Guyana Times Daily

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

The death sentence

Over the weekend, the acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Leroy Brumell addressed residents of MetenMeer-Zorg following the murder of one of its young residents, Zulficar Namdar, and the later ambush of the gang that had committed the outrage. Responding to a call from a resident, the CoP said he agreed that there should be a mandatory death sentence for murderers.

Back in October 2010, reacting to local and international pressures, Guyana had amended its laws to allow mandatory death sentences only for the murder of law enforcement officials.

The reaction of the CoP and the residents illustrates the vast gap that exists between ordinary citizens and even law enforcement officials on one hand, and the official position of the country on the question of the death sentence for the crime of murder.

It also illustrates the increasing influence international human rights organisations have on dictating policies of smaller states that vitiate the fundamental principle of making decisions that affect citizens only with their consent. In a words, through trampling on their democratic rights.

While there has not been any structured polling of Guyanese on the issue, in countrywide consultations held before the repeal on our legislation of the mandatory death sentence, the support for the old status quo was overwhelming. Yet the laws were changed. Over in Trinidad and Tobago, with population demographics and a murder rate almost identical to ours, there was a survey on the question conducted the year after Guyana revoked its mandatory death penalty.

Entitled, “Public opinion on the mandatory death penalty in Trinidad: A Report to the death penalty project and the rights advocacy project of the University of the West Indies Faculty of Law, 2011”, the findings are instructive for our present situation. TT and Barbados are the only two Caribbean jurisdictions that retain the mandatory death sentence. The report was the third publication by Professor Roger Hood and Dr Florence Seemungal in recent years.

The first surveyed and provided an analysis of the kinds of murder that were committed in TT between 1998 and 2002, which resulted in a conviction for murder and a mandatory death sentence. The second, in 2009, successfully obtained the views of those intimately involved in the criminal justice process with regard to the use of the mandatory death penalty and showed very little support among them for its retention.

The latter finding is very instructive and suggests why the laws might have been changed even though ordinary citizens thought otherwise. Overall, the new study shows clearly that the issue should not be presented, as it has been, as a choice only between “mandatory death penalty” and “no death penalty”. There is the choice of “discretionary death penalty”.

“The main reason given for regarding the death penalty as the appropriate punishment for murder in the scenarios put to them was the need for retribution: that the offender deserved to be put to death….Overall, a large majority of those interviewed (63 per cent) favoured a discretionary death penalty, that is, one imposed by a judge after considering the individual circumstances of the offence and the offender. Those favouring a discretionary system did so largely either because they recognised that not all who commit murder deserve to die or they wanted to reserve it for the most gruesome murders. This suggests that they would be unlikely to favour a mandatory system even for a smaller class of murders defined rigidly by statute, such as those involved in the commission of a violent felony.”

Only two per cent of the respondents felt that TT should follow other Caribbean jurisdictions and abolish the mandatory death sentence. But on the other hand, nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) said that they would prefer the death penalty to be discretionary so that it could be imposed only after consideration of all the circumstances by a judge. Only nine per cent were opposed to the death penalty per se.

Officialdom in Guyana should take note.

Lights fantastic

Help fight crime

Dear Editor, The police have to really increase their level of vigil. All businesses should be mandated to have surveillance cameras. In a situation where bandits are masked before coming in, I think that the bandit will still have second thoughts. They will have to disguise themselves outside of the immediate environs of the place they want to rob, and they can very well be spotted.

But still, that surveillance gadget will go a long way toward stopping an actual criminal or in helping to nab perpetrators. I cannot understand why business people will not make this move. They end up losing so much; the surveillance device is so affordable.

The aspect of disguising with some type of uniform is something that must now be looked at. Technology allows

for even a badge with a number to be faked. So here is a great dilemma. How do we solve this puzzle?

Honestly, my only thought is that we must have many of our lawmen making more rounds on the road, particularly where businesses are located. Any imposter will not risk coming up against a real police officer. Should this happen, the penalty, if and when nabbed, must be heavy.

What I suggest for citizens is that they get very familiar with the police from their district. Normally it is these officers who will come for any reason. This means that when an unknown man, dressed in police uniform is around, the real officers can be contacted. This crime thing is everybody’s business.

Yours truly, Lorraine Greaves

Take golf a little more seriously

Dear Editor, Local golfing is regaining some momentum. It went dormant for a while. There was a club tournament, and now there is the Annual Courts Golf Tourne. I do know that we have many good golfers in Guyana and I am aware that some of our top golfers are doing well in Trinidad and Tobago and other neighbouring countries. An erstwhile local golfer, now deceased, coached Grenada for quite a while.

The game right now is a little bit too elitist and we have to move away from this,

if it is going to be more widespread. Golf will always be expensive. The actual paraphernalia is very costly. The average man cannot really afford all of this. If a check is made as regards who really are into golf, it will be quickly established that lots of money is a common denominator. Can the game reach the average village boy?

Local clubs must move towards making the game a reality for the many who want to, and have the ability to play. There should be an assigned time for aspirants to

go and have a round or two.

Maybe they can bring their balls, but the club can have available the complete set of clubs for free use.

In appreciation, the beneficiaries, I am sure, will give some time back to the club, say maybe when there is a clearing of the area exercise, or even in helping in actual preparation of the course for tournaments.

The other thing I will like to see is more coverage via radio and television and I do not mean some after the fact report 24 hours later. The cover-

age can be just a few minutes before actual play, a mid-play (after the first nine), and then an end of the day tournament. The reporter does not even have to go to Lusignan. He can get all the information by just making a call. Golf is an international sporting event, and many tourists love a round or two while on holiday. This is something for the relevant authorities to think about, particularly those in sports and tourism.

Regards, Patrick Seepersaud

Unfair treatment at a security company

Dear Editor, Please allow me a space in your newspaper to talk about the unfair treatment by our employer, a security service company. I am currently employed with a security firm. I have been employed with this firm for about four years now. My issues with the company are working hours and salary. In a meeting involving the owner and the security guards on August 4, he addressed

us and told us our hourly rate would increase to $203 per hour, since the Labour Ministry had addressed this issue recently. However, as of August 13, our salaries have not been raised. The salary ranges from $90-$120 per hour, no more or no less. The hourly rate is not fixed despite addressing us about it in the meeting held. In addition, the locations we work have differ-

ent hourly rates. Working hours are a basic 12-hour per day. We start a shift from 07:00h to 19:00h. Unfortunately we are being released sometimes until after 21:00h and do not receive any payment for extra hours stayed on the location. We would like to make it known that the owner has not paid us for the period of November 15 to December 31, 2009. When we ask about this,

he is unable to provide any favourable response to date. Because of our need for employment, it does not mean we have to be underpaid. Whatever location we guard, we do it to the best of our abilities and we would expect to be treated with the same respect by our employer.

Yours sincerely, Underpaid

The CJIA expansion project must go ahead

Dear Editor,

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project will be going ahead as planned. This is the kind of spirit we need in Guyana. We have been stagnated for such a long time that many people just cannot get out of their inertia. Guyana has changed over the last decade. As a boy, the sight of an aircraft used to fascinate me. Now it is the norm. I remember too, airport visits used to be quite novel – now it is a hassle.

We all know that the political opposition voted down the entire transport section budgetary allocation of

$5.6 billion for the Public Works Ministry. What this now means is more duress for areas such as the Ogle International Airport expansion project, the purchasing of key equipment for the CJIA and the CJIA expansion project, along with repairs and maintenance to hinterland airstrips that would be adversely affected. In this point of air travel, gone are the days when Ogle used to be remote and agrarian. The place is just like any other airport, just teeming with activities.

It was reported that the transport minister indicated that there is some mon-

ey from last year’s $20 million that was approved and advanced by the National Assembly. The minister also explained that the project, in many ways has started – the contractor is on the ground and loads of equipment are already arriving. How can we stop now or even wait?

It is vital that Guyana’s capacity to accommodate larger categories of aircraft be on board. This will result in the country’s potential as a hub for flights to and from North and South America and further afield.

Yours sincerely,

Rajendra Paul

The Enmore Packaging Plant

Dear Editor, Misinformation is a tactic employed by many people who are hostile towards ruling anything. I see this all the time, and so it is not surprising that this is evident yet again – this time, it is concerning the Enmore Packaging Plant.

Some people are just too eager to criticise. Progress comes with a few obstacles and it is folly to abandon too quickly. The Indian company, Surendra Engineering Corporation, delivered as promised, to Guyana, a plant that functions in accordance with the design. That does not guarantee 100 per cent efficiency. Things like mechanical glitches, labour issues, and yields can affect expected output.

For example, it is com-

mon knowledge that the Enmore Packaging Plant worked all of last year and throughout the first and second crop of this year. However, it has not produced the 40,000-50,000 tonnes of sugar. Why was this the case? It is simply because of low production, and not because of any malfunction with the facility.

Guyana’s sugar is exported to Europe, North America and the Caribbean and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) prefers to export packaged instead of bulk sugar. This is the way to go. In being able to do this, the workers will benefit instantly and directly. No ifs and buts here. They need to see how important they are. It is time to move away from exporting bulk sugar.

So our planters and harvesters must up the ante.

Also, workers must understand what investment really means. GuySuCo is paid immediately after the bulk sugar is loaded on ships, whereas for packaged sugar, payment is made upon delivery, but the deal is better.

I firmly believe that Enmore was a good decision and we must stick with it. The present plan is to surpass the second crop target of 155,000 tonnes. If it does not happen, the effort must still be there.

This packaging facility is all about a vision for corporate development.

Yours truly, Satesh Ramjattan

“Jazz by the Sea Wall” was well received

Dear Editor,

The “Jazz by the Sea Wall” session put on by the U.S. ambassador to Guyana, in collaboration with the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, was no doubt a big success given the reception it received by those who attended.

Many people are forgetting the role of jazz in the lives of the Afro American people. Jazz in many ways subverted Euro-Western classical music. In fact, by the early 20th century, many white folks turn to full-scale jazz. Here in Guyana, we use the term outside of music, as slang

talk for animation and enthusiasm.

The night, however, made a lot of people stop and think. In fact, according to the U.S. ambassador, despite the U.S. struggles currently and in the past with issues of race, jazz mu-

sic offers a means to supersede traditional categories of thinking and to point the way forward to a better, fairer and more perfect America.

Yours respectfully, Leonard Stewart

1823 monument shows PPP/C’s respect

Dear Editor,

A cultural icon is a symbol with various meanings, and it may represent an epoch, an area, a belief, a culture, a country or a city. The Coalition for the 1823 Parade Ground Monument recently held a “Remembrance Walk/ Freedom Walk” in honour of the 1823 martyrs. The walk signalled its determination to build a monument to the martyrs at Parade Ground in Georgetown.

Now my question is, why was there never a thought of doing such a thing, that is, to build a monument, during the administration of the People’s National Congress (PNC)?

The cry therefore of “our ancestors fought for it, PPP/C must respect it” is totally negated by the very fact that this administration, by going ahead and completing this project, shows great respect. I see this kind of action by the group as very incendiary and provoking. It is needless.

The coalition is pushing mere sophistry with the idea that Le Ressouvenir, from where the march stared, is the location where the fight for freedom by slaves started and that the Parade Ground is the location where the revolutionaries were executed, following mock trials –hence the coalition’s reason to build the 1823 monument at the Parade Ground.

It is insisting that those in authority respect the rights of all ethno-cultural groups in Guyana. Again, if the PPP/C did not come up with the idea and fulfilled

the plan to actually do something in this regard, I guess that there would not have been any such walk of protest. This is like practical carping.

Please note that this group was formed late last year after government announced its intention to have the monument on Sea wall Road and not Parade Ground, where the slaves were hanged and where many African groups, including the African Cultural and Development

Association (ACDA), felt it should be built. However, government went ahead with the $26 million monument at the sea wall and it was commissioned.

I suggest to this group that their members should focus on other things – education, lifestyle and investment. Life success is about looking forward and not backward.

Yours faithfully, Delroy McIntyre

tuesday, september 24, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

Pork-knocker sentenced to three years imprisonment

Apork-knocker was on Monday sentenced to three years imprisonment by Magistrate Judy Latchman after he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

George Duncan of Lot 17 Cane Street, Meadow Brook, Georgetown, was found guilty of possession of 30 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking last Wednesday.

Duncan made his first court appearance on August 16 before Magistrate Ann McLennan where he plead-

ed not guilty to the charge which stated that on August 16 at Lot 5 Meadow Brook, he had in his possession 30 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. He maintained his innocence for the entire trial which lasted a few weeks.

Magistrate Latchman considered the quantum of the drugs mentioned in the charge and the prevalence of drug related crimes before she made her ruling. She fined him $48,210 along with three years imprisonment.

Eyew tness

Right to defend...

...one’s community

The Eyewitness would like to acknowledge that he often gives out some brickbats (well a lot, actually) but he’s not averse to handing out bouquets – when they’re appropriate. He’s rapped the acting commissioner of police (CoP) for making some inappropriate statements – citizens should “not hit the panic button”, among others. But last Sunday, the CoP showed he’s re-found the pulse of the people and, more importantly, the pulse of law enforcement.

Speaking to a full house in the West Demerara community of Meten-Meer-Zorg – scene of the shoot-out with the bandits who’d snuffed out the life of young Zulfikar “Vicky” Namdar, the CoP hit all the right notes. Right off the bat he bluntly supported the position that when it comes to murderers who’d been properly convicted – let’s hang them high! Enough of all the whining by the bleeding hearts from the international community and their native informants: we have to deal with our reality the way we know how. How come they haven’t been making noises that Saudi Arabia routinely conducts public beheadings of murderers every year? Do we have to start pumping oil off the Corentyne Coast before we’re allowed to impose our notions of justice? The fact of the matter is that Guyanese of all stripes and persuasions – except the aforementioned bleeding hearts wannabes – support the death penalty for murders of a certain type. Like the murder of Vicky for instance. There was no reason for him to be shot... he was just about to hand over the contents of his cash register.

The CoP also hit the spot when he reminded licensed gun holders in our communities that they weren’t given guns just for their personal protection. They’re supposed to look out for the rest of their community. In fact, it’s sad that the CoP had to remind these individuals of their duty. Isn’t that implicit in the very definition of a “community”?

The CoP is right: we can have all the police in the world, but ultimately, we have to be prepared to defend ourselves, our families and our communities.

A person’s home is his castle and he must defend the sanctity of that castle. But we’d like to remind the CoP that he has to pass on this message to the members of his Guyana Police Force (GPF). Only last week in the neighbouring village of Tuschen, when the local community group pursued some bandits, the police apprehended the vigilant citizens rather than the crooks.

Ditto on the local policing groups. The GPF must accept that they need partners in the fight against crime.

...profits

There’s a very nasty campaign being waged by Suspenders Ram and the rest of the opposition on the making of profits. They’re undermining the only basis on which this country can ever progress. For two decades, we’ve tried the other method where we were supposed to “cooperate” and “get according to our needs and give according to our abilities”. It didn’t work and we were left bankrupt. Russia tried it for 70 years and they also failed ignominiously.

So why are these people knocking the profit motive? Just to pit Guyanese against Guyanese hoping to get their hands on power – and the money – while we’re all distracted . Profits are the only motives that move people to sustained work and creativity.

...investments

We hear about somebody having to put up US$8 million “equity” and having a majority share in a US$52 million Marriott Hotel. As this is somehow innately “wrong” and illegal. But isn’t this the way all businesses are financed nowadays? No one ever plunks down 100 per cent of what it takes to establish a business. You put down some equity and you borrow the rest (loans). The critics don’t ever mention that it’s the responsibility of the equity holders to pay off the loans!

There are no free lunches in investing. Excepting for bookkeepers who invest nothing and collect millions in fees.

Caribbean making big strides in fighting HIV/AIDS – UNAIDS

UNAIDS on Monday reported that the Caribbean has made significant progress towards meeting several targets that were set to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS.

According to a UNAIDS report, in 2000, the global community agreed to work towards meeting several health and development objectives by 2015.

Through Millennium Development Goal (MDG) six, countries aimed to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as to achieve universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS for all those who need it.

Ten 2015 targets were also set by United Nations member states in the 2011 UN Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS.

These include reducing sexual transmission, eliminating new infections in children, increasing treatment access, eliminating gender inequalities, eliminating stigma and discrimination, and closing the resource gap for HIV.

New infections

According to UNAIDS, the annual number of new infections continues to decline. In fact, the Caribbean has experienced the sharpest reduction in new infections since 2001 (49 per cent).

“Caribbean coverage of services to prevent HIV transmission from pregnant women to their children is among the highest in the world at more than 90 per cent.

Additionally, the region continues to have one of the

highest rates of antiretroviral treatment coverage (72 per cent). However, in order to accelerate progress to 2015 and beyond, certain issues require urgent attention,” the UNAIDS report stated.

The report finds that progress has been slow in ensuring the respect of human rights, securing access to HIV services for people most at risk infection and in preventing violence against women and girls – a key factor in vulnerability to HIV.

Gender inequality, punitive laws, and discriminatory actions are continuing to hamper national responses to HIV and concerted efforts are needed to address these persistent obstacles to the scaleup of HIV services for people most in need.

“We can get to zero new cases of HIV, zero AIDSrelated deaths and zero stigma and discrimination, if we learn to talk about sex and sexuality and refuse

to discriminate because of difference,” said UNAIDS Caribbean Regional Support Team Director, Dr Ernest Massiah.

Another key challenge is how prevention, care, and treatment services will be funded in the future, given widespread slowdowns in economic growth and an overall reduction in donor funding. The report stated that concerted efforts are needed to address these persistent obstacles.

Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, The Dominican Republic, Guyana, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines are among the countries with high dependency on external financing for treatment.

Dramatic acceleration UNAIDS said as world leaders prepare to meet at the UN General Assembly to review progress towards the MDGs, its new report shows dramatic acceleration towards 2015 global targets on HIV.

In 2012, an estimated 35.3 million people globally were living with HIV. New HIV infections were estimated at 2.3 million in 2012, a 33 per cent reduction since 2001. New HIV infections among children have been reduced to 260,000 in 2012, a reduction of 52 per cent since 2001. AIDS-related deaths have also dropped by 30 per cent since the peak in 2005 as access to antiretroviral treatment expands.

By the end of 2012, some 9.7 million people in low- and

middle-income countries were accessing antiretroviral therapy, an increase of nearly 20 per cent in just one year. In 2011, UN member states agreed to a 2015 target of 15 million people accessing HIV treatment.

However, as countries scaled up their treatment coverage and as new evidence emerged showing the HIV prevention benefits of antiretroviral therapy, the World Health Organisation (WHO) set new HIV treatment guidelines, expanding the total number of people estimated to be in need of treatment by more than 10 million.

Go beyond

“Not only can we meet the 2015 target of 15 million people on HIV treatment – we must also go beyond and have the vision and commitment to ensure no one is left behind,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS.

Significant results have also been achieved towards meeting the needs of tuberculosis (TB) patients living with HIV, as TB-related deaths among people living with HIV have declined by 36 per cent since 2004.

Despite a flattening in donor funding for HIV, which has remained around the same as 2008 levels, domestic spending has increased, accounting for 53 per cent of resources in 2012.

The total global resources available for HIV in 2012 was estimated at US$ 18.9 billion, US$ 3-5 billion short of the US$ 22-24 billion estimated to be needed annually by 2015.

IDB study zeroes in on bicycle transportation in Caribbean

Six of 11 cities polled for a new study on cycling use in Latin America have either launched or plan to implement bike share programmes, underscoring the growing popularity of cycling as a transportation choice in the region.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) worked with a team of students from American University in Washington, DC, to investigate the scope of bicycle-friendly infrastructure, policy and activism in some of the region’s largest cities.

They also studied a sampling of fast-growing intermediate-sized urban centres that are participating in the IDB’s Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative.

Between 0.4 per cent and 10 per cent of the population uses the bicycle as their primary mode of transportation in the sampled cities.

In intermediate-sized cities, total daily bike trips averaged between nearly 2000 and 48,000. The daily average ranged from 84,000 to one million trips a day in the region’s

largest cities, with Mexico City leading with the most daily trips.

The biciudades 2013 study found that cities have limited cycling infrastructure but are nonetheless looking to promote this alternative.

However, public sentiment toward cycling is mixed. While many praise its benefits, bicycles are seen by some as a symbol of low socioeconomic status, and there are concerns about safety and fear of theft, among others.

Community level

The study identified a strong and growing push at a community level to make cities more bicycle-friendly.

In Bucaramanga, Colombia, the group Ciclaramanga has mobilised more than 7500 people in group rides and in Montevideo, Uruguay, Gente en Bici and Ciclovida Urbana gathered over 10,400 signatures to petition the government for more cycling infrastructure.

In addition, the report highlights several innovative

initiatives to get around limited infrastructure.

Many cities have found solutions in temporary programmes called ciclorecreovías, or recreational bike paths which, although temporary, provide space for cycling on the weekends and in some cases, weeknights.

Membership fees

The ASCOBIKE parking facility outside of São Paulo houses over 1700 bicycles a day, a community-driven project that is managed from monthly membership fees.

The American University team contacted officials and pro-cycling community groups in 24 cities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Bogotá (Colombia) leads Latin American cities with 376 kilometres of total bike lanes, while Cochabamba (Bolivia) and Montevideo (Uruguay) lead the intermediate-sized cities.

The 11 cities polled were Asunción (Paraguay), Cochabamba, Cuenca (Ecuador), La Paz, Baja

California (Mexico), Manizales (Colombian), Montego Bay (Jamaica), Montevideo, Bogotá, Buenos Aires (Argentina), Lima (Peru) and Mexico City. Of these, six reported they had implemented or were planning bike share programmes: Mexico City, Lima, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Montevideo and Cuenca.

In addition, the report contains data on 13 more cities. Of this larger sample, three cities either have or plan bike share programmes: Santiago (Chile), São Paulo and Goiania (Brazil).

A biciudades social media campaign has been launched alongside the report to offer a platform to connect efforts throughout the region and help drive momentum forward in the development of pro-cycling environments.

In addition, the IDB is taking the results of this preliminary analysis to further develop the scope of the indicators and sample to conduct a second, more in-depth study of bike friendliness next year.

Pot tellin kettle he bottom black

Ever since God mek man and woman, human beings start to blame one another. That is why de good book seh people must tek de beam outta dem own eye before dem can see good fuh tek de mote outta other people eye. In de Garden of Eden, Adam eat de apple and he blame Eve fuh pickin it. But Eve nevah hold Adam mouth and squeeze he mouth fuh bite de apple.

De other day a Canadian wasn’t seein good. She come to Guyana and de sun was too bright fuh she. She almost get blind when she land at Timehri. And on top of that, she come wid a old eye problem that plenty Canadians and Americans have – she had a big beam in she eye.

Even if she didn’t believe in de good book, she coulda go and see a eye specialist. Dem woulda tek out de beam and give she sun glasses fuh Guyana sun. She come till to Guyana and see corruption, but she couldn’t see corruption in Canada, which is higher than Guyana in de corruption list.

But Guyana got people like that too. Guyana got it own Adam like de one who point finger at Eve in de Garden of Eden. Guyana Adam quick fuh point finger too. Guyana Adam is a leff-leff soup drinker who callin other people soup drinker. When people use the phrase soup drinker, Adam name does come to mind.

Guyana Adam drink so much leff-leff soup that even he belt does can’t buckle. Guyana Adam does bend down, but he can’t reach fuh tie he own shoe lace, all because of leffleff soup. Plus he can’t see certain tings whah deh below he belly. Guyana Adam bottom black and he tellin people how dem bottom black, just like whah pot tell de kettle.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Guyana Adam been drinkin leff-leff soup since Burn Ham and Height Man days. Then he drink more soup at Slime News. Now he drinking de mud paper man soup. Guyana Adam drink so much soup that he now talkin sheer poop!

Self-bail granted to bar owner

The owner of Seeta’s Bar, Seeta Gursahai, appeared yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and pleaded not guilty to a charge of throwing missiles at Sunil Persaud near her business place on Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Th charge states that, on September 7, Gursahai, of Lot 6 Station Street Kitty threw missiles to the annoyance and danger of Persaud. She pleaded not guilty to the charge.

On the day in question,

unknown persons were fighting infront of the bar and had caused traffic congestion.

The complainant, Persaud, reportedly began to video the commotion which resulted in the proprietress of Seeta’s Bar allegedly attacking him.

The matter was reported and she was subsequently charged with the offence.

Gursahai was placed on her own recognisance and was bonded to keep the peace pending the outcome of the matter. The case was transferred to court six for September 30.

Labourer on bail for break and enter

Alvin Archer, a labourer of Lot 136 Alexander Street, Kitty, Georgetown was on Monday granted bail after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a break and enter with larceny charge.

Archer pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on September 11 at Princes Street, Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Rosemary London stealing a BlackBerry cellphone, four jerseys and two pairs of boots; valuing a total of $60,000.

According to Prosecutor

Bharat Mangru, London secured her home and went to a pet shop on Sheriff Street. Upon her return, she noticed the lock on her door was broken.

Making several checks, she found that the items mentioned in the charge missing. A report was made and he was subsequently arrested and charged. He admitted to committing the offence and was cautioned.

There were no objections to bail put forward by the prosecution and Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry granted bail in the sum of $100,000.

Teachers get tips on how to take control of classrooms

Four-year-old in coma after Cotton Tree accident

Teachers in Georgetown last week were enlightened about tactics to keep control of their classrooms and enhance their students’ learning ability during a forum organised by the Education Ministry at St Stanislaus College.

Delivering the presentation was lecturer at the University of Guyana (UG), Professor William Kellman, who said that “teaching, learning, and assessment” form a triangle of tools that can be used to strengthen ethics within a classroom.

Kellman said a teacher standing in front of a classroom can make or break students, so he or she needs to examine his or her weaknesses and improve on them in order to deliver successful teaching.

Interactions with students

Professor Kellman mentioned that one such tool is interactions, so he asked teachers to encourage interactions with students in their classrooms and to involve them in the teaching process.

He noted that “teaching is intimately related to assessment, because if you teach without the students being a part of the teaching process, then they would not learn”.

The professor went on to talk about the “instruments of teaching”, noting that teachers should have a vast understanding of the different types of instruments that will enable them to effectively assess students or garner vital information about their learning skills.

He explained that these instruments will have to be determined by the teacher themselves based upon observation of their students’ performances and attitudes towards learning.

The UG lecturer criticised the methodology used by teachers when assessing children. He noted that assessment is not only “paper and pencil” and while practical tests are important, there are other strategies that can be adapted.

“You can also try oral tests and observation… you need to do things to make them pay attention to you and by using the observational instrument, you can also get information about what students know,” he stated.

Professor Kellman further highlighted the substance of the assessments done by teachers. He said most often teachers assess content – how much of a particular subject a student knows.

He explained that there are so many other things just as important as content that do not get assessed. Kellman pointed out that content changes constantly; hence, teachers need to utilise different forms of teaching.

Teaching concepts

“We have to teach concept which consists of content… you will take the content through your conceptualisation… and with that, you will be able to expand on your concept as oppose to you cramping content, because the content can be outdated quickly, but when you have a concept of what the thing is, you can easily add or erase,” he noted.

The professor stated that nonetheless content is important; as such, teachers need to put it in a con-

textual way so that it can be received by the students easily. He said concept and content teaching are directly linked to intellectual or cognitive development.

“When you are doing content and concept, you can put it in a cognitive way and so that can make the child expand on his or her intellectual capacity,” said Kellman.

Teaching ethics

The professor also spoke about teaching ethics, stating that a teacher holds a very prestigious position; hence, whatever he or she does will impact his or her students.

“You are not a walking encyclopaedia, a teacher has to be a humble person, so if a student asks you something and you don’t know, then tell the student you don’t know, rather than giving them a wrong answer,” he said.

He also spoke briefly about feelings and about psychomotor learning. Professor Kellman stated that while persons tend to think that feelings have nothing to do with learning, they are embedded in everything such as the way a student views a teacher’s teaching skill and similarly, the way a teacher views a student’s learning skills.

GPL warns against garbage disposal near Sophia substation

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc is appealing to the public to desist from dumping and burning garbage along the recently-constructed fairweather access track leading to the new Sophia substation, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

This pathway, located east of the People’s National Congress (PNC) headquarters, Congress Place, Sophia, is the only access track to GPL’s new Sophia substation, a release by the company said. “The compa-

ny cautions that burning garbage within close proximity of the power lines located along the roadway can result in serious consequences, including damage to the utility poles, lines, fibre-optic cables linking GPL systems and the disruption of electricity supply immensely.”

According to GPL, the new Sophia substation is one of the seven being constructed under GPL’s Infrastructure Development Programme, aimed at improving the quality of elec-

tricity being supplied to customers.

As part of the measures taken to deter the public from further engaging in the illegal dumping and burning of garbage within the vicinity of the aforementioned pathway, the company has erected a barrier preventing unauthorised persons, animal-drawn carts, and vehicles from entering the area.

Further, the company is engaging the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to assist in alleviating the problem.

Four-year-old

Varshanie Seelall of Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice is in a coma following an accident on Sunday evening involving a car and a 4Runner on the Cotton Tree Public Road.

The accident occurred about 22:30h. The child was a backseat passenger of motor car PMM 8599, along with her mother, Shamwattie Singh, 55, and as a result of the collision, she received severe head injuries.

She was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital, but owing to her condition, was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Apart from Seelall, her mother and the driver of the car, Hardat Singh, 45, of Lot 82 B Rosignol Village, West Coast Berbice, also underwent surgery, for injuries to their eyes.

The driver of the 4Runner, Tazim Gafoor, is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

After crying out for internal pains, he was examined by a doctor at the Fort Wellington Hospital and was subsequently handed over to the police.

According to reports,

the 4Runner, GKK 8838, was travelling at a fast pace when it strayed into the path of motor car PMM 8599, which was travelling in the opposite direction, resulting in a collision.

The child received the brunt of the impact and was knocked unconscious. Gafoor reportedly lost control of the larger vehicle, which spun several times before coming to a halt.

Drew Singh, a passenger of the car, told Guyana Times that they were returning home when the accident occurred.

She noted that after the accident, another man who was with Gafoor collected a small suitcase from the vehicle.

Singh recounted that as the two vehicles crossed paths, the 4Runner slammed into the right side of the car.

Her sister-in-law and her daughter were in the back seat, while she was sitting in the front passenger’s seat and her husband was driving. They were all rushed to the hospital and treated.

Alleged stealing

Meanwhile, at least two persons were taken into police custody after they were accused of stealing a

bag containing $8 million from the accident scene.

The bag containing the money was reportedly kept in the 4Runner.

Halima Mohamed, the sister of one of the men who were arrested, told Guyana Times that her brother returned home Saturday evening and upon enquiring of his whereabouts, he informed her of the accident, claiming that he had been at the scene.

She explained that about 01:00h, a few “Black Clothes” police kicked down their door, asked for her brother, and handcuffed him. Upon enquiring, she was told that he was seen removing a bag from the scene that contained the money mentioned.

“They say they carrying he to Fort Wellington, but when I go there, they police ranks said he was not there… That they have him at Blairmont… When I go there, they didn’t allow me to see him but they collected the food.” Mohamed stated that she was confident that her brother was innocent of the crime.

The police ranks at B Division are investigating the matter.

Sheriff taxi driver killed in Robb Street accident

Ataxi driver attached to the Sheriff Taxi Service was killed in the wee hours of Monday in a vehicular accident at Robb and Wellington streets, Georgetown.

Joel Baynes, 34, of Lot 73 Section “C”, Golden Grove Village, East Bank Demerara, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital about 02:15 on Monday.

According to reports, Baynes was driving along Robb Street in his Toyota Ipsum, bearing registration number HB 9018, when the driver of a Toyota Allion motor car, with number plate PNN 1530, which was travelling in the opposite direction collided with his vehicle.

As a result of the collision, Baynes, a married father of two, received injuries to his abdomen and chest, and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but died on his way there. The driver of the other car was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

The dead man’s father, Franklin Baynes, explained that he was at home when he

received a call and the person on the other end of the line informed him that his son was involved in a serious accident.

He said as he prepared to head to the city, he received another telephone call, this time informing him that his son died.

He said he was overwhelmed but regained his composure and went to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he and his family were told that that his son’s body

was already taken to the mortuary.

The elder Baynes explained that his son went to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Sunday morning to collect a relative and then returned home. He went to Mahaicony later in the day and after he returned, he left for work.

Baynes had been a taxi driver for the past 11 years, his distraught father stated. He worked with Fusion Taxi Service before he went to work with Sheriff Taxi Service as Car 35.

The father disclosed that Baynes was an ideal son, father, and husband who never got into harm’s way. He said he was surprised at the way his son met his demise.

An eyewitness told this newspaper that the man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital with his innards protruding through his abdomen.

The woman stated that it was an extremely graphic sight.

Baynes is survived by his parents, wife, and two children. He was the third of five siblings.

tuesday, september 24, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

TT importing agoutis, wild hogs from Guyana

Wild animals, including agoutis and wild hogs, will be imported from Guyana to stock a model wildfarm at Brigand Hill, Manzanilla.

Environment and Water Resources Minister Ganga Singh on Sunday paid a visit to the facility which belongs to the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ZSTT). The wildfarm will be a joint exercise with the Environment and Water Resources Ministry.

The ZSTT has been one of the first among the environmental non-governmental organisations reported in the media as being strongly supportive of the recently announced two-year moratorium on hunting made by Singh.

President of the society, Gupte Lutchmedial confirmed that this is their official position indicating that it must be understood that this viewpoint is in fact representative of the board and the general membership.

Lutchmedial explained that the society was extremely pleased that the minister took this landmark decision, which he saw as a win-win for conservation.

“I am so happy that come October, the animals in the forests would not be terrorised by hungry dogs and gun and cutlass-toting hunters who venture into the animals’ own territory and extract them under the guise of sport,” he lamente.

Lutchmedial added that “Trinidad and Tobago has been known to have a more than generous hunting season of five months, where game species are

el wildlife farm has already started at the society’s 360-acre offsite facility at Brigand Hill, Manzanilla and farming of agouti, deer, lappe and wild hog will take place there on a large-scale basis.

Seecharan was able to confirm that the society is currently engaged in negotiations with wildlife suppliers in Guyana for stock, which if approved for importation by the regulatory bodies, would avoid further pressures on diminishing wild populations with the added value of introducing new gene pools.

easy target for the thousands of legal and illegal hunters, and it is time that we put the animals first and give them refuge and peace all-year round.”

ZSTT board member Sundar

Seecharan, with over 40 years experience in the agricultural sector, took the opportunity to provide information on the tangible means of support the society would be providing to ensure the moratorium achieves a successful outcome.

“The society is engaging in a partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to establish a model wildlife farm that would be used for demonstration purposes to others interested in setting up their own wildlife farms,” he said.

Details provided on this initiative reveal that establishment of this mod-

When asked to respond to the views of several persons that during the moratorium, the government is not obliged to provide alternative sources of wildmeat, Lutchmedial indicated that availability of wildmeat is only one of the benefits to come out from such an initiative.

In his response, he added, “We are looking at the longer term benefits of having animals to replenish populations where they are in decline, making the progeny available to farmers out there looking for stock enhancement and hopefully, to reduce hunting pressures brought upon the animals by those commercial hunters who profit all-year round from their illegal spoils.

“There is also the sustainable development perspective, especially for rural communities where they can have wildmeat both for sustenance and as an additional source of income.”

(Trinidad and Tobago Today)

Policeman among two injured in separate cutlass attacks

Two men are nursing injuries about their bodies at the New Amsterdam Hospital after they were chopped during two separate incidents on the Corentyne on Sunday evening.

In the first incident, Police Constable Kevis Mendonza of Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice was chopped to the face after he intervened in a misunderstanding between two men.

The suspect, Wayne David, called “Breeze”, 40, a labourer of Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice, is still on the run.

According to information received, about 19:00h on Sunday, Denny Narine, 31, a hire car driver of Lot 32 Alness Village, Corentyne, and the suspect had a misunderstanding dur-

ing which the suspect damage Narine’s motor car HC 1576.

As a result, the police constable who was close by intervened and the suspect, who was armed with a cutlass, dealt him a chop to the face.

Mendonza was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor, but due to the seriousness of the injuries, he was transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was admitted as a patient.

The matter was reported and a manhunt has since been launched to apprehend David.

Meanwhile, Andrew Peter, 43, a fisherman of Lot 24 Line Path E, Corriverton, Berbice was chopped to the left side of his neck and left hand

on Monday about 00:30h by a man identified as “Kojac” of Line Path E, Corriverton, Berbice.

Based on reports, Peters was at a wedding reception at Line Path E and was consuming alcohol when the suspect came up to him and an argument ensued over dancing partners.

Kojac reportedly became angry, went into his motor car and took out a cutlass and dealt the victim one chop to the left side of his neck and left hand. The victim fell to the ground and became unconscious.

He was picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Skeldon Hospital where he was treated and referred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

The suspect is still in hiding.

C RNER CCJ

BY MoNIqUe Scott, NoRMAN MANleY lAw ScHool

In the case of Julian Francis v the Queen, the CCJ had to referee a frequent battle in criminal trials over the use of confessions to prove guilt. In this battle, Francis was convicted and sentenced to six years imprisonment for stealing a motor car where the prosecution’s case hinged on two confessions made to the police – one written and one oral.

On appeal, Francis argued that it was wrong for the court to have allowed the confessions to be admitted into evidence. However, the CCJ found no merit in that argument and allowed his conviction and sentence to stand.

The court firmly disagreed with Francis’s contention that his oral confession was wrongly admitted into evidence, because the judge gave the police officer the chance to review his notes while the officer was on the witness stand.

The CCJ found that it was acceptable, after meeting certain criteria, to allow a police officer to refer to his police notebook when giving testimony and that the policeman did not need to show that Francis had approved the notes by signing them. There was no unfairness to Francis by allowing the police to refresh his memory from the notebook. How else would he remember what exactly took place three years ago?

Francis was also unable to show that he did not freely give the written confession or that its use by the prosecution was unfair. While noting that it was usual that the two officers investigating the matter were not both called as witnesses, the omission to call one officer did not, by itself, show that the confession was not freely given.

Francis seemed to have misunderstood the law, as his complaints about unfairness related to the conduct of the trial, namely, that he was not represented by an attorney and could not cross-examine both officers involved in taking the statement, instead of relating to the circumstances under which the confession was made. Consequently, the court found that the admission of the written confession was not wrong.

This summary is intended to assist the Caribbean public in learning more about the work of the CCJ. It is not a formal document of the court. The judgment of the court is the only authoritative document and may be found at http://chooseavirb.com/ccj/wp-content/ uploads/2012/02/cr1_2008.pdf.

Incumbent ahead in Aruban elections – NACTA

BY VISHNU BISRAM

The North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) is predicting that the incumbent Aruban People’s Party (AVP) will sweep the elections, returning Mike Eman for a second term as prime minister.

The Caribbean island will hold general elections on September 27 to choose a parliament as well as a prime minister and government.

Aruba is a colony of Holland, but is self-governing and has a very high standard of living, attracting immigrants from nearby islands as well as from South America.

A significant number of Guyanese have settled in Aruba, holding Dutch passports or work permits and

are model workers, highly desired by businesses for their work ethic and productivity.

They are employed as educators, engineers, accountants and in the tourist industry, making a significant contribution to the development of the island. Aruba’s current Prime Minister Mike Eman has lauded their contributions towards growth and development.

There are no opinion polls measuring voter support for the parties regarding the upcoming elections.

But based on the assessment and analysis of the informal polling of the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA), during two visits in late August and early September, and speaking with voters around the is-

land, indications are that the incumbent AVP will win.

The opposition People’s Electoral Movement (MEP) had governed for two terms prior to that.

Of the significant number of Guyanese settled on the is-

land, not all of them are qualified to vote.

Only citizens or long-term residents with permits can vote and several Guyanese informed me that they are not eligible to vote, but most Guyanese on the island are Dutch passport holders and are comfortable with life in the island.

Most of them have their own homes and are deeply immersed in their work habits with little time for community activities.

Almost every GuyaneseAruban is of the view that the ruling party will win re-election, perhaps increasing its majority from the last vote in 2009.

Also, a huge majority of Arubans and immigrants from South America interviewed said the AVP will

win, increasing its number of seats.

In the last election, the AVP received 48 per cent of the votes and got 12 seats and is likely to pick up at least one more seat this time around.

In 2009, the opposition MEP won 36 per cent of the votes and received eight seats while the Real Democracy Party (PDR) garnered six per cent of the votes and was awarded one seat.

Both are expected to see their vote share decline. There are a few other parties contesting the election, but none of them is expected to win a seat. Aruba has a minimum threshold of five per cent to qualify for seats.

Like Guyana, Aruba has the Proportional Representation (PR) system inherited from Holland. The

whole island is one constituency and people vote for an open list of candidates submitted by a party.

There are 21 seats in the parliament, with parties submitting a list of up to 29 potential members of the parliament.

Parties may obtain seat percentages much higher than the percentage of popular vote, because the small parties are not rewarded with seats unless they meet the minimum threshold of support.

Some 11 seats are needed to form a government. Unlike in Guyana, in Aruba, the term of office is four years. In Aruba, the titular head of state is a governor appointed by the Dutch Queen for six years at the behest of the prime minister.

Policeman gunned down in Sophia home

By Leana Bradshaw

Days after acting Police

Commissioner Leroy Brumell urged residents to collaborate with the Guyana Police Force to stem criminal activities, a rank attached to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) was shot dead during a confrontation at his home Monday night.

Michael Cumberbatch, 32, of 111 North Sophia, was reportedly shot twice around 22:00h after a confrontation with three men he was apparently familiar with. According to Cumberbatch’s sister-inlaw, Lizann Hutson, three men entered his home and after a few minutes, an argument broke out and he ordered them out of his house.

It was at this time gunshots were heard, she explained. According to reports, the policeman was shot to the

Police investigators at the crime scene

right side of his chest and his right shoulder.

Eyewitnesses told Guyana Times that the men ran out of Cumberbatch’s residence, and fled the scene in a vehicle.

“I was in my bed and all I

hear was Michael's wife say 'call for he brother, Michael get shoot. It was in my sleep and wake I hear it (the gunshots) and that make me jump out my sleep,” she said.

The policeman’s wife and

one of his two daughters were at home at the time of the incident.

Police, up to press time, had not arrest anyone for the killing. (leanab@guyanatimesgy.com)

Jamaica contemplates stronger measures against child molesters

The Jamaica government is contemplating stronger measures to deal with child molesters in the wake of several criminal attacks on children.

“I say to those of you who believe that you can just be worthless and prey on the little children, stop it (because) I have spoken to the minister of justice that we should craft legislation so that DNA can prove a rape or molestation so that no one can go free when they molest our children,” Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller told delegates attending the ruling People’s National Party’s (PNP) 75th annual conference on Sunday.

“We cannot allow our children to be abused and at times murdered by these

cruel, evil and wicked people,” she told the delegates,

Venezuelan guardsmen arrested over drugs

Three members of Venezuela’s National Guard have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the smuggling of a massive haul of cocaine on an Air France flight from Caracas to Paris.

French border police found 1.3 tonnes of cocaine in 31 suitcases on a flight arriving from Caracas.

The seizure was one of the biggest ever to be made on French territory.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Miguel Rodriguez said he expected more arrests would be made over the coming days.

The drugs were stashed into the suitcases on the Air France flight which arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris on September 11, but details of the seizures had been withheld for “operational reasons”, French of-

ficials said. About a tonne of the drugs was seized at the airport, while the remainder was found inside a lorry heading from Paris to Luxembourg after arriving from Venezuela.

Air France said it was investigating whether there was any complicity within the company.

The drugs had been destined for the ‘Ndrangheta’, the Italian mafia based in Calabria that controls some 80 per cent of all cocaine imports into Europe.

Venezuelan officials have now launched an investigation into how the drugs –worth more than £100 million (US$160 million) – got on board the flight. (Excerpt from BBC News)

making reference to the recent case of a 15-year-old girl, who was raped and then viciously chopped by her father.

Prime Minister Simpson Miller said the incident had brought tears to the eyes of the women in her Cabinet.

“I want to appeal to those possessing evil, brutish minds; take your eyes off those little girls, those children,” she said, appealing to parents to stay close to their children.

“How can anyone look at a child and hurt that child?

Prime Minister Simpon Miller asked, noting that gone are the days when communities would seek to look out for the well-being of children. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Ron Robinson in stable condition after accident

Veteran broadcaster Ron Robinson was admitted to the High Dependency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Monday evening following an accident at Light Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.

Guyana Times was informed that Robinson was in the company of some friends and reportedly took the keys

of a friend’s motorcycle, claiming that he was going for a ride.

He reportedly jumped onto the bike, started it, revved the engine and took off. After a few minutes, he ended up in the windscreen of a parked car.

An eyewitness stated that Robinson smashed into the car and fell onto the roadway. He was picked up and rushed to the hospital. Hospital officials confirmed that Robinson arrived at the medical institution about 22:00h on Monday evening. He was said to be covered in blood. He reportedly received severe cuts on his face and upper body.

As of press time, he was being monitored by doctors, but was reported to be in stable condition.

TT mother seeks millions in compensation for baby mix-up

Lawyers representing the family of a baby who had been switched at birth are seeking five million dollars in compensation from the Trinidad and Tobago government.

In a letter sent to Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, Attorney Ingrid Melville said her clients experienced emotional trauma and great shame when they took home a baby of Indian descent believed to be theirs.

The mix-up occurred at the Mount Hope Women’s Hospital on March 10, when two women – one of African descent and the other of Indian descent – underwent Caesarean section operations. They were later dis-

charged from the hospital and it took five months later for the mix-up to be discovered after DNA tests.

Melville, who wrote to Dr Khan on behalf of the parents and paternal grandmother of the African woman, said “our client instructs that following the operation, when she woke up after the effects of the anaesthetic began to wear off, she was shown the baby girl that she had given birth to. This baby was in a cot next to her bed and tagged with her name”.

The letter said the mother and her family “noticed that the infant’s hair did not show any signs of developing small curls as is normal with children of African descent”. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Another controversy surfaces in St Kitts-Nevis

Days after news surfaced that St Kitts and Nevis High Court

Registrar Janine HarrisLake has been asked by the Attorney General’s Chambers to proceed on more than 60 days accrued vacation leave almost immediately, the public faces two contrasting tales. Is it that the government is concerned about HarrisLake’s welfare, and feels she needs a much deserved break from her official duties, almost right away?

Or is it that Harris-Lake has drawn the ire of government and the accrued leave option proves an attractive mechanism to get her to hand over her keys until December, at least in the first instance?

As this story unfolds in the coming days, the truth may draw closer, but for now, the jury is out. The dep-

St Kitts and Nevis High Court Registrar Janine Harris-Lake (inset)

uty leader of the opposition People’s Action Movement Eugene Hamilton argued that the letter to the registrar amounts to disciplinary action.

“…Written on the 17th to tell her go on vacation on the 20th, that is disciplinary action and to tell her to hand over the keys...” He argued that Section 83 of the St Kitts and Nevis Constitution states that the registrar can only be disciplined on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission headed by the chief justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. (Excerpt

Growth for TT after years of decline

After three successive years of decline from 2009 to 2011 and a small recovery last year, the TT economy is expected to record growth of 1.6 per cent this year, according to the Review of the Economy 2013, one of the documents released along with the 2013/2014 budget. According to that publication, TT’s recovery will gain momentum across a widening range of economic sub-sectors resulting in an overall growth rate of 2.5 per cent in the nonpetroleum sector. The services

sub-sector is also expected to exhibit continued strengthening. The forecast is for energy sector output to grow by 0.5 per cent – an improvement on the contractions experienced in 2011 and 2012.

The performance of gross domestic product (GDP) at the sub-sector level is expected to be mixed, reflecting a turnaround in natural gas refining, exploration and production, as well as the growth momentum carried forward by service contractors.

Headline inflation on a

year-on-year basis for the first six months of 2013 remained moderate, settling at 6.8 per cent in June and reflecting a general downward trend in price levels, following a 30-month high of 12.6 per cent in May 2012.

Unemployment fell to 4.9 per cent in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 from 5.4 per cent in the second quarter. Most industries, with the exception of construction and petroleum and gas, registered unemployment rates below the national average. (Trinidad Guardian)

Struggling smartphone maker BlackBerry on Monday signed a tentative deal to be acquired by a consortium led by its biggest shareholder, setting a US$4.7 billion floor in the auction of the Canadian company that invented on-the-go email.

The consortium is led by Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd, a property and casualty insurer run by Canadian investor Prem Watsa. It has offered US$9 a share in cash for BlackBerry, which last week

said it expected to report a quarterly loss of nearly US$1 billion.

“We can deliver immediate value to shareholders, while we continue the execution of a long-term strategy in a private company with a focus on delivering superior and secure enterprise solutions to BlackBerry customers around the world,” Watsa said in a statement.

Fairfax owns almost 10 per cent of BlackBerry shares. BlackBerry has until

TNovember 4 to seek superior offers, which is also the deadline for the Fairfax-led group to conduct its due diligence. Its shares, halted pending the afternoon announcement, rose to US$9.20 as trade resumed but quickly slipped back to around US$8.80 by mid-afternoon.

“This is a company that needs to go private if they have any chance,” said Colin Gillis, an analyst at BGC Partners. (Reuters)

in Greece over Angela Merkel’s win

here has been a worried response in Greece to the win for German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Sunday’s election. The front page of the centre-left daily Ta Nea has a mocked-up photo of Angela Merkel on a throne with the headline “Triumph for the Queen of Austerity”.

Merkel is seen as the figure behind austerity measures imposed on Greece after its 2010 bailout. Reaction on the financial markets has

been restrained as investors wait to see what sort of coalition emerges. Greeks blame austerity measures for an unemployment rate that has risen to almost 28 per cent.

“There is little joy here at the prospect of another four years of Mrs Merkel,” says BBC Athens correspondent Mark Lowen. “She’s come to symbolise the much-hated budget cuts demanded of Greece”.

Greece needs an extra 10

billion euros of funding from its creditors next year and now the German election is over those talks can begin. The Greek government says the country cannot take any more austerity and needs debt relief by lowering interest rates or extending the repayment period of its loans.

Some Greeks hope that Chancellor Merkel will invite Peer Steinbrueck of the Social Democrats (SPD) into a coalition. (BBC News)

Liberia: NP plans to build gas plant

The management of National Petroleum (NP- Liberia) said it is working out modalities for the construction of the first cooking gas plant in the country.

NP Board Chairman Francis A Dennis made the disclosure last Friday at the dedicatory ceremony of a new gas station in Monrovia.

He said the gas plant will cost NP US$3 million, and noted that construction works

on the plant will begin in May 2014 to be completed on or before July 2014. The plant, according to him, will supply the entire Monrovia and its environs along with other growth corridors in the country including the Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. “We at NP always put our money where our mouths are,” Dennis said.

Dennis, former President of the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment

(LBDI), said the dedication of the Lynch Street-UN Drive filling station, marked the dedication of the fifth filling station since the company began operations in the country a year and half ago. He also noted that the dedication of the fifth filling station since the coming of the Sierra Leonean-based company to Liberia is a testimony to how ready it is to aid in boosting of the Liberian economy. (allAfrica)

India is among the countries that are most vulnerable to capital outflows as it relies heavily on external funding, global credit rating agency Moody’s cautioned on Monday.

“India and Indonesia are the most vulnerable to capital outflows because of high reliance on external funding,” Moody’s Analytics said in its report – ‘How U.S. monetary tightening affects Asian markets’. It said the impact of recent Fed an -

nouncements on bond yields have exposed structural flaws in Asian economies, particularly in India and Indonesia.

Moody’s said the U.S. Fed’s talk earlier of a likely tapering of monetary stimulus depreciated the rupee by 15 per cent, making it the worst performing currency in Asia.

The U.S. Federal Reserve last week surprised the markets by saying it will continue with its monthly US$

85 billion bond buying programme and wait for more evidence of growth recovery before thinking of unwinding the stimulus.

Expectations that the stimulus programme would be tapered had led to fears of capital outflows, causing the rupee to depreciate against the dollar and stocks to fall. The rupee touched a low of 68.86 to the U.S. dollar on August 28. It is currently trading around 62.83 to a dollar. (TimesofIndia)

Aformer BNP Paribas private banker has been fined by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) for executing two transactions worth a total AED30.8 million (US$8.4 million) for a client without his consent.

The regulator rarely makes its disciplinary actions public. Traditionally, in the Gulf Arab region, business topics considered sensitive in nature are not disclosed.

“It’s a pretty strong move by the regulator and shows

they are getting more serious now in protecting client interests. Previously, these events wouldn’t be made public,” said one asset management source, who declined to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Nikhil Das had been an associate director in BNP’s wealth management arm since 2009. He was fined 73,400 dirhams (US$20,000) and restricted from providing financial services in the

Gulf Arab emirate’s offshore financial centre for six years, the regulator said in a statement. The regulator gave no details on the restrictions Das faces. At BNP, he managed 24 clients, handling US$225 million of assets, according to the LinkedIn profile. BNP declined to comment, while Reuters could not locate Das for comment. The DFSA declined to name Das’s employer, saying in its statement only that he was a “former” private banker. (Arabianbusiness)

What’s the best small business to start?

Most budding entrepreneurs realise that you can never make it big working for someone else. Working from pay cheque to pay cheque and waiting for retirement might be safe and comfortable, but in the end, you’ll never be famous or fabulously wealthy. Most entrepreneurs give up at the first step – finding the right small business to start. It’s an overwhelming decision and that seems nigh impossible at first. Here’s some advice to help you clear your head and organise your thoughts.

Ideas for small businesses

First, you have to sit down with your business partners and brainstorm. Read inspirational accounts of other entrepreneurs, such as Steve Jobs, or Ben and Jerry, to get your creative juices flowing. Start out small – keep your ideas as simple as possible at first. Starting out with a tech idea can be extremely difficult at first, considering the research and development, materials and manpower needed to start out.

Inventing something from scratch can also be ex-

tremely demanding, considering the lengthy patent process and the likelihood that your idea will instantly be copied by better equipped competitors. You should stay focused on margins –the best businesses sell a high volume of high-margin products. Common high margin products tend to look and feel cheap – such as Chinese toys – so a good product design team is essential to refine your product and make it aesthetically pleasing. Nike and Apple have been masters of this concept. (Business Dictionary)

11 schools to benefit from maths and science interactive programme

Eleven schools in Georgetown will benefit from an interactive programme as the Volunteer Youth Corps Inc (VYC) has launched the second instalment of its “Afterschool Interactive Maths and Science Project” funded by American company Exxon Mobil.

This programme will see some 100 students from secondary schools in South Georgetown participating.

VYC launched the pilot project of the programme in June 2012, with a US$10,000 grant from Exxon Mobil. The project ran from June of last year to May 2013, and saw the participation of 60 students from Grades Nine and 10. The “Afterschool Interactive Maths and Science Project” was endorsed by the Education Ministry, and permission was granted for the selected schools to participate in the programme.

After success was seen in the pilot initiative, Exxon Mobil pledged some US$20,000 for the second year of the project, which commenced two weeks ago at the start of the 2013-2014 academic year.

Second year

A simple ceremony was held on Monday at Regency Suites Hotel to celebrate the launch of the programme’s second year.

Attending the ceremony were students and teachers of the participating schools; representatives of the Education Ministry, Exxon Mobil, and the American embassy, including U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt; as well as members from the VYC.

Keynote speaker Exxon Mobil’s Senior Research Associate Jaime Buitrago told the gathering that Exxon Mobil was pleased to be partnering with VYC in making the programme possible. He noted that science technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are the lifeline of the company, which employs more than 70,000 persons worldwide – most of them engineers and scientists.

“As a high-tech company we are committed to improving science and math education around the world; however, we place special emphasis on the communities where we operate,” he stated. Buitrago highlighted that society faces a huge challenge worldwide as it relates to providing affordable energy and focusing on the development of young people in STEM is the best way to beat this problem.

“We all depend on you; we depend on you to be interested in science and math, working hard, to acquire skills and contribute to these solutions that we need,” Buitrago said. He stated that this programme fits with what they do at Exxon Mobil; hence, the company’s commitment towards it.

Buitrago said the company was excited to continue sponsorship of the programme and to see it expand. He acknowledged everyone involved in making the programme possible and encouraged participating students to take full advantage of it.

Science learning

Deputy Chief Education Officer

Donna Chapman commended VYC for its foresight and efforts in implementing this programme, which will empower and stimulate the drive for improved performance. She extended the ministry’s continuous support towards the programme and applauded teachers for their involvement.

“Your participation is integral to the success of this project, your contribution is greatly appreciated… the ministry appreciates that you’re working after school to improve the quality of our children’s performance. I want to say to you: ‘continue to teach and remember teaching is not a job, it is a mission in which you change lives in a positive way’,”

Chapman said.

She pointed out that the ministry has been working effortlessly to improve the

teaching of mathematics and science, and has placed emphasis on literacy, numeracy and science education in the ministry’s 2008-2013 strategic plan.

Chapman continued that this initiative is timely as it relates to education delivery in Guyana and will complement and supplement classroom teaching. She hopes at some point the lessons taught to these students will spill over to other schools so that they too can benefit.

Opportunity

In closing, the deputy chief education officer encouraged the participating students to take advantage of this opportunity available to them and grasp whatever they can from this programme.

In her remarks, VYC Chairman Bonita Hunter said her organisation aims to improve the lives of young people and has proven that in the various projects it has embarked on. She noted that on the heels of last year’s success, she hopes that this year will see more students gaining experiences, attitudes and values which can help them to deal with challenges that the two subjects bring. Hunter expressed her appreciation to the ministry for endorsing the programme and to Exxon Mobil for its continuous support.

The 11 participating schools are: Tucville, East Ruimveldt, North Ruimveldt, South Ruimveldt, Lodge, Charlestown, Dolphin, Richard Ishmael, and Kingston secondary schools; St John’s College and Central High School.

AG’s chambers must be allowed to thoroughly review local govt bills – local govt minister

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Ganga Persaud has explained the reason for the pace of review by the attorney general’s chambers of the four local government bills that were recently amended and passed in the National Assembly.

The minister stated that what some see as a lengthy process by the chambers, is in fact allowing for thorough assessment of the bills, to ensure that they are not threats to other pieces of legislation that also impact on the local government system.

“I have also heard and read statements which question the role of the attorney general’s chambers, with regard to these four pieces of legislation. My little knowledge of the legal environment suggests that you cannot treat pieces of legislation in isolation, particularly when we talk about local government and legislation influencing local government … the AG’s chambers has to consult and interact with each piece of legislation, that is applicable to local government,” Minister Persaud stated.

The four pieces of legislation are not the only ones that have an impact on local government in Guyana. Hence, there is need for a thorough review, to have a wholistic view of the legal environment which regards to local government, he said.

The National Assembly approved the

Fiscal Transfers Bill, the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bill, the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and the Local Government Commission Bill in August.

The minister expressed confidence that as soon as the attorney general receives the guidance from his technical staff, he would seek to prepare his opinion and guidance to the president and to present, as well, the bills to the president. The situation is that the four bills have no bearing on the holding of the local government elections, except for the commitment by the current administration to having local government reform completed before elections are held, he stated.

Incorrect

In response to comments that were published in the print media recently, allegedly by leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan in which he was reported to have said that the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Members of Parliament (MPs) supported all four pieces of bills in the House, Minister Persaud said, “that statement is incorrect”.

He stated that “anyone going through the Hansards would have recognised that all the persons who would have spoken on behalf of the PPP/C side would have

stated very clearly their opposition to proposed amendments which were subsequently passed in the Local Authorities Amendment Bill and similar objections to some aspects in the Local Government Commission Bill.”

Minister Persaud said that for Ramjattan to say that the PPP/C MPs unanimously supported all four pieces of legislation is “extremely distasteful and poor immature, mischievous politics”.

The minister pointed to the statements being made that the PPP/C is afraid of holding local government elections.

“I would not respond because I am certain that the party has capable and competent people to respond to such a statement and I think that such responses would have been made over time… but I wish to recommit, that the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, acting on the direction of the government lead by Mr Donald Ramotar, has continued in earnest its preparation for the holding of local government elections,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the ministry has done all that were required to ensure that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) move rapidly towards preparation with regard to the holding of the elections.

tuesday, september 24, 2013 |

26 Region Six communities' grounds to be upgraded

Twenty-six communities in East Berbice will benefit from upgraded community centre grounds come 2014, thanks to a Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry initiative.

This was revealed at a meeting between Culture,

projects are approved by the ministry: an estimate; a design; the signatures of a management committee; and the approval of the relevant agency, be it the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) or the municipality. He explained that

Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and members of the Community Grounds Management Committee on Saturday in Region Six at the regional boardroom.

Dr Anthony said that in 2013, 160 proposals were received by the ministry for the development of community grounds across the country during the first phase, and 155 were approved. The second phase has seen 150 requests of which 145 have been approved. According to the minister, $300 million was budgeted for the project this year.

Among the areas to benefit in Region Six are Number 69 Village, Siparuta, Number 71 Village, Scottsburg, Area H, Angoy’s Avenue, Hampshire, Adelphi, Orealla, Chesney, Port Mourant, Number 73 Village, Number 60 Village, Cumberland, Tain, and Whim.

“Region Six will be given a larger chunk of the money; this is because of the direct involvement of the regional chairman who went around meeting with some of the committees to provide advice on who they should apply to and what were the best projects to seek assistance for,” said Minister Anthony, who was accompanied by Youth, Sport, and Culture Ministry Permanent Secretary Alfred King.

Permanent Secretary King noted that the following is mandatory before

government wants to see value for its money.

Dr Anthony said the regional administration will monitor projects, noting that funds will be given to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). “The regional administration will make timely disbursements to contractors based on work that has been completed.” He said based on experience, checks and balances have been put in place to ensure value for money.

Explaining the genesis of the initiative, which started four years ago, Dr Anthony said government recognises that NDCs have limited financial resources available to them and would prioritise projects, so it was unlikely that an NDC would put money into upgrading a community ground.

Since the introduction of the programme three years ago, more than $200 million has been spent in providing assistance for the development of community grounds. Minister Anthony said the ultimate aim is to get more persons involved in sport. Each community will receive approximately $1 million, Dr Anthony said in detailing the projects. “In some cases where it is deserving like in this case of the [Area H] pavilion, it will be a little bit more, because $1 million will not be enough to do the pavilion.”

Contractors are expected to start working before the end of the month

SUDOKU

Protect your name and position. Listen to what others say, but don’t make alterations to your plan based on hearsay. Make your decisions based on facts as well as your gut feelings.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Stick close to home and look over your property and papers. Fixing up your place will make you feel good and give you a reason to entertain someone special.

Live a little. Get out and enjoy new interests or try developing a skill or talent that you find engaging. Romance will develop if you make plans with someone special.

Your ability to adapt will be crucial when dealing with an ongoing domestic situation. Someone you least expect will come to the rescue. Don’t be too proud to ask for help.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Look over contracts, settlements or any personal information that can help you expand an interest or project. Leave time for romance late in the day.

(March 21-April 19)

Use your intelligence and creative talent in the workplace today. Employing your skills diversely will create a stir. The interest you receive from someone with vision will pay off.

(April 20-May 20)

Learn all you can. The more information you have, the easier it will be to impress your peers. A calculated, rather than unpredictable, approach will give you a competitive edge.

(May 21June 20)

Emotions will escalate causing uncertainty. Don’t believe everything you hear. Go directly to the source and request verification. An unexpected turn of events will be beneficial.

Mixed emotions are likely to confuse you. Rely on past experience and old friends to help you make wise choices. An unusual route will offer the best destination.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Communication will be your ticket to information that can help you advance. Do your research, and you will avoid making a mistake. Don’t give in to pressure; you’ll need time to do things the right way.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

It’s a good day to get in touch with an old friend. The memories you share will remind you of something that will help prevent you from making a financial mistake.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Express your thoughts and follow through with your plans. An emotional situation may deter you if you allow it to. Assess the situation, make adjustments and complete whatever you are doing regardless of opposition.

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

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

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

Learn to play the guitar, keyboard, drums, and train your voice at Foundation 7. Phone: 225-1151 or 617-4200.

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

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

One 320CL Excavator located at Mahdia; excellent working condition. Owner migrating, call 682-0365 or 614-1669 Gold Land, excellent investment. Priced to sell, call 682-0365, 614-1669

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

Pure bred American Akita puppies for sale $200,000. Phone: 639-8924, 2274674 Mercury in large quantities 99.9999% purity. Call: 679-1985, 219-4535, 6935004

1 Canon copier (Image Runner 6020) with finisher. Call 647-5150, 694-5738

Cheap earth. Delivery to spot, ECD and EBD. Phone: 627-9977

Clean garden earth & builders waste. Also bobcat rental, excavating, clearing & leveling done. Phone: 616-0617, 6633285.

Healthworld Holistic Centre: Psychotherapy available for all types of abnormal behaviors – addictions, emotional, suicidal, anger, relationships and sexual problems. Treatment of stress disorders, depression, fear, low self-esteem, insomnia, trauma, psychosomatic sicknesses and children's disorders. We also conduct IQ evaluations and behavioral assessments. By appointment only. Clinic hours: 11:00 - 17:00h. Tel: 592-6210552. Email:healthworldhc@gmail.com Ayurvedic herbal treatment for all chronic genetic/none genetic diseases, including HIV, Cancer, diabetic, pregnancy, sexual (weakness), etc. Phone: 685- 3220.

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

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

Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

YELLOW PAGES

tuesday, september 24, 2013

L AND FOR SALE

Parfaite Harmonie $1M and $1.2M phone: 675-7292

46 houselots in residential area between Charles & Peter Streets, Parika, EBE. Phone: 622-6971/6612289

OPtiCiAN

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Retired Engineer aged 66 would like to know a single female over the age of 50. Phone: 604-7022

One business property, Lamaha Street. Phone: 669-3313, 231-4586, 695-4382. Properties for sale. Phone: 642-2116

2-storey concrete house 32’x 55’, 4 bedrooms, block 8 Mon Repos, ECD, $35 million. Phone: 642-2116

EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING

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

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

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

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

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Suriname astrology palmist and Djuka healer, the most powerful spiritualist in the world, are you suffering from the following problems - (any religions) love, marriage, family, health, business, husband and wife relationships, property, court, children, promotion, visa, pregnancy, education, depression, job, sexual, jealousy, enemy, money, drinking, also you can have all evil forces destroyed such as black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, obeyah, etc, and gives powerful protection. Private and confidential. Phone: 674-2112.

Dutch Spiritual work. Unite lovers, get rid of evil, enhance prosperity, good luck baths and charm bowu guards, etc. Phone: 220-0708, 612-6417, 6875653

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

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

tOuRS

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

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

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

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1 Bedford truck. Phone: 616:0617, 663-3285.

Annual Heritage Exhibition opens at National Museum

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, in collaboration with the National Trust of Guyana, on Monday opened its annual Heritage Exhibition at the Guyana National Museum, under the theme “Expressions of our Heritage”.

This exhibition highlights various aspects of heritage including plantation life; sociocultural, religious and industrial history; village life, monuments, architecture, engineering, literature, folklore, festivals, and Guyanese proverbs, all aimed at illustrating Guyana’s heritage.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds addressed the gathering, highlighting that it has been more than four decades since Guyana has been educating the public on its heritage.

“We’re looking at our past heritage, the way our people in those years gone by made their living, were able to put food on their table, their clothes to wear and homes to live in and also some of music and entertainment, old story time and what would be your heritage,” emphasised the prime minister.

He highlighted that the time will come when what is being done now will be recorded in history.

Symbolic

National Trust Chief Executive Officer Nirvana Persaud pointed out that the trust celebrated 41 years old on Monday, and it was symbolic that such an exhibition was opened, celebrating Guyana’s heritage, as well as honouring the work of the agency over the years.

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony pointed out that it has been 41 years since the National Trust of Guyana signed the National Trust Act. He highlighted that some persons in Guyana have been documenting the country’s folk stories and the ministry has been working with Amerindian communities to have their languages being documented in books and translated for general public reading.

“We now want to start a competition where our Amerindian brothers and sisters can sing in their indigenous languages and we’re able to record and we’re able to get that into the general public,” Minister Anthony

said

He further highlighted that the ministry will continue to conduct research on Amerindian civilisation since Guyana has a rich archaeological history.

Minister Anthony urged persons who have had artefacts pertaining to the country’s heritage taken from them to report the matter. “We have to be very careful with our history and that is something as we reflect on Heritage Week I would like people to think about because it is a very important thing.”

He said work has been ongoing along the Essequibo River and several historical sites have been discovered such as the Dutch Windmill. Minister Anthony noted that the ministry has been building and will continue to build more monuments in the country so as to allow persons to understand the country’s heritage.

“We’re working with communities, because we feel that it’s very important, and in each one of our communities, there are cultural assets that need to be protected, and so one of the things we want to do going forward is that we want to work with communities to map the heritage aspects,” he stated.

The exhibits were viewed by members of the diplomatic corps, teachers, and students among others.

CIOG condemns killings in Kenya, Pakistan

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) has condemned the killings of innocent persons of faiths other than Islam that took place recently in Kenya and Pakistan.

The CIOG in a release said the terrorists, who carried out these violent actions, are not Muslims and must be hunted down and brought to justice as quickly as possible.

“Islam does not condone acts of terrorism and

violence against innocent persons. Those responsible for such acts whether against Muslims or against persons who are not-Muslims cannot call themselves Muslims.

“They are murderers and therefore they are out of the pale of Islam. Our sympathies and prayers for all those who suffered as a result of these senseless and barbaric acts. Let us all redouble our efforts as Muslims to educate

ourselves, our family members and the community at large on the peaceful and protective values that our religion – Islam promulgates.

“This is the only way forward – education, building trust, friendship, harmony and cooperation between people of all faiths. We are all the children of Adam and we have to live in this world in peace, love, harmony, tolerance and understanding,” the release concluded.

Man charged for murdering Sisters Village resident

LEt

3 bedroom bottom flat for rental situated on the ECD. Phone: 669-9384, available for viewing after September 27 after 4:00pm. No animals. One house located in Lamaha Gardens, hot and cold water. Call 219-4535

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

Totaram “Rasta” Jagheshwar, 40, was on Monday arraigned with the murder of another man when he appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court. He appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh and was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that on September 19, he murdered Ravindranauth “Parbattie Bucket” Chand, 54, of 66 Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice.

Prosecuting the case was police corporal Althea Solomon, who made an application for a psychological evaluation of the accused which was granted by the presiding magistrate.

Magistrate Singh ordered the results of the evaluation to be presented to the court on October 14, which was set for the accused’s next appearance.

It was reported that prior to the discovery of Chand’s body, he went to visit his sister at Lot 154 Lancaster Village, Corentyne, where he ate before leaving.

In addition, a resident of Whim Village told investigators that he saw the deceased go into an abandoned house obliquely opposite his home and shortly after, he heard sounds coming from the house as though persons were fighting.

Several minutes later, he saw the suspect walk out of

the said house with a cloth in his hand and he headed in the direction of the Lancaster Dam.

As a result, Seegobin suspected that something bad had happened and informed the relative of the deceased who went to the said house and found the bloodied body of Chand lying motionless on an internal stairway. The body was examined and several wounds were seen to the head, face, and other parts of the body.

Two pieces of bloodstained wood measuring about four feet in length, and several broken bottles, were found at the scene and lodged at Whim Police Station as evidence.

Heavy rain forces abandonment of CLT20 games

Heavy rain in Ahmedabad washed out both games on day three of the Champions League T20. Lions captain Alviro Petersen had just enough time to win the toss and elect to bowl against Perth Scorchers before the persistent deluge arrived to wipe out any chance of play.

Cool Runnings busy preparing for Bago Invitational

Tscheduled start.

The rain, though, refused to let up, and resulted in the calling off of the next game about half an hour before its

Ground staff covered the square immediately after the toss, but the fourth match of the Champions League T20 was called off around 90 minutes after that, with the ground having taken on a great deal of water.

The four teams - Otago Volts and Mumbai Indians were to play the second game - took two points each. Mumbai now have just two points from their first two games after they lost their opener to Rajasthan Royals. This was the first match for Lions, Otago and Scorchers. (Cricinfo)

ULSC to celebrate first anniversary with softball tourney

The Unity Lancaster Sports Club (ULSC) will celebrate its first anniversary on October 12, and to mark the occasion, the club will stage a grand knockout softball competition on Sunday at the club’s venue from 10:00 hours.

Over $100,000 in cash and prizes will be at stake during the day’s activities. Apart from trophies, the champion team will receive a ram sheep, while the losing finalist will collect a ram goat.

According to a release from the ULSC, balls will be provided for the compe-

tition, which is open to all teams. The entrance fee per team is $1200 and interested teams can register by contacting ULSC’s member R. Goolghar on 671-9076.

The ULSC release stated, “The achievements of the club during the past year include erecting billboards to honour cricket legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul and past president Chetram Singh, launching a cricket academy for the youths, holding a fun park for children in the community, acquiring a boxing gym, holding a raffle and improving the main pavillion and the

ground by expending more than $500,000, purchasing uniforms for the club’s Under-15, Under-19, senior and Over-40 teams, handing out bursaries to top SSEE students and equipping the pavillions with chairs and domino tables.”

The club will also establish a karate section shortly, as well as organise gifts for hundreds of children during the upcoming Christmas season and give free lessons to students preparing for SSEE.

A medical outreach and blood drive are also part of the club’s plans.

Johnson drops 21 to lead Flames past Pistons

Aubrey Johnson unleashed 16 fourth quarter points to lead the Block 22 Flames past the Wismar Pistons 7063 when the 2013 Trophy Stall Regulation Basketball Championships continued over the weekend at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court in Linden.

After being held scoreless by the Pistons in the third period, Johnson came alive in the fourth, igniting a 26-13 run to pull of the comeback victory for Block 22 Flames.

James ended with a game-high 21 points and was the only player in the team to score in double digits.

Mark Louis poured in 14

points, while Dwight Cooper added 13 in the loss.

The Ameila Ward Jets topped the Retrieve Raiders 70-63 as they comfortably won the encounter.

The Webster brothers torched the Raiders in the post, combining for 31 points in the game with Allister scoring 16 of the 31 points, while Shane had 15 in the game.

Sheldon Noel was the only player for the Retrieve Raiders to score in double digits during the loss.

In the first game of the weekend, the Half Mile Bulls seemed on cruise control to victory with a 10-point halftime lead before giving up a crucial run to the Bankers Trust Falcons in the third

period that ended the quarter knotted on 36.

However, the Bulls did not allow the pressure to phase them going to the inside to score most of their opportunities as the game ended 48-45 in their favour.

Terron Welch was the high point man for the Half Mile Bulls with 15 points, while Michael Turner had 14 points in the win.

Lawrence DaCosta had a team-high 11 points for the Falcons.

Meanwhile, games will continue tonight as the Half Mile Bulls will play the Ameila Ward Jets in the first game, while Bankers Trust Falcons will face the Retrieve Raiders in the final game.

he newly formed Cool Runnings beach football club is currently in preparation mode for the Bago Invitational Beach Soccer tournament scheduled to kick off in Tobago from November 1-3.

President of the club, Rollin Tappin, has indicated that ten players, including two coaches, are getting set to represent Guyana in the international tournament for the third time around.

Different teams had in the past competed in the competition under the Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA) however, Tappin indicated that this is the first time that a beach football club from Guyana will be participating internationally.

The team, if successful in securing the first place position, has the opportunity of copping US$15,000.

Tappin noted that this is historic and shows that beach football clubs are developing around the country and are working towards taking the sport to higher heights, which has always been his dream. He also expressed optimism that more clubs will become involved in the sport, noting that this will create healthy competition and rivalry, thus aiding in its advancement.

“We are in the process of commencing full preparation in terms of players training. Of course, the most important thing is funding, the cost is not a very high cost to play but of

course we have to seek funding, but so far that is moving apace. We’ve written to several business houses, corporate Guyana for support and even though we haven’t received any formal response as yet we are hoping that in a week or so we will get some favourable responses from the business community as it relates to our sponsorship requests...this is another developmental avenue for beach soccer players in Guyana and obviously we would want the players from the club to participate and also further their skills in beach soccer, so that maybe by next World Cup Guyana would have more experienced players,” he explained.

Additionally, Tappin said that the aim is to have all round development within the game, and as such, the team is currently working on advancing beach football skills and techniques of players not only in Linden where the club is based, but also in other communities.

“One of the things that we’re doing is because we have our partners- we have partnered with Coomacka Youth Development Club (football)- we have asked them to send along a representative so that they can also participate in that tournament...in fact, the person has already been identified and they will commence training with us so that when they go to Tobago they will be able to see the game from that level and take the

experience back to the community.”

Tappin noted that the squad includes a powerful line-up of skillful players and he is confident that the team will perform well. They are expected to compete against teams from across the Caribbean, North America and Europe, including England, Florida, Switzerland and Jamaica, among others.

He added that although the team is uncertain as to which team they will be coming up against they are gearing up for any challenge. “Most of the guys are in regular soccer clubs and have international experience and I think its familiar conditions for them...most of them had gone to the last two tournaments over the past few years, so in terms of fitness I don’t believe it’s a problem, but what we do need to do is work on our beach soccer chemistry...”

He also noted that he is thankful for the donation of several beach soccer balls which were donated to the team by local businesses, while he stressed community involvement in promoting beach football internationally.

“What I would like to see other communities get into is forming more teams so that we can develop a healthy club system and as such we would have more quality players coming out to represent Guyana,” Tappin indicated.

edwards preaches “patience” as... from

“We played well in the limited-overs matches and we have good momentum. We have changed locations and the conditions here look very good for firstclass cricket. We are confident and we will bring that confidence into the longer format. Powell did a good job as captain the first half so I will just look to continue the good work,” Edwards said on Monday.

“We have some new players coming into the team and everyone has fitted in very well. The mood in the camp is very good. We have excellent support staff, who help to keep us

relaxed. We had a productive training session today and we are looking forward to the start of the match.”

The 28-yer-old Edwards is familiar with conditions in the sub-continent, having played three Tests against the Indians two years ago. He made 60 in the second innings at Eden Gardens, Kolkata and followed up with 86 in the first innings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

“I have played here before and we have a few other members of team who have played Test cricket here as well,” Edwards said.

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“I have spoken to the team and stressed the importance of being patient when we bat as well as when we bowl. You have to be prepared work hard, but you will always get your rewards.”

The full squad reads: Kirk Edwards (captain), Kieran Powell (vice-captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cotterell, Miguel Cummins, Narsingh Deonarine, Assad Fudadin, Jahmar Hamilton, Delorn Johnson, Leon Johnson, Nikita Miller, Ashley Nurse, Veerasammy Permaul and Chadwick Walton.

Harper conducts training seminar with ECCCC youngsters

Over two dozen young cricketers attached to the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) were on Saturday last involved in a training seminar conducted by former West Indies allrounder and coach, Roger Harper.

The one hour session was organised by executives of the ECCCC to give the youngsters a basic understanding of what was required of them to become not just good cricketers, but decent individuals who can contribute to society in a meaningful way.

The seminar was conducted in the main pavillion of the Enmore Community Centre ground, where Harper advised the youths to remain disciplined in their effort to play at the highest level.

“Success does not come at the first shot; you have to keep trying and trying until you get there. The lesson here is never to give up, but you also have to be disciplined. That is very impor-

tant,” the Guyana Amazon Warriors head coach pointed out.

The 50-year-old Harper,

who played 25 Tests and 105 ODIs for the West Indies and 200 First-Class matches for Guyana and

Controversial call secures

By TreisTon Joseph

Wortmanville/ Werk-en-Rust topped Plaisance/ Vryheid’s Lust 80-78 on Sunday evening to reach the final of the Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) Pacesetters Inter-ward basketball championships sponsored by Mackeson at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

With less than 10 second left in the game, Plaisance/ Vryheid’s Lust secured an offensive rebound, but stopped playing when the referee called a defensive three second violation with 1.5s left on the clock.

Upon the call, the clock ran out and the game eventually ended. According to basketball rules, such a call allows the offensive team one free throw and possession of the basketball which was not awarded to Plaisance/Vryheid’s Lust.

However, the physical

encounter between the two teams ended with Michael Turner scoring a gamehigh 28 points, while Randy Richardson had 16 points and 14 rebounds for a double-double performance.

Joslyn Crawford also had 16 points and eight rebounds in the win for Wortmanville/ Werk-en-Rust.

Ron Campbell topscored for Plaisance/Vryheid’s Lust with 23 points and 12 rebounds during the loss.

Ryan Gullen, who was active on the board and had a controversial travelling violation called on him in the last 20s, had 14 points and grabbed a game-high 18 rebounds in the loss. Meanwhile, in the other semi-final game of the evening, defending champions Albouystown/Charlestown whipped Alberttown/ Bourda 62-49 to move to the final.

Albouystown/ Charlestown capitalized

on their size advantage and brutalised the smaller Alberttown/Bourda team in the post.

Alberttown/Bourda came out running and playing fast break ball, but due to the wear and tear of the post play by the defending champions quickly toned down their fast break offense which caused them to take tough shots against the much bigger Albouystown/ Charlestown team.

Joe Ifill grabbed a gamehigh 22 rebound while dropping 12 points, while Collis Pluck led the way for the defending champs with a game-high 21 points.

Yannick December was the topscorer for Alberttown/Bourda with 12 points, while Olatunde Griffith had 11 points in the loss. Meanwhile, both teams will meet on Friday to start a best-of-three final series that should give a playoff type of atmosphere.

Northamptonshire, encouraged the youths to set goals, as that will help them to gauge their progress over

time.

“I know the ultimate aim is to play for the West Indies, but before that there is a pro-

cess that has to take place. You have to play for club, county, country and so on, so it’s important you set your selves a general goal and then break that up into subgoals,” the former right-arm off-spinner and right-handed middle-order batsman implored.

Several executive members of the ECCCC also attended the seminar, which was the first since the club was resuscitated earlier this year.

Club captain Bheemraj Ramkellawan thanked Harper for sharing his knowledge and expertise on the game with the youngsters, adding that his presence could only serve to inspire the young club members to aim high.

Ramkellawan noted that the session is just one of many activities the ECCCC has planned to ensure the young membership of the club is afforded every opportunity to learn not just cricket, but general life skills.

(Avenash Ramzan)

Jeffrey wins Powerade 50-mile road race

National road race champion, Raynauth Jeffrey, showcased his speed and skills on Sunday as he won the Powerade 50-mile road race on the West Demerara roadway.

Jeffrey clocked a time of one hour, 51 minutes and two seconds (01h: 51m: 02s) to claim his ninth signature win of the season at the Banks DIH sponsored event.

The in-form Alanzo Greaves finished second, Robin Persaud third, junior sportsman of the year Paul DeNobrega fourth and Orville Hinds fifth to round out the top five.

The event, which had 50 starters, began from the Wales Police Station; proceeded to Bushy Park, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, before ending the Demerara Harbour Bridge with a steamy pace.

Jeffrey had made a move that saw seven other riders joining him to comprise the lead bunch, before he pulled away from the pack at Meten-Meer-Zorg to com-

plete a comfortable victory.

Talim Shaw rode away with the veteran’s event, finishing ahead of Everal Mundy and Kennard Lovell in second and third respectively.

The junior category was won by Michael Anthony, who was involved in a bad spill the previous day after winning the RRT Enterprise 35-lap event at the National Park. Hamzah Eastman was second, while Kravitz

Jeffrey finished third. Toshwanna Doris was the female prize winner of the event. Meanwhile, at the prize ceremony held immediately after the event, organiser of the event, Hassan Mohamed, thanked Banks DIH for its support, while Banks DIH Communications Manager, Troy Peters, congratulated the cyclists, noting that the company will continue to support the event.

Pan American Hockey Federation Cup…

Guyanese ladies lose to Canada

The Guyana ladies endured a tough debut match at their firstever Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Cup being staged in Mendoza, Argentina, going down to Canada 0-8.

On a freezing cold evening, with temperatures hovering around 0oc and strong gusts of winds, the Guyanese ladies braved the unfamiliar conditions to face the tough opposition of Canada at the newly opened Mendocino hockey stadium in Mendoza.

The Canadians, ranked 23rd in the world, would have been confident in knowing that in a recent warmup tour to Canada, the 58th ranked Guyanese had difficulty managing their provincial teams.

Canada piled the pressure onto the Guyanese deep defense from the opening whistle, making it dif-

ficult for Guyana to outlet the ball comfortably from the back. The strategy worked for Canada as the Guyanese struggled to find some composure and suffered an opening goal when Canadian striker Hannah Haughn scored her team’s first goal with a powerful reverse stick strike five minutes into the match. With the pressure producing several counterattacks for Canada, Guyanese sweeper Ulrica Sutherland and goalkeeper Alysa Xavier were called upon several times to rescue the team with some brilliant individual tackles and goalkeeping respectively.

Canada would continue the pressure as the half wore on by scoring three more field goals through a ‘tip in’ from Thea Culley, a kind rebound finish by Abigail Raye and a swift strike by Jessica Barnett.

Guyana looked a more organised unit in the second half but still had difficulty penetrating a cohesive and well-rehearsed Canadian defense. Midfielders Marzana Fiedtkou and Leigh Sandison were steady in the midfield, but the Canadians were able to reduce their passing options and smother Guyana’s attacks quickly.

While the field goal opportunities for the Canadians in the second half did not come quite as easily, they still managed to score four more goals in the second half with two being field goals and two by way of penalty corners.

Thea Culley managed to put her name on the score sheet once more in the second half haul, while teammates Caashia Carrington, Brienne Stairs and Stephanie Norlander completed the list of scorers

Universal DVD T20 competition…

According to coach Philip Fernandes, while the result was disappointing for Guyana, the team took away a lot of positives from the match. Fernandes indicated that the last time Guyana played against Canada in an international competition was in the 2012 World League where Canada won 10-0.

The coach indicated that the team was incrementally better against opposition who have better facilities and resources which in itself is a success. He went on to mention that while he was hoping for a closer score line, it was unrealistic to reverse such a great disparity in one year under the given conditions of the two countries.

In the other pool, the U.S.A defeated Mexico 6-0, while Chile and Uruguay played to a nil-all draw.

Willburgh, Bridgelall star in latest action

The 2013 Universal DVD Club’s first division 20/20 cricket competition in Berbice continued on Sunday with three more rescheduled matches.

The batting performance of the tournament so far was registered by Police’s middle-order batsmen Philbert Willburgh who blasted 92 (4x4s, 11x6s) from just 60 balls to almost single-handedly take Police to a four-wicket victory over D’Edward, who made a decent 120-6 in a reduced 15 overs with Jaipaul Heeralall top scoring with 37. Willburgh’s knock has been the highest score in the competition so far.

Heeralall Bridgelall Philbert Willburgh

D’Edward however, had an improvement in their fortunes in their second match of the day when they defeated Port Mourant Karibee Rice by four wickets. They were able to skittle out Port Mourant for a paltry 59, thanks mainly to outstanding bowling from mediumpacer Heeralall Bridgelall, who took 6-11 from 3.3 overs. D’Edward eventually won by four wickets.

Below are the sum-

marised scores from the games played.

At D’Edward: Police beat D’Edward by four wickets. D’Edward 120-6 from 15 overs (Jaipaul Heeralall 37, Sam Ramanand 35, Andel Doris 3-13, Rocky Hutson 2-11) versus Police 1226 in 13.1 overs (Philbert

Khan, Hiralall guide ECCCC to victory over Bravado

Willburgh 92, Devendra Lalsa 2-37).

At D’Edward: D’Edward beat Port Mourant Karibee Rice by four wickets. Port Mourant Karibee Rice 59 all out in 15.2 overs (Joshua Ramsammy 22, Heeralall Bridgelall 6-11, Devendra Lalsa 2-6) versus D’Edward 60-6 from12.1 overs (Eon Abel 24, Gregory Crandon 3-17, Yudendra Harrinarine 2-16).

At Edinburg: Skeldon Community Centre beat Edinburgh by one wicket. Edinburg 107-6 in 20 overs (Denny David 20, Deonarine Seepersaud 20, Raid Ali 19, Sean Baksh 18, Victor Pedro 2-24) versus Skeldon Community Centre 108-9 in 20 overs (Viendra Gooniah 40, Charles France 25, Jerome Andrews 3-10, Shafeek Khan 2-14, Denny David 2-20).

First-Class leg-spinner Amir Khan and fast bowler Ranjeet Hiralall played crucial roles on Sunday to lead Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) to a fourwicket victory over Bravado in a feature 30-over match at the Enmore Community Centre ground. Witnessed by another fair sized crowd, Bravado won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 152 from the allotted 30 overs.

Hiralall was outstanding with the ball, snaring a career-best 4-28 as the Bravado batsmen found the ECCCC bowling too much to handle.

Off-spinner Satesh Jainarine picked up 1-18, while K. Trapp topscored for Bravado with 49.

In reply, ECCCC coasted to victory at 155-6 from 28 overs with Khan leading the run-chase with a solid 45. Skipper Bheemraj Ramkellawan supported with 28, while former national wicket-keeper/ batsman Shiek Mohamed chipped in with 24. Khan was adjudged Man-of-the-Match and received a trophy and cricket shirt, while Hiralall received same for being the best bowler on the day. Trapp also collected a cricket shirt for his top score for Bravado.

Prizes were donated by Tiger Sports of Old Road, Enmore, East Coast Demerara. The victory was ECCCC’s third in a row as they previously defeated Mahaica and Helena.

Beginners coaching workshop concludes ahead of Courts Pee Wee

Atwo-day beginners’ coaching course organised by the Petra Organisation and Courts (Guyana) Inc. ahead of this weekend’s start of their Pee Wee Under-11 competition wrapped up on Sunday at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue.

The workshop, which was facilitated by the Guyana Football Coaches Association, saw 15 of the 24 schools slated to participate in the upcoming competition present.

The resource personnel were Guyana’s “Golden Jaguars” head coach Wayne Dover and junior national team head coach Gilbert Sampson among others.

According to co-director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca, the workshop was organised to improve the knowledge and technical skills of teach-

ers of the schools that will compete in the tournament from Saturday at the Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park. Mendonca said that it is also in keeping with its aim

to foster the development of the game and among the topics that were discussed during the workshop were the role of the coaches and age related exercise, envi-

ronment health and safety, practical warm-up, practical fun games, nutrition and hydration, injury prevention and treatment and technical development. The

MYO crowned Inter-Jamaat softball champions

The third annual Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO)/ Raf’s Variety Store’s nationwide Inter-Jamaat 10/10 softball competition concluded on Sunday with MYO emerging as champions.

Playing at the MYO ground on Woolford Avenue, the host defeated Farm B by eight wickets in the final, which was contested in front of a large crowd that included proprietor of Raf’s Variety Store, Fazal Rafeek.

Farm B took first strike and posted 103-6 from the allotted 10 overs, despite some tidy bowling from the home team. Yunus Yusuf topscored with 39 (2x4s, 2x6s) and Budhan Baksh made 17 (2x4s, 1x6).

Salim Mohamed and Safraz Esau claimed one wicket each. Richard Latiff then entertained the fans with some lusty hitting from the onset, smashing four fours and a similar number of sixes as he laid the foundation for an MYO victory before he was dismissed for 45.

Man-of-the-Match Esau supported Latiff with a robust unbeaten 44 (2x4s, 5x6s) as MYO won the game in 8.2 overs, ending on 106-2.

Semi-finals

Adventure of Essequibo won the third place playoff beating Fyrish of Berbice by 53 runs. Fazeer Khan slammed 107 (2x4s, 14x6s), while Shaz Grovesnor chipped in with 43 (2x4s, 4x6s) to guide Adventure to 173-2 in 10 overs. Fyrish threatened briefly in reply but were restricted to 1204 in 10 overs. Jason Mohamed made 59 (3x4s, 5x6s).

MYO and Farm B won their respective semi-final matches played earlier. MYO got the better of Fyrish by 53 runs. MYO batted first and posted 155 without loss in 10 overs. Chein Gittens led the way with 81 (2x4s, 8x6s)

and Latiff supported with 32 (1x4, 3x6s). Fyrish replied with 102-3 in 10 overs. Jason Mohamed scored 54 (2x4s, 6x6s) and Shazeer Rangasammy 21 (1x6). Salim Mohamed took 2-15.

In the other semi-final, Farm B got the better of Adventure by nine wickets. Adventure mustered 124-5 in 10 overs batting first with Fazeer Khan top scoring with 86 (1x4, 11x6s) and Abdool Salim 24 (2x6s).

Ricky Sargeant claimed 2-8 for Farm B, who then romped to victory in 8.4 overs losing one wicket in the process. Omesh Narine was their leading batsman with 55 (3x4s, 5x6s), while Sargeant made 36 (1x4, 4x6s).

Meanwhile, Adventure scraped past Wakenaam in the last quarter-final game. The teams played to a tie, which led to a Super Over, which was also tied. It took a second Super Over to separate the teams.

Adventure took first turn at the crease and scored 146-5 in 10 overs. Fazeer Khan made 43 (5x4s, 3x6s) and Shaz Grovesnor contributed 31 (1x6, 3x4s) with Ejaz Mohamed capturing 2-30 and Zameer Zaman 2-34.

Wakenaam replied with 1465 in 10 overs. Zaman belted 78 (3x4s, 9x6s), Kemo Paul 33 (2x6s, 3x4s) and Derwin Daniels 22. Munir Amin had 2-34. In the first Super Over Wakenaam scored 14-1 and Adventure responded with 14-1. Adventure then earned the right to play in the semi-final by winning the second Super Over. Wakenaam batted first and scored nine and Adventure replied with 10.

MYO received a trophy and $300,000, while each player was given a medal. Farm B took home a trophy and $200,000, while each player also received a medal. Adventure grabbed a trophy and $100,000 for finishing third, while Fyrish earned a trophy and

$50,000.

The MYO lads were also rewarded for scoring the highest total in the competition- 211 versus La Bonne Intention.

Also receiving prizes were Shazeer Rangasammy of Fyrish for the best bowling figures (411), Gittens of MYO the individual score (102) and Fazeer Bacchus of Fyrish most wickets (eight). Gittens was the competition’s leading runscorer with 223 runs.

Brotherhood

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, one of the organisers, Imran Ally, said the aim of the competition was to achieve a high level of discipline and brotherhood through sports, which he said, was accomplished.

He informed that 20 per cent of the cash prizes received by the teams will go towards the maintenance of their respective masjids.

He thanked president of MYO Azad Ibrahim, Fazeer Khan of Essequibo Coast, Asif Ahmad of Wakenaam, Shameer Khan of Berbice, Imtiaz Pooran of East Bank Demerara, the participating teams, the media and sponsor Fazal Rafeek for the part they played in making the competition a success.

Director of Education and Dawah of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), Shaykh Moeen-ul-Haq, congratulated the players and said he is happy to see that the competition attracted teams from all three counties stating that discipline is being tested when under pressure.

Rafeek, who has been sponsoring the competition in memory of the late Mrs. Hajin Zaleena Rafeek, said he is happy to sponsor the tournament once again and wants to see more masjids taking part in future competitions.

participants were presented with certificates of attendance.

Courts (Guyana) Inc. has also increased the size of the sponsorship which

has now risen to in excess of $3.3 million with the top four teams expected to receive trophies and gifts, while all the participating schools will also benefit from the company’s goodwill.

The 24 schools confirmed to compete in the tournament are: defending champions Marian Academy, St Agnes, West Ruimveldt, St Margaret’s, St Sidwell’s, Tucville, South Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Ketley, St Gabriel’s, F.E. Pollard, Enterprise, St Pius, Sophia, Success, Redeemer, New Guyana, Stella Maris, St Winefride’s, Winfer Gardens, J.E. Burnham, East Ruimveldt, Green Acres and St Angela’s.

Also present at the closing ceremony was Guyana Football Federation’s Vicepresident (Technical and Tactical Development), Ivan Persaud.

Canal Six romp to victory in Jeet Brothers domino

Canal Six used their home advantage to great effect to emerge winners of the Jeet Brothers sponsored three-way aggregate dominoes competition which culminated at Ernest Shop, Canal, West Bank Demerara, on Sunday.

Entering the third and final leg on 157 games, a mere one game lead over arch-rivals International Six on 156 with Wild Bunch trailing on 141, the homesters eased to a comfortable win with 86 games to end with an unassailable 243 games.

International Six, who scored 77 in the final sitting, ended in the second position with 233 games, while Wild Bunch, who once again faltered, ended in the cel-

lar spot on 203. In Sunday’s encounter, Canal Six were led through consistent scoring from Kedar Seopaul (16), Chibar Seopaul (16), Avie Persaud (15), R. Sukhai (13), Abdool Gafoor (13) and Scotty Ramroop (13).

The top players for International Six were Martin Permaul with 16 games while there were 13 each for Hilbert “Bumpy” Ali and Soomdat Jeet.

Apart from copping the winning trophy, Canal Six three top players- Kedar Seopaul (46 games), R. Sukhai (44) and Chibar Seopaul (41)were recipient of watches and caps.

For International Six, Ron Callender with 31 games in two matches and Intikab Ali with

40 in three were the two best players and were awarded caps, while Wild Bunch’s Sean Crawford made 41 games for Wild Bunch and also received a cap. The runners-up also collected a trophy. Hilbert “Bumpy” Ali, who had the distinction of registering a double love in the second leg, collected a watch and a cap for his fine effort. Wild Bunch’s skipper Jermaine Jackson had already copped a cap for sharing the first love in the tournament, achieving the feat in the first leg.

Apart from those incentives, donor Soomdat Jeet, who resides in New York, had also presented three packs of dominoes to Everest Cricket Club and one each to the three participating teams.

and Plaisance Vryheid’s Lust (Photos: Treiston Joseph)

MYSORE, India–West Indies A team players are confident the change of location and format will have no effect on their momentum as they prepare to face India A in the opening four-day first-class match at Mysore.

The two teams battled each other in the limited-overs matches in Bangalore and have spent the last few days preparing for the longer format.

First ball at the Gangothri Glades Cricket Ground is 12 midnight Wednesday Eastern Caribbean Time/11pm Tuesday Jamaica Time.

Under captain Kieran Powell the Windies rebounded brilliantly to win the 50-over series 2-1, while the Indians won the one-off T20 match.

Kirk Edwards, who has

taken over the captaincy for the four-day matches, has advised his players to be “patient and watchful” as they face the more experienced opposition.

Kirk Edwards turn to page