Guyana Times Daily

wedneSday, july 23, 2014| guyanatimeSgy.com

Local Govt bodies must step up – Whittaker tells officials

The role of local Government agencies is not only to collect garbage and taxes, but also to facilitate the economic development of the constituencies they represent.

And while the Central Government has a responsibility to every citizen, those elected to serve within the local Government structure are bound by a special task of looking after the affairs of the locals. These were the sentiments of Local Government Minister Norman Whitaker as he addressed a forum of local Government officials at the Regency Hotel on Tuesday. Most of the lo-

cal Government agencies in Guyana are dysfunctional owing to delays in the holding of Local Government Elections which was last

held here 20 years ago.

The one-day Local Economic Development Seminar was sponsored by Caribbean Local Economic

Development Project (CARILED) in collaboration with the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry at Regency Suites,

Georgetown. There, mayors and their deputies, councillors and other officers attached to local Municipalities, Regional and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils across Regions Two, Three, Four and Six, were informed of the distinct roles they must play in developing the communities under their stewardship.

Minister Whitaker, in his address to the gathering, declared that the roles of all elected officials serving in local Government are informed and guided by accompanying regulations and guidelines, of policies and plans that were developed over time. Those regulations, he stressed, guide all that is done and the procedures involved.

Efficient economic state

Moving towards an efficient economic state, the Minister outlined, cannot be achieved without the participation of the members of the community. He said it was important for community members to be involved, not only in the implementation of a project, but in the consultative aspect as well. He stressed that any consultation on the way forward must include the people.

“That is why we have difficulty receiving from the people the rates and taxes they owe, because as far as they are concerned, there is little that is done by the municipalities,” Whittaker told the officials. He added that it was because of the lack of

their involvement that community members were almost never aware of “who is building the next road or bridge in the community”. According to him, their guess is often the Ministry of Public Works. “I say to you, ladies and gentlemen, getting them involved in the development of the community is a continuous process. We are all often times guilty of not giving them the attention with the urgency that is required.” He pointed out that it was because of situations like these that the Ministry has adapted a policy of only accepting budgets that reveal numerous consultations with community members. According to him, all development, including economic growth, involves processes of collaboration.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

Way cleared for hike in UG tuition fees …Registrar says only way

By Gomatie GanGadin

The University of Guyana’ administrative council on Tuesday unanimously voted for the current tuition fees to be increased come September. The adjusted fee applies to both new and continuing students who are pursing programmes which previously attracted a fee of $127,000.

Speaking to the Guyana Times on Tuesday afternoon, Registrar of the University of Guyana, Vincent Alexander, disclosed that the administration will be implementing the increases from the new semester which begins in September, since they are of the view that it is the best course to take if the university is to survive in the coming days.

He said the application of the new fees was determined following a series of consultations held with current students and other stakeholders in June 2014.

Incremental increase

According to a release from the institution, continuing Guyanese students will be required to pay an incremental increase beginning with $130,000 in 2014, $145,000 in 2015 and $160,000 in 2016, in addition to the $50,000 Facilities Fee, which replaces the various miscellaneous fees they previously paid.

However, the fees for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Science Degree in Optometry, Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Imaging, Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Sciences,

to keep

Bachelor of Science Dental Surgery, Masters of Science in Environmental Management, Post-Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management-Climate Change and Disaster Management and Natural Resource Management, Bachelor of Laws, Commonwealth Master of Business Administration, Commonwealth Master of Public Administration, Master in Education, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Tourism Studies and the Associate Degree in Tourism Studies programmes will not be adjusted, but the students pursuing these programmes will be required to pay the Facilities Fee of $50,000.

The new Guyanese students who will be commencing students from September at the institution will be required to pay $210,000, inclusive of the Facilities Fee for most programmes, except for those listed above.

Meanwhile, though the fees for foreign students have not been adjusted, they will be required to pay the US$ 250 facilities fee

institution running

instead of the various miscellaneous fees, which they were required to previously pay.

According to the University’s administration, the fee adjustment has become necessary because of the rising cost of providing quality education not only in Guyana, but worldwide.

It was noted that inflation has negatively affected the allocation to the University from the Government, making the current tuition fees paid by students unsustainable and unrealistic since at the time when fees were reinstated in 1994, it was the understanding that adjustments would have been made to reflect the change in the exchange rates. The fee at that time was pegged at US$ 1000.

Academic services

The university expects that this added revenue will be used to create new academic services and facilities, help hire new faculty staff and expand and improve programme offerings.

The university administration said that while it is aware that many of its students and their families find it difficult to finance tertiary education, they can only continue to deliver to our students if the university is able to cover its operational costs.

Meanwhile, the increase has received mixed reviews from various stakeholders across the board. While a large number of students particularly those at the Tain Campus at Berbice, have rejected the idea of an increase, other stakeholders have endorsed the move by the university.

Several members of the public sector have signalled their intentions to support

the University of Guyana on its proposed increase in tuition fees, since they believe it is a solid plan for the university to return to its glory days. They noted that higher fees will prove beneficial to the institution, the staff, and the students.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has also endorsed the University of Guyana’s administration’s decision to increase tuition fees, positing that an increase in funds can equip the tertiary institution with the necessary resources needed to produce a higher calibre of graduates to serve the private sector. The organisation related that even as the university is on the road to realignment, there exists the need for an increase in tuition fees.

Investment

President of the UG Senior Staff Association, Dr Patsy Francis, also reiterated the need for the increased tuition fees. “I will not advocate that all of the money which is needed to run the University must come from student fees, but surely, an investment in your own education has to become priority. How are other people going to come? And how are we going to achieve this dream?”, she said.

She noted that if it is costing UG more than $300,000 to train a student, and “surely a contribution of $210,000 cannot be too much – I trust that the loan agency will be on board to give the loans; I trust that when the monies are realised, that our longsuffering staff will receive increases in emoluments and encouragement…so that we can move this University forward and achieve our dream.”

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, letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Missing the education boat

Yesterday, there were two articles published together in this newspaper, through pure serendipity: “Local businesses must focus on innovation – GCCI forum hears”, and “Top schools ‘iffy’ about new CAPE subjects rollout...despite Education Ministry’s optimism”. One of the “new” CAPE subjects that is most iffy is “Entrepreneurship”. On one hand, the cry from the business community is “more innovation” and from our education system, there is vacillation on the readiness to teach “Entrepreneurship” in the 6th Forms.

Yet almost 30 years ago, the management giant, Peter Drucker, who was literally worshipped in Japan for providing most of the conceptual tools that made them into economic world beaters, published his seminal work, “Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Principles and Practices”. He outlined the seminal nexus between these two concepts and postulated that unless they were fostered and connected, countries in the 21st century would be unable to lift themselves out of poverty, much less compete in the global economy.

Yet in Guyana, there is lassitude about finally imparting the fundamentals of “entrepreneurship” into the minds of our youth. When the British ended slavery, they introduced an educational system that was designed to keep the descendants of slaves and indentured slaves in an inferior status. We were to be the “hewers of wood and drawers of water” to keep the local representatives of the Empire in comfort, and the plantocracy wealthy.

At the very best we were to be the clerks in the civil service. The economy was kept in the hands of the “agents” based in Britain, which simply sold goods produced in the “Mother Country”. “Business”, to us natives, was simply “buying and selling” – preferably buying from the aforementioned “Mother Country”.

The highest education, as the article on the lagging CAPE introduction pointed out, focused on the Classics – including Latin and Greek. We could not produce a needle, but we could, like Burnham, Guyana’s scholar from Queens in 1942, parse the difference between “casus belli” and “causa belli”.

This mis-education of the natives was part of a deliberate policy that furthered what Dr Walter Rodney and others was to label the “underdevelopment” of the colonies. Generations of the descendants of ex-slaves were blamed for not having a “business head” – even though whatever enterprise they might have had in Africa had been brutally beaten out of them. And the “education” they had to imbibe was intended to make them accept their “lot”.

In the post-emancipation period, their economic progress lagged behind the immigrants who had two advantages: the virtues of deferred gratification and planning for the future, qualities that slavery made ironic, in denying them the right to property. The immigrants had arrived with the conscious drive for economic advancement. Modern African-West Indians to the US, for instance, are as industrious and entrepreneurial minded in their new milieu as any other group.

In the post-Independence era, while the founding fathers recognised the need for “education”, all too often, it was a perpetuation of the old British curriculum. One hundred and sixty years after Queens College was founded, it still teaches French rather than Entrepreneurship. But one will be told that the latter subject will not be taught because it is a “science” school. One is left to ponder the “scientific” content of French.

The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) is one of the most successful institutions to have emerged in the elusive goal of a functional Caribbean unity. Gradually, they have built a most credible reputation on the subjects they introduced at CSEC and CAPE to replace the London GCE “O” and “A” Levels. Their introduction of Entrepreneurship as one of five new subjects including Agricultural Science, Performing Arts, Physical Education and Sport, and Tourism are obviously geared towards making education more relevant to our pressing needs.

We hope the Education Ministry will ensure our schools are ready by the new school year.

Burnham’s vision was not clear

Dear Editor,

Although people take issues with some of the points made by Messrs Tarron Khemraj and Gerhard Ramsaroop in their missive “Aspects of Burnham’s vision still relevant” in another section of the media, the writers must be applauded for stating a bold position.

It is not clear what was Burnham’s vision because it involved racism and victimisation against non-supporters. It also included destruction, starvation, and mass deaths, and political murders of opponents.

In my conversations with people who knew Burnham well and engaged him regularly, they feel he failed to attain any meaningful aspect of his vision(s) and they largely see him as a failure. His supporters admire him out of ethnic loyalty.

Both writers, former PPP youth activists, are seeking various ways to make a meaningful contribution to society. I wish them well. However, I note that their recent letters need more introspection.

While pointing out what they consider some positives of both former dictators, Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte, the writers should have balanced their argument by pointing out some of the indisputable negatives (not in contention) of both –

like “slo fyah/mo fyah” (of Hoyte); “who mined the gold/take back yuh gold” (of Burnham); etc.

In order for Khemraj and Ramsaroop to objectively analyse Burnham’s governance, I believe some kind of field study is needed. I happen to have had such conversations with several businessmen; the nation would find the views of the business community and the population at large on their past and current leader most interesting.

In my most recent field interviews, people who engaged both Burnham and Hoyte revealed frustrations and exasperations of both rulers to “make” their supporters become successful farmers, entrepreneurs, managers, etc. I gather from those I interviewed, that both dictators were very harsh on their supporters towards the end of their rule, practically giving up on attempts to change their way of life.

In one particular case, a businessman revealed that Burnham used obscenity (in the businessman’s presence) against his supporters for their lack of work discipline. An elderly pandit said Burnham chastised a worker for coming late to work telling the worker, “Pandit came all the way from the Corentyne to see me and he is on time and you came from nearby and you are half an hour late. You all are lazy”.

Another businessman stated that Hoyte told him that “my supporters can’t run the state companies. So I have to divest them to your people”. Another businessman claimed he appealed to Hoyte to remove the ban on split peas, flour, and potatoes and Hoyte told him “I have to consult with my supporters before taking such an action that would seem to pander to Indians”.

He said Hoyte asked him “if the removal of the ban would change Indian views of him and the PNC” and he answered “ending the ban on importation of goods would definitely change the way Indians view you Mr Hoyte and will encourage Indians to work harder”.

I should note that in my conversations with many Guyanese, over the last week, some examples of what the two writers consider as “positives” are viewed “negatively” by victims of the two rulers.

For example, it was pointed out that while the Corentyne main road was upgraded (with IDB funds) under Burnham’s tenure, there was massive corruption and Berbicians (that generally supports the PPP) had to pay three tolls while the Linden/McKenzie highway (that benefited PNC supporters), about the same stretch of road as the Corentyne, had no toll.

An explanation is need-

ed why Corentyne residents (most of whom are productive small scale farmers and hard working labourers) were so heavily tolled while supporters in PNC strongholds were not “tolled”.

The writers tell us a penetrating analysis is needed to determine whether the positives and negatives of the two late dictators resulted in a net loss or net gain to society. Such a study should be encouraged. Every ruler (democratic or dictator) has/had their positives and negatives.

While the writers pointed out some of the positives of both former dictators, Burnham and Hoyte, there are a compelling number of negatives that damaged the reputation of both late leaders that need serious analysis to present a balanced perspective of their (the rulers) role in development (or lack thereof) of the nation.

For some rulers, like Dr Jagan or Mrs Jagan, it is generally believed their positives far outweigh their negatives providing a net gain to society. For others, like the late tyrants of Guyana, people feel their negatives posit a heavy burden on society. A balance, objective analysis, supported with data, on the various periods of governance of our rulers would help us to form a conclusion about the net gain or loss of each ruler.

Media headlines perpetuate stigma and violence against LGBT Guyanese

Dear Editor, I write to condemn the recent reporting on the murders of two members of the local lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community this past weekend, and to call on all media operatives and outlets in Guyana to exercise greater sensitivity, restraint, and responsibility when reporting on crimes against the LGBT community.

Two innocent young peo-

ple were tragically slain, yet the headlines simply referred to the victims as gays or sex workers. This is unacceptable and serves to encourage prejudice and stigmatisation against the LGBT population – a community that already suffers from an overwhelming burden of discrimination and violence.

When heterosexual people are killed, their sexual orientation and choice of

employment is not usually the front and centre of news headlines. LGBT Guyanese have the same human rights as other Guyanese and deserve the same respect –even in death.

Sensationalist reporting that disregards people’s rights and dignity is dangerous and extremely irresponsible. Too many inaccurate and negative perceptions against LGBT people already exist in our society.

The media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and should not be perpetuating stereotypes. What Guyana needs more of is empathy, tolerance, and understanding of diversity – not hatred and the encouraging of divisiveness – only then will we know real progress and development.

Sincerely, Sherlina Nageer

Blue CAPS is not focused on political blame or partisan favour

Dear Editor,

Blue CAPS started a few months ago with a simple mission: train young leaders, develop and advocate public policy solutions, and engage in community service. We also have been visible advocates calling for local government elections (LGE) and sharing a 10-point statement of values about what we expect from all political parties and leaders.

Clearly we have tapped into a long simmering national passion and conviction ready to burst with rightful force. The attention Blue CAPS has received is as startling as it is amusing, particularly from political policy makers and the media.

We have been labeled variously as proUSA, pro-LEAD, proPPP, pro-PNC and pro-AFC. However, most of the unwarranted criticisms have come from the ruling party because of our

call for local government elections. The criticisms have attempted to overwhelm the dialogue from focusing on the real heart and soul of the Blue CAPS message.

The call for LGE is not a political criticism of any one political party, rather arising from a deep, unconditional love of country that supersedes political partisanship, our message underscores our fundamental individual and collective constitutional and civic obligation. This is what all of us must ensure should be administered without fail every three years. Regrettably, we have not fulfilled this most essential obligation for 20 years.

Blue CAPS is not focused on political blame or partisan favour. It operates on the most sincere premise: doing what is right for Guyana by honouring our individual and collective constitutional obligations.

We respect the roles of our political parties and leaders. Similarly, the people in civil society have equally important roles. The request is simple: we demand mutual respect for our roles as national citizens.

As for my ambitions, I am passionate about public service and full disclosure is merited. Civic passion has motivated me to serve the Georgetown Chamber and other private sector organisations for close to a decade. It also has motivated me to start Blue CAPS for capitalizing upon the unique energy of young citizens.

If and when that passion leads me to enter into formal politics through a political party, I will embrace the call openly and honestly, with the desire to serve the community for good. However, currently that is not my motivation and Blue CAPS certainly is not the appropriate vehicle

Burnham’s vision was not clear

During my presence in Guyana earlier this month, I conducted a survey on various aspects of governance. People (Indian businessmen in particular) made glowing commentaries about Hoyte. And there were many unpleasant comments about Burnham, especially about his ill treatment of Indian women jailing them for consuming banned roti, alou, onion, garlic, sardines, dhal, etc.

for it.

Blue CAPS is and always will be an NGO. If any member wishes to pursue an official political career either through an existing party or by forming his or her own, we would wholeheartedly support that individual’s choice.

There is nothing egregious about us accepting funding from any reputable entity whose priorities align with ours. We always will reach out to all important stakeholders in our society, engaging them with deep respect while we advance our public policy positions and objectives for the best interests of Guyana.

Sincerely,

Clinton Urling Blue CAPS

Burnham was not seen as a nice, compassionate ruler who cared for the common man. Analysis of the hard facts about his rule and programmes he implemented would give an objective conclusion. Hoyte is praised by the Indians business community for opening up the economy and divesting state enterprises as well as for restoring aspects of democratic governance, al -

beit under pressure. Most people have virtually nothing positive to say about Burnham and are not supportive of any of his visions. Dr Jagan’s and Mrs Jagan’s incorruptible honesty and integrity were praised while Bharrat Jagdeo was applauded for the vast expanse of infrastructural development Guyana experienced after 2000 and for preserving the environment. Off course, they were also critiqued. May I suggest and encourage the two writers, and others as well, to conduct a field survey study to find out the peoples’ perception of the various rulers who governed us from 1957 till now so we form an objective conclusion on each one.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

wednesday, july 23, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

Chikungunya count at 60

– PAHO unofficial report

By Svetlana MarShall

The Pan-American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation Representative for the Guyana Country Office, Dr. William AduKrow, said there is a possibility that Guyana has higher cases of Chikungunya.

Addressing the press at Cara Lodge on Tuesday, Dr. Adu-Krow said he has information suggesting that Guyana has approximately 60 cases of persons infected with the Chikungunya virus.

“Officially I am told that it is still 16, unofficially I am told in confidence that we have about 60 cases and that is because we are not testing everybody,” he told reporters.

While it is believed that the virus is highly prevalent in Region Six, the PAHO/WHO Country Representative said there is a possibility that the Chikungunya virus is prevalent in other parts of the country.

Dr. Adu-Krow’s comment was made at a time when the Health Ministry told Guyana Times that the number of Chikungunya cases has been restricted to 31. According to an official at the agency, there have been no other confirmed cases over the weeks as it relates to the vectorborne disease.

There had been reports over the past few weeks that the Chikungunya virus has made its way to other parts of the country and was rapidly spreading to other parts with confirmed cases ema-

nating from the capital city, Georgetown, and other parts of Region Four, as well as Regions Three and Five.

According to reports received, three cases had been recorded from West Berbice, in Bush Lot, Bath Settlement, and Number Nine Village; one each from Ithaca and Mahaicony; one from North Ruimveldt; and one from Crane, West Coast Demerara, Region Three. While the disease was debilitating to a person’s health, the possibility of it being fatal is low. The Minister explained that although a large number of persons were infected in the Caribbean, there were only a few deaths and those were restricted to the elderly and the young, and Guyana was no different.

He said the persons who have died may have had a pre-existing medical condi-

tion or their immune systems might not have been fully developed (minors). The Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Its symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever with an acute febrile phase, lasting two to five days.

Meanwhile, PAHO/ WHO Representative Maria Sanchez said while the Health Ministry is taking the necessary precautions to reduce the spread of Chikungunya, citizens of Guyana must be responsible for their environment. According to Sanchez, persons are guilty of having poorly kept environments, thereby allowing mosquito infestation.

“You can spray the whole of Georgetown every night… but if you don’t stop the accumulation of water in your yard…then you will have a lot of larvae breeding,” she said, stressing that persons are failing miserably in this regard. Sanchez urged the press to be the advocate for a clean and healthy environment that would reduce the risk.

PAHO/WHO has also applauded the Regional Health Authorities for being proactive, allowing for the quick detection of the Chikungunya virus. Discussions are in progress to have two Guyanese medical personnel receive training at the Caribbean Public Health Agency in Trinidad in the area of Rapid Diagnostic Testing for Chikungunya.

Comedian Habeeb Khan bows out

Nicknamed the Ambassador of Comedy, Veteran Comedian and stage actor Habeeb Khan passed away aged 78 at his Friendship, East Bank Demerara (ECD) residence on Tuesday morning.

According to the man’s son, David Khan, his father had been suffering from asthmatic bronchitis for quite some time and it is supposed that he succumbed to that. The younger Khan told Guyana Times that he heard of his father’s death while he was at work and immediately sought to get to his father’s residence, but, by the time he had arrived, his father’s body had already been taken to the Sandy’s Funeral Home.

Khan leaves a legacy of vintage memories, with unforgettable skits and personas, as he graced television screens and stages in Guyana for well over five decades. The comedian lived his art, being known for having an antennae connected to his sewing machine and an enormous padlock on a gate in front of his yard but no fence.

Khan also landed roles in several onscreen projects which boosted his public appeal; these included his depiction of George, an abused husband, in the Torginol Paint ad and a local film in which he was the lead actor – “If Wishes Were Horses”.

As news of the comedian’s death rippled through the entertainment fraternity, many expressed condolences to the actor’s family and reminisced on working with him over the past 60 years.

Linden “Jumbie” Jones was one such person. In an invited comment, Jones told Guyana Times that Khan was certainly one of Guyana’s more formidable actors. He added that Khan would be remembered for his daring in Guyana’s theatre.

A great loss

Jones highlighted that while he held Khan in the highest of regard as an actor and entertainer, he held him in even higher regard as a friend and mentor. “He was a great friend, he was a great colleague... his death is a great loss for Guyana,” said a bereaved Jones.

He said that while Khan was not the recipient of any accolades for his countless breathtaking performances and the role he played in the development of Guyana’s

theatrical awards, he is clinging to hope that Khan would be honoured with a posthumous award.

Expressing a similar view was Kerwin Mars also known as Sir Mars. Mars told Guyana Times on Tuesday evening that it was tragic that Khan was not in receipt of a National Award prior to his passing given the colossal contributions he would have made to the local arts scene.

Mars told Guyana Times that in all of Khan’s performances, there was always an underlying message that his audience could relate to. “Habeeb Khan was an icon, his jokes always had a message that you could have related to... it is sad that such a person would have passed away without being honoured,” Mars said.

Murder toll climbs to 79

Some 79 people have been murdered so far this year – 10 of them this month, the Guyana Police Force said on Tuesday.

In its periodic update on crime statistics, the Police disclosed that some 19 persons have lost their lives so far in the month of July; with nine of them being road fatalities and the remaining 10, murders.

The report indicates that there is a seven per cent reduction in the number of serious crimes recorded from January to June this year, that is, a total of 1827 when compared with 1960 during the same period last year. According to the Police, there were some 69 murders recorded at the end of June as opposed to 61 last year. This represents a 13 per cent increase; however, more alarming is the fact that the number of murders had increased to 79 by July 21, recording an increase of 18 per cent.

Public security

The statistics regarding armed robberies saw an overall increase of 22 per cent, with 577 reports filed compared to 472 for the same period last year. There was a 33 per cent increase in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms, while a four per cent increase was recorded for robberies in-

volving the use of other instruments.

With the prevalence of crimes of this nature, the Police are advising citizens to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The enforcement agency is reminding citizens that public security is a shared responsibility while encouraging the public to continue working with the Police in order to strengthen the safety and security of all.

Citizens are urged to have the numbers of nearby Police stations and Community Policing Group members within reach in cases of emergencies. They are also asked to re-

port suspicious characters and vehicles. “Ensure your gates, doors, and windows are properly secured before leaving your premises or retiring to bed. Moreover, and as far as possible, ensure someone is left to overlook your premises if you are leaving for a long stay, such as a holiday,” the Police encourage.

They are also warning that persons should properly secure their properties before retiring to bed or when leaving the premises at all times and further, avoid walking alone in lonely places.

Meanwhile as it relates to traffic, some 57 road fatalities have been record-

ed from 52 accidents by the end of June this year. This is compared to 56 fatalities from 53 accidents during the same period last year. However going into July, an additional nine person lost their lives on the roadways bringing the total up to 66 road fatalities from 60 accidents so far in the year, in comparison to 59 deaths from 56 accidents during the same period in 2013. These nine deaths were from eight road accidents.

Reduction

Nevertheless, the Police noted that there has been a reduction in the various categories (serious, minor and damage) by the end of that period when compared to last year’s figures. This year has been a particularly fatal one for pedestrians with approximately 23 persons losing their lives by the end of June. Eight motor cyclists, 13 pedal cyclists, four drivers and nine passengers of motor vehicles also lost their lives.

According to the Police, speeding remains the number one cause of fatal accidents, accounting for 34 of the 52 fatal accidents recorded. With stricter enforcement of the traffic laws, the Police managed to file a whopping 38,652 cases against errant motorists, 10,131 of whom were booked for speeding.

Florida House of Representatives member for Guyana Festival

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister

Irfaan Ali on Monday announced that Hazelle Rogers, a member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 95th District in the United States, will be joining the Florida delegation attending the inaugural Guyana Festival.

Minister Ali related that Rogers is a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 95th District, which includes North Lauderdale,

Lauderdale Lake and Lauderhill in Northern Broward County.

According to a Tourism Ministry release, Rogers will be part of the delegation coming to Guyana for the Guyana Festival which opens on August 8 and runs until August 10, at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara. The Florida delegation is one of a number of foreign delegations expected, with groups coming from Suriname, Canada, Jamaica among other countries.

The Guyana Festival Cookout, set for August 10, is also attracting wide local and international participation as several members of these visiting delegations have already registered to participate. This component of the Festival will celebrate our culinary delights and pay homage to the distinct taste of Guyana; groups, families and organisations are invited to register for this cookout by visiting the website www.guyanafestivalgy.com and filling out the registration forms.

Teen charged for simple larceny

Nineteen-year-old

Tyson Garnett of Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara, on Tuesday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore after he was faced with a charge of simple larceny.

The charge as read in court by Prosecutor Adun Inniss alleged that on July 20 at Covent Garden, the defendant stole a sum of $60,000 in

cash from Desiree Boston. To this charge, Garnett pleaded guilty, telling the court “I went into the shop, saw the money and pick it up but then I hide it and couldn’t find it back.’’ Prosecutor Innis told the court that the defendant currently has a matter pending before the courts for assaulting his mother. Garnett was fined a sum of $75,000 or an alternative of three months’ imprisonment.

Teen freed of 2012 "after-lessons" murder

Samuel Cornelius, the 19-year-old boy who allegedly killed his classmate after school lessons back in 2012, was on Tuesday acquitted of the murder charge, but the Prosecution has filed a notice of appeal, which prevented the teenager from being freed.

Cornelius was indicted with the murder of Anfernee Bowman, 17, a Chase Academy student of Lot 77 Robb Street, Georgetown, on February 27, 2012. The incident took place at Patterson’s Lessons Place on Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. The trial began last Tuesday before Justice Diane Insanally and a mixed panel jury.

State Counsel Natasha Backer presented some nine witnesses to the court, including an eyewitness and several of the deceased’s

relatives. Ashton Stephens, classmate of the two teens and an eyewitness, in his testimony recalled that on the day in question, a fight had ensued between Cornelius and Bowman. He recalled that during the scuffle, he noticed a screwdriver fell down from the accused.

Stephens added that

Cornelius then ran away but was pursued by Bowman, who then collapsed. The witness said that upon inspection, he saw blood on his classmate’s body and immediately sought assistance to take the injured teen to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the father of the dead teenager, Gary Bowman, had testified that he was at home on that unfortunate day, when he received a call that his son was stabbed and immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital; however, the teen did not arrive as yet. The man recalled that when his son arrived at the hospital, he was already dead. He noted that in the Emergency Ward, he opened his son’s shirt and observed several stab wounds to his side, heart, and face.

After calling all nine witnesses, the Prosecution closed its case; however, before the accused was called

upon to lead his defence. Attorney Mark Waldron, representing the accused, made a no-case submission in the absence of the jury, stating that there was no evidence which indicated that his client had any intention of harming or killing Bowman.

Following submissions by the Prosecution and the defence on the no-case application, Justice Insanally upheld the application and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. However, before the Judge could set Cornelius free, the State Counsel indicated that she will be appealing the decision and presented a copy of her notice of appeal application form. As a result, the presiding judge granted the 19-year-old $300,000 bail pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

According to reports, around 18:30h on the night in question, the two teenagers had an altercation reportedly over a girl, during which the deceased sustained stab wounds, one to his heart, one to his right abdomen and another to his left abdomen, and gashes to his face. Cornelius had sustained a stab wound to his left arm but escaped from the scene.

Bowman was picked up by his colleagues and rushed in a taxi to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Cornelius subsequently turned himself in. Eyewitnesses had claimed that Bowman had a knife in his hand while chasing Cornelius before he collapsed on the roadway.

Eyew tness

If the Dunce CAPS fit...

...you’re a damned dunce!

If it waddles like a duck, quacks like a duck and swims like a duck, you’d think it’s safe to say, “Its a duck”, no??

Well, evidently not when the duck wears a CAP. A Blue CAP, more specifically. The founder-leader of BLUE CAPS Clinton Urling yelps that the GTimes is “paranoid” to say he’s “pro-LEAD” and has political ambitions.

Well, let’s look at what’s been going down. The US Embassy launched their LEAD (Leadership and Democracy) programme to be coordinated by the Republican Leadership Institute (IRI). These are the same folks out of the right wing Republican Party that worked with youths and other assorted Opposition figures to bring about the “colour” revolutions in Eastern Europe, then in North Africa and the Middle East, Honduras, etc, etc. (Our revolution’s to be blue??)

They’re presently doing their thing in Venezuela. Youths are IRI’s mainstays and technology their watchword. Remember the fake Twitter lookalike in Cuba?? The IRI’s funded by USAID, which is funded by the US Government. It’s more than a stretch to call them an NGO! The PPP/C Government wised up to the implications of LEAD a bit late and finally put a stop to it in May when they threatened to deport the head of the programme.

Then lo and behold (as they used to announce miracles from on high!) the very next week, Blue CAPS was launched!! CAPS was the acronym for “Change, Advocacy, Policy, Service” – almost as cute as LEAD, no?? Then with another lo and behold – CAPS promptly launched its first of FOUR weekly workshops. How many soups would that’ve cost?? The workshops were on a “Youth Leaders’ Leadership Development Programme”. Yep!! That’s right. YOUTHS!!

But not ALL youths. To the IRI, it’s obvious that all youths are not worthy of being trained in the mysteries of “Youth Leadership”. They were thrown out of Egypt because all the chosen youths were from the Opposition!! So what do you know?? Coincidentally (?) these were exactly who were at the “workshops” – Youth Action Network (YAN), Cuffy 250 Committee, UNFPA Youth Advisory Group, Come Alive Network Inc (CANI), Youth Ambassador’s Programme, Global Shapers Community – Georgetown Hub, Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), and Global Youth Movement.

And in a final lo and behold, the main speaker was Guyana born Lloyd Haynes, with a financial advisory company in Washington, DC. Its main clients?? A dozen departments of the US Government – including USAID!! If the soup maker from Tiger Bay thinks Guyanese will fall for this patent nonsense, then he must be wearing not a Blue CAP – but one big DUNCE CAP!!

...then you might be a donkey-cart economist

Another politician who’s thrown his hat into the ring is the “Donkey Cart” economist, Tarron Khemraj. Well, actually it’s the fourth time your Eywitness understands he’s thrown his hat into the ring – PPP/C, ROAR, AFC and now PNC. His hat must be getting quite tattered by now... because as you can see from his resume, it’s been downhill ever since the PPP/C!!

Not for the first time, he’s sucking up to David Granger. This time, he has a full page letter (a thesis??) in the Muckraker and the Stabber News. Maybe with Rupert getting on in years, he figures it’s time for another token Indian-Guyanese at Granger’s side. But he should go easy with buttering up “the leadah!” He claims Granger believes “populism” isn’t the way to go – with his actions at Linden. Really?? After agreeing that a graduated electricity increase is necessary, he supports riots and arson and mayhem for free electricity. And this is not the very definition of “populism”??

Puleeeeeese!!!

...or a brown noser

The Donkey Cart economist also confesses he supports Granger because the PNC leader’s a “modest” fella. Well, Granger certainly has a lot to be modest about!!!

Expectations high for new telecoms bill by yearend – Hinds

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said it was the Government’s and the stakeholders’ expectations that the Telecommunications Bill will be passed before the year ends.

Speaking to Guyana Times via telephone on Tuesday afternoon, Hinds said the Special Select Committee met on Monday evening, but there were at least five more meetings which must be held before the Bill left the Special Select Committee and was taken back to Parliament to be voted on.

He noted that the two phone companies, Digicel Inc and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), have thus far met with the Committee and have submitted their various proposals and recommendations.

He said, however, that their documents were more than 500 pages each and as such, much time will have to be taken to peruse the documents, consult with the parties, and follow other procedures before the Bill was again presented in the National Assembly. He did not disclose any of the recommendations or proposals which were put forward.

Meanwhile, GT&T said it remained optimistic that the new Telecommunication Bill, when tabled again in the National Assembly, will receive the full support of the House.

Passage of Bill vital

GT&T Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Radha Krishna Sharma highlighted that the passage of the Bill is vital for Guyana if the country is to a advance technologically. Sharma, in an invited comment, explained that the company did its part and it was now up to the regulators and policymakers to ensure that the requisite legislation is passed in a timely manner.

He related that all stakeholders were given the opportunity to make submissions, both written and oral to the Select Committee of the National Assembly, and they took advantage of the opportunity.

“We have articulated our concerns and recommendations to the Select Committee… I know that deliberations are going on… I

have no doubt that it will continue and at the appropriate time, we will brief the media on our submissions,” he added.

Sharma reiterated that its submissions were deliberate and well-thought out; hence, he expected that the Select Committee would give them serious and careful consideration. He explained that the process is being done in four stages with the first being the submissions, which will be followed by the examination by the Committee, and then, the parliamentary debate. Sharma added that the last stage will be the President of Guyana signing the Bill into law.

Sharma anticipated that it will take a few months before the Bill is passed. With all the deliberations and review of the submissions, Sharma said, there are contractual issues. He reiterated that GT&T welcomed liberalisation, but it must be done in a transparent manner.

He believes that the contractual issues must be respected, explaining that contracts are more or less property rights since there are certain clauses in the agreement with the Government of Guyana. These agreements, he noted, are legally binding and it was expected that the companies’ benefits under those contractual terms were respected.

Rates battle

Digicel Chief Executive Officer Gregory Dean and the Public Relations Officer of the company could not be reached for the comment on the matter. The Telecommunication Bill was tabled along with the Public Utilities Commission (Amendment) Bill on August 9, 2013.

Since the first reading of the two Bills, the second reading has been deferred several times as the Government continues to hold discussions between the two telecommunication companies. GT&T currently has the monopoly on landline and international services. Digicel also has to pay the local company for its mobile services bandwidth, which is being provided through GT&T.

However, the international company recently introduced reduced international rates after it won a court battle against the local telecommunication company. This action plan was short-lived after the PUC, responsible for approving rate increases for utility companies in Guyana, ruled that Digicel had no authority to reduce its rate without its approval.

The Telecommunication Bill seeks to provide the establishment of a telecommunications agency and for a regular, coordinated, open and competitive telecommunications sector and other related matters. Meanwhile, the other piece of legislation seeks to amend the PUC Act to facilitate the provisions of the Telecommunications Bill.

Clarke questions Kissoon’s refusal to attend “Kangaroo Court”

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) General Secretary Oscar Clarke said he could not be sure if it is within a person’s right to refuse to appear before the disciplinary Committee, af-

ter they have been summoned..

Clarke was responding to questions posed by Guyana Times relating to suspended PNCR Region 10 member Vanessa Kissoon, who, due to a fall-out with him some weeks ago has been temporarily relieved of her duties.

The Disciplinary Committee set up by the PNCR leader David Granger and headed by Chairman Alan Munroe was expected to meet with Kissoon on Monday, however, according to Clarke, no meeting was held. More than that, Kissoon was advised by the Region 10 PNCR committee not to attend that meeting, since, according to members, Granger had flouted the party’s constitution.

At a press conference on Tuesday to address matters

relating to the party’s upcoming biennial Congress on Friday July 25th at Congress Place, Clarke was questioned on the Kissoon fiasco. He told reporters that he could not speak on the subject, since he is not a member of the disciplinary committee.

Further grilled by Guyana Times, PNCR Malika Ramsay intervened stating that the matter is currently “sub judice” and all matters could only be addressed by the Committee’s Chairman.

Clarke said the party’s constitution provides for the entire process of the disciplinary committee, including appeals by the persons concerned if the final decision is unfavourable. Concerns were also raised about the fairness of the disciplinary committee, since many of the members of the Central Executive Committee constitute the disciplinary Committee. But Clarke, in response said that it is the party’s Constitution which also allows the Central Executive Committee to set up the disciplinary committee. He also denied that he, being a member of the Central Executive Committee, had any input in the establishment of the disciplinary Committee.

A letter was dispatched to party leader David Granger last week, requesting that the Disciplinary Committee be dismantled. According to the committee’s spokesperson Leslie Gonzalves, there is a huge question of bias by members of the disciplinary committee.

According to him, Granger does not have the authority to suspend the Region 10 parliamentary representative.

According to him, for the past two years, the PNCR leader “has not seen it fit” to put in place the constitutionally required Disciplinary Committee. This question was also posed to the party’s General Secretary, who, in response again indicated that the party’s Constitution allows for a disciplinary committee to be set up at any point.

“This is a violation of the rules of the PNCR. It was not until he unilaterally suspended Ms Kissoon that he chose to select some persons to form a committee to discipline her,” Gonsalves had said on Monday at a meeting to address the issue. Kissoon was suspended by the PNCR earlier this month after she was accused of misusing party property and allegedly assaulting PNCR General Secretary Oscar Clarke.

She has since challenged her suspension, deeming it unconstitutional. Kissoon said proper procedure was not followed when she was suspended. She had contended too that Granger does not have the constitutional authority to suspend her, a statement which Granger later rebuffed, stating that he, indeed, did have the authority to issue her with a letter of suspension.

The fix

Satiricus was dumbfounded. There in green and white in his own newspaper, the GTimes, they were saying GrainJa was going to “fix” the polls to be the leader of the Pee an See Party.

Satiricus figured there had to be a limit to everything. He knew Courbane as a fixer in the Pee an See. But GrainJa??? NOOOOO! How could they try to pin such a dastardly deed to the saintly figure of GrainJa?? Why!! Butter wouldn’t melt in the man’s mouth!!

“Look how they blamin GrainJa for bringing democracy to the Pee an See!!” he exclaimed in disgust to the fellas around the table at the Back Street Dive.

“And how exactly, he bringing democracy to the Pee an See??” asked Suresh.

“Well...Look how the man mekkin sure every party member gon vote!!” said Satiricus. He tended to slip into the vernacular when he got excited. “That is democracy, Budday!!!”

“But how dem guh vote, Sato, old fren???” asked Cappo, while taking a sip from his Banks bottle.

“Is wha schupidness, yuh askin?” growled Satiricus. “They gon make their mark on a ballot paper??”

“But how dem guh get de ballot paper??” continued Cappo doggedly.

Satiricus was getting exasperated, but Cappo continued to stare at him waiting for an answer. Finally, Satiricus blurted out: “Well, they gon show their membership card!! Jesus! Like yuh never went to PPEE Congress and vote??”

“Budday, dat is the problem...I bin to PPEE Congress,” smiled Cappo. “And dis is differen’, Dis is big cook up!”

“Wha yuh mean?” growled Satiricus.

“Sato, me fren, did it straight fram BurntHam book,” explained Cappo, with a smile. “The big question ah who gon get card fuh vote??!!”

“Let me tell you about democracy,” piped up Teacher Samad, who’d been listening with amusement. “The question always is who’s vote will count. In Greece, where democracy start, is only the men could vote.”

“And at the Pee an See Congress,” concluded Cappo, “Ah only GrainJa people, ah maan!!!”

Satiricus became silent.

Local Govt bodies...

CARILED Programme

Director Alix Yule brought the message home to the regional councillors and other representatives. She said the organisation, which receives funding from the Canadian Government, currently offers its service to seven countries around the world, including Guyana, working with ministries that have responsibility for local Government. It also works with small communities, she noted, pointing out that in Guyana, the organisation is working with Regions Two, Three, Four and Six.

Its objective, she noted, lies in helping communities to be economically viable, by becoming proactive in local economic development. She posited that Regional and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils have distinct roles in stimulating growth in the

from page 2

local economy, reducing poverty, providing opportunities for employment, assisting small and medium-size businesses expand, and improve trade. She said recent research have shown that more jobs are created from small businesses than larger ones. Owing to this fact, Yule challenged the officials to be cognisant of three important matters, including, their roles in planning for local economic development, what can be done to help local community businesses in their pursuit of economic growth, and what development plan the councils and staff may have for local businesses. In the “grand scheme of things”, Yule said, councillors and other staff members must be the facilitators and coordinators of national development.

PNCR leadership elections

“I don’t pick

delegates” – Clarke

...amid charges of “phantom” groups being created

By Michael younge

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) General

Secretary Oscar Clarke has sought to pour cold water on the concerns raised by the party’s Region 10 representatives who accused several persons at Congress Place of attempting to “fix” the vote ahead of the party’s 18th biennial Congress this weekend.

The Region 10 PNCR Committee has accused the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of allegedly trying to rig the elections for the Leader and Chairman at this weekend’s Congress billed for Congress Place, Sophia. Committee members Leslie Gonsalves and Maurice Butters made the allegations, and told media operatives on Monday that approximately 90 delegates were listed to participate in the upcoming Congress; however, the Linden Committee was recently informed that only 60 delegates would be admitted.

Clarke, questioned by Guyana Times about the allegations made against the party’s CEC and the Congress Committee via reports in the media, responded, “Where is that report?”. He then emphasised, “I have not seen that report.”

Clarke, who heads the Congress Committee, denied knowledge of a reduction in the delegates’ representation for the region. He said no report about rigging or fixing of votes at the upcoming Congress was raised by the group.

“What they have raised with me is the question of the delegates’ representation and the number of persons who will be attending as delegates,” he said circumspectly, as he determinedly avoided addressing the specific questions being asked.

Padding the lists?

Clarke also said he was unaware about the existence and emergence of “phantom groups” at Linden which the regional group said were being planted to pad the lists with delegates and more support for Granger and his loyalists at the Congress.

“Their concern is that some of the persons who they would like to be chosen as delegates were not, but I told them that I do not chose the delegates,” Clarke explained. Questioned further about the measures in place to ensure the integrity and fairness of the electoral process at the highly anticipated Congress, Clarke pointed in the direction of Michael Sommersal who he

said was responsible for the process and is the Congress’ returning officer.

“Whatever arrangements he puts in place I am sure will be adequate,” Clarke said. He declined to say how many party cards were processed to date, with the new accreditation criteria including identification cards. The General Secretary advised that it was an ongoing process and no delegate would be disenfranchised once they follow the clearly established process.

On Monday, Butters said records show that the PNCR has a membership of approximately 800 persons in Linden, but the Central Committee is insisting that the membership

is smaller; hence, only 60 delegates would be allowed to attend.

Gonsalves said: “It is clear that the PNCR is fixing the upcoming elections. Well, the motives are simple, if you are reducing a group in terms of its delegates from in excess of 90 to 60, it is obvious you are saying to yourself, if you allow them to get 90, they are going to have their way in terms of winning whether the leadership or Chairmanship of the party,” he contended. He said the current leadership of the party is doing all in its power to “call the shot”.

According to Butters, it was discovered that the PNCR point person Sandra Jones,

who has been accused of creating major division in the district, is hand-picking persons from the original list submitted by the Linden PNCR Committee.

Meanwhile, the PNCR on Tuesday disclosed that three persons have been nominated to duel for the party’s top leadership post. General Secretary Clarke announced that Party Leader David Granger, Aubrey Norton and newcomer Sharma Solomon have accepted nomination and will vie for the position of leader this Sunday.

Granger's inability?

This aspect of the election is perhaps the most important and comes amid widespread concerns being expressed about Granger’s inability to properly manage the affairs of the party. He is accused of employing an elitist approach which sees him disengaging the party’s grassroots support base.

As the Congress draws near, Granger’s faction that is controlling Congress Place has already been accused of “fixing” the vote with the aim of returning him and several of his loyalists to the PNC’s Central Executive and key office portfolios.

Meanwhile, Basil Williams, Aubrey Norton, and

Sharma Solomon will also vie for the post of Party Chairman at the Congress. Stanley Paul, George Norton, and Volda Lawrence have accepted nominations to contest the post of Vice Chairman. Ninety-one other persons will compete for a chance to take up the 15 leadership spots on the party’s Central Executive.

The 18th biennial Congress will be held from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27 under the theme: “PNCR For National Unity, Good Governance, and Development”. More than 1000 Delegates and Observers from the 10 Administrative Regions of Guyana, as well as the North American and UK Regions, will be participating. A statement from the party said Granger will be expected to make an analysis of the political and economic situation in Guyana and outline his vision of the way in which the party will prepare itself to tackle the numerous challenges of the coming years.

“We anticipate that this will be a wide-ranging address which will lay the basis for the policies of the PNCR as it, along with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), prepares itself for elections, both local and national,” the statement read.

AFC clutching at straws with “no-confidence” motion threat – PPP

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said it has noted the threat which the Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan has made to President Donald Ramotar by proposing to bring a no-confidence motion against the Government.

Party General Secretary Clement Rohee said the PPP has never been afraid of facing the people, adding that “we serve and we are prepared to put our case to the citizenry at any time. We commend His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar, for his swift, erudite and forthright response to Ramjattan’s baseless threat.” Rohee was at the time speaking at a party news conference on Monday. He said the AFC’s call for such a motion, at this

time, is aimed at influencing delegates who will be attending the PNC’s upcoming Congress. “That is one of the motives behind the no-confidence “threat”. We know that the AFC has been losing support and its membership is haemorrhaging badly, it wants to regain its support but this time at the expense of the APNU.”

Rohee said Ramjattan’s no-confidence motion is nothing but a smoke screen and is tantamount to a drowning man clutching at straws. Further, he said the AFC, through its promotion of this motion, has reached the pinnacle of its “deceptive and blackmail politics,” which is arrogantly being perpetrated against the Guyanese people. “We wish to remind the AFC, and at the same time reiterate that the PPP remains resolute and prepared for any election that may be precipitated by a no-confidence motion. We repeat, the PPP is ready and mobilised,” Rohee said. He boasted that the AFC was glorying in democracy won since 1992 by the PPP/C Government. “The PPP is of the view that this call by the AFC is a blatant attempt to place the proverbial “Sword of Damocles” over the nation, in an effort to derive political benefits and to satisfy its insatiable appetite for political self-interest at the expense of the Guyanese people. As far as the PPP is concerned, the

21 Caribbean students commence SPISE 2014 Programme

The annual Student Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE) has commenced in Barbados, with some 21 students from across the Caribbean participating.

SPISE is a science initiative staged to provide training for students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), along with Mandarin. It is an intensive four-week enrichment residential summer programme for Caribbean high-school students.

The programme commenced on July 19 and will run until August 16, at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, in Barbados. The participating students are from 11 Caribbean countries: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago.

Of the 21 participating students, three are from Guyana. They are Cecil Cox, who topped the Caribbean in the Sciences at last year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, Benedict Sukra and Lawrence Faria.

Last year, Guyana sent two students to participate in the programme: Janelle Codagan and Vanessa Narine of Queen’s College. The SPISE Programme will see universitylevel courses in calculus, physics, biochemistry and entrepreneurship taught by eminent academic and industry scientists and engineers from the Caribbean and the US.

The SPISE environment discourages rote learning, and teaches students how to focus on understanding and applying the fundamentals, so as to achieve mastery of the materi-

Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh was executing his constitutional duty as he did in 2012 and 2013 when he tabled in the National Assembly the Statement of Excess on the Current and Capital Estimates, the AFC supported the cut that time, the application was upheld by the High Court. If as the AFC claims Minister Singh was engaged in an unconstitutional act in 2014, this means that the AFC was equally guilty of so doing in 2012 and 2013,” Rohee said. He added that having penalised Guyanese with budget cuts for transformative projects, thus stymieing progress and morphed themselves as part of the People’s National Congress (PNC), the AFC is now facing the desertion of its elite and grass root membership who are now returning to the PPP. “Having found themselves in a quandary, the AFC is now seeking to extricate themselves by placing the blame at the door step of the PPP and to distance themselves from any wrongdoing. The PPP reiterates it is ready to face the people at any time and no threat of a no-confidence motion will slow our resolve to faithfully serve our people and build a prosperous Guyana for all Guyanese.”

al, critical for solving new and complex problems.

In SPISE, students also practise teamwork as they participate in hands-on projects to design, build and test systems in the areas of robotics and electronics (with a renewable energy theme this year).

The underwater robotic kits are a generous gift from the MIT Sea Grant Programme, made possible through the assistance of Tim Downes. In addition, SPISE 2014 includes a biochemistry laboratory, an introduction to Mandarin, a course on “Caribbean Unity”, a career seminar series featuring technology role models from the Diaspora and the Region, and workshops on optimising CVs and strategies for maximising chances of admission to US universities.

At the end of the programme, students will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their hands-on projects, and present their business plans along with performing Mandarin skits at public forum at the Barbados Campus.

The participating students will also get assistance from the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF) with their university applications. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to participate in research internships organised by the CSF and Caribbean Diaspora for Science, Technology and Innovation (CADSTI).

The cost of sponsorship for each student is US$6000 plus airfare. All students are attending the programme free of cost as a result of the generous donations from the 2014 sponsors. SPISE’s key collaborators are UWI Barbados, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and CADSTI.

wednesday, july 23, 2014|

Over 300 teachers commence “Summer School”

The National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) on Monday commenced its Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses for teachers across the country.

The programme, which is now entering its fourth year, is designed to enhance teachers’ capacity to deliver the school curriculum. The programme targets teachers at the nursery, primary and secondary levels.

According to an Education Ministry release, more than 300 teachers were in attendance at an opening ceremony, held at NCERD for Georgetown and Regions Three, Four and Five teachers. The gathering of educators was addressed by NCERD Director Jennifer Cumberbatch and Education Ministry Technical Adviser Melicita Bovell.

According to Cumberbatch, the courses are being delivered to refresh teachers’ knowledge, improve content teaching, and introduce new methodologies necessary for the effective and efficient teaching/ learning process. It forms part of the capacity building and support activities to meet the needs of the teachers.

This upgrading programme will target the following subjects – Literacy, Mathematics, Special Needs Education, Classroom Management, Teaching of Composition and Comprehension, Guidance and Counselling, Drama and Physical Education, Portuguese, Multigrade Teaching/Differentiated Learning and Health and Family Life Education among others.

This year, the programme will be expanded to

cover all 10 administrative regions and Georgetown.

Sessions will be held at North West Secondary School in Region One, Anna Regina Secondary School in Region Two, St Aloysius Primary in Region Six, Learning Resource Centre in Region Seven, Paramakatoi Secondary School in Region Eight, Department of Education and Arapaima Primary School in Region Nine, and MacKenzie Primary in Region 10. NCERD and St Stanislaus College will

SASOD gets US$10,000 and Red Ribbon Award

The Guyana-based Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) was honoured with the 2014 Red Ribbon Award for Advocacy and Human Rights at the 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia, July 20.

host those teachers from Regions Three, Four, Five and Georgetown.

This is the first time that NCERD has had its July/ August CPD programme for all the regions across Guyana. Approximately 1000 nursery, primary and secondary teachers will participate in the programme this year.

The programme will be delivered by a team of instructors drawn from a pool of experienced headteachers, senior and qualified teachers in nursery and primary and secondary schools and officers of the Education Ministry who have had several years of teaching experience. The programme will be held from July 21- 25 and from August 4-8, 2014.

The Red Ribbon Award is the world’s leading award for innovative and outstanding community work in the response to the HIV epidemic. The prestigious award was received by Joel Simpson, SASOD Co-chair and Managing Director and Shellon Providence, a member.

Director of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) Coordinating Unit, Dereck Springer, witnessed the presentation, the Caricom Secretariat said in a release.

Advancing Health and Wellness is among the Caricom Secretary General’s top priorities for focused attention across the Caribbean Community over the next five years. This, under the Community’s five-year Strategic Plan (2015-2019), is designed to improve the quality of life for citizens in the Region through concrete action on matters of direct relevance and benefit to all.

According to Caricom, SASOD, dedicated to the eradication of homophobia in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean, has worked to repeal discriminatory Guyanese laws; change local attitudes about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community; and end discrimination in the Government, workplaces and communities.

Nine other communitybased organisations that have shown outstanding community leadership and action on AIDS were also honoured in other categories (prevention of sexual transmission, prevention of transmission among/by people who use drugs, treatment, care and support, advocacy and human rights, and stopping new HIV infections in children and keeping mothers alive).

The selected community organisations will benefit from international visibility, and each recipient of the award received a US$10,000 grant to expand their capacities and to improve their quality of service further. Apart from Springer, other Caribbean delegates present were Dr Shanti Singh, Director of the National AIDS Programme (Guyana) and Ian McKnight, former Executive Director of Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition.

Over 65 return home for family reunion

On Monday evening, more than 200 descendants of John Rimple who lived 100 years ago, including the more than 65 who returned home from the United Kingdom and the United States, kicked off their family reunion at Park Vue Hotel, East Bank Demerara. Guyana has been their destination of choice for the reunion, which has been held for the past two years.

Special invitees included President Donald Ramotar, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali and Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh.

President Ramotar pointed out that families are the bedrock and pillar of any society and that the reunion is a good way to promote a more tight-knit family. Welcoming the over-

seas members, he acknowledged that while there are problems in Guyana, they are not worse than in other Caribbean countries.

Ramotar also commented on Guyana’s developing infrastructure, saying that while it was a work in progress, Guyana remains second to none. He commended the family for holding the event and urged them to visit as many places as possible to whet their appetites to return.

In his remarks, Tourism Minister Ali also applauded the family for choosing Guyana. Ali boasted that Guyana was adjudged one of the top countries to visit in 2014 by Discovery and one of the countries to visit in one’s lifetime by the BBC.

He noted that a number of family and school reunions will be hosted in

Guyana this year, as the benefits of the Rediscover Home Campaign launched last year are now being reaped. For instance, more than 400 Guyanese are expected to return home next month for the Tutorial High School reunion.

The Minister advised the Chances and Rimples to spread the word about Guyana and its beauty upon their return to their overseas homes.

GTA Director Haralsingh expressed gratitude to the family that they chose to return to Guyana to reconnect with their roots and renew acquaintances. He pointed out that Guyana has been listed among the top 21 places to visit in 2014 by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine, drawing a rousing cheer from the gathering.

Chinese city sealed off after bubonic plague death

AChinese city has been sealed off and 151 people have been placed in quarantine since last week after a man died of bubonic plague, state media said.

The 30,000 residents of Yumen, in the north-western province of Gansu, are not being allowed to leave, and Police at roadblocks on the perimeter of the city are telling motorists to find alternative routes, China Central Television (CCTV) said.

A 38-year-old man died last Wednesday, the report said, after he had been in contact with a dead marmot, a small furry animal related to the squirrel. No further plague cases have been reported.

CCTV said officials were not allowing anyone to leave.

The China Daily newspaper said four quarantine sectors had been set up in the city. “The city has enough

Bubonic plague is a bacterial infection best known for the Black Death, a virulent epidemic that killed tens of millions of people in 14th-century Europe

rice, flour and oil to supply all its residents for up to one month,” CCTV added. “Local residents and those in quarantine are all in stable condition.” No further cases have been reported.

Bubonic plague is a bacterial infection best known for the Black Death, a virulent epidemic that killed tens of millions of people in 14thcentury Europe. Primarily an animal illness, it is extremely rare in humans. The US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) says modern antibiotics are effective in treating plague, but that without prompt treatment the disease can cause serious illness or death. (The Guardian)

Jakarta governor wins Indonesian election

Joko Widodo, who captured the hearts of millions of Indonesians with his common man image, has won the country’s presidential election with 53 per cent of the vote, final results showed.

Indonesian election officials said on Tuesday that Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo would be the next President of Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

The Elections Commission said Jokowi

beat former General Prabowo Subianto by six percentage points in the July 9 presidential election, the closest ever in Indonesian history.

Widodo received 70,997,859 votes, or 53.15 per cent of the nearly 133 million valid ballots cast, while his main rival Prabowo got 62,576,444 votes, or 46.85 per cent.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prabowo had declared that he was withdrawing from the contest shortly before

the final numbers were released by the Election Commission, saying there was massive fraud during the election, and that it was unfair and undemocratic.

“I want to declare that we, the party that supports and puts forward Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla (for Vice President), has won,” party Chairwoman and former President Megawati Sukarnoputri told a news conference before the final results were out. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

wednesday, July 23, 2014 |

APNU says mining sector needs streamlining

APartnership For National Unity

(APNU) says that there is need for the establishment and implementation of proper physical and organisational infrastructure to manage the mining sector.

According to the coalition, despite the sector being one of Guyana’s wealthiest and oldest, proper strategies and policies are not in place to ensure the effective running of the sector to harness its full potential.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Leader of the APNU David Granger highlighted the need to “regularise the gold industry.”

Granger said that the most lucrative sector in Guyana is being mismanaged and it needs to be given the atten-

tion it deserves before it is too late.

The Opposition Leader said that “despite the wealth of gold mining, there is not the level of infrastructure needed to support mining activities.”

Granger also pointed to the inability of the Guyana Police Force to effectively discharge its remit in Guyana’s hinterland areas, noting that the Police Force is ill-equipped to fulfil that responsibility.

According to Granger, “mining is still a lawless zone... we don’t even know whether the gold declarations are real.”

Meanwhile, APNU Parliamentarian Ronald Bulkan said there is need for diversification, not only in the gold industry, but in the economy as a whole.

Bulkan pointed out that there is “no value added done to that commodity (precious minerals) or resource when it is mined out from the ground.” He

said that instead of just exporting the raw gold, Government should look to urge the private sector to invest in the business of jewellery production or other by-products of the rawgold material.

“It does not have to be that we should only be exporting raw gold or unrefined gold. It can be used as a raw material to create value-added products,” said Bulkan.

He noted too that the sector shoulders a colossal responsibility being the most exported commodity, and the Government should work to ease that burden. Referring to the Government, Bulkan said “they really don’t have a proper policy for the management of our economy, and to take advantage of all the abundant resources, natural and otherwise, that Guyana possess.”

Meanwhile, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud

time speaking at a Land Reclamation Consultation on Mining and the Forest Sectors, reinforced the importance of expansion and new investments in the mining sector.

“We made it quite clear; we have no intention, absolutely none… of curtailing mining activities. In fact, the opposite is true, that is, we want to see an expanded mining sector… we are not in the business of slowing down, clamping down, or reducing mining activities,” said Persaud.

last Wednesday announced that three new companies are expected to join the sector. He said the Government is currently in the process of finalising arrangements with the three “major companies” which will soon be looking to commence operations in Guyana’s mining sector.

Persaud, who was at the

His revelation came amid tumbling international gold prices and a virtual standoff between the Government and local miners over low declarations.

It was highlighted at the APNU press conference that with Guyana’s current economic dependency on the mining sector, should prices on the international market fall, Guyana’s economy would be in for a tough run.

It’s

all in

the name!

“Trinidad and Tobago” re-added to Red Steel

By Reuben Stoby

Trinidad and Tobago and outside of the Region, has been resolved and that the team will once again proudly bear the name of Trinidad and Tobago Red

Limacol CPL had earlier agreed to omit the words “Trinidad and Tobago” from the name, based on a request from the T&T Minister of Sport Anil Roberts. This had not gone down well with West Indies ODI and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel skipper Dwayne Bravo, who publicly expressed his disagreement with the decision

Bravo had also said he was prepared to deal with the consequence of his disagreement.

“I got some news this morning and I was very disappointed to hear that Trinidad and Tobago has been removed from the Red Steel team,” Bravo had stated.

“I think whoever made that decision, it’s uncalled for. Ninety per cent of the team are from Trinidad and Tobago. We are using the national colours.

"All the other islands are proud to use their country’s name, whether it is the Barbados Tridents, the Jamaica Tallawahs, why not Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel?” an emotional Bravo had stated.

He had also said his “players are very disappointed…Everyone is disappointed.”

Roberts had followed up with a letter to the management of Red Steel, Limacol CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe and Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board President Azim Bassarath in which he disagreed with Bravo’s comments.

Shortly after, the Limacol CPL said they were respecting the wishes of the Trinidad and Tobago government and dropping the Trinidad and Tobago moniker from Red Steel as requested.

Turn of events

The turn of events, however, could not have come at a better time as the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel prepare to host Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Queen’s Park Oval on Thursday. It had needed some heroics from Ronsford Beaton, a Super Over, and the mystery of Sunil Narine to get past the Red Steel on Thursday last.

Limacol CPL Public Relations Representative Antonia Graham confirmed on Tuesday that the Red Steel have indeed been given permission once again to use “Trinidad and Tobago” in their name.

“We would particularly like to thank Gary Griffith for his timely intervention in this matter and for his support in bringing it to a positive conclusion,” said the statement from the press release.

Limacol CPL CEO,

Damien O’Donohoe, also made his input saying: “On behalf of the entire CPL team, we would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and her Government for their ongoing support for Limacol CPL and in particular her help in restoring the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel name to the franchise.”

O’Donohoe added: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Red Steel will once again proudly bear the name of Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, and, with three home games this week, we are in no doubt that this news will give Captain Dwayne Bravo and his team an extra boost in their efforts to take home the title of Limacol CPL Champions 2014.

"We wish them all the best and would like to thank the fans in Trinidad

and Tobago for their fantastic support.”

Limacol CPL also said it can now concentrate its efforts on ensuring that the remainder of the tournament is a resounding success and that cricket fans across the world enjoy it to the fullest.

Bravo was confident that when his team got to Trinidad for the three “home” games, that the public would get behind the side. That may be true but you get the feeling that with Trinidad and Tobago re-added to the team name, national pride would be boosted and so would be the loud support for the home team just as was the case in Guyana.

This could very well make the difference on how well Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel perform in their home games, again, just as was the case with the Amazon Warriors in Guyana!

Regional Under-19 Cricket…

Chanderpaul, Homraj score half centuries on opening day

Tagenarine Chanderpaul top scored with a half century as Guyana posted 270 on the opening day of their 3-day match against Leeward Islands in the Regional Under-19 Tournament at the Guyana

National Stadium on Tuesday Askay Homraj (62) was the other batsman scoring a half century.

Leeward Islands are 21 for 1 and trail by 249 runs.

In other results, Windwards lead by 17 runs with eight in hand af-

GUYANA 1st Innings

S. Hetmyer c Martina b Louis 5

T Chanderpaul c Scott b Martina 65

*B. Sattaur c Joseph b Martina 10

B. Baldeo c Joseph b Martina 20

S. Ramcharran b Martina 10

A. Homraj c and b Bussue 62

K. Paul c wkpr Hingorani

b Joseph 26

+K. Savory c and b Bussue 8

S. Sankar not out 32

D. Waldron c and b Martina 2

K. Morris c Carty b Archibald 9

Extras: (b11, lb1, w2 nb7) 21

TOTAL: (all out, 77.1 overs) 270

Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-42, 3-74, 4-108, 5-133, 6-173, 7-207, 8-248, 9-255

Bowling: Joseph 14-1-38-1, Louis 8-1-28-1, Martina 31-

ter bowling out Trinidad and Tobago for 54 at the Enmore Ground, East Coast Demerara.

Jamaica trail by 14 runs with five first innings wickets standing, chasing 120 made by Barbados at Everest Cricket Club.

8-86-5, Archibald 9.1-1-381, Bussue 13-2-48-2, Scott 1-0-7-0, Carty 1-0-13-0

LEEWARDS 1st Innings

D. Weste c Morris b Baldeo 1 R. Powell not out 14

S. Martina not out 0

Extras: (b4, nb2) 6

TOTAL: (1 wkt, 10 overs) 21

*J. Louis, A. Joseph, C. Archibald, T. Bussue, K. Carty, +M. Hingorani, K. Scott, A. Hodge to bat Fall of wickets: 1-10

Headquarters and ‘A’ Division...

Trevor Scotland was second in a time of 2:01.1s, while Sheldon Maison was third in 2:08.8s to help Guyana take a big lead in the ‘A’ Class competition.

National junior middle-distance athlete Grivon Grant won his 800 metres in 2:02.6s for Headquarters with a sensational sprint to the finish to outlast ‘A’ Division athletes Jayon Johnson (2:04.2s) and Nathaniel Giddings who clocked 2:04.8s.

Jonella Jonas was in form today as she easily won the women’s 3000 metres by approximately 200 metres, seemingly expending little effort for the win that finished in 12:11.5s. Shion Boyer was second in 13:01.3s while Dellie Williams was third in a time of 13:10.6s.

Keith Roberts easily won the men’s ‘A’ Class long jump with a leap of 6.83 metres to finish ahead of Larry Josiah (5.96 metres) and Maison (5.88 metres).

The men’s ‘B’ Class long jump was more competitive when Joshua Joseph burst into the sky and landed in

Bowling: Paul 4-1-14-0, Baldeo 5-3-3-1, Waldron 1-1-0-0 Position: Leewards trail by 249 runs with nine first innings wickets standing Points-to-date: Guyana 4, Leewards 3.3 from page 20

the pit for a jump of 6.93 metres for Headquarters while Yoel Benjamin of ‘A’ Division was second with a leap of 6.87 metres. Trevor Williams was third with a leap of 6.72 metres.

Julio Sinclair continued to dominate the men’s discus field with a throw of 38.73 metres to win the men’s ‘A’ Class competition and finish ahead of Cordell English who threw 37.66 metres for second while Ronald Payne was third with a throw of 35.13 metres for a Guyanese sweep.

Warren Duncan of Headquarters displayed his skill in the men’s discus, winning the ‘B’ Class event with a throw of 31.89 metres to top Gregory Harper who threw 26.11 metres. Colwyn Leacock was third with a throw of 25.64 metres.

Both the 100 and 400 metres heats were also contested today with the finals for that event set for the final day on Friday.

Meanwhile, the athletics championships will continue today from 10:30h at the same venue.

GCB Women’s Inter-county cricket…

St Lucia Zouks coach appeals for crowd support Campbell credits Smartt for winning effort

– Matthew Maynard says “support is crucial”

Maybe realising how the strong crowd support gave the Guyana Amazon Warriors a major boost during their games at home, St Lucia Zouks head coach Matthew Peter Maynard has urged Zouks fans to come out in solid support of the team.

The St Lucia Zouks have lost all of their games so faragainst Jamaica Tallawahs and Guyana Amazon Warriors.

“We know things are not off to the best start but we will pick up the pace. We

promise to impress especially at home, so please come and support us at the Beausejour Stadium,” Maynard appealed during an interview with the www.cplt20.com team.

In the meantime, however, St Lucia Zouks will face Barbados Tridents today at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

“I am very upbeat ahead of this encounter – the boys have been working very hard and I see it all on their faces from that loss to the Amazon Warriors that they want to

get a win soon. They have the drive, the hunger, the desire and the determination to do so. So I’m confident the first win for us is not far away and that we will impress.”

Maynard, who was the assistant coach last season to Sir Andy Roberts, is now in the hot seat this season as head coach and says he is relishing the role. “It is a role which I have embraced greatly and one that I am enjoying, so I am hoping we can reap the rewards soon.”

The former England International, who made his debut against the West Indies in August 1988, said he is hoping to have Kevin Pietersen in the Caribbean very soon. “The English T20 League is going to come to a short break soon so we will be delighted to have Kev on board for our home games next week. He is truly someone who adds a different dimension to our team, so I’m looking forward to him flying to St Lucia.”

The match today between St Lucia Zouks and Barbados Tridents starts at 16:00h.

– says West Indies team-mate made it easy for her to score

West Indies player and Berbice skipper Shamaine Campbell has credited the performance of Tremayne Smartt for her top-scoring and helping Berbice to set a winning total against Demerara in the final of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) senior female inter county 50-over tournament at the Everest Cricket Club ground on Saturday.

Berbice posted 168-9 with Campbell top-scoring with 67 and then restricted the defending champions to 79-7 to win on the Duckworth/Lewis method in the game that was reduced to 26 overs due to showers earlier in the day. Play was stopped after 21 overs, with Demerara needing to be over 145 runs.

Campbell struck four fours and two sixes and, along with Smartt (36 runs), revived the Berbice innings after they were 46-3. The pair contributed 87 runs in a fourth-wicket partnership.

Campbell told Guyana Times Sport that while her job was to keep calm and ensure the scoreboard was

ticking over, it was made much easier with Smartt at the other end of the wicket.

“Smartt made it easy because she was rotating the strike and also scoring boundaries.”

Berbice also did well to restrict Demerara, thanks especially to effective bowling from Natasha Gangoo and Steffi Rodney who picked up two wickets each.

The Berbice captain also said the wresting of the title from Demerara did not re-

sult in major celebration as the team was always confident of emerging victorious. “We are accustomed to such victory as a team.”

Meanwhile, Campbell related that she is in good form and is now waiting for word on when encampment will begin for the upcoming WICB Regional Women’s Tournament.

Campbell is part of the 20-member Guyana squad shortlisted.

“In the meantime though, I want to work a bit on my bowling. The aim is to work on the basics and maintain the form. I am in good form at the moment.”

The Guyana squad reads: June Ogle, Latoya Smith, Melanie Henry, Shamaine Campbell, Kavita Yadram, Tremaine Smart, Joann Vansertima, Leanna Harris, Mandy Mangru, Odessa Oneil, Trishanie Cort, Steffi Rodney, Lashana Toussaint, Plaffiana Millington, Akaze Thompson, Subrina Munroe, Hasena Mohamed, Katana Mentore, Hema Singh and Erva Giddings. (Reuben Stoby)

“9 out of 10” rating for Limacol CPL security

– Vyphuis applauds security team

By Avenash Ramzan

Security Manager of the Guyana leg of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL), George Vyphuis, has given the security team a high rating following the conclusion of three highly successful games in the country.

Vyphuis, who was in charge of ensuring all security plans were formalised and executed, was a very pleased man on Sunday night following the completion of the games here.

Guyana hosted three games involving the home franchise team Guyana Amazon Warriors, against Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel last Thursday, St Lucia Zouks on Saturday and defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs on Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium.

“Like anything else, when we started we had teething problems. We call them pot holes, the second day we filled them and today [Sunday] we delivered,” Vyphuis said.

He continued, “Like anything else you would never get 100 percent, but should I rate ourselves, I would say we finish at nine…nine out of 10.”

Vyphuis, the former Commander of ‘A’ Division, reported that there were a few minor hiccups, but noth-

ing to severely test the security plan that was in place as persons were generally cooperative.

One of the concerns that arose was persons from some areas turning up at the venue without tickets, as they were sold out.

He added that the support from the Guyana Police

Force and private security was crucial in ensuring the success of the three days, as the team did a fantastic job in handling over 40,000 people who passed through the turnstiles.

“What I want to say is we’ve worked as a team and we’ve delivered. I want to say thank you to the private security, the Guyana Police Force. We’ve worked as [a] team, Commander Hicken and his team, Mr Austin and his team worked very hard to make sure that Guyana delivered. And if you look at the crowd we were not dealing with 50 and a hundred, we were dealing with thousands,” Vyphuis commented.

He added, “Every match we had thousands and today’s [Sunday] match we

had a sold-out stadium and we managed it effectively. Of course, you would have people trying to sneak in here and sneak in there. These problems we have to deal with until we could do things to make sure our stadium can have some of the right facilities then we would be able to move it to another level.”

Like last year, the security arrangements were once again followed, allowing for a smooth flow of persons and vehicles to and from the stadium.

Vyphuis was part of the local Limacol CPL Operations team that included Sabrina Panday, Reon King, Andrew McKend, Natasha Khan, Kirk Douglas and Nafeeza Rodrigues.

Digicel Schools Football….

CWSS, Waramadong, Bush Lot and BV reach semi-finals

By Treiston Joseph

Region Four Champions Beterverwagting (BV) Secondary held on dearly to a 1-0 lead to boot reigning Georgetown champions St George’s Secondary and qualify for the semi-finals of the Digicel Schools Football Tournament, which continued at the Camp Ayanganna Ground and three other venues across the country on Tuesday.

BV were always searching for the opening goal as they kept tremendous pressure on the defence of St George’s with continuous attacking plays.

St George’s custodian at one point was even moved to the point of frustration just before the end of the first half, when he had to save back-to-back shots on goal to keep the game scoreless after his defensive back line played lackadaisically.

On the resumption of the second half, BV kept up their probing attack especially with runs down the

left wing and searching balls into the middle.

They did this until a through pass found Paul Kingston in the 18-yard area. Kingston placed the shot to the right hand of the diving St George’s keeper to score the game’s only goal in the 69th minute.

St George’s would have their best chance 10 minutes later with a free kick just outside the 18-yard box, but skied the shot over the cross bar.

Meanwhile, in the other national quarter-final games, Bush Lot defeated Annai 3-2 to move into the semi-finals while defending champions Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) dismantled Vryman’s Erven 8-0. Last year’s finalists Waramadong Secondary also made it to the semifinal round of the national tournament after cruising to a 4-nil victory against Leonora Secondary. The semi-finals will be held on Friday.

GPF Athletics Championships…Day One

Headquarters

and

‘A’

Division level on lead

– Guyana way ahead in ‘A’ Class competition

Kevin Bayley sprints to the finish to win the ‘A’ Class 800 metres

Headquarters and ‘A’ Division ended the first day of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Athletics Championships tied on 91 points after eight events on Tuesday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary. ‘A’ Division had a comfortable 91 to 74 points lead before the final event of the day, but failed to score a point in the female discus event won by Country Division’s Latoya Rodney with a throw of 29.87 metres.

Edol Castello and Donna Ferguson of Headquarters finished second and third following throws of 26.59 metres and 26.21 metres, respectively. Country Division was third with 40 points, while ‘B’ Division finished fourth with 36 points. Guyana ended with 97 points in the ‘A’ Class competition with Trinidad and Tobago second on 27 points. Antigua was third with nine points and St Vincent fourth with four points. National middle-distance athlete, Kevin Bayley continued to prove he is in the upper echelon of 800 metres running in the country after tactically taking apart the event to win the ‘A’ Class version of the event in a time of 1:59.3s. turn to page 20

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Annual cycling camp picking up pace

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Close to three dozen young riders are being edified on the fundamentals of cycling as the 38th annual Teach Them Young cycling programme gains momentum in week two at the inner circuit of the National Park.

National cycling coach Hassan Mohamed, who has been conducting the programme since its inception in 1977, described the turnout as “reasonable”, noting that the inclement weather and the fact that persons were unaware that the programme started may have been the reasons for such a small group.

we’re looking to grow the sport of cycling,” Mohamed said.

The long-serving national coach said he is still open to persons wishing to join the camp, noting that the registration process is simple as all they need to do is turn up at the National Park between 09:00h and 11:30h Mondays to Fridays.

The course is free, but the participants are required to be in possession of a bicycle, be it BMX or racing bike, and protective head gear.

riders have passed through this programme,” Mohamed declared. The academy, which started on July 14, will conclude on August 31.

While the youngsters will be educated about the intricacies of the game, they will also be afforded an opportunity to test their skills in a competitive environment, as there will be several 11-race programmes hosted during the eight weeks.

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Over the years, the camp would usually attract well over 40 young aspiring riders.

When Guyana Times Sport visited the National Park on Tuesday morning, most of the youngsters had already left for out-of-school lessons, while the few who remained were seen training with the older cyclists, who usually take part in the programme.

“It’s a reasonable turnout, but like I said parents can still come and register their children to be part of the programme. We don’t want to turn anyone away, because at the end of the day

Apart from instilling discipline into the youths, Mohamed explained that there are several other areas of the sport he will be focusing on during the National Sports Commission- sponsored activity. These include the basics of the game such as balancing the bike, learning the art of pedalling and adjusting the bike to ensure maximum performance.

Boasting that the nursery is the oldest in the Caribbean, Mohamed said the programme has served its purpose over the years, which is to consistently produce cyclists who can go on to represent the nation at international competitions.

“The records are there to show and anyone can challenge that. Almost all the

The first champion to emerge from the programme in 1977 was former President of the Guyana Cycling Federation and lecturer at the University of Guyana, Hector Edwards. He was followed by Leo Ramalho, who has since ventured into the sport of rifle-shooting.

Some of the other notable names whose foundation came as a result of the programme were the Fiedtkou brothersNoel and Marcus, Byron and Bertram James, Dwayne “Road Hogg” Gibbs, Godfrey Pollydore, the late Troy Humphrey, Linden Dowridge, Eric Sankar, Warren McKay, Daniel Ramchurjee, Shane Boodram, Alanzo Greaves, Geron Williams, Robin Persaud and Enzo Matthews among others.

Veteran Mike Guyadin wins...

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ther and the BK Group of Companies, indicated that while it was her first time at the club, it would not be her last.

Mohanlalall“Santo” Dinanauth emerged as the player with the best gross of 75 like Guyadin, but scored a better back nine. Nearestto-the-Pin was also won my Dinanauth, who himself has won over 15 competitions.

Briony Tiwarie, presenting the prizes to the winners on behalf of her fa-

“My play today [Saturday] was incredible and amazing,” he explained. “I came expecting to enjoy a good game of golf, but this was truly my day. I parred the front nine [with three birdies and three bogeys), producing a gross 35, then scored 40 on the back nine, but even parred one hole there after getting a penalty in that hole. This was my best game ever!” Guyadin had a gross of 75, playing from a handicap 15. He ended with net 60 to crown a fine day on the course. Mohamad, with a handicap 23, netted 66 for second spot, while Carlos Adams, with handicap 27, brought third with net 67.

“I knew very little about golf until today. Thanks for the hospitality of the LGC personnel and President David Mohamad, I have today learnt some things about the game, and I do find it very interesting. I am representing my father here today, but pledge that my own company would also contribute to the golf club in the future,” she said.

Eight grader sponsors volleyball tourney in Berbice

It’s not ‘Ripley’s believe it or not’, a Grade Eight student of the ISA Islamic School of East Street, Georgetown, is indeed sponsoring a volleyball tournament in Berbice organised by the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA).

Volleyball enthusiast Arianna Bacchus, who is the daughter of national cycle Coach Hassan Mohamed, says she is impressed with the

work being done by the BVA, but would like to see more females playing in competitions, hence her decision to sponsor a competition.

The BVA, in its ongoing efforts to attract more girls to the sport of volleyball, will be holding the competition for females on August 10 at the Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) Court in East Berbice.

The tournament is open to all females attending schools in the Berbice area. Teams are expected from Lower Corentyne Secondary, JC Chandisingh Secondary, Port Mourant Secondary, Comprehensive High, Canje Secondary and Winifred Gaskin Memorial Secondary. At stake are trophies for the top three teams and prizes for outstanding individual performance as Setter, Spiker, Server and Most Valuable Player.

The action is scheduled to commence at 10:00h and all teams are urged to be punctual.

Meanwhile, the BVA is continuing to hold coaching sessions for females, especially those at the Under-16 level at the PMTC Court and the Port Mourant Secondary with the aim of identifying talent to form an Under-16 female squad. Persons interested in joining the sessions can contact Godwyn Allicock on 3374774 or Levi Nedd on 6419592.

Canada-based coach preparing IGG basketball team

By TreisTon Joseph

The services of Canadabased coach Sherlon Chance has been engaged as the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) continues preparing the Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) basketball team for the trination event scheduled for August in Guyana.

Chance is being assisted by the experienced Lugard Mohan to get both the male and female players ready to entertain their opponents.

Guyana Times Sport visited the practice session on Tuesday and observed that the females were displaying good ball-handling skills and understanding of the game, while the men were gelling well with each other.

The Guyana-born Chance, who has coached multiple teams in Canada and the United States of America, noted that he was impressed with the intensity of the players but said there were areas that needed to be addressed.

“I’m very impressed with the speed, intensity has picked up a lot over the last couple of days, just a couple of little things that got to be worked on but I think I corrected a lot of those things, defence, talking to each other… communication is very important in basketball, so we are trying to get that over with them that they got to communicate, share the basketball and work together as a team,” Chance stated.

Further, Chance pointed out what was the major difference between the teams he coached outside of Guyana and the current IGG team.

“It’s ok to run up and down and play scrimmages all the time, but if you don’t have the basics: dribbling, passing, teamwork, shooting, if you don’t have the basics then the scrimmages don’t help…so you need to combine the fundamentals along with the playing.

“I think that’s the biggest difference that I’ve noticed is fundamentals, a lot of the guys are weak with the basic fundamentals and that is what I want to bring to their basketball,” Chance noted.

With the team looking to run a system based on ball movement and cuts to attack the basket, Chance talked about the potential of the team.

“To be honest with you,

over the last two days they have really impressed me, they are starting to think which is what I want them to do, as a coach I can’t tell the players exactly what they need to do on the court, they have to learn to think for themselves and I noticed that they are beginning to do that a lot… so as long as they keep thinking and moving the ball I think they have a good shot,” Chance highlighted.

Meanwhile, Audrey Doorn, who was a part of the 1996 Caricom female championship team and is also a part of the group visiting with Chance as part of the John Rimple family reunion, said helping to develop the IGG team is being seen as a wonderful opportunity to give back to the country.

“We all share the same passion. When we heard about the team in training, and although this was the time to be here for our family reunion, we thought what better way to give back to our country than to work with this wonderful group,” Doorn stated.

Doorn also revealed that it was the Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali who set the link between the group and the YBG to conduct the training sessions. There is also a plan to donate items to various elderly persons. The Guyana team for the Inter- Guiana Games will continue its preparation for the event which is set for the first weekend in August.

Veteran Mike Guyadin wins BK Golf Tournament

Aveteran golfer and winner of over 20 competitions, Ground Supervisor of the Lusignan Golf Club, Mike Guyadin, called on all his experience on Saturday last to outplay the field and win the BK Group of Companies-sponsored golf tournament at the Lusignan Golf Course.

The staggered start Medal Play format competition began at 08:30h, much earlier than usual, as some golfers wanted to be at the National Stadium, Providence to witness the Limacol CPL match between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the St Lucia Zouks later that day.

A brief shower did delay the start of play, but the golfers’ enthusiasm was undiminished. They came to play

and that they did.

“It was a very enjoyable and refreshing game,” said Club President David Mohamad, “especially with the fine condition the ground was in.”

at the level of his success at the BK tournament.