3.67 per cent. This probably reflected the view that the Federal Reserve will start re-

BY GEOFFREY BELL

ducing bond purchases sooner than next March.

The combination of views pointing to higher interest rates in the U.S. and lower interest rates in Europe led last week to a fall in the euro against the dollar. The Euro was US$1.35 Friday morning, as compared with US$1.38 the previous Friday and the pound sterling at US$1.59 against US$1.62.

The Japanese yen, the Australian dollar, and the Swiss franc have fallen about one cent. Oil prices continued to fall over the week with WTI trading this morning at US$95.50 a barrel when it ended the previous week at US$97.85. Gold is US$1314 an ounce from US$1347 last Friday and the Dow Jones was basically flat over the week.

The effect of the U.S. government shutdown is now being reflected in published forecasts of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to JP Morgan, growth will be two per cent in the fourth quarter as compared with 2.4 percent before which will be recovered in the first quarter of 2014 with a growth rate of 2.5 per cent.

However, this forecast for the first three months of next year requires no more effects from any congressional action which is far from certain and the forecast looks a little high. The market has the idea that “tapering” will begin before next March.

Govt secures injunction against man occupying state land

Justice Brassington Reynolds on Thursday granted an injunction prohibiting Janak Jodhan, also known as Jodhan Boodram, from occupying a portion of land situated at John-Port Mourant Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

The writ was filed in the Berbice High Court on Wednesday by Attorney General Anil Nandlall on behalf of Region Six Chairman David Armogan. According to the writ, the regional chairman claims that government is the owner of the 329 acres of land occupied by Jodhan.

The chairman also claims that Jodhan has been occupying the said land for the past two years without any permission from the government and has been causing extensive damage to the said land by the removal of sand to build fish ponds.

The defendant has been given two weeks to respond to the accusations. Armogan is also claiming damages in the sum of $5 million on behalf of the government.

Pasture

Residents of the JohnPort Mourant community have been behind regional officials for several months to intervene and remove Jodhan from the plot of land.

These residents say that the land has been coveted and leased and sold to others, now they have nowhere to graze their cattle.

One former cattle farmer, Khrisondat Phagoo, of Clifton Settlement, said he had to sell his 70 heads of cattle, because they had nowhere to graze. “When they come out they get pound.”

The 35-year-old, who grew up in the community knowing the disputed land to be communal property, said the person occupying the land has fenced it and drained off the water. “Now it appears as if he is selling it

Until there is a decision in the matter, Jodhan, his servants and agents or otherwise whosoever are restrained from selling, leasing, renting, mortgaging, or otherwise disposing or encumbering the said property.

to others,” he noted.

Cattle owner Rafeek Abdul told the media that he has 10 heads of cattle, which he can no longer have graze on the land.

In court

“The man told me that he buy the land and that it is his personal place and now he crown it and he fence the whole place. You can’t even go in the place,” the 50-year-

Baksh calls for probe into the renting of Pomeroon pontoon

Minister within the Agriculture Ministry, Alli Baksh has called on officials from the Region Two administration to launch an investigation into the renting of a pontoon that was gifted to the Pomeroon area.

During his address to overseers, foremen, and key players in the drainage and irrigation system in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council on Saturday, Baksh said he received reports that the pontoon that was gifted for agricultural purposes was being used for gold mining instead.

Baksh said he was not pleased with the manner in which the pontoon was being used. He explained to workers the importance of the pontoon to the Pomeroon River. Baksh said if the pontoon was not in the Pomeroon area, then no machinery can be transported to farmlands in case of emergency. He explained that the pontoon was gifted to the area following a request by the region.

Baksh said while representation was being made to satisfy the request, officers were not acting responsibly and the matter must be addressed.

In responding to the minister, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud said his administration had not been aware of the renting of the pontoon. Persaud said based on information he later received, the pontoon was rented to a private individual through the Neighbourhood Democratic Council at Charity to a gold miner for 18 days. He said he received reports that the pontoon went out of Region Two to conduct works outside of agriculture. He, however, noted that the pontoon was returned without any damage.

Baksh said he was not satisfied with the explanation and called for an investigation into the matter. He noted the pontoon must be used for agricultural purposes only. National Drainage and Irrigation Authority Chief Executive Officer Lionel Wordsworth also voiced his dissatisfaction over the matter.

Wordsworth said while NDIA was investing heavily in the region’s drainage and irrigation, officers needed to be more responsible in safeguarding state resources. Wordsworth said the climate is changing, and as such, stakeholders in the system have a huge responsibility.

old said, also saying that all of the water present was drained from the area.

More than 15 residents turned up in the courtroom. One of them, 66-year-old Wilhemina Beharry from Tain said she had been widowed for several years and depended on her cattle to make a living.

“Last Wednesday, one of my sons came and told me that the cattle man dem

(stray catchers) come an pick up nine of me cow,” she explained. With tears in her eyes, she said that the pound fees were paid with money which she borrowed. “Onto now, I can’t get the money to pay back the people dem.”

She blames the lack of a proper pasture for her dilemma, saying that the animals have nowhere to graze.

“We glad if we can get a good pasture for them, because some days I go an sit down by the gate-side with an umbrella an look to see when the animal come out to chase dem back. They want to come out because they have no water.”

According to the writ on June 10, 2013, a notice was served on the defendant by the senior land administrative officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, for Jodhan to quit occupying the land.

The writ also claims that on September 23, 2013, a final notice was served on the defendant after he refused to comply with the first.

The defendant’s occupation of the said land interferes with the state’s access to do remedial work to the sea defence which failure is likely to have catastrophic results,” the writ added.

The defendant also has been physically restraining villagers from utilising the land for pasture.

In an invited comment, the attorney general said, “Significantly also, the land is higher than all the villages that adjoin the land and he [the defendant] has been draining the land into the villages and flooding them.”

Region Six Chairman Armogan added that the issue existed prior to him taking office and the defendant was set notices by the John-Port Mourant Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the regional administration. He thanked the attorney general for his intervention.

“He said land is closer to the foreshore and higher than the surrounding villages and without proper maintenance of drains causes flooding in those areas.

PNCR invokes blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for Guyana

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) said the Festival of Lights should enliven all young and old throughout Guyana.

In a message to mark the festive occasion of Deepavali, the PNCR said it recognises that Diwali, the Festival of Lights, should enliven all, young and old, men and women, rich and poor, in towns and communities throughout Guyana.

“It should be a unifying and integrating force which encourages goodwill, joy and friendship that bring all the people of Guyana together.”

In the religious context, the Goddess Maha Lakshmi, the Goddess of Light, is worshipped for wealth and spiritual enlightenment. “This year, we are forced to revisit many of the themes from

previous years because the PPP/C administration has accelerated its confrontational approach towards the National Assembly, while continuing to violate the fundamental tenets of our parliamentary democracy, particularly their refusal to govern in accordance with the rule of law, and to recognise the law-making and oversight role of the National Assembly vis-à-vis the executive branch. The people of Guyana are seeing the light disappearing while a gathering storm looms on the horizon.”

The PNCR said symbolism of the triumph of light over darkness now carries a powerful message for the Guyanese na-

tion. “The national environment is polluted by: the high incidence of domestic abuse, uncontrolled lawlessness, armed banditry and criminality, which has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.”

The party said barbarous murders have become a daily occurrence; corruption abounds at all levels of the society; our suicide rate has reached record levels; narco-trafficking appears to be increasingly out of the control of the

authorities; indiscipline, in schools, homes and on the road abounds; and partisanship, racial and political discrimination defile our national life, the PNCR contended.

“In the circumstances, the PNCR invokes the blessings of Mother Lakshmi to end this darkness so that our dear land can once again experience peace, prosperity, good governance, equity, security, a culture of civility, and good order.

SUDOKU

Your dedication will not go unnoticed. Spend some time figuring out the best way to display your attributes in order to boost your confidence and help you win favours from the right people.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Don’t share your secrets. If people question you, offer what is common knowledge and impress upon them your ability to be a team player. A romantic encounter will lift your spirits.

Your head will be swimming with all sorts of neat ideas. Don’t be afraid to step out on a limb and do something differently. Your imagination will capture someone’s attention.

Don’t count on everyone agreeing with you. Persuasive tactics aren’t likely to work as well as expected. Set your sights on the things you can master, and travel to destinations that interest you.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

You will have insight that will give you the upper hand when negotiating or discussing plans that can affect your position professionally or financially.

(March 21-April 19)

Put your word on the line. Make promises and show everyone what you are capable of doing. Form a secret connection with someone who has something to offer in return.

(April 20-May 20)

Stubbornness can hold you back. Open up and share your thoughts with someone who shows interest in helping you. Larger quarters or home improvements will add to your comfort.

(May 21June 20)

It’s time to take a risk with your heart. Ask direct questions and find out where you stand. A change of attitude may be unexpected but essential in order to take care of business.

You have a lot going for you, so don’t let negativity stand between you and success. Engage in talks and activities that lead to growth and happiness.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

How you handle your money will make a difference in the outcome of a relationship. Bringing in more than you spend or doing a little creative accounting will help alleviate stress.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

If you share your plans, you will attract interest in your ideas. Looking at old concepts from a modern point of view will renew your interest and refresh your energy.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Think ahead today. Once you say something, you cannot take it back. Anger and aggressive behaviour will cause uncertainty. Concentrate on making positive changes in your personal life.

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Let the lights of diyas shine for peace in Guyana – FITUG

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) – the country’s largest worker-representative organisation – joins Hindus and all Guyanese in the joyous celebration that is the Festival of Lights.

Research informs FITUG that the deeper spirituality of the five-day devotional festival, its real essence, is for devotees to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atman) of one’s soul. FITUG recommends this meditation and reflection to all Guyana. At this juncture of the nation’s development, there seems to be a great challenge for our national leaders to illuminate their very souls to find the answers needed for citizens’ peace of mind, and social and national progress inclusive of material wellbeing.

The Diwali legend, stripped of its mythical charm, is replete with the message of the virtues and

values that triumph over greed, corrupt leaders and other evil doings. As Hindus relive the exploits of Vishnu, Bali, Prahalad, and Mother Lakshmi, FITUG’s wish is for the diyas of Diwali to shine the light of peace and progress for all Guyana.

Light up minds, lighten burdens – GAWU

Illumination, light, vision, enlightenment – these words and concepts tend to convey the spirit of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights usually celebrated at this time of year. Now a nationally-embraced public holiday, Diwali captures the attention and participation of thousands of Guyanese citizens, including non-Hindus.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), itself home to a great number of Hindu union members, joins the Hindu community, especially, to find innovative, prac-

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tical, and productive ways to influence national leaders to indeed light up their own minds and other faculties in pursuit of the greater good of Guyana. Again, GAWU will not dwell on the almost romantic elements of the Diwali legend, but hopes that the Spirit of Mother Lakshmi will inspire more open-mindedness in the Guyanese society.

Our brief message, therefore, is to celebrants and leaders alike: just as Guyanese Hindus have fashioned unique Diwali motorcades, for example, which attract national attention, let the Guyanese melas and the diyas of the mind illuminate wisdom in all communities, in places of work and worship, in government and Parliament to lighten the poor man’s burdens, through righteous policies and programmes. This is the least – but the most sought-after measure, that the union hopes for.

OAS members approve budget for 2014

The member states of the Organisation of American States (OAS) last week approved by acclamation the regular fund budget of the hemispheric organisation for 2014. The budget, in the amount of US$82.98 million, was approved during the 45th Special General Assembly, held at its headquarters in Washington DC.

Following approval of the budget, OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza thanked the representatives

of the member states, and recalled that that day would be the last special meeting to approve a budget for a year, because beginning next year the OAS budget will be approved for two years at a time.

“We expect the biennial budget will be approved as appropriate, together with the political priorities of the organisation, during the regular meetings of the general assembly in June,” said the OAS leader, who congratulated the delegations of the member

countries for taking this decision.

The approved budget includes footnotes submitted by the delegations of Venezuela, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Bolivia on the financing of the Inter-American Defence Board (IADB). The meeting was chaired by the Permanent Representative of Canada, Allan Culham, who is also the head of the Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs (CAAP) of the Permanent Council. Ambassador Culham welcomed the agreement and thanked the member countries for their collaboration during the negotiations, as well as the OAS General Secretariat for “the transparent flow of information” to the CAAP regarding the budget.

During the Special General Assembly, the representatives of Uruguay; El Salvador; Mexico; Brazil; Bolivia; Argentina; Nicaragua; Trinidad and Tobago (on behalf of Caricom); Paraguay; Canada; Colombia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; and Dominica took the floor.

Are bowlers under threat in one-day cricket?

By SureSh Menon

India chased down a target of over 350 runs twice in the ongoing series against Australia

Batsmen have chased down successfully targets of over 300 runs twice in four completed games in the ongoing one-day cricket series between India and Australia. Sports writer Suresh Menon examines whether the bowlers are under threat in the shorter version of the game. In the early years of oneday international cricket, 250 runs from 50 overs was considered a good score. Once the asking rate went up to six an over in the

chase, it was assumed the game had gone out of reach for the team batting second. Today, 300 is a par score at most venues, 350 a good one and so long as the asking rate is kept around eight an over, the chase is on track. Progress? Or its reverse? Is batting in one-day cricket getting too good for its own good? Are the seeds for the elimination of this format being sown by the game’s rulemakers? If a match has twice produced over 700 runs in the India-Australia ODI series, don’t blame the rules alone. We must acknowledge that the two sets of bowlers have been depressingly mediocre. Even Mitchell Johnson,

the man who rattled India’s middle order (meaning Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh) twice, bowled badly, too short, too wide and too fast.

The day after India chased 350 and won against Australia in Nagpur, South Africa and Pakistan played out a close finish in Sharjah where the two teams combined made only 365. The rules didn’t make this a feast of sixes and fours because the bowling was so superior.

Unlike Test matches which are won by bowlers, one-dayers are won by batsmen. This is the essential difference between the two formats. The dice were loaded against the bowler from the start––the assumption then, as now, was that spectators came to watch boundaries being hit rather than the ball beating the bat.

Mediocre

Once Twenty20 cricket established itself, it was always more likely that the inbetween format would move closer to the 20-over game than Test cricket.

Bowlers in the IndiaAustralia series have been “mediocre”

To expect the rhythm and flow of Test cricket in a limited-overs game is unrealistic. Indian skipper MS Dhoni’s recent complaint about the irrelevancy of the bowler is surprising–not just because it comes from a batsman, but equally be-

cause the ODI was the T20 of its time, with big hits, quick running and a technique all its own. In other words, it was always thus.

The new ODI rules–two new balls per innings, and a maximum of four fielders outside the circle–have contributed to the big scores, but television is not complaining, the spectators are not, and one hasn’t heard a peep out of the sponsors.

India and Australia play the final ODI in Bangalore on Sunday with the series tied at two wins each–who could have asked for more? One-day cricket is expected not only to produce results, but produce them as late as possible.

Par scores have gone up over the decades because technological advances in batting have been far ahead of technical ones in bowling. A mis-hit can carry for

six thanks to the quality of the bats, the “sweet spot” is spread over a greater area, and to add to that is the fact that players are fitter and stronger.

Innovations

The only innovations in bowling since the first one-day international was played four decades ago have been reverse swing and the doosra. If there were no complaints about the twoball system when it was first tried years ago, it was because there was no reverse swing either.

Yes, the new rules do work against the bowlers. But not to the extent that is being made out. Can one fielder make a difference? Yes he can, when you consider there are only nine fielders who can be moved around, five of them inside the circle.

Bowlers will have to choose between bowling to their strength or to the batsman’s weakness, and that’s an interesting choice. It is,

however, difficult to accept the idea gaining currency that this rule has killed the yorker as a weapon.

Any sport evolves through a system of one set of performers working out either a new technique or a tactic, then the other countering it and adding to it their own leading to a further response and so on.

Bowlers have had to counter back-foot play in WG Grace’s time to the uppercut in Sachin Tendulkar’s. Batsmen have had to deal with the outswinger at the turn of the 20th century to the doosra. It is the natural order of things.

Occasionally, the rulemakers add their weight to the side which already has the advantage. If the bowlers and captains don’t figure out a counter-move soon, maybe the technical committee might have another look at it. But it’s too early to throw up your hands. Give the creative response a chance. Suresh Menon is editor, Wisden India Almanack. (BBC Sport)

Bangladesh chase 308, sweep series 3-0 Vettel takes crushing Abu Dhabi GP win for Red Bull

Bangladesh banked on a string of partnerships and two fine knocks by Shamsur Rahman and Naeem Islam, as they swept the ODI series 3-0 after chasing 309 in the final over in Fatullah.

The four-wicket win matched the 2010 clean sweep at home, which New Zealand lost 4-0. This was also Bangladesh’s second successful chase of a target of 300 or above in ODIs.

The home side took full advantage of the new ODI rules that allow only four fielders outside the 30yard circle during the non Powerplay overs, continually chipping the ball over the infield, and making

sure they used the shorter, straight boundaries. New Zealand’s 307 for 5 was the highest score at this ground at the innings break, but it wasn’t enough in the end.

Ross Taylor shored up an inexperienced batting lineup with his eighth hundred, but his efforts went in vain.

Mahmudullah and Nasir added 35 for the sixth wicket before Mahmudullah was given out caught behind in the 48th over, although he wasn’t fully convinced and neither were the replays conclusive. A few dot balls afterwards added to the tension among the near-capacity crowd but Nasir released the pressure with a thump over midwicket at the end of the 48th over, bringing down the chase to a run-aball.

Nasir kept his nerve, just as he did last year in the deciding fifth ODI against West Indies in which he also guided Bangladesh to a close win. Sohag Gazi completed the win with an upper-cut boundary off the second ball of the last over.

Shamsur Rahman missed out on his maiden century, but his contribution, particularly in the absence of the ill Tamim Iqbal, was valuable. He started off briskly with Ziaur Rahman, as the new opening pair

added 50 in the seventh over. Ziaur acted as a pinchhitter, hammering two sixes and two fours in his 22 before getting out in the eighth over.

But that didn’t stop Shamsur from going after the bowlers, hammering Mitchell McClenaghan for two sixes in one over. He and Mominul Haque added another quick 65 runs in 11 overs to maintain the pace of the chase. Mominul, however, fell to a soft dismissal to Anton Devcich, for 32 off

33. Earlier it was Taylor’s hundred that gave New Zealand much-needed impetus, mainly in the last ten overs. After he had added 130 runs for the fourth wicket with Colin Munro, he made sure he took full advantage of Bangladesh’s pace bowling in the slog overs, one of their biggest weaknesses. In the last five overs, Bangladesh conceded 73 runs, after they added just 25 between the 40th and 45th over. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand innings

A Devcich c A Razzak

b Mahmudullah 46

T Latham c †M Rahim

b R Hossain 43

G Elliott c S Gazi b A Razzak 3

R Taylor not out 107

C Munro c †M Rahim

b Mahmudullah 85

C Anderson c Z Rahman b Sohag Gazi 1

L Ronchi† not out 13

Extras: (lb 3, w 6) 9

Total: (5 wkts, 50 overs) 307

Fall of wickets: 1-66, 2-82, 3-101, 4-231, 5-232

Bowling: M Mortaza 8-073-0, R Hossain 6-0-38-1, S Gazi 10-0-67-1, A Razzak 9-0-57-1, N Hossain 10-1-330, Mahmudullah 7-0-36-2

Bangladesh innings

S Rahman c †Ronchi b Anderson 96 Z Rahman c Milne b McClenaghan 22

Mominul Haque c & b Devcich 32 Mushfiqur Rahim*† c Taylor b McCullum 2

Naeem Islam run out (McClenaghan/†Ronchi) 63 Nasir Hossain not out 44 Mahmudullah c †Ronchi b McClenaghan 16

Sohag Gazi not out 11

Extras: (b 4, lb 3, w 9, nb 7) 23

Total: (6 wkts, 49.2 overs) 309

Fall of wickets: 1-61, 2-126, 3-129, 4-204, 5-254, 6-289

Bowling: K Mills 8-1-55-0, A Milne 7-0-46-0, M McClenaghan

9.2-0-65-2, C Anderson 100-56-1, N McCullum 8-044-1, A Devcich 7-0-36-1

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel dominated the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to seal his seventh consecutive victory on Sunday.

Vettel, already world champion, led every lap as he beat his Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber, Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg and Lotus’s Romain Grosjean.

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso enlivened the closing laps with a late charge to take fifth from Force India’s Paul Di Resta and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

The Spaniard was later cleared by stewards for passing off the track.

Alonso’s late progress was one of a number of scraps through the race for the lower positions, but it all took place behind Vettel, who was in total control once he had beaten Webber into the first corner.

The Australian had beaten his team-mate to pole position on Saturday but Vettel made a slightly better start, led into the first corner and drove off into the distance.

“The car was absolutely brilliant. Not much more to say. Massive gaps, big surprise,” said Vettel.

He made his first stop several laps later than Webber, Rosberg and Grosjean, which meant he could come in for tyres for the first time on lap 14 and rejoin without losing the lead.

Webber’s hopes of challenging Vettel were ended when he was passed by Rosberg at the first corner. Unable to pass the Mercedes during the first stint, Webber was further delayed when he came out behind Adrian Sutil’s Force India following his first pit stop on lap eight. By the time he had cleared Sutil and further traffic in front of him and passed Rosberg for second place on lap 20, Webber was 27 seconds behind Vettel and the race was long over.

“The start wasn’t great,” said Webber. “Nico’s was unbelievable, Seb’s was a bit better. Anyway I wasn’t strong enough on the soft tyres [in the first stint].

“Seb got a very good gap, I had to reposition on the primes. Seb was gone. In another category out front.” It was Vettel’s 11th win this season, equalling his tally from his second championship-winning season in 2011. (BBC Sport)

Willburgh steers Kortheberaadt Seventh Day Adventist to playoffs

ortheberaadt

KSeventh Day Adventist defeated Edinburg in their final Zone E (East Bank Berbice) preliminary match to emerge unbeaten and winners of that zone for the playoff stage of the New Building Society Second Division 40Over cricket competition in Berbice.

After Edinburg had posted 170 for 9 in 35 overs, the Seventh Day team in their reply were struggling at 10 for 3 but with Philbert Willburgh slamming 73 not out (5x4, 3x6), and Quincy DeVelde, 40, they managed to still win by five wickets.

Also advancing were No. 70 MYO, who defeated No. 69 Red Rose to win Zone N (Upper Corentyne/Central).

After posting 129 for 8 in 20 overs, MYO offspinners Mahmood Khan took 4 for 23 and Jameel Azad, 3 for 26, helped to bowl out Red Rose for 119.

Geeraish DeJees slammed 91 (7x4, 6x6) to steer Overwinning Bible Church to 204 for 7 in 30 overs against Flying Star. He came back with the ball and took 3 for 30, which together with 4 for 38 from Shazam Azeez, saw Flying

Star being bowled out for 142 in reply.

Medium-pacer Devendra Persaud of Young and Restless of Reliance Abandon took 5 for 26 but that could not save his team from going down by 64 runs to Canefield. Viendra Gooniah of No. 68 Turn Team was the other batsman to score a half-century.

In scores from the matches played:

At Edinburg, Kortheberaadt Seventh Day Adventist beat Edinburg by 5 wickets. Edinburg 170 for 9 in 35 overs with Tameshwar Ramdeen 42, Zaheer Hussain 26 and Andy Ramkissoon 3 for 29. Kortheberaadt Seventh Day Adventist 172 for 5 in 27.2 overs with Philbert Willburgh 72 not out, Quincy DeVelde 40 and Carl Campbell 36.

At No.69, No.70 M.Y.O beat No.69 Red Rose by 10 runs. No.70 M.Y.O 129 for 8 in 20 overs with Jameel Azad 41 and Niazi Khan 26. No.69 Red Rose 119 in 18.4 overs with Mahmood Khan 4 for 23, Jameel Azad 3 for 26 and Niazi Khan 2 for 12.

At Kortheberaadt, Overwinning Bible Church

Norman Singh Memorial Second Division Cricket Competition…

Sookra’s knock puts D’Edward into third round

The Norman Singh Memorial Second Division 20-over knockout cricket competition for teams in West Berbice continued recently with opening batsman, Lakeraj Sookra, registering the highest score of the competition when he slammed 93 for D’Edward against Shieldstown.

After Shieldstown had posted a fairly challenging 140 for 5 in their 20 overs, 66 of which came from Kumar Bridgelall in an opening stand of 65 with

Omesh Arjune (15) and then 70 for the second wicket with Devendra Lalsa (21 not out), spearheaded D’Edward to victory with 4.4 overs to spare. His knock included eight fours and nine sixes. Bath also advanced to the third round after they had an easy six-wicket win over Rainbow Generation, thanks to Ravi Gossai’s 53 not out.

In summarised scores:

At D’Edward, D’Edward beat Shieldstown by 8 wickets. Shieldstown 140 for 5 in 20 overs with Kumar Bridgelall 66 not out, Heeralall Bridgelall 31 and Devendra Lalsa 2 for 22. D’Edward 141 for 2 in 15.2 overs with Lakeraj Sookra 93 and Devendra Lalsa 21 not out.

At Bath, Bath beat Rainbow Generation by 6 wickets. Rainbow Generation 102 in 13.4 overs with Wayne Fraser 27, Narvin Ramnauth 2 for 15, Hardat Tarson 2 for 17 and Parmesh Ramjattan 2 for 26. Bath 105 for 4 in 18.5 overs with Ravi Gossai 53 not out and Wayne Fraser 2 for 10.

beat Flying Star by 62 runs. Overwinning Bible Church 204 for 7 in 30 overs with Geeraish DeJees 91, Shazam Azeez 32, David Durant 2 for 23 and Gershon

Barron 2 for 28. Flying Star 142 in 20 overs with Shazam Azeez 4 for 38 and Geeraish DeJees 3 for 30.

At Rose Hall in Canje, Canefield beat Young

and Restless by 64 runs. Canefield 164 in 30 overs with Yudesh Emrit 25, Devendra Persaud 5 for 26 and Amrit Thomby 2 for 27. Young and Restless 100 in 21 overs with Leon Sunthgolam 4 for 20, Ameer Budhoo 2 for 14 and Khemraj Sumair 2 for 33.

At No.69, No.69 Vikings beat No.64 Fighting Marines by 3 wickets. No.64 Fighting Marines 115 for 7 in 20 overs with Jason Itwaru 33, Trevor Thomas 28, Anil Bramdat 4 for 29 and Tulsi Narinedat 2 for 18. No.69 Vikings 116 for 7 in 18.4 overs.

At No.63, No.68 Turn Team beat No.64 Fighting Marines by 37 runs. No.68 Turn Team 164 in 29.3 overs with Viendra Gooniah 67, Sean Persaud 4 for 29 and Vedanand Sugrim 2 for 29.

No.64 Fighting Marines 127 in 30 overs with Trevor Thomas 38 and Viendra Gooniah 3 for 25. At D’Edward, Blairmont Community Centre A beat D’Edward by 6 runs. Blairmont Community Centre A 150 for 7 in 35 overs with Nick Ramsaroop 29 and Derick Lalsa 2 for 13. D’Edward 144 for 9 in 35 overs with Derick Narine-Lalsa 40 and Ryan Sutherland 2 for 22.

At Bath, Bath beat Sundown by 2 runs. Bath 137 in 23 overs with Ravi Gossai 28, Anil Balkarran 25, Sohail Saffee 4 for 15, Permaul Singh 2 for 15 and Fazir Ahmad 2 for 28. Sundown 135 in 29.3 overs with Fiaz Gafoor 40, Shawn Kadim 3 for 16, Vinod Ramjattan 3 for 25 and Ravi Gossai 2 for 15.

Drag Warz winners crowned

– Jiwanram, Persaud and Ramchand share spoils

Winners of last week

Sunday’s Banks

DIH/Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club Drag Wars received their prizes during a presentation ceremony at the club’s facility, Albert Street and Thomas Lands, on Friday evening.

Among the recipients who collected trophies and cash incentives were Richard Hamid (Toyota Corolla AE110), who claimed the top spot in the 15-Second Class, and Davendra Ramroop (Nissan Sunny) in the 14s Class. The 13-Second event was won by Kevin Bachan (Toyota Corolla AE100) while Paul Jiwanram held his nerve for a win in his Porsche Boxter in the 12-second Class; the 11-Second Class was shelved due to bad light however, the prize money was shared.

The prize for the Fastest Reaction Time was awarded to Mucho Jaggernauth

(Toyota Corolla AE91) with a time of 0.037s while commendations were given to

Romaine Henry (Toyota Celica) - 0.039 seconds and Sharima Khan (Toyota Corolla NZE) - 0.077 seconds.

Meanwhile Shawn Persaud (Toyota Carina 192) copped a trophy for the highest speed, clocking up to 111mph while Anand Ramchand (Mitsubishi Evolution) clocked 107mph and Hamid Ramlagan, 101mph.

However, Ramchand would return to post the fastest time of the day - 9.820s ahead of Adrian Fernandes (Toyota Celica), 10.593s while Shawn Persaud clocked 10.820ss over the 1000 feet.

On the other hand, the day’s sponsors were Banks DIH Limited, GT&T, NCN, HJTV, Kaylee’s Service Station, Ramchand’s Wrecker and Trophy Stall.

Police fire first shot of ISAC with 10k relay win

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) started their Inter-Service Athletics Championships (ISAC) on a high note by winning the 10k road relay on Sunday morning.

The event that started at the Police Training School, Eve Leary, headed to the University of Guyana (UG) main access road before returning and finishing at the Police Mess Hall. The five-member team of Kevin Bayley (2km), Dennis Horatio (2km), Nathaniel Giddings (3km), John Johnson (2km) and Jonella Jonas (1km) clocked 34 minutes, 17 seconds to win the event.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was a close second in a time of 34 minutes, 26 seconds while the Guyana Fire Service took third in a time of 45 minutes, 32 seconds. City Constabulary brought up the rear in 47 minutes, 47 seconds.

The event marked the beginning of the ISAC, also known as the “Joint Services Sports” and the GPF will now be heading into the track and field championships ahead on the points table on November 12 at the Camp Ayanganna ground.

Kishore makes stunning comeback to clinch Guyana Open title

– Sukhram remains queen of the fairway

By Avenash Ramzan

Eighteen-year-old

Avinda Kishore made a stunning comeback on the final day to clinch top honours in the Championship Flight (0-9 handicap) on Sunday when the Digicel Guyana Open golf tournament concluded at the Lusignan Golf Course, East Coast Demerara.

The indomitable Christine Sukhram maintained her stranglehold on the Ladies Flight (0-36), landing her eighth consecutive Guyana Open title, while Roy Cummings and Esau Shamshudin won the B Flight (10-18) and C Flight (19-28) respectively.

At the end of the first day on Saturday, 18-yearold Kishore was nowhere in the reckoning, as his brother and defending champion Avinash Persaud and New York’s Jaipaul Suknanan shared the top spot on gross

held his nerves to win by the slim margin of two shots. He finished with gross 151, while Prashad took second spot ahead of Persaud on a countback after both ended with gross 152.

Prashad had the best net (137) in the Championship Flight, with Mangal (138) and Kishore (141) occupying second and third respectively.

Meanwhile, the 24-yearold Sukhram was unstoppable in the Ladies’ flight, carting off yet another title she has made her own since 2006. She had a net 136, winning by quite a distance from Shanella Webster (144) and Joann Deo (150). Sukhram also recorded the best gross of 156, leaving Deo (194) and Webster (210) to settle for second and third respectively.

In the B Flight, Cummings managed gross 162 to win ahead of Lakram Ramsundar (170) and Colin

75 and Mike Mangal next with gross 76.

However, “Ganguly”, as Kishore is popularly known, played brilliantly on the final day to cop his maiden Guyana Open title with Suknanan and Mangal failing to build on their momentum from the opening day.

The championship came down to a three-way battle among Kishore, Persaud and Patrick Prashad, but it was the young Kishore, who

Ming (173). Cummings also had the best net (140), with Jerome Khan (142) and Mike Guyadin (142) rounding out the top three.

Shamshudin copped the C Flight on a countback against K.M. Chung of Suriname. Both ended with gross 187, while Paton George took third.

George had the best net of 147, with Shamshudin again pipping Chung for second spot after both ended

with the Guyana Open trophies and the Digicel Red Jacket.

Apart from receiving one year free membership from the LGC, the two champions were rewarded for their efforts by fellow villager Lakram Ramsundar, who has committed to sponsoring the airfare for Kishore to play in any Open tournament overseas, while Sukhram received a cash award.

The Lusignan Golf Club also used the opportunity to induct former Guyana and West Indies batsman and cricket administrator, Joe Solomon, as a life member of the club. At 84, Solomon was the oldest player to participate in the two-day tournament.

with 149.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, Kishore and Sukhram, both of Lusignan, were presented

Speaking on behalf of Digicel, Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James, expressed her company’s delight to partner with the Lusignan Golf Club for the first time sponsoring the

Guyana Open. She made a commitment to the 2014 tournament, noting that Digicel is enthused by the high number of young players who competed in the championship. The tourna-