Guyana Times Daily

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Five held for big ganja bust at city hotel

Edghill, others involved in accident in Region 10

Police record five per cent spike in serious crimes

OAS anticorruption body ends meeting in Guyana

Govt threatens court action for school protesters 24-hour dredging being considered for Port Georgetown Rohee urges support for Brumell as he carries out mandate

friday, october 11, 2013 | guyanatimeSgy.com

Countrywide: Heavy rain showers are expected during the day, with clear skies in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to east north-easterly at 4.47 to 3.57 metres per second.

High Tide: 09:01h and 21:24h reaching maximum heights of 2.30 metres and 2.33 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 02:26h and 14:52h reaching minimum heights of 0.75 metre and 0.99 metre respectively.

Ram, Lall owe millions of dollars in taxes

– slapped with lawsuits, to appear in court on October 24

By Michael younge

Opposition adviser Lallbachan Christopher Ram and Kaieteur News owner and publisher Mohan Lall, aka Glenn Lall, were slapped with lawsuits on Thursday morning for millions of dollars owed in rates and taxes.

The cases were filed by Attorney Sandil Kissoon from the Kissoon and Kissoon Law Firm on behalf of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown.

Ram, who is closely connected to the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI), reportedly owes more than $1.4 million in taxes for sub lot D of 157 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, according to court documents seen by Guyana Times

He is also believed to owe the M&CC another $2.9 million for sub lot C of the same Waterloo Street property. The court documents allege that he owes yet another $7 million for sub lot B of the same property. In all, Ram reportedly owes the M&CC about $11.3 million.

Aware

Efforts to contact Ram on his cell phone were futile, but sources close to him said he was aware of the court action.

Already, many Guyanese are expressing shock at the development, given Ram’s recent comments about accountability and transparency in government.

He has also been a vocal opposition political commentator, calling on the business community and citizens to pay their rates and taxes. “I am still shocked that Ram owes more than

$11 million in taxes. It is, therefore, paradoxical that he would seek to lecture the government and others about honouring their obligations and following the law, yet he is breaking the law and depriving the city’s treasury of much-needed finance,” a senior city councillor opined when contacted.

Mohan Lall

Meanwhile, Lall and his wife, Bhena, owe the M&CC more than $5.6 million in taxes, according to court documents seen by this newspaper. Lall, a selfproclaimed righteous citizen, owes that amount for a property at 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

“These are the double standards that businessmen like Glen Lall exhibit. He uses his newspaper on a daily basis to publish disclosures on others who are allegedly not complying with

the laws of this country... and appears to be driven by his self-professed desire to save taxpayers’ dollars ... and here he is, apparently, not paying millions owed to the government,” the councillor said.

Inside sources at the M&CC have confirmed that both Ram and Lall were served with notices some seven days ago to pay their debts, as legal action loomed.

When contacted, acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba said the council will continue its zero- tolerance approach in dealing with any case where the city’s laws are breached. She said that a number of cases are before the court as the council seeks redress and declined to make specific mention of any case or defaulter.

Both Ram and Lall, who are avid supporters of opposition political parties, are now required to appear on

October 24 to answer the charges of owing millions of dollars.

Only recently, it was reported that Dr Jennifer Basdeo-Green, wife of Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green, headed a list of persons who have been sued by the M&CC for non-payment of rates and taxes to the tune of millions of dollars.

Other cases

The cases against Dr Basdeo-Green and others were instituted in the Supreme Court of Guyana and have all been fixed for hearing on October 22. The proceedings were filed by Attorney Euclin Gomes.

The list of persons and the amount of rates and taxes owed are as follows: Jennifer BasdeoGreen – $10,145,631 from 1997 to 2013, for X Street, Meadow Brook Gardens, Georgetown; Rajpati Latchmansingh (Sandra Singh) – $9,244,124 from 1997 to 2013 for Lot 38 Cummings Street, Alberttown, Georgetown; George Sebastian –$11,579,978 from 1997 to 2013 for Lot 235 Albert and Forshaw streets, Queenstown, Georgetown; Garland Lodge – $2,491,217 from 1998 to 2013 for Lot 134 Fifth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown; and Charles James –$5,299,181 from 1997 to 2013 for Lot 21 Werk-enRust, Georgetown.

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

“I Believe”

The “I Believe” campaign launched at GuyExpo last week, even though it may seem as minute in the larger scheme of things, is perhaps one of the timeliest interventions undertaken by the government recently. The campaign aims to create an environment in which every Guyanese can embrace the future and stresses the establishment of a positive environment through the enforcement of positive lifestyles, innovative thinking and patriotic positioning of views.

We believe that there is a need to renew a sense of hope and to create a higher degree of optimism amongst the Guyanese populace especially considering recent events taking place at the national political level. What we are witnessing at the moment is a high degree of negativity or what some may refer to as pessimism among the Guyanese populace, especially young people, some of whom are just waiting for an opportunity to migrate.

While there are several factors that have contributed to this level of pessimism, no doubt one of the main reasons for this is the constant peddling of misinformation and propaganda by the opposition parties, which most times take their cue from sections of the private media.

Media are supposed to report on facts, and let the people be the judge, but unfortunately what we are seeing in Guyana is a media onslaught where development projects and even the persons who are involved with them, are unjustifiably painted with a negative brush.

That being said, the fact remains there are many positive things happening here daily and in every corner of the country. For example, the economy is growing, more small businesses are opening up, the landscape of the country is changing with many buildings expanding and new ones being constructed, more doctors are now serving in various areas of the country, our students are topping at various regional examinations, our athletes are excelling on the international stage, more persons are becoming homeowners for the first time, and life in general is better when compared to the last decade or so, and the list goes on.

Guyana is indeed a unique and beautiful place to live. There is an abundance of natural resources and the work ethic of the people is exceptional. What is lacking sometimes is the motivation and the “I Believe” attitude to make a difference. Hence the “I Believe” campaign is aimed at energising the population to believe in the potential of Guyana and to build a nationalistic and patriotic environment.

The campaign is geared towards promoting and advancing the successes of Guyana’s economy while encouraging all facets of society to believe in the potential that lies ahead. It also seeks to reach out to every Guyanese beyond political, ethnic and religious barriers, to come on board through educating ourselves, informing ourselves and communicating with each other, the priorities of Guyana, thus, creating an environment of national ownership in the transformation of this country.

Further, the campaign will embrace the new developmental ideals in the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, the stateof-the-art Specialty Hospital, the new Marriott Hotel, and the CJIA expansion project, and the potential that lies in the accomplishment of these projects. It also takes a deeper look into the future – in building bridges with Guyana’s neighbours and benefiting from the potential that exists in their markets.

We believe that as Guyanese we should all start believing in ourselves and the potential of our country. It is time citizens start encouraging each other to set aside partisan political views and to work together to create better communities and a better country as a whole.

On this note, we suggest that the campaign be taken to every community across the country with the involvement of Neighbourhood Democtratic Councils (NDCs), the various religious bodies, schools and every other stakeholder that is interested in seeing the country move forward.

As the world tries to grapple with CO2 emissions, some folks are testing alternative ways of transportation that do not harm the environment. Solar powered vehicles anyone? This is just one model at the World Solar Challenge 2013 in Australia (worldsolarchallenge. org)

If we follow the opposition, nothing will move forward

Dear Editor, I have seen over and over again how many sections of the media have been trying to mislead the nation about the benefits of the Marriott Hotel. Marriott carries weight by virtue of its name alone, and to have such an edifice and institution here is really something to shout about.

Just recently, Marriott started big business in Bangalore with over 1000 rooms in two hotels. In both Barbados and Trinidad, there are hotels (the Hyatt and the Hilton) that are being administrated by the

state and in both cases; the hotels are the classiest ones. Why should Guyana stay back? Development is about anticipating and positioning. We cannot wait even for oil. We have tourist potential and we must make the preparations now.

I remember the antagonism generated when the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Coast Demerara was in the pipe line. Today, it is a major sporting and entertainment arena in the region. How about when Guyana hosted the Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta)? This was

supposed to be a flop.

What has been happening is that there have been many anonymous and fabricated letters, newspaper headlines, protests and other actions and utterances put forward to play down the benefits of the Marriott Hotel in Guyana. We hear about every good thing in Guyana. Up to now, some critics cannot see how important the Education Ministry’s School Feeding programme is.

Outsiders came and lauded it, yet the opposition members cry out. The same goes for our good showing at

regional examinations. We are doing so very well, and yet I hear talk about a failed education system.

So the word from me is that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government must never allow itself to be short-sighted. It must look ahead and put arrangements in place for what is about to unfold in Guyana. The economy is stable, we have a great programme for our youths and tourism is about to proliferate.

Yours sincerely, Latchman Bansi

Mining pit cave-in exposes a few wrongs

Dear Editor,

The recent mining tragedy in which four Brazilians were killed must be used as a wake-up call. Recently, a number of accidents took place in the mining sector, and even though there is the usual fuss and fret, nothing permanent and definitive is done, and hence life goes on unperturbed. All of this needs to stop.

The investigations have already revealed that the operation was very much illegal. It was going on for some time too. My question is a simple one: How come? When I look at the details, I see a lot of loop-holes: four

men, an independent operation, a cave some 30 feet deep, and isolation from other miners.

The mere fact that all of this went on totally unchecked is a reason to get worried. Maybe, there are many more such operations, and the relevant authorities must, by all means, conduct surveys and carry out random inspections.

It is very disturbing that these miners were not registered and, from some preliminary findings, it appears that they were working on Arau’s titled land that is controlled by the village. This smacks of some kind of col-

lusion and it undermines the work of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Someone on the inside should be brought to justice.

The other disturbing thing is how and why this accident took place. Over recent years, quite a few miners have lost their lives, while working in the pits.

The GGMC went at lengths to promote and sensitise miners in terms of safe mining practices. Yet, adherence to guidelines is being neglected. In a few instances, miners were found guilty of not being clad in basic safety gear.

This kind of enforcement must come about at the personal level, as mining is not like driving on the road, where daily inspections and observation are possible. When I think that this is the fourth, fatal collapsed miningpit tragedy for the year, I shudder. I join therefore in the appeal that all miners do the right thing – be registered and follow all safety rules. The rush for gold has killed many, and will continue to do so, if safety measures are cast aside.

Sincerely,

Ray Clementson

your

Helping our abused children

Dear Editor,

The news recently highlighted that four parents were arrested and placed before the courts as a result of a massive child abuse campaign. This campaign was held to commemorate Child Protection Week.

Abusing children is an ongoing thing. So this one week campaign must only be seen as a fillip. There must be a constant watch where this crime is concerned. The abuse is sometimes mental, psychological and verbal. Many parents also neglect their children and they can be seen all over the place, running errands for people. They should be in school.

understand that they have a legal role to fulfil. One high school student did tell me that she thinks that her father is the way he is, because apparently, she, the child-student, is made to feel guilty/responsible for his financial plight. That is so for many parents. They went and got children without thinking. So now they are

stuck. However, the law is there to be enforced and they must be told.

The next thing is that the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) complimented the media and the Guyana Police Force for being very helpful in this exercise. Now both parties must continue this kind of watch. We have been too dormant for too long.

The general public must also come to the party. How we love to criticise the authorities for being delinquent, but many times we are privy to what is happening and we do nothing.

Marijuana farming must be dealt with differently

Dear Editor, Marijuana farming is very common in Guyana and will always be so. We have people here who see marijuana smoking as a major part of their religion and folklore. So let us face this reality now and do something about it. Many more farms will be intercepted and if there are no arrests and accountability, we are not heading anywhere.

People smoke marijuana and to facilitate this, they plant it. People peddle the thing. They have in

Mayor

their employ a host of pushers and the business starts from the actually farming of the drug.

This again says that we will have a problem always on our hands. However what are we doing when a plot of land is discovered with a marijuana farm?

Do like we do for cocaine interception say in a shipping vessel. We go back and trace things like origin, who sent what, where was it sent from and to whom was it going. As regards a plot of land, it must have own-

ership. Maybe it is being leased. It does not matter as ultimately someone will have to answer as regards what was happening. We are handling this farming of marijuana too lightly. It would be good to get some marijuana farmers to do some food farming as a form of punishment – we just have to catch them or the man who is allowing this kind of thing to take place on his land.

With kind regards, Adriana

DaSilva

ner. God help us!

Parents must be made to

Yours sincerely, Curtis

misused opportunity to speak at funeral

Campbell

Investing in education

Dear Editor,

This is true as true can ever be. I was walking along the University of Guyana (UG) access road and I did see this spanking new Turkeyen Nursery School. I was on the phone and I instantly digressed to relate what I was seeing at the time. The school made me feel so happy.

Nursery education is not compulsory, but no child is denied a space at schools here in Guyana. Currently, a child is admitted in a nursery school in September, at the age of three years if that

child turned three, at least by March 31 of that year. This is good as I see no sense in keeping them back.

Also, having nursery accommodation allows them, the children, a chance to be school-cultured from very early. Very soon this nursery education thing should be made compulsory. So this new school was commissioned and it was relished by those in attendance – parents, teachers, education officials and pupils. Guyana is really a pacesetter in nursery education. It is using a comprehensive

curriculum that caters for the holistic development of young children.

No wonder I spotted a play section. The literature is there for us to see that cognitive development is aided by the physical, social and emotional, especially at the early period.

The best way to tackle crime is to invest in education. Since government is leading the way, the onus is now on parents and guardians.

Yours truly,

Irshad Bacchus

Dear Editor, I observed the most disgusting occurrence last Wednesday where Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green misused a funeral service for his own political objection. In the process he sought to mislead mourners on the vending situation in Georgetown under his stewardship.

It was quite disgusting and inappropriate, especially since the deceased was not a politician or had no interest in politics even though she played a role in addressing issues which affected vendors with primary

responsibility for the cleanliness and beautification of the area in which she vended.

Green’s presentation may have received a better review had he used the occasion to enlighten those in attendance who were mostly citizens of Georgetown of efforts to clean up the garbage in the environs of the church and other parts of the city, among the plethora of other ills existing in Georgetown.

Imagine this is someone who advocates moral and spiritual revival and uses the church to mislead people in a deliberate man-

Yours faithfully, Kwame McCoy

Page Foundation

Eight simple tips to encourage student participation during group discussions

BY SUSAN VERNER

Getting students to participate during group discussions can be one of the most difficult things a teacher has to do. For some students, nothing will give them the push they need to share in a group.

For most others, though, small changes in your leadership style and your expectations can be just what they need to open up and contribute to the conversation. Here are just a few ideas to help you get those silent students starting to share in your next group discussion.

How to encourage student participation

* Sometimes during discussions, students may not understand what type of answer you are looking for. A simple way to encourage these students to speak is by giving a model answer. Answer your own question and show your students what type of answer they should give you.

This gives them a grammatical structure on which to base their own ideas and removes some of the intimidation that they might otherwise feel.

* Make sure you are not falling victim to a common mistake among teachers, especially inexperienced ones.

Do not be afraid of silence.

The next time you lead a class discussion and no one seems to have an answer to the question, time yourself and wait a full 60 seconds before breaking the silence. Sometimes an uncomfortable silence will be just what a hesitant student needs to speak up.

For other students, that small amount of time can be enough for them to gather their thoughts and formu-

* Be careful what and how much you are correcting. If you are correcting pronunciation and grammar and content all at the same time, it is not surprising that your students may feel too intimidated to open up!

Focus your corrections on one issue so your students feel as though they can speak without being overwhelmed with their mistakes.

Also, encourage your stu-

late what they would like to say before they open their mouths. If the teacher is filling in all the conversation spaces, your students are not likely to interrupt and it may appear that they do not want to participate in the discussion.

dents that their opinions are welcome even if they are not in agreement with yours or their fellow students’.

* Don’t put students on the spot. Calling on a student who is not ready to speak will only increase his or her anxiety and will often

cause that person to retreat even further into his or her shell. By refraining from putting pressure on un ready students, you take away that fear factor. Though this alone may not get a quiet student talking, it will help create an atmosphere con ducive to speak ing.

* Make sure your students know they have free dom to fail dur ing group discussions.

This does not mean that you want your students to underperform. What it does mean is that you are not going to criticise your students for making a mistake.

their speaking abilities. For those who might be

When students know that there is freedom to be imperfect, the intimidation level of group discussion will decrease and that in turn will free your not so perfect students to speak.

* Let your students work together. Sometimes intimidation and a fear of speaking in front of one’s peers is enough to shut down students who are unsure of

nate one speaker for each group to share with the class and ask the remaining students to share with the designated speaker. Because you eliminate the fear of sharing in front of the entire class, your students may be more willing to participate in their discussion group.

* Think about how you are grouping your students together during discussions.

If you have some students who are more talkative than others and who also have a tendency to dominate a discussion, put them in a group

Put all of your quietest students in a group of their own as well. By doing this, you force your more quiet students to engage in the discussion as no one else will be steering it for

* Something as simple as where your students are sitting in a group can contribute to how much they share during discussions as well. If you are leading, make sure your most talkative students are sitting directly to your left and right if you are in a circle. Likewise, seat your quietest student directly in front of you. If you are not leading the discussion, designate a facilitator for each group and arrange your students’ seats in the same manner.

The amount of eye contact that each person receives from you or the facilitator can have an influence on how much that person speaks during the discussion.

These ideas are not going to solve every student’s hesitancy to share in groups, but they will get you started moving in the right direction if you have students who struggle to participate in discussions.

The first step toward open discussion is to give your students the model they need and the time to formulate their own ideas for sharing.

Then by creating an atmosphere that encourages discussion and not perfection, your students will be less intimidated to share in class.

Finally, by strategically grouping and seating your students in their groups, you will create a physical environment in which your students will be willing to share.

I hope these tips will help improve participation in your class discussions and encourage your students feel more comfortable when they do speak in class. Ultimately, each person’s participation comes down to him or her, and you cannot force an unwilling student to participate in class.

Do what you can to make your class more open to discussion and then challenge your students to step up to the plate and use the language they are trying too hard to acquire! (Busyteacher.org)

NEW GPC INC Warehouse Facility at A1 Farm,East Bank Demerara Designed, funded and constructed entirely by NEW GPC INC

The following pictures display the NEW GPC INC facility at A1 Farm, East Bank Demerara, which was utilised by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Supply Chain Management System/Management Sciences for Health (SCMS/ MSH) initiative to strengthen various health programmes of the Health Ministry, including the HIV/AIDS programme.

The area was used by the SCMS to store anti-retrovirals, diagnostic and other supplies and to train Health Ministry personnel in the use of modern computerised inventory management software.

The facility was also used to house a small testing laboratory for the various SCMS programmes.

Five held for big ganja bust at city hotel

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has arrested five persons, including the owner of the La Familia Hotel, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, following the discovery of eight kilograms of cannabis at the hotel Thursday morning.

CANU head James Singh confirmed the drug bust, noting that the cannabis was found in one of the cars that belong to the owner of the property.

He added that from intelligence gathered, the man served jail time in the United States of America for possession of drugs.

Singh added that the business was under CANU’s watch for a period of time, and officials decided that the time was ripe for a raid. He stated that the operation was conducted at the hotel about 23:00h and lasted a few hours into Thursday.

Three vehicles were also seized by CANU ranks. The anti-narcotics unit’s chief also noted that three of

the five persons arrested are likely to be charged for the bust as early as today.

The persons in custody have reportedly denied having knowledge of the drugs in the car. Guyana Times understands that the hotel is under renovation, but a portion is being used as a private gym for the businessman and his close associates.

Recently, CANU destroyed approximately US$14.3 million in cocaine and cannabis that were seized from various operations in 2013.

The drugs are from cases that have been concluded and the offenders sentenced.

A total of 401 kilograms of cocaine and 30.465 kilograms of cannabis were set alight in the presence of media operatives.

The illegal substance had been stashed in Smalta bottles, postcards, fish feed, hand cream, electricity bulbs, Fern Leaf Milk tins, and capsules that were excreted by cocaine mules.

Man shot by robbery accused

A19-year-old man was shot Wednesday night in Georgetown when six men confronted him after he accused them of robbing a relative.

In a release, police said about 21:00h on Wednesday night Colin Fraser, of 17 Tucville, Georgetown, was shot once in the back.

Investigations revealed that Fraser went to the suspects’ home

and accused them of robbing one of his relatives.

He returned home and was later confronted by the men, two of whom were armed with firearms, in his yard.

He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted. One man has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with investigations.

TEyew tness

Path dependence...

...and present politics

here’s a persistent stream of apologists and fellow travellers of the People’s National Congress/ A Partnership for National Unity (PNC/APNU) camp who insist that we’ve got to “forget the past”. The latest is this overseas economist, Tarron Khemraj, who was once in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), then Rise, Organise And Rebuild Guyana (ROAR), then Alliance For Change (AFC), and now APNU.

Any fella who can span that range of ideologies is either very confused or schizophrenic. Legions of voices (devils?) within and all that.

Khemraj takes on one individual who cautioned him about hopping into bed with APNU and declared rather sanctimoniously: “I... join Guyanese who do not wish to be trapped in the past. Many of us are willing to judge a leader on character...” The leader he speaks about is David Granger, protégé of Forbes Burnham, and the man Burnham put in charge of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) when he got wind that Dr Walter Rodney was infiltrating the army.

The appointment, not coincidentally, was just months before Dr Rodney was assassinated by Sergeant Gregory Smith of the GDF. But imagine a supposedly trained U.S. economist, not “wishing to be trapped by the past”, but choosing to silence that past, or refusing to even acknowledge that the past inevitably colours the present.

As an economist, he mightn’t be familiar with the philosopher George Santayana’s caution about what happens to those who forget the lessons of the past – even though it’s now been reduced to a sophomoric cliché. You’ll be doomed to repeat that history, warned Santayana.

But even if he thinks philosophy is “soft” and can’t match the “rigour” and scientific pretensions of economics, didn’t some economist or other carry on about “historical path dependency”? Which basically echoes Santayana’s point? To apply the point to our reality in Guyana, what it means is that the “innovations” of Granger’s mentor – and even Granger himself – live on in the present. And Khemraj

ignores them at his cost.

Take a simple instance like who Granger has chosen to surround himself with as his closest advisers and confidants. These chaps are all from the army. What historical path dependency suggests is that, if APNU under Granger ever gets power, he’ll act about as democratically as what prevails in armies in general, and the Granger’s GDF in particular. That is, zilch!!

Not exactly as an aside, he should query why Malcolm Harripaul, who preceded him in speaking about Granger as purer than Julius Caesar’s wife, is not in Granger’s inner circle.

There’s an old folk anecdote that we’ll pass on to Khemraj. There was once a piglet who pestered his mother, asking, “Mumma, mumma, why you mouth so long?” The mother patiently replied, “Na worry, son. You gon grow it out.”

...and agriculture

Officials have been going on for a week about the sad state of agriculture in the Caribbean. And this is another area where historical path dependence can play a role in explaining what’s going on. Sad truth is that slavery inscribed one great impression that in the main survives in almost all of us: working in the soil is a sign that we’ve wasted “emancipation”.

And it’s not like we haven’t tried to change this impression. “Agriculture” is written as a subject in every high school in the Caribbean...thousands and thousands not only get passes at the subject – they even get distinctions. But how many of them go into agriculture? We may learn about agriculture, but we don’t practice agriculture. Ask yourself, why?

Try telling anybody that as late as the 1970s, a peanut farmer from Georgia became president of the U.S. It’s not going to cut any ice. We still feel that desk jobs are “better” than “field” jobs.

Even though the field job could mean using machinery for every conceivable task and rake in millions of dollars. That’s path dependency for you.

Pioneering women in aviation honoured –

two featured on postal stamps

By Whitney Persaud

Beverly Drake and Cheryl Moore are the first two commercial pilots in Guyana and were among the eight Guyanese women pioneers in the aviation industry that were honoured on Wednesday evening for their bravery in breaking the gender barriers in professional aviation in the 1960s.

The two women made history as a result of their commitment and dedication in the industry and their faces are now featured on the $20 and $80 postal stamps, which were revealed during the tribute ceremony.

The other six women honoured: Feriel Ally, Barbara Adams, Williette Gardener and Sandra Persaud will get their stamps added to the collection as time goes by.

Historic

Addressing the gathering to honour the pilots at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Officers’ Mess, Camp Ayanganna, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said the historic event falls properly within the year’s celebration to mark a centenary of aviation in Guyana.

“This timing also takes advantage of the presence in Guyana of some of our honorees who went abroad pursuing greater opportunities,” Hinds noted.

He said that the 21st century belongs to women, noting that in the olden days, pilots were typically men.

“One of the revolutionaries of the last century said women hold up half the sky and there couldn’t be any doubt about that at least not today,” he added.

The prime minister reminded that in earlier times there were ideas of what was women’s work and men’s work, but now both genders hold up the sky in different ways and the division is disappearing.

“When these women that we are honouring this evening would have entered the industry they would have been pioneers; to those women entering what was seen as a man’s world, I personally congratulate them for being bold,” Hinds stated.

Equilibrium

He said men had no need to feel threatened by this continuous change, but should welcome women into what is deemed a man’s world of work.

Hinds recalled that during his years in the bauxite industry, these situations also arose and there were issues with women working in mining operations.

“Women shouldn’t be there, maybe down in some pit hot as ever, but I always use to say that places where women shouldn’t be, men shouldn’t be either. We are into a new generation, into this new century where we see our women working hand in hand with all activities,” Hinds remarked.

In the aviation industry, which has been around for about 10 years and has rapidly developed, he said there

was little room for error as safety is paramount in the industry. The prime minister believes that the practices of aviation and its rules of safety should be copied by every other sector since this is key to success.

Generation next

Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Air Navigation Services Director, Rickford Samwaru told the honorees that they have created a window of opportunity for the next generation of female pilots.

“Determination and hard work towards the aviation industry and the world at large was what they gave… ,” he stated.

He said today many of these women are professionals and pioneers in every aspect of their industry despite little or no recognition for their quiet and determined success.

“Your contributions are invaluable and it is my hope that many of our young people view your accomplishments and take up the challenge. Your bravery has cut across gender, religion, and even family tra-

dition, we salute you women that have entered the man’s world,” Samwaru noted.

Achievements

GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, who also gave a brief address at the ceremony, said he was pleased at the achievements by women, especially those who started their careers through the armed forces.

He reminisced on an ear

lier conversation between himself and the President of X-GDF Association in which they praised Beverly Drake for being the first woman pilot to travel to a destination where previously only a man was allowed to go.

“… it was indeed a motivator for the men …she made their day,” he said.

Phillips noted that the motto of GDF has no gender. “… for us at the force service is gender free, and while the GDF was established on November 1, 1965, in less than two years (1967) we had established out of a national necessity, the women’s army corp.” (whitneyp@guyanatimesgy.com)

Dem boys available fuh forkin and breedin

Plenty tings a go on right now in agriculture. De guvament celebratin Guyana Agriculture month and Caribbean Agriculture week all at de same time. All over de news people talkin bout forkin land, plantin crops and breedin animals. De other day it was bout guvament stones and whether or not Minister Benn Down got more stones than BK. Now is bout guvament land and how much land dem givin away.

One minister giving away land fuh people to build house and de people look happy wid that. Another minister givin away land fuh farmin and de people don’t seem too happy wid that. Whah dem not too happy bout is that de guvament plannin to bring in farmers from Trinidad to fork up Guyana land. Now dem talkin bout bringin in Canadians to breed de animals in Guyana.

De only people who happy when dem hear bout forkin land and breedin animals is dem boys who seh dem is boys and who does try to look like boys, but every body know dem is not boys. Is a long time now dem boys who seh dem is boys lookin fuh people to fork up dem back yard to plant bygan and cassava. Is only dem two tings dem like fuh plant and is only big ones dem want.

And dem boys who seh dem is boys done mek demselves available to de Canadians fuh breedin and to de Trinis fuh forkin. Dem boys claim that dem better than de animals whah de farmers have. And that dem back yard better than any land whah de guvament could give.

And wid dem boys who seh dem is boys, de Trinis and de Canadians ain’t have to pay any ting. All de breedin and forkin gon be free. Madam and Hen Lall gon line up first, followed closely by de two old Rams who can’t do wid out de rammin.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! One of de reporters fuh dem boys seh Hen Lall done get accustom to de forkin already…all down to Regent Street and even in he own house in front of he face!

11,

LaRocque hails CCJ ruling on Shanique Myrie’s case

Caricom Secretary

General Irwin LaRocque has called on member states that have not taken the necessary steps to make the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) their final court of appeal, to do so. LaRocque was speaking during a conference at the University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica on Tuesday hosted by the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute for Social and Economic Studies (SALISES).

Review

The conference, which was hosted under the theme “Rethinking Regionalism: Beyond the Caricom Integration Project” sought to “engage participants in a sweeping review of the region taking account of how the complex problems of the contemporary reality are likely to shape Caricom in the future”.

He said the most recent judgement by the CCJ in the case of Shanique Myrie versus the government of Barbados would cause a shift in the way community business was conducted. “It has also cemented the community’s rules-based system and continues to engender a high level of confidence,” the secretary general said.

Far-reaching

He stated further that the decision was far-reaching, addressing decision-making in the community, the nature and effect of community law, obligations of member states and rights of community nationals. The secretary general also noted that the ruling reinforced the critical role of the CCJ in the integration movement as a court which will ensure that the community’s decisions were adhered to.

He told his audience that the Caricom Secretariat was

reviewing the judgment to assess the implications for the community and its organs.

“I am certain that the judgment will be an historical contribution to the development of the community integration arrangements,” Secretary General LaRocque said.

The judgement issued by the eminent judges should

give a considerable fillip to the movement for making the CCJ the final court of appeal in the community thereby completing the circle of sovereignty in the region, he noted.

“Many around the region seem to be pleased with the judgement on this particular matter in the court’s role in its original jurisdiction. It should be borne in mind that it is the same court and the

same judges who would be empanelled to consider matters in its appellate jurisdiction. I hope that this would remove any doubts about the capacity of our jurists to render judgements of the highest calibre,” the Caricom head said.

The CCJ last week ruled that Myrie, a Jamaican, be awarded a total of Bds$75,000 or J$3.6 million.

The ruling by the six-member panel was delivered via a video conference in the supreme court.

The court declared that the Barbados government breached Myrie’s right to enter the country under Article Five of the revised treaty of Chaguaramas.

Myrie took the Barbados government to the CCJ alleging that she was discriminated against because of her nationality when she arrived in Barbados on March 14, 2011.

The 25-year-old also claimed she was subjected to

a body cavity search in unsanitary and demeaning conditions before being detained and deported the next day to Jamaica.

The Barbados government denied the claims and argued at the hearing that the Jamaican woman had been untruthful to Immigration Department officials. Its lawyers also contended that her testimony was contrary to what she had provided in statements to the Barbadian police.

Myrie wanted the CCJ to determine the minimum standard of treatment for Caricom citizens moving within the region under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. She had asked the CCJ to award her almost US$500,000 in punitive damages for the treatment she received on her visit to Barbados.

She also wanted the regional court to award costs and special damages.

Green begs govt for funds to restore City Hall

City Mayor Hamilton Green has turned to the government once again to assist in the restoration of the dilapidated City Hall building.

On Wednesday, Green wrote President Donald Ramotar asking him to intervene.

In the past, government under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration, allocated $20 million to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for the restoration of the rundown building, which is in the Danube Gothic style.

However, only $5 million was utilised.

The remaining $15 million was subsequently withdrawn by government after several discrepancies were found.

A section of the run-down City Hall under the mayorship of Hamilton Green

Green's mayorship has been plagued by a number of controversies ever since he was elected 19 years ago, with many of them related to problems of financial accountability and political partisanship.

Earlier this week, City Hall was listed among 67 monument sites at risk from the forces of nature and social, political and economic changes.

In April, a team of Grenadian architects inspected the historic 124-year-old building and called for emergency works to be executed.

“This building is in cardiac arrest and that’s a concern. There are some issues; climatic issues have to be arrested very urgently. It’s being occupied, it’s a living organism and there are aspects of it if not dealt with very urgently could be irreversible,” said one of the architects, Nigel Renwick.

A menu of recommendations was given to prevent the building from collapsing but to date only a few were taken into consideration.

The municipality is in the process of applying for funds

through the Ambassador Funds for Cultural Preservation, through the U.S. embassy.

The U.S. ambassador is mandated to nominate a ministry or non-governmental organisation to support. However, the onus is on the selected entity to effectively sell its project.

The process of accessing the grant is a rigorous and lengthy one. Entities can receive US$10,000 to US$100,000. Applications are due in December and must contain evidence highlighting the importance of the project and its significance to the country and people as a whole.

The council is assiduously working to meet the deadline and sell the project in such a manner that leaves the U.S. with no other choice than to award the funds to City Hall. Guyana has won the competition in the past.

The Town Hall in New Amsterdam and Castellani House were renovated using funds from the Ambassador Funds for Preservation of Culture.

Govt threatens court action for school protesters

Government has taken a stern position on how to deal with persons involved in school protests in the future.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon told media operatives on Thursday that Cabinet deemed such actions “unbecoming”.

Dr Luncheon said the main concern was the disruption that has been taking place at schools during these unnecessary exercises, which is a clear violation of policy.

“Cabinet’s decision would see these protesters engaging in those forms of violation of the existing policies, they’re being charged and prosecuted,” Dr Luncheon said.

He also noted that Cabinet was supportive of the Education Ministry’s efforts that would seek to discourage students from protesting.

He said this aggressive approach is necessary to ending this new phenomenon, which will only breed animosity and prove unfruitful for the development of education.

Dr Luncheon noted that while some of the issues which prompted these protests are legitimate, there are other ways of dealing with them.

He said inadequate furniture or facilities do not justify citizens, parents descending “into this level of lawlessness”.

Government has strongly criticised the protests, which it sought to link to the opposition.

Dr Luncheon said it was a known fact that opposition members have been instigating and urging parents, teachers and even students to protest, even while the issues could be resolved more amicably.

He has stressed government’s dissatisfaction with the move, especially since the protest occurred without proper consultation among the relevant parties.

Parents have been venting their frustration over many issues especially as it relates

to unsanitary conditions at schools and overcrowding.

However, the Education Ministry has strongly denounced the recent actions to disrupt the functioning of schools by illegally protesting and behaving in other unhealthy ways.

It said the locking of school gates and compounds as a form of protest and the usage of children during school hours as protesters were totally unacceptable.

The ministry added that it may seem trite to indicate that the best and right thing for persons who are concerned with any issue is to first seek to resolve same in an organised manner.

Mexico offering scholarships in health sciences

The Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Francisco Olguin has disclosed that his country, in collaboration with the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the National Council on Science and Technology, is currently offering scholarships to Guyanese in the health sciences.

Speaking to Guyana Times in an interview, he explained that the scholarships being offered are for master, doctorate and specialty programmes.

The ambassador said persons applying should be fluent in Spanish since classes will be taught in this language, but added that eligible applicants should not let this deter them from applying.

“I know this may sound difficult but I think most of us in our lives when we decide to go forward, we have to accept that we will probably need to learn other languages,” he said.

Service to country

Explaining his own experience in furthering his studies, Olguin noted that when he and his friends graduated from university and wanted to continue their studies, they realised that they had to know other languages.

He said persons interested in applying should know that the courses are challenging and will require complete dedication. He assured that the universities are highly accredited.

After the scholarship recipients complete their studies

abroad, they will have to come back and serve their country.

“This will be for as long as they studied in Mexico, so if they did a two-year master’s degree, they will have to come back to Guyana and work in Guyana with the government for two years,” said the ambassador.

Olguin disclosed that the country had previously not been able to offer scholarships in the health sciences, hence it has to partner with the other agencies.

Interested persons can apply via the embassy’s website embamex.sre.gob.mx/guyana/? where they will find the relevant information and requirements.

The deadline for applications is October 31 and persons will be notified if they have been awarded the scholarships on November 15. Candidates applying will have to compete with other persons

from Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal.

Bilateral cooperation

Mexico and Guyana established bilateral relations in March 1973; however, these relations have been significantly strengthened with the establishment of a Mexican Embassy in 2009.

Since then, several bilateral agreements have materialised, including a technical and scientific cooperation agreement and another which abolishes visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports.

In September 2011, Guyana and Mexico inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), for the establishment of a consultative mechanism that focused on all aspects of bilateral relations.

In February 2009, the government of Mexico began to issue unilateral long-term visas for up to 10 years with multiple entries for Guyanese nationals for the purpose of tourism and business. Trans-migrants received two-year visas.

At the celebration of the 40th anniversary of GuyanaMexico relations, President Donald Ramotar said there was much that Guyana and Mexico can accomplish at the regional level within the Community of Latin American and Caribbean Nations (CELAC) to improve the standard of living of their peoples and to deepen integration.

Edghill, others involved in accident in Region 10

Junior Finance Minister

Bishop Juan Edghill

and four others were on Thursday morning airdashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital via the Ogle International Airport after being involved in an accident on their way to Arorima, Region 10, Upper Berbice River.

This newspaper understands that the minister was accompanying regional officials to an outreach in several communities in Region 10 when the vehicle in which he was travelling had an accident.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Minister Edghill explained that he was at the back passenger seat of the vehicle heading to Arorima, when he felt the vehicle swaying.

He said that suddenly the 4Runner began toppling and eventually landed on its side.

He confirmed that four other persons, including a government information officer and a cameraman attached to the National Communications Network, were in the vehicle and as a result of the Lord’s

divine intervention, none of them sustained any major injury. The minister added that he is experiencing some pain in his neck and back, but reiterated that the accident could have been fatal.

He stated that they left Georgetown about 05:00h on Thursday morning and the accident occurred at about 08:45h.

Minister Edghill expressed thanks to all those who called, expressed good

wishes and offered prayers for his speedy recovery. “I would like to express gratitude to the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI) and the staff of Arorima for the assistance rendered,” the minister added.

In a release, he also expressed, on behalf of the occupants of the vehicle, gratitude to the Office of the President and the professional medical staff of the Georgetown Public Hospital for the assistance given.

“To the finance secretary and staff of the Ministry of Finance, my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for all of your thoughts, prayers, and good wishes is expressed,” the release added.

The public relations office at the Georgetown Public Hospital confirmed that Minister Edghill and three others were taken to the medical institution about 13:28h with minor injuries. They were all treated and sent away.

The medical institution wished the minister and the others a speedy recovery.

Crime in Berbice

Business community calls for action

By Vahnu Manikchand

Besieged by a wave of criminal violence that has claimed the lives of several persons and the valuables of dozens, the business community in Berbice is calling on the police to take urgent action, demanding a greater level of service, particularly in the response to reports of crime.

B Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph, indicated that measures are in place to deal with the crime upsurge.

“We have placed more resources, both human and machine, in the targeted areas. There is an increase of patrols in communities, raids and searches, and we even profiled some persons, so we are trying our best, but we need the cooperation of the people in order to protect them and so we are hoping to work along with members of these communities,” he said.

Rise in crime

Despite the recent upsurge in deadly robberies, criminal activity in the Ancient County has declined by 18 per cent to 345 reports, compared to 420 over the same period last year, Joseph told Guyana Times.

The latest victim was a Hampshire, Corentyne businessman, Dave Deodat, 35,

who was gunned down. His wife was brutally chopped, while his father-in-law was shot twice by armed bandits at their place of business.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan is dismayed by the rise in crime. “People are apprehensive to be on the road after dark; so what we have to do now is beef up security in the region,” he said.

Armogan said patrols are being increased in affected areas, but the police force needs additional vehicles to carry out their duties.

He lamented the tardy response by police to crime, noting that in many cases if the police had arrived on time, the criminals would have been apprehended.

The community policing

groups (CPGs) also came in for heavy criticism, and Armogan called on the police to work with the CPGs to improve their performance.

He opined that those who commit these heinous crimes lack parental guidance. “Parents need to be more responsible and involved in their children’s lives, because if they just loose them into society, then the children will be exposed to all kinds of things like drugs and then find themselves in illegal activities,” he said.

Lack of jobs?

Asked whether he believes a lack of jobs may be responsible for the rise in crime in Berbice, Armogan replied in the negative. He argued that jobs are available for those who seek them.

He urged the police to provide better security for the people of the Ancient County.

Former University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) Director, Professor Daizal Samad, believes that the core cause of crime needs to be discovered and addressed. He said crimefighting must be done by ranks who are properly trained, adding that training needs to be “bumped up”.

Police record five per cent spike in serious crimes

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is reporting that there has been a five per cent increase in serious crimes, with 98 murders being recorded at the end of September.

According to police statistics, the total number of reports of serious crimes made between January 1 and September 31 was 2927 compared to 2832 for the same period in 2012.

“Of the 98 murders this year, 41 were of disorderly type, 19 were committed during armed robberies, two execution type and 13 were domestic-related, while the other 23 are so far underde-

termined,” the police report said.

The murder rate was unchanged, compared to the corresponding period last year.

Robbery under arms showed an increase of six per cent, with 798 reports compared to 751 for 2012 during the same period.

The statistics indicate an increase of 12 per cent in the number of armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

In relation to traffic accidents, there were 75 fatalities from 72 accidents compared to 82 fatalities from 71 accidents during 2012, seven

fewer fatalities. Pedestrians were most affected, with 27 losing their lives at the end.

In addition, 12 motor cyclists, 11 pedal cyclists, two pillion riders, 10 drivers, and 13 passengers of motor vehicles also lost their lives. There was also a reduction in the other categories of traffic accidents: serious, minor and damage.

Speeding continues to be a major factor in fatal accidents, causing 52 of the 72 fatal accidents recorded at the end of September. A total of 65,527 cases were made against errant motorists, with 16, 586 cases for speeding.

Digicel partners with Culture Ministry for drama festival

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry and Digicel Guyana on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the National Drama Festival (NDF), signalling a strengthening of the relationship between the two entities.

Speaking at the signing of the MoU, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony recognised Digicel’s commitment to the drama festival, since its first staging three years ago.

“I would like to express the ministry’s thanks to Digicel for working with us on this and being there with us as we develop this festival and grow the festival… I’m sure they will be with us as we move it to greater heights,” he said.

Competition

Turning his attention to the festival itself, he disclosed that every year there has been an increase in the number of plays entering the competition, with 45 plays contending for the top prizes this year. “It shows that already the festival is making a great impact.”

Dr Anthony also explained that a number of writers are now writing plays especially for the NDF, highlighting that “without the festival we would not have

seen these new plays emerging, because there would not have been any incentives for people to write these plays.”

The minister said many of these plays depict some aspects of Guyanese life and many of their themes have universal value and appeal.

He stated that his ministry sees the NDF as opening the doors for documentaries and short films in the country, expressing pleasure that some of the plays are now to be produced as films.

“We can see that NDF is leading to so many different avenues and we are happy to be that catalyst to help this thing to happen,” he said.

Drastic improvement

Dr Anthony said he has always urged the NDF team to put their best foot forward with the aim of doing better each year, revealing that this year they have already shown drastic improvement.

He also made a call for persons who are interested in taking up a career in drama to visit the school located at the National Culture Centre and apply.

Digicel Head of Marketing Jacqueline James said the company would like to ensure that it gives the ministry the full support needed for the festival, which is all about youth development, culture and showcasing tal-

ents.

“The signing of this MoU signifies our strength and our continued commitment to the development of people in this country… we just want to ensure that as we move on each year that we continue to grow this relationship,” she said.

NDF Chief Coordinator Godfrey Naughton said this year the festival is different in the sense that the plays in the school and debutant categories have been subjected to intense work to bring them up to par with the senior category.

“We are closing that gap: when you look at the plays this year, it will be hard to detect the difference and we have put in place the tech-

Business community...

He called for the return of collaboration between the UGBC and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on the training of ranks.

This, he believes, will assist in a significant decline in crime, noting that previous collaborations resulted in a 90 per cent reduction. Prof Samad also believes that the “moral fabric is being torn to pieces” and more focus needs to be placed on core values and “this has to happen at fundamental places such as schools, police, and churches and so on”.

Effect on business Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) Chairman Mark Roopnarine has called on the authorities to take drastic action to combat the upsurge in crime.

nical capabilities like lights and sounds – we have placed a lot of emphasis on this,” he said.

The Preliminary rounds for the festival will start next Monday while the Finals are slated for November 11 to 19.

Two of the major sponsors for the festival are Digicel and Guyana Times

“It is time that GPF intensify a proactive approach to fighting crimes of all scale…. Why must our people live in fear and hopelessness because a few criminals seem to have outplanned, outthink and outplayed the GPF,” he told Guyana Times.

“There must be a higher level of output to crimefighting or this country stands the

risk of losing businesses, and its people’s hope. There must be an increase in police presence, greater response time, diligent crime-solving efforts, and harsher judicial punishment for perpetrators of criminal activities,” he said.

Protect citizens Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCCI) President Krishnand Jaichand also called on the authorities to do more to protect citizens.

“The UCCCI represents most of these businesses and they may not want to continue… and that will cause the region to suffer,” he stressed.

Similarly, Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) President Leekha Rambrich called on authorities to meet with stakeholders to come up with a plan to curb the rise in crime.

He believes that severe punishment needs to be imposed on those who commit heinous crimes as a means of deterring others.

“They need to reintroduce hanging of criminals and we need more speedy trials …,” Rambrich stated. (vahnum@ guyanatimesgy.com)

OAS anti-corruption body ends meeting in Guyana

The Organisation of American States (OAS) anti-corruption body concluded its meeting with stakeholders here on Thursday following a series of presentations, which will aid in determining whether Guyana is implementing the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

The consultations with the commission from the OAS Mechanism for FollowUp on the Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (MESICIC) and civil society commenced on Monday at Cara Lodge.

Declined to divulge

Outside the meeting on Thursday, Presidential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira declined to divulge details of the confab. The meeting was a closeddoor event and as a result, participants such as the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG); the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers; the Guyana Bar Association; the Consultative Association of Guyana Industry; and Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) were all asked to keep their presentations confidential.

Teixeira made it clear that the government will not be making any pronouncement on the meeting until the assessment is completed

in 2014; however the OAS team will be issuing a press statement after returning to its headquarters.

Leaked

The presidential adviser expressed disappointment that the TIGI would have leaked its presentation to sections of the press. In the Stabroek News October 10, 2013 edition, TIGI made public details of its presentation to the OAS. Additionally, the transparency institute advocated for the Audit Act of 2004 to be amended to facilitate qualifications requirements for appointments of the auditor general, noting that future auditor general appointments must centred on recommendations from the Public Accounts Committee.

The presidential adviser also criticised the Kaieteur News for misinforming the public. In its October 9, 2013 edition, the newspaper

said “notably absent from the closed-door discussions were the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC).”

However, Teixeira explained that only public service agencies were invited to make presentations and as such, the GTUC could not be included. However, Guyana Times was told that FITUG was represented by Seepaul Narine, general secretary of the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union – an affiliate of FITUG.

Representatives of the Judicial Service Commission, the Public Service Commission, and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, as well as the commissioner of information were also in attendance during the four-day event.

When contacted by Guyana Times the Judicial Service Commission, the Public Service Commission, the GCCI and FITUG all declined to make any comments about the meeting. However, FITUG said it was more than happy to be a part of civil society and make a presentation to the OAS. According to the umbrella trade union, the contents of its presentation were in keeping with the reality here.

“The exercise was a good one, we got the impression that there was satisfaction from the team,” a high ranking official posited.

Duo jointly charged for possession of ammunition, narcotics

Aduo were brought before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Thursday after they were jointly charged with the offences of possession of ammunition and possession of narcotics.

Forty-year-old Seenarine Singh also known as Paul Singh of Lot 20 New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara and John Nedd, 59, of Lot 164 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown made their first court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charges against them.

It was alleged that on February 8, at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, the duo had in their possession 18 rounds of .22 and 19 round of 9mm ammunition.

They were not required to plead to this charge since it was made indictable, but pleaded not guilty to the other charge which stated that between April 1, 2012 and February 8, 2013, they had in their possession 36.334 kg of cocaine.

Prosecuting the case in Court Five were Custom’s Anti-Narcotics Unit specially appointed Prosecutor Oswald Messiah and Police Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambaju. Rambaju prosecuted the ammunition matter while Messiah handled the narcotics charge.

According to their facts, Singh is the power of attorney of the premises located at Lot 20 Area ‘H’ Ogle, which belongs to his sister Anita Chung, and Nedd is a realtor who rents the property to other persons.

On the day in question, ranks from the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit, acting on information, went to the premises where a search was conducted around the building and found it to be secured.

They consulted a grasscutter who was trimming the lawns but he could not provide any information as to who hired him.

The ranks then spoke to neighbours who told them that they knew nothing about the people who reside at the lot, since they are only home at nights.

The ranks then went around to the back of the building and observed through a window some suspicious articles in the house.

They then gained access to the house through the lower flat and a further search was conducted which resulted in the discovery of the ammunition and narcotics.

Singh’s sister was contacted and she cooperated with the police, assisting them with their investigations.

At the time of the visit, the only persons who had control over the building were the defendants and from February 8 to now, no one has come forward to say that they occupied the premises nor are there any records to show that it was ever rented to someone else.

Based on legal advice from the director of public prosecution, they were subsequently charged.

Magistrate Azore refused bail and the duo were remanded to prison. The matter was transferred to Court One for October 14.

24-hour dredging being considered for Port Georgetown

Government is considering providing a 24hour dredging service for Port Georgetown in an effort to improve the transit experience for fishing and other vessels.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon said government was seriously considering providing this service with the help of the private sector.

Dr Luncheon noted that there has been much concern about the siltation of the Demerara River and this has been affecting the free flow and shipment of goods and services for years. He admit-

ted that the current system being used is inadequate, so new measures must be taken to correct the situation.

However, sharp focus must be placed on the financial cost attached. “Cabinet recognise 24 hours-a-day dredging [as] another way of speaking of “capital dredging” – the issue of cost had to be addressed,” Dr Luncheon said.

He added that government is looking to develop a public and private partnership that will allow for this to happen as soon as possible.

The Shipping Association of Guyana has been call-

ing for the dredging of the Demerara River to be improved as it would enhance the viability of the shipping industry.

The association has given its assurance to assist in this regard. An estimated $600 million is spent annually to dredge the Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo rivers. The average monthly figure as of 2012 for such activity was $40 million to $50 million per month.

This figure is likely to be higher now and could possibly increase in future years.

Rohee urges support for Brumell as he carries out mandate

The Home Affairs Ministry has congratulated Leroy Brumell on his appointment as police commissioner, saying it has noted his long and dedicated service to the force and Guyana.

“Mr Brumell’s appointment has been made at a critical juncture in the history of the Guyana Police Force. Two years ago, he took over the helm of the force, at a time when this agency had commenced its modernisation process and he has since provided full support to the Ministry of Home Affairs in its effort to ensure that the Guyana Police Force improves the quality of its service to our society,” the ministry said in a statement.

It added that it was heartened by the commitment given by the commissioner to take resolute steps to rid society of crime and criminality and to enhance the safety of our citizens.

“The ministry echoes the commissioner’s call for the provision of public support to the Guyana Police Force in its quest to fulfil its legal mandate,” the statement said.

At the swearing-in ceremony of the commissioner on Monday, President Donald Ramotar noted the raft of policy measures that have been and are being implemented through the ministry to significantly modernise the force. He has also reaffirmed the support and commitment of the government to this process.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs, as the oversight ministry for the Guyana Police Force, will continue to provide the requisite resources and policy guidance to the force in keeping with our thrust to ensure

the safety and security of the citizens of Guyana,” the statement added.

To this end, the ministry said it will continue to work in a collaborative manner with the commissioner and his senior officers to ensure that the agreed strategies and programmes relating to the modernisation of the force are successfully implemented to the satisfaction of all citizens.

The ministry is calling on all officers and ranks to support the commissioner in carrying out his constitutional mandate of providing a better quality of service to the citizens of this country.

SUDOKU

thursday's solution

By Bernice Bede Osol

Keep heading down a path you are familiar with, and you will reach the destination of choice. You may be enticed by detours, but they will only diminish your success.

AQUARIUS

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

Follow your dreams and refuse to let anyone restrict your attempt to achieve happiness. What you need may differ from what others want for you, but in the end it’s your choice.

Plan to have some fun today. Indulge in events that interest you. Share your thoughts with unorthodox individuals willing to contribute and help you put your plans into motion.

Take care of your responsibilities early so you can enjoy what life has to offer. Love and romance coupled with travel should highlight your day.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Get all the facts before you make a move. A relationship may not be as it appears, but false accusations will not get you any closer to the truth.

(March 21-April 19)

Gather your thoughts and the information you need. You will make a wise move if you are organised and prepared. Moderation must be enforced, even if someone encourages you to do or spend more.

(April 20-May 20)

Do your due diligence, and you won’t be disappointed with the results you get. A serious and loyal partnership will improve a journey you decide to take. Knowledge rules the day.

(May 21June 20)

You may be up for a disappointment or loss pertaining to your home or assets. Re-evaluate an agreement you have with someone and question the sincerity and integrity of certain parties.

Socialise and take part in community events that will familiarise you with what’s out there. Don’t let a personal incident confuse you. Make a decision based on facts.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Keep your thoughts to yourself and your emotions in check, but don’t let anyone bully you either. Back away from controversy and gravitate toward making a positive difference in your community.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

New people, places and pleasures are heading your direction. Explore how different people live or what they can offer, and you will discover unusual ways to enhance your lifestyle.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Don’t let emotions cloud your point of view regarding work that has to be completed. You must finish one thing before starting another. A personal problem is due to dishonesty.

Miss and Mr Guyana Talented Teen pageants on this Saturday

The National Cultural Centre, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown is the place to be this Saturday evening as the Miss and Mr Guyana Talented Teen pageants are hosted.

The Miss Talented Teen pageant will see seven young ladies vying for the coveted title that is presently owned by Sharona Haniff who reigned for two years. For the inaugural Mr Guyana Talented Teen pageant, seven

heartthrobs will compete for the first title.

The Miss Guyana Talented Teen delegates are Miss Cummingsburg, Crystal Fraser; Miss Peter’s Hall, Tiffani Bonner; Miss Enmore, Chelsie France; Miss Liliendaal, Reonna Howell; Miss Plaisance, Tiffany Ferguson; Miss

Linden, Romichelle Brumell; and Miss Campbellville, Jamaise Klass.

The Mr Guyana Teen contestants are Mr Parika, Kevin Smith; Mr Lacytown, Emperor Brummell; Mr Beterverwagting, Kefa Smith; Mr Grove, Fazil Rahaman; Mr Anna Regina, Dennis Glasgow; Mr

Diamond, Linden Isles; and Mr Prashad Nagar, Mark Junor.

The delegates will be participating in the personality interview today at the Pegasus Hotel commencing at 12:00h. The scores from the personality interview will be taken through to the finals on Saturday evening.

The 14 delegates will be competing in introduction, swimwear, evening wear, talent and the intelligence segments. Tickets to the event will cost $1500 and $1000 and can be uplifted from any of the contestants or at the National Cultural Centre.

Meet the Miss Guyana Talented Teen contestants

Meet the Mr Guyana Talented Teen contestants

KJW annual duck curry competition for Nov 17

he annual King’s Jewellery World duck curry competition is back and is slated for November 17 at the Guyana National Stadium. This is the 13th edition and it is expected to be spicy hot. This year’s competition did not have any preliminary rounds and so will be a clash of the champions. Five groups are coming from Trinidad and three are expected to come from Suriname. The group that participated in the international competition is also expected to participate in the competition.

The competition is an opportunity for local artistes, young and old to showcase their talents and skills. Apart from meat tasting, there will be a number of performers that will entertain the Guyanese partyholics.

Those slated to perform are Guyana’s Baboo, Terry Gajraj; five time international chutney monarch, Rikki Jai; Guyana’s chutney queen, Fiona Singh along with a popular dance group out of Trinidad and Tobago.

The first prize is a whopping $1 million and 25 groups are expected to participate. A huge contingent from Trinidad and Tobago is also expected to grace the event with their presence.

This year’s duck curry competition sponsored by Digicel, Banks DIH, Carib Foods, Radio Guyana, Guyana Times and Queen’s Atlantic Inc.

Just remember the date and make sure you are part of the excitement.

New York-based actress Rhona Fox will appear on the cover of the October/November issue of GEM (Guyana Entertainment Magazine). Fox is among 40 personalities featured in the magazine’s special “40 UNDER 40” edition.

Fox, who lives in the Big Apple, spent

Actress Rhona Fox to appear on GEM cover

the first 10 years of her life in Guyana before moving to The Bahamas with her family and later to the USA.

The recipient of the Golden Arrowhead Award of Guyana, The City of New York Proclamation and the Rising Sun Award from the Caribbean Heritage Organisation (CHO) in Hollywood, California, the actress has been making a name for herself.

Fox first appeared on the scene in the Roc-A-Wear 10th Anniversary commercial, which was directed by Spike Lee in 2009. Since then, she has appeared in a number of movies, television crime drama series and commercials.

The 59th edition of GEM tests the pulse of the under-forty generation to find out what they are thinking. The list consists of standouts in society that

represent business, social media, politics, sports, fashion, entertainment, media, music, marketing, legal, medical and other professions. Reaching a final 40 was a meticulous and lengthy process for GEM, since there were close to 150 names to choose from. Each committee member had their own favourites but in the end, the majority ruled on a final list and to have Fox as the cover choice.

For the last nine years, GEM has maintained its position as the number one lifestyle and entertainment magazine for Guyanese at home and in the diaspora. Every two months, the international publication showcases the best of Guyana with a myriad of positive human-interest stories and trendy articles that are complemented by high quality pictures.

For more information on Rhona Fox, visit rhonafox.com and rhonafox.com/epk for media details. Follow her daily moves at facebook.com/rhonafox and twitter.com/ rhonafox.

he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s annual Diwali Utsav will be held on Saturday October 26 at the Guyana International Conference Centre and will feature the dynamic combination of phenomenal singers Jeffrey Iqbal and Gunjan Singh.

Apart from the two international singers, there will be Guyana’s outstanding dance troupe, Dharmic Nritya Sangh. There will also be performances from some of Guyana’s top singers. Musical accompaniment will be provided by immensely talented musicians from Mumbai and Guyana.

This will be both Gunjan and Jeffrey’s second trip to Guyana. Last year, they performed with Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal respectively and were immensely popular with the Guyanese audience.

Joining Gunjan and Jeffrey will be Guyana’s very own Dharmic Nritya Sangh with an array of unique dances, complete with dazzling costumes. Showtime is 19:00h, and gates open at 17:00h. In addition to the fabulous stage programme, patrons will have an opportunity to do some pre-Diwali shopping, have their mehndi done and enjoy some delicious local and authentic Indian cuisine. As with all of the Sabha’s events, no alcohol will be allowed.

Tickets for the event cost $5000 for stage front numbered seating and $2000 for reserved numbered seating. Paid parking is also available within the compound of the conference centre at a cost of $1000.

Tickets are on sale at the Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra in Prashad Nagar, Red Mango, Robb Street; Bhagwan’s, Water Street; E-Networks, Camp Street; Murti Shop, West Coast Demerara and Spready's in Berbice. The Sabha would like to thank Digicel, I-cee, Blue Waters, E-Networks, NTN Radio and Television, Rent-a-Tent and Sunburst for supporting the event.

on youth

As always, Guyana Fashion Week (GFW) looks out for the young talent of Guyana and as part of its ongoing mandate to advance in the creative industry, a number of events have been planned. One of the events brings about a collaboration of the arts through culinary, performing, decorative and fashion in a toast to branding Guyanese style.

Aptly titled Cuttin’ Style, in true colloquial fashion, the event would hone indigenous expressions through these creative alliances to kick off this year’s fascinating line up of talent.

The chefs will be chosen from Carnegie School of Home Economics. Corralling designers, chefs, decorators and musicians will be part of a celebration of Caribbean identity as espoused by Guyanese youths.

Indeed GFW allows the young talent to influence cultural decisions that would impact future generations, seeking to provide and position opportunity for further creative development.

In addition to this spectacular opening, there is also an evening dedicated to aspiring young designers – ‘Courts Aspiring Designer Showcase’ – giving them a platform to let their imaginations soar by designing collections and readying them for the world of fashion business.

“We are very happy GFW has decided to partner with us for this event because it allows our young creative minds to think out of the box,” Penelope Harris, Courts fashion line coordinator said. Identifying a theme and executing a cohesive presentation, conditions their mindset to the rigours of the industry and encourages intelligent analysis of fashion wares and its relevance to the socio-cultural landscape and its economic feasibility.

This forum is instructive in shaping export-ready design talent essential for the building of a substantive fashion industry. GFW is doing their part to provide networking opportunity and realistic viable options for young unexposed talent. The young designers are; Denita Prowell, Bria Williams, Chenney Wong, Sasha Castello, Colwyn Abrams from Linden and Tiffany Sampson of Bartica.

Further, there would also be a daily exhibition and amazing workshops in widening the appreciation of this rudimentary economic sector.

Incentives and prizes serve to galvanise interests and mandate the pursuit of excellence. In a highly competitive field, it is essential to necessitate quality and fashion forward offerings.

The youth are not simply going to join the bandwagon of existing fashion options, but they are to add novel, fresh contributions and interpretations to the table/menu of fashion not only regionally but internationally.

Persons who are interested in registering for the workshops can visit the Barr Street, Kitty office or call 226-3099.

The sponsors and contributors for Guyana Fashion Week 2013 are the Tourism Ministry, Environment and Natural Resources Ministry, Digicel, Giftland, Courts, NCN, Carib Beer, Banks DIH, DD Signs, Palace De Leon Apartments, Rent-A-Tent, Scotia Bank, GBTI, Water Chris, Cara Lodge, Makin’ Style magazine, Fly Jamaica, Dracinc and CONMEDIA.

Limited tickets for Cuttin’ Style are available at Courts, Nigel’s Supermarket, Kings Jewellery World, Giftland, Amanda’s Bridal and Sonia Noel Designs, Barr Street, Kitty. Tickets cost $5000 and GFW/Courts aspiring designers showcase $1500.

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

SAT/AP/CXC/IGCSE English classes personalized tutoring phone :612:4821,after 4pm, 274-0437 after 7pm.

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

SAT/AP/CXC/IGCSE English Classes personalized Tutoring. Phone: 6124821 (After 16:00h), 274-0437 (After 19:00h)

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

YELLOW PAGES

friday, october 11, 2013

mEDitatiON

Learn transcendental meditation and reduce stress and anxiety, develop full brain potential, increase focus and memory, be healthier & happier, increase energy, vitality and longevity, enjoy more success in life, improve relationships and develop higher states of consciousness. A technique that works for everyone. For next introductory lecture on October 10, contact Ashoke (certified TM teacher) Phone: 233-6921, 6093701. Email kashokejp_68 2yahoo.com askgeneration

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

Are you suffering from abnormal behaviors, addictions, stresses, or psychosomatic sickness? Feeling suicidal, low self-esteem, loneliness, unloved, anger, conflicts and relationship problems? For appointments call 592 621 0552. 12:00PM – 6:00PM Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

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

U.S. Green Card Lottery 2013. We are now accepting entries for the Annual Green Card Lottery sponsored by the U.S. Government. Enter now for a chance to become a permanent resident of the USA. Closing date November 2, 2013. Contact Balwant Persaud Immigration and Visa Services 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings and Light Sts.) Tel: 225-1540, 6553105, 622-8308

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

UNFURNISHED, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 696-8230

Two-bedroom self contained apt. Caneville, Grove. PHONE: 6691954

House at Lamaha Gardens, hot & cold water, A/C, etc. Call 219-4535

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

Dutch healing and upliftment, for clearing of land, dredging and ground work (strictly interior operation). Phone: 662-1247.

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 House plans starting at $9,000 Phone: 674-0725, 266-2154.

spirituality

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.

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationship, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 10AM - 4PM. Tel: 592-6901824. Email:anew-life@live.com

First-ever “Choka Fest” for October 20

The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) is pleased to announce that it will be collaborating with the Indian High Commission to host, a “Choka Fest”, as part of its programme of activities to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana.

The “Choka Fest” which is billed for Sunday, October 20, on the lawns of the Indian Cultural Centre, Bel Air, is a unique food festival, where, for the first time, Guyanese would be afforded the opportunity to savour various “chokas” served with rice, “sada” and

“paratha” roti among other side dishes. Chokas will be prepared by M&M Snackette,

that include aloo (potato), coconut, baigan (egg plant), tomato and those made from various fishes.

Music/fashion

In addition to the chokas, a variety of Indian cuisine and sweetmeats prepared by Aagman restaurant would also be on sale.

A grand cultural presentation will also be part of the evening’s activities and will feature performances by the students and teachers of the Indian Cultural Centre and other prominent Guyanese artistes. Chokas will be served from 15:00h and admission is $1000 of which $500 would be redeemable in chits. Only nonalcoholic beverages would be available.

genius added to GFW cast

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

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

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA PREMIO; TOYOTA ALLION; TOYOTA COROLLA AXIO; TOYOTA NOAH; SUZUKI SWIFT; MERCEDES BENZ C200 COMPRESSOR; BMW 318i; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, SOLID DIFFERENTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 3, 3.5 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TON DUMP TRUCK; NISSAN ATLAS 2-TON TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICE AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

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

Vacancy exists for two cashiers/ office clerks and two porters, cashiers/clerks must be literate, apply in person with written application to May’s Shopping Centre, 98 Regent Street, Georgetown.

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

President of Gold Coast Records Inc, Ronnie Morris has joined the Guyana Fashion Week (GFW) team with the hope of adding some sassiness to the event but moreso to conduct a production workshop for Guyana artistes.

The workshop is slated for October 26 at Rahaman’s Park, Greater Georgetown with the objective of selecting at least one Guyanese to perform at the Barbados Music Awards slated for January 12, 2014.

Gold Coast Records is one of the Caribbean’s most successful event production companies. It has featured music icons like Rihanna, Fantasia, Regina Belle, Sir Cliff Richards, Alison Hinds, Machel Montano, Kassav, Beenie Man, En Vogue, Faith Evans, Deborah Cox, Stephanie Mills, Melba Moore, Shontelle and many more.

As a business partner to Sonia Noel for close to a decade, he was added to the cast as one of the directors of GFW from the inception and he is optimistic to be part of the event. He thinks Guyanese have a lot of talent and moreso, has his eyes on three of them.

He feels that with the necessary support, they can be signed for international gigs. Morris also thinks that the time has come for the region to embrace and give support to each other. He has also worked closely with Sonia and has a

passion for Guyanese people.

The workshop will focus on “Breaking Into the Global Market as a Recording Artiste and Performer”. Persons interested in being part of the workshop are asked to call GFW on 2263099.

FM radio station for Linden

The Linden Wireless Communications Network Inc will be launching its radio station on Saturday, October 19, in association with Divine Entertainment at the Amelia’s Ward/Wisroc Bus Park Republic Avenue, Mackenzie.

The launching of the new radio station which takes the form of an entertainment concert, will attract thousands of residents within Linden and Region 10.

The programme will feature some of Guyana’s best acts including Linden’s own Genesis, Malika Boyd, Chiney, Diana Chapman, various dance groups and deejays and as a side attraction, there will be various promotional giveaways at intervals and novelty games.

Then at the stroke of 00:00h the station will officially be turned on by the company’s chief executive officer.

Currently there is no radio station broadcasting mainly from the boundaries of Linden/Region 10 to the entire Guyana and moreso on the FM frequency.

The station is a high quality broadcasting station that spans far beyond the boundaries of

Region 10 and prides it’s self as being the first Linden based radio station in over 50 years. Advertising with this station simply means that promotions relating to your business will have a listening audience of over 200,000 and by the end of 2014 over 600,000, not forgetting the station’s online streaming audience of over two billion.

Hands down, the introduction of this new radio station will create marketing opportunities for corporate entities, local businesses and promoters.

Leading up to the October 19 launch, there will be several pre promotional activities including TV/radio interviews, motorcade/flyers/bumper sticker drive, a website launch; information session/press conference, a social media campaign and others.

Yuvraj blinder overcomes chase of 202

In his second comeback after recovering from cancer, a leaner and fitter Yuvraj Singh was called upon to do a job he has done numerous times for India in ODIs - revive a floundering chase, with MS Dhoni for company, and only the lower order to follow.

Only, this was a T20 and Yuvraj did not have the luxury of building his innings before accelerating. He duly cut out the building part, and unleashed trademark pick-up sixes and lofted drives to haul in the target of 202 with two deliveries remaining on Thursday.

India were facing an asking-rate of nearly 12 at 100 for 4 in the 12th over, but Yuvraj’s response was so forceful, that all Dhoni needed to do was give him the

strike. By the end, the partnership was 102 at exactly two runs a ball, Yuvraj’s 77 off 35 showing his dominance.

Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli had all failed to kick on from starts and India’s innings was in danger of going Australia’s way, who had lost too many wickets in maintaining a frenetic pace of scoring, and had run out of steam at the death.

Aaron Finch seemed set to carry Australia way over 200 but his exit in the 17th over for 89 off 52 helped India keep the visitors to 201, as only 29 came off the final four. India themselves needed 49 off the final four, but Yuvraj was in such flow that the big shot was always at hand.

Yuvraj first took 18 off Clint McKay in the 14th over, and then, when the pressure escalated again, carted James Faulkner for successive sixes in the 17th. The timing on the boundaries was vintage Yuvraj, as was the effortlessness and grace. George Bailey’s preferred field of three men in the ring around point worked to Yuvraj’s advantage, as did the fact that Australia bowled too full to him.

Dhoni did his bit, constantly scampering twos and ones as he does in ODI chases, and coming up with the crucial boundary, a typical stretch-and-club to cover, when it came down to six needed off four.

Yuvraj’s cool assault meant Finch’s innings, and Australia’s electric start,

were in vain. After being put in, Finch and debutant Nic Maddinson had kickstarted the innings with a 56run partnership inside five overs. It was the manner in which the openers attacked the offspin of R Ashwin that stood out. The highly-rated Maddinson, 21, calmly stepped out to Ashwin’s first delivery and lofted it cleanly over extra cover for four. Finch set about cutting and lofting with intent, and Ashwin’s first over cost India 17.

Maddinson made 34 before missing a slog to be bowled. Vinay Kumar got both Shane Watson and George Bailey in the eighth over. Finch, meanwhile, kept battering boundaries, generating immense power and finding gaps consistent-

Albion could get floodlights by year end after contract signing

The contract to erect lights at the Albion Community ground was signed on Thursday at pavilion of venue with Cummings Electrical.

The project will cost $91 million, according Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony when he addressed stakeholders, including officials from Region Six, Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and the Albion sugar estate. He also noted that the investment is a big one by the government.

He stated that in some venues across the region they are no lights to accommodate sporting events but this will soon change.

“It is our desire at the governmental level to make sure that we continue investing in this particular facility so that we can meet the new standards that the West Indies Crick Board now have in place to make sure international cricket matches come back to Albion.”

Apart from the lights, the infrastructure also has to be improved with the minister saying that he understands there is a drainage problem on the ground. He said to address this it will be suggested that the same type of underground drainage system at the Guyana National Stadium, be implemented at Albion.

“It will take us time and a lot of dedication and perseverance and we have to keep working at this in partnership.”

Meanwhile, Cummings Electrical will have the responsibility for the civ-

il and electrical works. Six light towers will be constructed, along with boxes to hold the light towers. Cummings Electrical will also be responsible for all the electrical supplies and will have to construct the control house for the lights.

The lights have already been purchased from an overseas company to the tune of $47 million. Each of the six towers will have 17 light bulbs on them.

Anthony said Cummings Electrical

has four months to hand over the Albion Community Centre fully equipped with lights.

Electrical engineer of Cummings Electrical Curtis Farley indicated his company’s commitment to the project, saying that it will be completed before the four-month deadline.

The minister noted that the project is the brainchild of President Donald Ramotar and it will be good to have it completed in time for Christmas.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Pujara, Gambhir put India A ahead

It was a distracting sort of day in Hubli on Thursday. Even before Sachin Tendulkar announced his retirement, taking the fizz out of the game, there was enough to sidetrack you. West Indies A used four wicketkeepers - one of them not even part of their XI, but allowed on humanitarian grounds, - on two separate occasions bees invaded the field forcing the players to lie prone for minutes, a batsman was hit-wicket and bowled to the same delivery, and the goods train kept honking its horns on the nearby railway track.

Gautam Gambhir, though, managed to put all that aside, concentrated hard, got lucky when the concentration broke on the rare occasion, and scored his third first-class century of the year. He has scored only three since January 2010, which is why he finds himself out of the Test side.

With Gambhir, for a majority of the innings, was a man with whom he has been discussing batting in the lead-up to the match, Cheteshwar Pujara. The two put on 207 for the second wicket to put India A in

a position from where they can push for a win. At the end of the second day, they led West Indies A by 66 runs with seven wickets in hand.

While Pujara remained unbeaten on 139, Virender Sehwag fell for a middling 38 after he had begun well and had the dispirited West Indies A attack at his mercy. If that soft dismissal was not enough for Sehwag, he walked back to the news that his good friend, ODI opening partner, mentor and team-mate of 93 Tests, had retired. His reaction was a stunned “Oh, he is retiring?” (Cricinfo)

ly. He was swift and brutal on the cut, played the lofted drive repeatedly and when he went to cow corner, it was more timing and placement than slogging.

SCOREBOARD

Australia innings

A Finch c & b V Kumar 89

N Maddinson b Kumar 34

S Watson lbw b V Kumar 6

G Bailey* c Jadeja b V Kumar 0

G Maxwell c I Sharma b Jadeja 27

B Haddin† c †Dhoni b Kumar 5

M Henriques c Yuvraj Singh

b Kumar 12

N Coulter-Nile not out 12

J Faulkner not out 10

Extras: (w 6) 6

Total: (7 wkts, 20 overs) 201

Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-84, 3-84, 4-124, 5-146, 6-174, 7-180

Bowling: B Kumar 4-0-35-3, V Kumar 4-0-26-3, R Ashwin

2-0-41-0, I Sharma 4-0-52-0, R Jadeja 4-0-23-1, V Kohli 2-0-24-0

India innings

R Sharma c †Haddin b McKay 8

S Dhawan st †Haddin b Doherty 32 S Raina c Watson b Coulter-Nile 19 V Kohli c Faulkner b McKay 29 Yuvraj Singh not out 77 MS Dhoni*† not out 24

Extras: (lb 4, w 9) 13

Total: (4 wkts, 19.4 overs) 202 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-50, 3-80, 4-100

Bowling: S Watson 3.4-029-0, C McKay 4-0-50-2, J Faulkner 4-0-36-0, N

Taylor stars with bat and ball as Windies Women win Series in style

SCOREBOARD

KINGSTON, Jamaica

– Stafanie Taylor made an unbeaten century and took four wickets in another superb allround display which led West Indies Women to a series triumph over New Zealand Women on Thursday.

West Indies won the third and final One-Day International by 95 runs to take the series 2-1.

Playing in front family and friends at Sabina Park, the 22-year-old went to the crease in the second over and batted until the end of the innings. She ended on 135 not out which guided the Windies to 238-6 after they won the toss and decided to bat first.

Taylor faced 148 balls and hit 14 boundaries in

her fifth century at this level. She added 83 for the second wicket with left-hander Kycia Knight, who made 29. Late in the innings captain Merissa Aguilleira chipped in with 20 off 17 balls.

Taylor returned with her off-spin to take four wickets for 35 runs from eight overs as the New Zealanders were bowled out for 143 off 43 overs. Left-arm spinner Shanel Daley (10-2-28-2) was again good with the new ball. Aguilleira completed two catches and a stumping in a good allround performance.

Taylor ended the series as the leading allrounder with 182 runs and 11 wickets and was a straightforward choice for Player of the Series. (WICB Media)

GBBC/GBA Fight Night Fights...

Atwell focused ahead Beckford fight

CABOFE featherweight champion

Clive Atwell said he is focused ahead of his eight-round clash against Jamaican Glenroy Beckford on Sunday.

The fight will be the feature event of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC)/Guyana Amateur Boxing Association’s (GABA)-organised 30th edition of Guyana Fight Night. The card will box off from 20:00h at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with the amateur segment.

Speaking at the GBBCorganised press conference on Thursday in the National Communications Network studio, Homestretch Avenue, Atwell said he is no way mentally affected by the

setback of his purse not being finalised, but he is optimistic that the deal will be sealed before the card.

“I am ready, despite being a little shaky. What I mean that I am a bit shaky is that my purse has not yet been finalised, but that has not in any way affected me mentally. In a matter of hours I hope the deal will seal,” Atwell said. Atwell, who is also the undefeated junior welterweight and local featherweight and lightweight champion, said he will not be underestimating Beckford. “He’s a strong fighter, so I will not take chances, I will be a little more patient and try to execute a perfect boxing lesson.”

Asked if he had any predictions, Atwell said he al-

ways tries to give fight fans their money’s worth and Sunday night will be no different. “The fight is over eight rounds, but if I see an opportunity to finish it early, I’ll seize it. I’m just waiting to rumble.

Beckford was not present at Thursday’s press conference. However, the Jamaican was expected last evening.

Meanwhile, the main supporting bout will see CABOFE champions, Edmond DeClou squaring off with Derick Richmond in a middleweight contest over eight rounds.

The other two fights on the professional card will bring together Dexter Marques and Richard Williamson in an eight-

round bantamweight bout and David Thomas against Kishawn Simon in a fourround welterweight contest.

The amateur segment of the card will feature four bouts.

In the opening contest, Orin Bancroft will battle with Anthony Miguel in the 105-109 weight division, while Stephon Nedd meets Mark Marshall in a junior bantamweight contest. Kevin Rodney takes on Trevor King in a middleweight contest and Stephon Gouveia squares off with Anandram Dharamraj in a lightweight bout.

Admission is $1000.

The weigh-in is scheduled for Saturday from 19:00h at the Stabroek Sports Bar, Brickdam.

West Berbice play weakened Albion

The first semi-final of the Universal DVD First Division T20 cricket competition in Berbice between Group A winner Albion Community Centre and Group B runnerup West Berbice is scheduled for Saturday at the Albion at 13:30h.

After ending on the losing end of their battles with Albion over the years, West Berbice will savour their chances on Saturday against an under-strength opponent. Narsingh Deonarine and Veerasammy Permaul are doing duties in India with the West Indies A team, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie is with the WI U-19 team against Bangladesh U-19 and Devendra Bishoo is overseas on personal business and will be out of action for Albion.

Their spin attack will be spearheaded by off-spinner Andre Percival, along with Verapen Permaul, Sharaz Ramcharran, David Latchaya and leg-spinner, Avinash Wajib. Their batting will be spearheaded by former West Indies batsman, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jonathan Foo, Kandasammy Surujnarine, current Guyana wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble, Ramcharran and Percival.

West Berbice is expected to the field a strong pace bowling attack, led by Guyana quickie Keon Joseph, former West Indies pacer Brandon Bess, former Guyana Under-19 pacer,

Roun Johnson, medium fast bowler Wrendel Bobb and medium pacer Keith Fraser. Also, there will be Berbice off-spinner Krishnadat Ramoo and Andrew Dutchin. In the batting department, Fraser has been their most consistent batsman lately and West Berbice will hope that former Berbice batsman, Arthley Bailey, Dutchin, Raffel Estriado, Sherwin McPherson will come through. The umpires for the match are Zaheer Moakan and Joseph Simon. The other semi-final between Bermine and Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes is scheduled for Sunday at Port Mourant. Albion Community Centre: Sewnarine Chattergoon (Captain), Kandasammy Surujnarine, Jonathan Foo, Anthony Bramble (wicketkeeper), Andre Percival, Sharaz Ramcharran, David Latchaya, Balchand Baldeo, Verapen Permaul, Avinash Wajib, Satesh Dwarka, Adrian Sukhra, Shivnarine Shirkissoon, Narendra Permaul; ManagerMuthuswami Permaul West Berbice: Krishnadat Ramoo (Captain), Keon Joseph, Wrendel Bobb, Brandon Bess, Roun Johnson, Andrew Dutchin, Keith Fraser, Raffel Estriado, Artley Bailey, Quacy McPherson (wicketkeeper), Sherwin McPherson, Christopher Bissoon, Grisean Grant, Rajbance Hemraj; ManagerDavid Black

Upbeat Bangladesh and WI U-19s clash in third game today

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Following their 63run victory in the second limited overs game on Wednesday, a confident Bangladesh youth team will be seeking to keep the momentum going when they take on an unpredictable West Indies U-19 in the third limited overs game at the Guyana National Stadium from 13:30h.

The seven-match series is tied at 1-1 going into today’s game.

The visitors showed grit to bounce back, after losing the opening game on Monday by six wickets. The Bangladeshis outplayed the young Windies team in all departments of the game to draw level in the series.

Therefore, going into today’s game, the Windies players will be looking bet-

ter their last game’s effort and surpass their previous game’s performance.

The West Indies U-19s made five changes from the first game on Monday with Tarryck Gabriel, Ramaal

Lewis, Marquino Mindley, Ray Jordan and Alazarri Joseph, making way for Jofra Archer, Preston McSween, Bryan Charles, Jerome Jones and Shimron Hetmyer.

Spin was the factor that caused serious trouble for the Windies batsmen that eventually caused them the game.

The West Indies seemed a bit wayward in their batting, a vast contrast from their opening game. They had starts from Jeremy Solozano, who top scored with 44 and other middle and lower order contributions from Jofra Archer, Shimron Hetemyer and Tarrick Coleman.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul, looked solid at the top of the order but will need to increase his strike rate in today’s game.

Hetmyer, usually an opener, batted in the middle and showed his usual aggression, but should be promoted where he can do more damage.

The bowlers continued to pick up wickets and will be looking to repli-

cate their spells displayed at the stadium in the first game. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie continues to be economical when picking up wickets.

Meanwhile, Windies team manager Roland Sampath, on Thursday, remained optimistic that the team will bounce back from the second game defeat.

“I am positive the team will bounce back,” said Sampath.

Sampath explained that since the series is being used as a build up for next year’s Youth World Cup in Dubai, the selectors have decided to have a rotation process in place among the 17 players, from which the final 15 will be selected.

“What happened in the second game is that after we won the opening game, we decided to make five changes to the final eleven. We want to look at all

17 players so the best 15 will be selected at the end of this series. And while it’s a rotation process, at the same time we want to win the series,” the team manager concluded.

On the other hand, Bangladesh will depend again heavily on vice captain Jashim Uddin and Mossadek Hossain Saikat for another competitive total. Both players powered the tourists with fashionable half-centuries in the second game that eventually saw them through to a competitive total on the flat Bourda deck. Their bowlers were effective and were led by spinner Javed Ferdous Rahuttul, who snared five scalps in his display of fine slow bowling. Other spinners were effective and rallied around Rahuttul.

Admission to the venue is free.

South American 10k to end in National Park

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has decided to finish the 11th International Association of Athletics Associations (IAAF) South American 10k race in the National Park for the first time.

AAG president Aubrey Hutson made the discloure moments after conducting an inspection of the facility on Wednesday afternoon. Over the years, the race ended in the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

Billed for October 27, starting at 15:30 hours, the race is set to attract leading male and female distance runners from several countries, battling for supremacy. According to the AAG head, preparations for the event are on track, as the

“

Local Organising Committee (LOC) has been working assiduously to ensure the Guyana leg of the event is a success.

The LOC on Wednesday made an inspection of the National Park and Hutson used the opportunity to update media operatives on the route for the race.

The eagerly anticipated race will start in front of the GT&T Earth Station on Carifesta Avenue, proceed east to the University of Guyana access road, turn west along the Rupert Craig Highway into the Kitty Public Road, south into J.B. Latchmansingh Road, west into Thomas Lands, north into the National Park first entrance and finish opposite the Children’s Monument on the north/western end of the Park.

Questioned on the reason for shifting the finish line to the National Park, Hutson pointed out that the aim is to encourage spectators’ involvement in a high-quality international event.

He noted that the National Park usually attracts a large crowd on Sunday afternoons, and the AAG is looking to bring athletics to the fans. Hutson explained that the organisers are congnisant of crowd encroachment, and as such, has solicited the services of the Guyana Police Force to ensure an incident-free event.

The winners (male and

Ounce of gold” cycling race set for Sunday

Heated rivalry is expected to be the recurring theme on Sunday when th\e Flying Star Cycle Club stages the second annual Kadir Mohamed Memorial road race from Georgetown to Linden and back.

A large field of local riders is expected to line up to compete for the top prize of an ounce of gold, sponsored by business entity of the late Mohamed, Kadir Enterprise, of Bartica.

According to race organiser William Howard, the race is expected to attract a high level of competition since riders are gearing up for several important

female) of the Open international category will receive US$1,000, while the second to fifth place finishers will pocket US$600, US$400, US$300 and US$200 respectively.

The top four performers of the junior division will collect US$200, US$150, US$100 and US$50 respectively, while the top three in the Masters (men and women 40-55 years) will

be rewarded with US$150, US$100 and US$50.

The winner of the Masters Men (55+ years) will receive US$125, while the second and third place finishers will be given US$75 and US$25

respectively.

The South American 10k is usually a three-stage event, with the other legs being staged in neighbouring Suriname and Panama. (Avenash Ramzan)

events, including the seventh annual ‘Ride for Life’ five-stage race.

The race will start on Homestretch Avenue at 07:30h, proceed to the Coca Cola sign at Dora on the Linden/Soesdyke highway, and return to the point of origin for the finish. It will cover approximately 80 miles.

The top ten finishers in the Open category will be handsomely rewarded, while the top four juniors and three leading veterans will also receive prizes.

Berbician Neil Reece of the Flying Ace Cycle Club is the defending champion of the Open category.

Upbeat Bangladesh and WI U-19s clash in third game today

See story on page 22

Tendulkar to retire after 200th Test

Sachin Tendulkar will bring an end to his glittering 24-year international career after he plays his 200th Test, which is scheduled to be during the home series against West Indies in November.

Tendulkar announced his decision on Wednesday afternoon, via a BCCI statement, like he had done when he retired from ODIs in December 2012.

“All my life, I have had a dream of playing cricket for India. I have been living this dream every day for the last 24 years,” Tendulkar said in a statement. “It’s hard for me to imagine a life without playing cricket because it’s all I have ever done since I was 11 years old. It’s been a huge honour to have represented my country and played all over the world. I look forward to playing my 200th Test match on home soil, as I call it a day.

“I thank the BCCI for everything over the years and for permitting me to move on when my heart feels it’s time. I thank my family for their patience

and understanding. Most of all, I thank my fans and well-wishers who through

their prayers and wishes have given me the strength to go out and perform at my best.”

Tendulkar’s retirement had been the matter of much speculation. He had wound down his career in phases, announcing his retirement from ODIs in late December 2012, and with the BCCI shoehorning a home series against West Indies before the controversy-hit tour to South Africa, it had seemed an apt moment for a home farewell. The venues for Tendulkar’s last two Tests have not yet been announced.

N Srinivasan, the BCCI president, said in a tribute that it was hard to imagine an India team without Tendulkar. “I have been an ardent follower and admirer of Sachin Tendulkar from the days he came to play Buchi Babu in Chennai. He is without doubt the greatest cricketer India has produced. In fact one should really say he ranks among the

top of all-time great sports persons in the world.

No one has served Indian cricket as Sachin has. He has truly been an ambassador for India and Indian Cricket. He has been an inspiration for generations of sportsmen not just cricketers. We respect his decision to retire although many of us can’t imagine an Indian team without Sachin.”

The 200th Test will be the last of numerous milestones in Tendulkar’s career. No cricketer has played so many. He also owns the records for most runs and centuries in both Test and one-day cricket.

Tendulkar began his international career in November 1989, and was the third youngest Test cricketer at the time. He established himself quickly in the middle order and after the early 1990s, he has remained the first name on India’s team-sheet for the majority of his career. (Cricinfo)