Guyana Times Daily

wednesday, april 16, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

Baby dies at city day care

The parents of a fourmonth-old baby are seeking answers after their son died while being cared for at the Mother’s Union Day Care Centre located on Robb Street, Georgetown Tuesday morning.

The child has been identified as Phillip Pratt of Lot 631 South Sophia, Georgetown. Guyana Times spoke to the mother of the child, Philion Winter-Archer, who is a ward maid supervisor attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital. She recounted the

The mother added that by the time she got there, the staff had alerted the police and after a while, they came and took the child to the Georgetown Public Hospital where the child was pronounced dead on arrival. She disclosed that the head of the day care told her that one of the staff went to move the child when she noticed he was frothing. The woman was puzzled as to why the staff did not take the child to the hospital and instead called her.

“I don’t know why no one bring him at the hospital,

events of the morning leading up to the unfortunate death of her youngest child.

The woman said that she dropped off her son just after 07:00h and went to work. However, she received a call from the day care around 09:57h that her son was not breathing. She noted that she immediately rushed to the day care where she observed her son’s motionless body. Winter-Archer explained that he was not breathing at the time and was frothing from the nose, which was also bleeding. “When I reach there, I see froth coming out his nose and I realise he dead because he was not breathing,” she stated.

they just leave him there… even if he wasn’t breathing, they should have brought him here to see what was wrong or if anything could be done,” the mother cried.

Winter-Archer revealed that she has been taking her

child to the day care since February 25 and never encountered any problem. She noted that she usually sends Nestum and milk for the child; however, that morning she fed her child around 04:00h and he was not given anything to eat at the day care. The mother told reporters that she was also giving the child Haliborange Baby and Toddler Multivitamin Liquid.

The devastated mother said her son’s body bore no signs of physical injury, which is making it more difficult to understand what caused his sudden death. The infant is the last of four children and only son of his mother, while he is the only child of his father.

Relatives of the dead child who were gathered at the hospital at the time were upset, because no one from the

day care went to the hospital as an act of concern or sympathy for the family, not even the head teacher, they pointed out. They are now waiting for the post-mortem examination to be conducted so that they can get answers as to what transpired.

Meanwhile, when this publication visited the day care located between Cummings and Orange Walk, Bourda, the staff refused to divulge details of what transpired and informed reporters they should talk to the head of the day care who was reportedly not there at the time. This newspaper was informed that the day care takes children from three months of age. The body of the infant is at the hospital mortuary awaiting the post-mortem examination, which is expected to be done today. Police investigators have since launched a probe into the matter.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Sexual offences

Four years ago, when a young, fresh Human Services Minister, Priya Manickchand declared war on sexual violence here, with accompanying legislative measures and a campaign dubbed, “Stamp it Out”, many breathed a collective sigh of relief that at last something was being done to arrest this scourge.

Many years hence, not much has been heard of “Stamp it Out” and the much-touted legislation, to which then President Bharrat Jagdeo assented to drive home his administration’s tough stance against sexual violence.

However, what we often have now is a situation where the victims of sexual violence do not feel anyway better off than they were prior to 2010. To compound the problem, last week the Attorney General Anil Nandlall disclosed that not a single person was convicted since 2011 of a sexual offence although, during that period there were 22 cases that were prosecuted.

Giving the statistics as he addressed the National Assembly during the budget debate, Nandlall said in 2011, 16 sexual offence cases were completed. There were three guilty pleas, three cases were nolle prosequi because the Virtual Complainant (VC) decided to abandon the prosecution, and there were seven not guilty verdicts by the jury among that number.

However, in 2012, 10 sexual offences cases were completed. In two cases, there was a formal verdict of not guilty because the VC did not attend court to testify; eight cases went to trial, and in all eight cases, the jury returned a not guilty verdict.

For 2013, 12 sexual offence cases were completed, for eight of which the VCs went to court and indicated that they were not willing to proceed with the trials. In one case, the VC could not be located, while three cases went to trial. In one of the three cases, there was a unanimous not guilty verdict and in the remaining two cases, there were hung juries.

This shambolic performance from both the police and judiciary is indeed a case for lamentation, but it is not going to be fixed by just overhauling the jury system as suggested. What is required is more robust and effective enforcement of the sexual offences legislation, proper training of police officers to understand how to investigate these crimes and the full operationalisation of the National Action Task Force responsible for the Sexual Offences Act.

Since the passage of the sexual offences legislation in 2010, the task force was established to ensure that the requisite facilities and standards are in place at support organisations, but the body has never met and members of the public continue to complain about the lack of proper care, treatment and handling of their case by police, social workers, and even the judiciary.

There are specific requirements about what is supposed to be happening. Some of these stipulations include that the police must not hold confrontations between victims and perpetrators under any circumstances as was previously practised as a means of verification of the victim’s claims.

There was also expected to be continuous training for members of the justice system, including the prosecutors, health workers, magistracy and administrative staff. While there have been a few training courses here and there, we are yet to see any concerted effort to train our police officers in dealing with this type of crime.

Besides, given the increased scrutiny being placed on the police in their investigation of sexual offences, there might be a level of timidity in their approach to this crime which has undoubtedly resulted in the type of weak cases that cannot stand up to strong examination. The police continue to treat sexual offences as some kind of ‘hidden’ crime hence there is no periodic update on the number of rapes appearing on its regular crime statistics bulletin.

We suggest that a better approach would be to publish these statistics and arouse the collective outrage of the citizenry against this scourge. Perhaps this might be what is required to stop the rape.

Guyanese sunset

On the crisis in Ukraine

Dear Editor,

The crisis in Ukraine has grown significantly worse due to the use of security and military force initiated by the Kiev authorities in the south-east of the country. These anti-constitutional actions are against the people of Ukraine, run against international law and are to be clearly condemned by the United Nations and the international community.

The protests in Donetsk, Lugansk, Kharkov, Slavyansk and other cities in south-eastern Ukraine are the result of the Kiev authorities’ unwillingness and in-

Russia’s

ability to take into account the interests of the Russianspeaking population.

Therefore, President of the Russian Federation, ,Vladimir Putin has called upon President of the United States, Barack Obama to use the American side’s capabilities to prevent the use of force and bloodshed.

Russia’s alleged interference in south-eastern Ukraine is speculation based on groundless and false information and denies the Ukrainian people’s right to express their opinion and protest lawlessness and discrimination.

The current Ukrainian authorities must think first and foremost about truly involving all the main political forces and regions in a transparent process for developing a new constitution that guarantees the main rights and freedoms for citizens, the federal structure and its nonaligned status of the country.

The Presidents of Russia and the United States have agreed to continue efforts to seek diplomatic cooperation in the context of the Ukrainian situation ahead of the four-party meeting (EU, Russia, U.S. and Ukraine) scheduled to take place in

Geneva on April 17. The meeting will be useful to once again call on our American and European partners to bring to reason those who they brought to power so they respect their own people and to start true, but not superficial and secretive constitutional reform with participation of all regions of Ukraine and major political powers, to disarm illegal militant groups and to bring down the tensions.

Embassy of the Russian Federation

actions in Eastern Ukraine and a call for sanctions

Dear Editor,

Over the weekend, there was an armed takeover of Government buildings in Kramatorsk, Slovyansk and other cities in eastern Ukraine. Evidence of Russian support was apparent in these events, as it was before in Crimea, and in the regional capitals of Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Luhansk last week.

Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine, its illegal occupation of Crimea, and its ongoing efforts to destabilise the Ukrainian Government by fomenting unrest in the east are violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a breach of Russia’s core obligations under international law. Russia’s actions threaten international peace and stability.

It is critical that the international community stands together in challenging these violations of inter-

national law and in imposing costs on Russia for its actions.

The United States and many of our partners have made clear – including at EU meetings and UN Security Council meetings in recent days – that we are very concerned about evidence of Russian support for a concerted, orchestrated campaign of incitement and sabotage to undermine and destabilise the Ukrainian state.

To this end, President Obama has issued three Executive Orders and the United States has imposed targeted sanctions on three tranches of persons most directly involved in destabilising Ukraine and those who have provided material support to Russian leadership.

The EU Council likewise strengthened sanctions against persons responsible for misappropriat-

ing Ukrainian state funds and targeted four additional persons with asset freeze and visa bans.

The United States urges the Government of Guyana to take similar measures against individuals and entities sanctioned by the United States.

Given the signs we are seeing that are similar to those that preceded the invasion of Crimea, we also need to be prepared for the possibility of Russian military intervention in eastern or southern Ukraine.

G7 leaders agreed we should respond to any invasion with broad sanctions against major sectors of the Russian economy. We urge Guyana to join us in preparing such measures.

The United States remains committed to a diplomatic solution to this crisis, but such a solution can only be achieved if Russia ends its destabilising and provoc-

ative actions.

Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Geneva, Switzerland, on April 17 to participate in a multilateral meeting among the United States, Ukraine, Russia, and the European Union to discuss the ongoing situation in and around Ukraine.

Secretary Kerry will continue efforts to deescalate the situation in Ukraine and find a diplomatic path forward.

The United States is committed to supporting Ukraine, and helping the Ukrainian people build a stable, democratic, and prosperous country. On April 14, the United States signed a US$1 billion loan guarantee agreement with Ukraine.

We ask other countries to extend their support as well.

Embassy of the United States of America

Many children writing NGSA are placed under an inordinate amount of pressure

Dear Editor,

As over 15,000 of the nation’s pupils write the National Grade Six Assessment, it is fitting that we should address some of the related concerns surrounding the assessment and its perceived or real implications vis-àvis education in Guyana in general.

It is my opinion that many of our children writing this assessment are placed under an inordinate amount of pressure. I have had first-hand exposure to this on numerous occasions and it is quite evident that this phenomenon is rooted in various historical elements of our country’s education system.

It would have emerged to a large extent from a preexisting belief pattern that one’s only chance of “doing well’ in life, depended on that pupil earning one of the highly coveted, very limited places at the more “elite” secondary institutions. These institutions far outstripped their counterparts in relation to educational output. It is understandable that parents, wanting the best for their children, would set their sights on the highest level of attainment possible, regardless of what that child’s academic realities were.

It must be recognised however, that this served to “set-up” a large percentage of our young people for “failure”; given that it was simply impossible for the numbers who aspired for these few places to gain access to those institutions.

In-turn, many capable, hardworking students were made to feel sub-par and unappreciated; an experience that I am sure would have had a significant impact on their psychological make-up and overall attitudes about education. Added to this, schools were also stigmatised, relegated to sub-standard positions which fed into a culture of underachievement that was extremely difficult to overcome.

Recognising that this was unhealthy for the education system and the development of the country by extension, the Ministry took some specific steps to bring greater parity to education. Policies focused specific attention on what would make secondary schools, spread across the country, more effective and efficient. Investments were made to upgrade institutions, where necessary, to facilitate greater scope of educational offerings – a recognised differentiating factor.

In addition, investigations were done in relation to the structural and procedural barriers which impeded the potential advancement schools could make. This led to a restructuring of the secondary placement policy to bring about more equity in the disbursement of the secondary cohort.

Similar considerations were factored into processes such as the placement of teachers and the allocation of material resources. Significant work was done to ensure that Parent Teachers Associations and

School Boards were functional and key school-related organs such as student councils were created where they did not exist.

A tremendous amount of work has been done with the single goal of ensuring that the nation’s children, regardless of where they access education, have a viable chance for success, in the system and by extension, in life.

We have not fully attained this, but any honest appraisal of the system would recognise that there is a much wider spread of the educational resources than ever before and that children in locales all across this country are emerging from their secondary schools with the requisite foundation and matriculation requirements for higher education – one of the key goals of secondary education. We now have significant numbers of students in schools in Essequibo, West Demerara, Berbice, Lethem, Santa Rosa and Linden emerging from their respective secondary schools and transitioning to the University of Guyana and other institutions of higher learning.

The most noteworthy of these is North Ruimveldt Secondary, which has made the single largest improvement of any school in the country over the last three years and has earned itself an improved ranking in the Ministry’s placement system. The fact that the students who topped the Caribbean at CSEC over the past two years came

Investigation into surveyinspection/ in Lethem still ongoing

from different schools in Essequibo is a clear indication of my point: Schools spread across this country have been producing and can produce even more if we, as a nation, do what is necessary to continuously support them.

As such, I plead with parents and education stakeholders to work with us to erase the stigmas by opting in and supporting programmes aimed at improving our schools. The system is by no means perfect but there are highly encouraging signs of progress which should be recognised and supported.

Value your children’s performance at the National Grade Six Assessment and support them and the institutions at which they are placed. Participate in the PTA and other school organs to help us assure our children the quality of education they deserve. That is the only way that we will unleash the true potential they possess, our institutions possess and move the developmental agenda of our nation forward.

Sincerely,

Olato Sam Chief Education Officer Ministry of Education

Dear Editor, The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment notes a comment in sections of the media that a ‘ministerial order’ was issued that no disciplinary action be taken against officers in an ongoing investigation being undertaken as it relates to an inspection and survey in Lethem, Region Nine.

The work of this Committee is ongoing and there has not been any intervention by the Ministry as erroneously stated in a media article.

Following the media report and request for clarification the Management of the GLSC has further advised the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment that the Committee has met on several occasions and deliberations are still ongoing.

Contrary to reports, the Ministry would like to restate that the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) Board of Directors has established a Committee that is reviewing the reports and conducting an investigation into the matter involving the Inspection and Surveying in Lethem, Region Nine.

Parmanand Persaud Stakeholders’ Support Officer Ministry of Natural Resources & the Environment

Page Foundation

Parent the child you have, not the child you wish you had to "parenting the child you have"

It’s our responsibility as parents to communicate as well as possible, and to set clear expectations and clear consequences for our children’s behaviour.

The positive side effect: self-acceptance

Here are some tips for “parenting the child you have.”

By Janet Lehman

As soon as you knew you were having children, you probably began to dream about who they were going to be, how they might be like you, and hoped they would be successful in life. You may have wanted your child to be into football or academics, but then reality set in. You found that your son didn’t really like sports, and your daughter didn’t have much interest in school. The truth is, one day many of us wake up and realise that our children are just different than what we expected.

“As a parent, it’s key to figure out what ‘language’ your child understands and then use it. If not, you’re missing out on connecting with him...”

It can almost feel like a grieving process when you learn that your child is not who you thought he was going to be. You might have to give up certain dreams you had for him and miss that

person you imagined he was going to become. But it’s important for you to understand that it takes a long time to find out who your child really is. Once you embrace that, a different kind of love develops. The preconceived notions of who you thought your child should be fall away and you are able to see him clearly for the person he is.

My husband James and I always reminded the parents we worked with to, “Parent the child you have, not the child you wish you had.” This is a lesson we all need to learn as we raise our children. Accepting your child is the basis for developing, communicating, and reinforcing expectations for appropriate behaviour. And it’s how you’ll learn to respond to him in the way that’s most meaningful and effective.

Are you and your child speaking the same language?

No matter how challenging your child’s behaviours

are – and how frustrated you are with her – you need to be able to respond in a way that’s effective. Think about how that might change the way you communicate. If you’re missing how your child takes in information, it might make you feel as if the two of you are speaking different languages. In your head, you’re becoming more and more frustrated, thinking, “I’m saying all the right things, but she’s just not getting it!” This has a compounding effect, because that lack of connection means she’s also not changing her behaviour.

As a parent, it’s crucial to figure out what “language” your child understands and then use it. If not, you’re missing out on connecting with her, and she’ll misunderstand what you’re trying to tell her. The sad truth is that if you can’t find a meaningful way to communicate, you likely won’t have a strong relationship with your child.

As you give up your dream of who your child should have been and accept them for who they are, you begin to really appreciate them as an emerging individual. A much deeper love is able to grow with this appreciation. You are better able to match your response to your child’s behaviour, and ultimately become a more effective parent.

A by-product of accepting your children is the fact that they then become better at accepting themselves. How many of us have heard stories of people whose parents never accepted their choice in not going into a certain field, in dropping out of a sport, in choosing a boyfriend or girlfriend, in colouring their hair? On the other hand, how many of us know stories of great acceptance of children’s likes and dislikes, quirks, limitations, and choices? These stories generally focus on the connection between acceptance, feeling loved, and ultimately becoming a responsible person. This is what we want for our children, and it all starts with acceptance.

(Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

Be clear. Be very clear about what behaviour you expect, what your individual child’s needs are, and how best to respond to those needs. Does your child have memory problems, and does he consequently need one- or two-step directions? Is your child a visual learner who does better with pictures or charts than written or spoken words? Many younger children need you to spend time with them in activities, and some children need more of your attention than others; it’s not good or bad, it’s just who they are. You can make a plan to spend time with them and slowly encourage them to do things on their own. Is your high school child very disorganised? If so, they will probably fail miserably at picking up and organising their room. You may have to arrange the room with easyto-remember places for their things with a limited amount of toys and games that just create clutter for your child. Your teen may be incredibly independent, pretty stubborn, and persuasive at talking you out of giving consequences. Understand that about her, but don’t fall for it. Instead, give a brief description of what you expect, what the problematic behaviour was and what the conse-

quences are…and then hold firm. You do that because that’s just what she needs. The bottom line is that children are all different and you need to be able to tailor your responses to who they are. Look for the “aha” moments. Once you start having and building on this insight into who your child is, you will be better able to realistically set expectations and follow through effectively. You will get to know them in a new way and become a better listener. Sometimes those moments will come when you aren’t ready for them (when your young teen tells you he never really liked playing basketball, but did it for you or your spouse). Other times, you’ll be pleasantly surprised (your quiet child who tells you she has a passion for farming, even though you live in an urban area). Either way, good or bad, we don’t want to miss these moments because they help us understand who our children are, and what type of adult they will become.

Grieving and letting go are just part of the process. As parents, we all need to let go of unrealistic expectations for our children at one time or another. Once you realise that your child is not exactly who you wished them to be − that they don’t like biking or hiking like you do, that they’re better at drawing than biology, that they aren’t going to be a hockey player but instead want to figure skate –you may have to let go of a part of your dream for them. There is sadness to this process. Again we are reminded that parenting is a difficult job – in fact, one of the hardest jobs we will ever have. It’s a continuing process. As parents, we may work on this acceptance of our children for years as they go through primary and high school, on to college (or not) and into adulthood. The combination of acceptance of who your child is and letting go of who they are not may go on for years. This process will be less difficult if you can not only accept, but also embrace, who they are. Remember, also, that children are always changing as they grow. We need to remember to keep a perspective about developmental changes. The child whose shyness is crippling in first grade may always be a bit anxious socially, but it doesn’t mean she won’t have friends and be able to join in activities. She may just need more support and encouragement than other children. Understand that there is a core of who your child is, but behaviours and accomplishments may change over time.(Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

Ramada spending US$7M to rebrand Princess Hotel

By GaBriella Patram

U.S.-based hotel group Ramada will be spending US$7 million to rebrand the Princess Hotel and Casino at Providence, East Bank Demerara to Ramada Georgetown Princess, officials announced at a news briefing on Tuesday.

The rebranding mission has already taken effect and arose following an agreement between the Providence entity and Ramada, which is a subsidiary of the Wyndham Hotel group of New Jersey in the United States. The agreement is a work in progress in which the two have partnered on Princess’ existing hotels in Europe and the Caribbean.

President of the company Sudi Ozkan and Executive Chief Officer (CEO) Hamdi Karagozoglu – in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, through the Tourism Ministry – endorsed the agreement on December 19, 2013.

Hotel General Manager Cuneyt Dalcan explained that all upgrades will be in keeping with Ramada standards and will see the repositioning of the hotel in the market place. The GM added that being mindful of global warming, the hotel will also be eco-friendly by using LED technology, solar water heating systems and energy-saving systems.

He told media operatives that Ramada in 1990 joined the Wyndham Hotel group. Ramada is a large hotel chain owned and operated

by Wyndham Hotel group, the largest company in the world with more than 7200 hotels in over 65 countries. It is also ranked second on Fortune Magazine’s list of most admired hotels, casinos, and resorts. Dalcan said it was with this in mind that Princess Hotel signed a contract with Ramada to use their reservation services which is expected to increase occupancy in the Princess Hotel. Princess Hotel made it clear that it has not sold any shares to Ramada and its management remains the same.

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali congratulated the Princess Group for rebranding. He said it was a major investment in Guyana’s tourism sector, while acknowledging the commitment of the Princess Hotel management

to improve the local tourism product. He highlighted that 75 per cent of business travellers and 65 per cent of leisure travellers prefer to stay at a branded hotel when travelling. The Minister said, over the years, the sector has been gaining traction and recognised the ability of large investments such as this to foster smaller investments. Ali stated that the Guyana Tourism Authority has been working to drive traffic to all hotels, particularly during offpeak seasons.

Princess Hotel and Casino switched hands from local investors on April 1, 2009. It comprises 191 rooms, including Presidential Suites and Executive/VIP rooms. In addition, it has indoor and outdoor food and beverage facilities, the largest hotel conference and banqueting hall on the

East Bank and the largest outdoor pool in the country.

Two years ago, Princess Group invested US$2 million in its entertainment section with two state-of-the-art movie theatres, Fun City and Club NEXT.

The hotel will continue to invest with the installation of 3D digital projector movie theatres this year. Ramada believes that coupled with its growth and strategic move of continuous external marketing opportunities in the Diaspora and the support through this new brand, the partnership with Princess will strengthen the hotel’s ongoing commitment to the hospitality industry in Guyana by offering guests a strong and distinct brand.

The management of the Princess Hotel also hopes to have the Ramada brand become a household name in Guyana, promising to offer a comfortable and friendly home away from home for national and international travellers. The Princess Hotel will commence the US$7 million upgrade this year, which will include renovation and refurbishing of its lobby and reception area, restaurant and bar, pool area, changing room, showers, bathrooms, guest rooms and conference area. These renovations will take place over the next 12 months.

wednesday, april 16, 2014|

Woman charged with damaging car window

A29-year-old woman on Tuesday pleaded not guilty on a charge of damage to property when she appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on April 13, at Sheriff Street Sarah Bigot, broke the window of a motor car belonging to Navindra Singh. The value of the window

is set at $8000. Bigot was represented by Attorney Latchmi Rahaman who told the court that her client has no pending matters and asked that she be placed on reasonable bail. State Prosecutor Deniro Jones made no objection to bail and Magistrate McLennan set the bail in the amount of $25,000. The defendant will make another court appearance on May 14.

Meanwhile, in the same court Dwayne Isaacs Riley, 21 years old was charged with the possession of cannabis. The charge read that on April 13, at Albouystown Riley was found in possession of three grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Particulars of the charge read that on the day in question, a police patrol stopped and carried out a search on Riley

and the substance was recovered in his left pants pocket. He was subsequently arrested and taken into police custody. Riley who is a labourer and resides at a squatting area aback of John Fernandes Terminal pleaded not guilty to the offence.

He was unrepresented and was fined $15,000 in addition to four weeks of community service at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Man in court for allegedly assaulting stepson

Randolph Edward, a taxi driver, of 146 Fifth Street, Alberttown appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday charged with unlawfully assaulting Ron Clarke late last week. According to the court, on April 10 it is alleged that 52-year-old Edward assaulted Clarke who is his stepson and who also resides at the same address. Edward who was unrepresented pleaded not guilty to the offence and was placed on $15,000 bail. Clarke was not present at court and an arrest warrant was issued for him. Edward is expected to make another appearance in

the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on May 16. In another case 31-yearold Leon Totaram allegedly on March 31 at First Street, Alexander Village made use of threatening language to Shawn Yassin. The particulars of this case are unknown. Meanwhile, in another charge Totaram has been accused of possession of an offensive weapon.

Police said that on April 12 at Middle Road, La Penitence, Totaram was found with the knife without reasonable explanation or cause. It is alleged that a knife was found on his person after there were reports made of threats.

Totaram was unrepresented and told the magistrate that his father works at the wharf and he would assist him in “gutting” fish and that was the reason he was in possession of the knife. State Prosecutor Deniro Jones, made no objections to bail. Totaram was ordered to pay bail in the amount of $10,000 on each offence by Magistrate Mc Lennan.

He was also placed on a bond to keep the peace until the completion of his trial. Totaram will make his next court appearance on May 16 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Meanwhile, Brian

Matterson, a 38-year-old man of 48 Princes Street, Wortmanville was placed on $20,000 bail and a bond to keep the peace after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for the use of indecent and threatening language.

It is alleged that on April 9 at the said address, Matterson used indecent and threatening language against his brother Mark Matterson. The defendant told the court that he is a teacher but State Prosecutor Deniro Jones said that was untrue. Matterson is to make his next court appearance on May 15.

Eyew tness

New thinking...

...from Granger on Federalism?

One of the most intriguing utterances from David Granger, Leader of the PNC, Leader of APNU, Leader of the Combined Parliamentary Opposition (and not so incidentally, the opponent of Carl Greenidge and sideliner of Aubrey Norton), was his take on the Budget.

No. We’re not talking about his promise to “chop the Budget viciously”...that might have something to do with fending off Greenidge, more than anything else. You think?

What intrigues us is his cry that even though the hinterland’s producing so much wealth with gold, timber, bauxite, diamonds and what not...they’re not getting a proportionate share of the budgetary allocations. Now here it is, silly us, we thought we’re an indivisible state and no matter where the revenues come from, we’re supposed to spend them to increase the “national wealth”. Emphasis on the “national”.

So, for instance, if 90 per cent of the population lives on the Coast, we oughtn’t to be surprised if most of the road-building projects are located there. But Granger, the old-time military strategist, thinks otherwise. He feels that since we’re, say, digging up so much of the gold from the Pakaraimas, the folks up there ought to be getting pitched roads also. It’s their money.

Never mind it’ll ruin that big tourist attraction we’re building for the rugged he-man tourist type – the Pakaraimas Safari, Granger’s insistent we ought to be tooling around the mountain passes with panache.

But we detect from this utterance something revolutionary from the old soldier: when you examine his thrust, the fella’s calling for federalism. Each state has first dibs on their own revenue streams and all that.

And here we thought that crackpot idea had sunk into oblivion along with its originator Ravi Dev! But like your Eyewitness said, Granger’s a strategic thinker. Didn’t he play chess with Odo himself? So what’s he up to?

Well, one theory that immediately springs to mind is he’s given up on believing he can break the PPP/C’s stranglehold on coastal politics and believes he can do better in the interior.

Then again, with Greenidge yapping at his heels (that Greenidge does remind you of a terrier, doesn’t he?), it could be that if the Pakaraimas and the other parts of the Highland Region are separate states, Greenidge won’t be able to keep up with him on the campaign trail. You don’t see Greenidge rappelling down the sheer face of Ayanganna, much less Roraima, do you?

But it’s encouraging that at his age, (he’s about 80, no?) Granger can change his thinking. Who knows? Maybe he’ll soon be calling for “balancing the forces”!!!

...on ganja

Well, Dear Readers, those of you who’ve been following this column would know your Eyewitness’ take on this legalisation of marijuana business. And it is a business. Here it is, cigarettes are a known cause of lung and laryngeal cancer and yet they are legal.

Sold everywhere: with warnings – but sold. Making billions in profits for the cigarette makers in the First World that’re busy shipping the death sticks to Third World countries like Guyana.

And let’s not even talk about alcohol and its effect on the liver. That’s nothing compared to the damage it does to the social fabric of our country. But up to now we’ve been going along with the U.S. line on outlawing the use of marijuana – even though they’re pushing the entire trade as the largest consumers.

So we’re very happy that we’re backing the region’s efforts, led by Jamaica, to legalise the herb – especially for medicinal purposes. Not to mention its religious use. It’s irie, no?

...on “units”

The Muckraker’s fussing about Minister Rohee saying there’s a “kidnapping unit” in the Guyana Police Force versus the new Commissioner claiming there are individuals distributed within the force that perform this function.

The turds over at the Muckraker obviously think a “unit” has only a physical attribute and not also a functional one.

15,000 to commence writing NGSA today

The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination will commence today and continue on Thursday at a majority of the primary schools and centres across the country.

Approximately 15,500 candidates have been registered to write the examination. Four subjects will be assessed, namely English Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Each subject will consist of two papers. English Language and Science will be administered today,

Mathematics and Social Studies on Thursday.

Several seminars were held over the months leading up to the examination to train supervisors and invigilators in the administration of all subject tests and to enlighten them on the new procedures for these.

In a release, the Education Ministry reminded that cellular phones and other electronic devices will be disallowed in the exam.

“The Ministry is, therefore, asking that all candidates leave such devices at home as any candidate

found with such devices during the examination will be disqualified.”

Students sitting the NGSA would have also written the National Grade Two Assessment in 2010 and the National Grade Four Assessment in 2012.

A percentage of the marks gained at the Grade Two and the Grade Four Assessments will be combined with the marks gained at the Grade Six Assessment in order to determine the candidates’ overall scores and placements in secondary schools.

Five per cent of each candidate’s Grade Two score in Mathematics and English, and 10 per cent of the Grade Four score in the same subjects will be added to each candidate’s score in those subjects at the NGSA, which will account for 85 per cent of the total score.

The combined scores in Mathematics and English will be added to the scores gained in Science and Social Studies.

The Ministry is urging every student to remain focused and give of their best in the examination.

Region 10 RDC not pleased with quality of infrastructural works

The Region 10 Democratic Council (RDC) has expressed concern over the status of some infrastructural works being carried out in Linden.

An update on projects carried out across Region 10 was provided at the administration’s statutory meeting for the month of April. It was noted that rehabilitation works to the Nottinghamshire Bridge is 35 per cent complete. Additionally, the rehabilitation work to correct two major holes in the middle of the One Mile Public Road at Wismar, in the vicinity of Pinhead Corner has been stalled. That project was handed over to Pioneer Construction; however, the regional administration was told that it was held up for some time now, since the contractor fell ill.

Regional Chairman

Sharma Solomon said the situation, which is marked by severe breakage in the roadway, is “annoying, shameful, and dangerous” to road users. Some drivers plying the route have echoed his sentiments, noting that the situation becomes even more worrisome at nights, since only two sticks were placed in-

side the holes to alert them of their presence. They worry that this may be hazardous to road users who do not frequent the area and are unaware of the situation.

“It may be hard for even a skilful driver to manoeuvre through two holes without causing any damage,” Solomon said. He said

while he empathises with the contractor’s situation, the administration is now tasked with seeking alternative methods of rectifying that problem.

Unacceptable

The RDC said it will be working to fix the dilapidated Katabuli Bridge located at Christianburg, Wismar. The bridge, which forms part of the main access road in the community, is currently in urgent need of repairs. It was noted by a Councillor that in an effort to bring relief to the situation, a few sand bags were recently placed at the location by the Public Works Ministry. However, Solomon said the attitude towards the rehabilitative works on the project was disrespectful, since the administration was unaware of any such

works being carried out. He added that the project had to be thoroughly inspected and as such, the RDC is calling for an inspection to be carried out, since that work was not approved by the administration. He further instructed that the RDC Works Committee remove whatever works had been done.

“That is unacceptable, … we had asked our engineer who did a very complex design to ensure that we don’t have a recurrence,” he said.

The Katabuli Bridge, over the years, has required constant repair.

The Regional Chairman stressed that since the problem with the bridge is a recurring one, it has to be properly taken care of. As such, he said the RDC had sought the assistance of one of its engineers.

“We’re depending on our engineers, because if anything goes bad with that bridge, it is we who would be held accountable.”

Another concern highlighted was that the Region had made requests for street lighting.

While some of those works are finished, the RDC said arrangements should now be made for them to be commissioned and turned on. This process, according to Solomon, is moving at a snail’s pace and seems to be irrelevant.

In one of the reports given, it was also noted that the RDC has applied to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for two sand pits and a laterite pit. Solomon further disclosed that the Region would not be burdening Parliament for supplementary spending this year.

$112M budgeted for Rodney Inquiry

Government has budgeted $112 million for the soon-tocommence Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, Minister within the Finance Ministry, Bishop Juan Edghill told the National Assembly on Tuesday.

He made the disclosure during the consideration of the 2014 $220 billion Budget Estimates. The $112 million is being provided under the Office of the President.

Funding for the Inquiry was bundled with funds for other presidential activities, including financial support for GuyExpo and the staging of events totalling $193 million.

“This expenditure is largely related to the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry,” Edghill told members of the Committee of Supply chaired by Speaker Raphael Trotman.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge expressed disappointment over moves by the Government to bundle funds for the Commission in the line item “Other”. He said: “It seems to me a little

surprising that an item as important as this would be hidden under “Other”, especially other operating expenditure.”

The $193 million was incorporated in the $830.3 million provided for under the Presidential Advisory (Cabinet and Other Services) Programme, which was approved by the Committee of Supply.

In February, President Donald Ramotar swore in three Caribbean jurists who have been mandated to lead the Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of the late Guyanese historian and political activist, Dr Walter Rodney. Led by Barbadian Queen’s Counsel, Sir Richard Cheltenham, the work of the Dr Walter Rodney Secretariat has accelerated. Currently, the Secretariat is in the processing of soliciting witnesses to testify during the Inquiry which is set to commence on April 22.

Cheltenham is being supported by Queen’s Counsel Jacqueline Samuels-Brown from Jamaica and Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam

from Trinidad and Tobago, in addition to the six members attached to the Secretariat.

Dr Rodney, a fervent critic of the then People’s National Congress (PNC) Government, was killed on June 13, 1980. He was sitting in his brother’s vehicle when an explosive device that was concealed in a walkie-talkie radio detonated in his lap. The device was reportedly given to him by the now deceased former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant, Gregory Smith who subsequently fled to French Guiana, where he remained in exile until his death several years ago.

PNCR to boycott Meanwhile, with the stage set for the commencement of the Commission of Inquiry early next week, concerns continue to mount over the participation of some major players in the investigation. Last week, Leader of the PNC Reform (PNCR), Retired Brigadier David Granger had officially announced that the party will not be participating in the Inquiry, and members have

agreed with their leader and have opted not to participate.

Granger said that the decision would only be rescinded if the issues involving Trinidad-based Guyanese Seenath Jairam and the fourth Term of Reference (ToR) are addressed. He had, however, said that individual members are free to participate if they see it fit.

However, when contacted party member Joseph Harmon said he has decided to stand by the decision of the party and he would not be participating in the inquiry. Another member, Basil Williams reported that he has nothing in particular to offer to the Inquiry, since he had never met the late historian. He said he was at the time studying abroad. APNU Shadow Finance Minister Greenidge also said he will not be participating as an individual since he, too, was not involved in the political party then.

The PNCR’s decision came on the heels of a similar decision made by the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), the party Rodney co-founded, for similar reasons. However, the party’s Chairman, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine later declared that if the Secretariat sees it fit, he would freely participate.

President Donald Ramotar, in a recent response to the WPA, had informed that the issue of the ToRs was out of his hands, since he had no part in drafting them. He reiterated that it was the family members of Rodney who requested the establishment of the Commission and that it was at the family’s bidding that the ToRs were drafted.

The Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry will begin on April 22. According to the Commission’s Secretariat, there are enough witness statements to begin the process.

A plaster for every sore

Satiricus was pleased. There were some who complained that the Opposition MPs only showed up at Parliament to eat free food and collect their dutyfree car allowances. At $1.7 million per sitting to feed just 65 Parliamentarians, and an average of $5 million in duty per car forgone, Satiricus knew you weren’t talking about peanuts.

But yet, Opposition MPs sometimes came up with such brilliant ideas that Satiricus understood right away why it was worth denying thousands of Guyanese a decent standard of living just to take care of them.

Take the KFC MP, Trevon Willums, who rose in indignation to demand why the Government hadn’t formed an Anti-Kidnapping Unit, a whole week after a businessman had been kidnapped and killed. “Why just the other day, that 19-year-old had been kidnapped and ransom demanded,” grimaced Satiricus ruefully to his pal Cappo, who’d dropped by.

“But da na de bai fram Enmore, who bin fake he own kidnapping?” replied Cappo.

“Whatever!” growled Satiricus defiantly. He had looked up the statistics and seen that there was a person kidnapped every other year.

“Now, you might think this number small,” said Satiricus. “But, old buddy, you can’t look at only money when you got things like these going on.”

“But wha de Unit gon do 99.999999 per cent ah de time?” “Deh might get bored and start kidnapping, de self.”

“Haven’t the GDF, with thousands of soldiers, been sitting around since 1965? That’s 49 years! Nobody complains about them!” huffed Satiricus. “How many people they kidnap?”

“Well, deh use to rent out dey gun...” remembered Cappo ruefully.

But Satiricus’s blood was boiling. “Why should we stop with a Kidnapping Unit?” he fumed. “There were all kinds of atrocities committed every day. There should be Police Units formed to handle every one of them.”

“Take stray dogs. Please! “ grinned Cappo in his best comedian voice. “But seriously, Sato, yuh na think dem should gat wan police unit fuh pick up all dem stray dog running around de place?”

“Damn right!!!” Satiricus agreed so fervently that he slipped into Creolese, “only last week one a dem jump up and bite me bamzee. And wha about wan Police Unit fuh look after all de Police Unit abee gon get?”

“I never thought of that,” said Cappo in Standard English, which he never liked using. “Maybe we should change the name to Guyana Police Units”?”

GRA sacks officer fingered in cocaine in mail bag

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has sacked the customs officer who was allegedly caught packing cocaine into a mailbag at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport last Friday.

GRA Commissioner Khurshid Sattaur told Guyana Times that the agency’s policy is that any serious offence on or off the job that attracts the attention of the police means the culpable person is subject to summary dismissal. A subsequent release from the GRA said once again its surveillance system has proven effective as the actions of the officer, who worked at the Customs’ Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) location, were caught on camera.

“An internal investigation was immediately launched after reports surfaced across the media that 644 grams of cocaine was found in mail bound for New York on a Caribbean Airlines flight,” the release said. Sattaur said the officer’s actions are a clear breach of the organisation’s Standard Operating Procedure and that the entity will “work on putting more robust systems in place to weed out corrupt elements”. He noted that officers fail to realise that they have a responsibility to act with integrity and

protect the image of the agency. Sattaur reiterated that the GRA will not condone corrupt individuals, whether officials or taxpayers. He said the GRA will do all within its power to eradicate corruption.

The customs officer attached to the GPOC Timehri branch was on Monday morning arrested in connection with the cocaine. According to information, the young man was taken into police custody after a thorough investigation following the bust, which unearthed the drug in several envelopes in a mail bag.

The bag was about to be loaded onto a Caribbean Airlines flight bound

for the John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Based on reports, Police Narcotics Branch ranks were conducting a routine search when the illegal substance was discovered in several envelopes.

The lawmen became suspicious after the officer did not turn up for work the day after the discovery. He was reportedly contacted and interrogated, but denied having any knowledge of the cocaine.

In a similar incident in May 2013, a 19-year-old employee of the GPOC at the CJIA was charged following the discovery of 15 kilograms of cocaine in a mail bag destined for the United States.

No big demand for permanent kidnap unit – Police

The Guyana Police Force said there was no big demand for an AntiKidnapping Unit, given that over the past five years, there were only five such reports.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Force said that there were two reports of kidnapping in 2009; two in 2010 and one in 2011. There were no reports in 2012 and 2013, the GPF said.

The information was contained in a statement by the police in response to an article published in the Kaieteur News under the heading “Confusion rages over antikidnapping unit”, in order to clarify a misquote of the acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud.

Training

The article quoted the acting Commissioner as saying that the Police Force’s approach was to have several persons trained and whenever there is a kidnapping, those officers who were trained will pool ideas to address the situation. But the veracity of that comment is being refuted.

“What the acting Commissioner said is that a team will be pulled from those trained officers and will investigate the kidnapping under the leadership of the Officer In Charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (Crime Chief).” According to the Police, there is a material difference between “pooling ideas” and “investigating”.

Further, the Force said

that there was no confusion about an anti-kidnapping unit. “The Guyana Police Force does not have a permanent kidnapping unit because it sees the demand for such a unit as being very low...”

The Police said should a permanent anti-kidnapping unit be in place, it will be highly under-utilised. “Therefore, the posture of the Guyana Police Force is to have a number of ranks undergo specialised training and whenever there is an incident, a team/ unit is mobilised to investigate under the leadership of the Crime Chief.” According to the Police, the unit is deactivated after the investigations are completed and the ranks return to their respective permanent deployment.

Only Monday, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee told a press briefing that such a function already exists within the Guyana Police Force.

“It amazes me that the Opposition does not know there exists an AntiKidnapping Unit in the Guyana Police Force,” Rohee said in response to a question. However, when questioned about the composition of the unit, he was unable to answer. When asked how many members were in the unit or who headed the unit, the Home Affairs Minister said: “I can’t say, I can’t say… I think those questions you would want to ask the police. I am not the Commissioner of Police;

I am the Minister of Home Affairs.”

He added: “I was told that there is an Anti-Kidnapping Unit in the Police Force and I would find it strange that after so many years and so many experiences, we don’t have such a unit.”

Criticism

The Police Force has been criticised for its handling of the recent abduction and subsequent murder of a businessman, Rajendra Singh of Foulis, East Coast Demerara. Following the kidnapping of the businessman, former Police Commissioner Winston Felix had told this newspaper that confidentiality plays an important role in any kidnapping matter. He added that once the Police would have established contact with the kidnappers, they would negotiate for the safe return of the businessman.

Felix stated that once information is leaked to the media, it could jeopardise the Police’s effort, explaining that the Police should not at any time update the media on what is happening. He said in this case, the Police would have initiated contact with the media as is the norm regarding incidents of this nature. He recalled during his time as Commissioner, there were specially trained officers to deal with the issue of kidnapping, but he was not sure what protocol the police are following in this instance.

wednesday, april 16, 2014 | guyanatimesgy.com

NICIL unaware of change in land deal with Ed Ahmad House greenlights $3.3B for GECOM

Government on Tuesday said it was unaware that the prime real estate on the West Coast of Demerara that was sold to businessman Ed Ahmad for wood processing is now being converted into a housing development.

The announcement was made in a release by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd. (NICIL) in response to a Kaieteur News article on Sunday headlined “Ed Ahmad gears to make $600M on $80M GuySuCo land”.

Kaieteur News had reported that according to the website South American Wood Inc, the Leonora Projects is planning to construct 87 homes on the site.

The newspaper claimed that company officials said a house lot is now being sold for at least $7 million and that it is building homes for at least $30 million each.

However, in a response, NICIL detailed the sequence of the transaction, saying that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) entered into an agreement on November 21, 2008, with South American Wood Inc for the sale of a portion (approximately 16 acres) of Plantation Groenveldt on the West Coast of Demerara

for a wood processing facility for the sum of $80 million.

According to NICIL, it acted as an agent, at the time, for the sale of a number of State properties listed for privatisation, including GuySuCo.

“The sale of this land was subject to two prior bids: in 2003, the highest valid bid amounted to $30 million. In 2004, the land was again tendered for bids and none were received. Following the lack of any tenders, the land was sold at a price comparable with valuations established for GuySuCo land on the East Coast Demerara at $5 million per acre,” NICIL said.

Restrictive Covenant

NICIL said GuySuCo, in fact, entered into a Restrictive Covenant as set out in the terms and conditions of the sale, published in the Vesting Order effecting the transfer of title, that “the property shall not be used for any other purpose other than for the construction and operation of a wood processing facility with the option of future development in manufacturing, industrial and commercial activities including the construction and operation of shopping mall, providing that the construction of the wood

Ed Ahmad

processing facility is commenced first” and “ that construction of a wood processing facility shall commence within one (1) year of the execution of this agreement”

According to NICIL, in January 2013, at a press conference, hosted by President Donald Ramotar, details of all of the privatisation transactions on behalf of GuySuCo, numbering 21, including this transaction, were listed in a public document, entitled “Privatisation in TablesPhase 11 (1993-2011).

“Neither Government, GuySuCo, nor NICIL have any knowledge of any change of the agreement which was entered into with South American Wood Inc,” the NICIL statement ended.

The National Assembly has cleared $3.362 billion for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) even as the main political parties test their readiness for local government or snap elections.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on Tuesday told the Committee of Supply that he has been advised that GECOM is in a state of readiness for the staging of an election if one is called. Asked whether it was local government or general elections, Prime Minister Hinds said “whichever one is called”.

Under current expenditure, $1.6 billion has been budgeted for the Elections

Commission, while $126.7 million has been allotted for capital initiatives. It was A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Chief Whip Amna Ally who grilled the Prime Minister on monies budgeted under the line item dubbed “Other”.

The sum of $168 million has been budgeted under the line item 6284 “Other”. The Prime Minister explained that $100 million has been set aside for the Voter Education Programme, which includes continuous education and preparatory works for local government elections and $3.5 million for demarcation. GECOM, in its voters’ education initiative, is targeting 585 con-

stituencies. Under another line item tagged “Other” (6294), Prime Minister Hinds said, the budgetary allocation of $208 million will be used to cover payments of scrutineers and other staff during seven months of continuous registration. In addition to the $1.7 billion budgeted for the Elections Commission, another $1.5 million was provided for the Elections Administration taking the total to $3.362 billion.

Other commissions

Without any concerns, the Opposition also allowed the approval of funds for the Public, Police Service, and Teaching Service Commissions. Some $69 million was budgeted for the Public and Police Service Commissions, with $67 million budgeted for current expenditures and $2.5 million, for capital projects. The Opposition parties expressed disappointment that funding for the two commissions were linked. However, they were informed that while the Public Service Commission is different from the Police Service Commission, they are manned by one secretariat. Some $85.6 million were approved for the Teaching Service Commission – $83.3 million was set aside for current expenditure and $2.3 million for capital projects and initiatives.

AG earns over $1.5M, Teixeira $1M

– salaries of other officials axed from OP budget

In its quest to cut funding for the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA), the Opposition used its one-seat majority in the National Assembly to disapprove $5.1 billion budgeted for the Office of the President (OP). For the first time in Guyana’s history, the OP will have no money to facilitate administrative services or capital projects.

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) had first slashed $1.335 billion for current Administrative Services budgeted under the OP after Government, in their estimation, did not adequately justify why NCN and GINA were subsidised in 2013 when the House had disapproved funding.

sation to spend. He cannot himself, as far as I am aware, authorise the House to spend any monies whatsoever,” Greenidge told the Committee of Supply.

In defence of Government’s action, Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall told the Committee of Supply that he had offered his legal opinion on whether the slashed funds could have been restored following a request by the Cabinet. Referencing Article 218:3 of the Constitution, the Attorney General told the Committee of Supply that the Finance Minister has the powers to do two things: one, solicit monies from the Consolidated Fund by tabling a Supplementary Provision or submit to the National Assembly a Statement of Excess detailing how those monies have been spent.

nancial affairs of NCN and GINA. While Edghill has pledged to provide financial details and other information on GINA, he gave members a breakdown of the spending of the $134 million given to the entity in 2013.

Wages

For the 39 employees attached to the agency, wages and salaries accounted for $77.8 million. Edghill noted that this year Government was asking for $79.6 million to cater for a five per cent increase. Under other charges, $58 million was used, with $60 million being sought this year.

He also disclosed that the Auditor General has submitted the 2004-2007 Auditor’s report, noting that the audit for 2008 is currently being done. However, he added, that all the financial reports for the Information Agency

have been submitted to the Auditor General’s Office. Meanwhile, the disapproval would affect the salaries of top OP officials including Presidential Advisor on Governance, Gail Teixeira who earns over $1 million monthly and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon who gets $983,000.

Guyana Times was told that Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall also earns over $1.5 million per month. While his salary details and that of several other ministers did not feature during the budget consideration thus far, reports are that this might be done soon.

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop, Juan Edghill who provided the information also disclosed that the lowest paid worker at OP is a typist clerk

earns a salary of $43,000. Back in 2010, Teixeira earned a monthly salary of $800,969 and by 2012 it had reportedly increased to $967,985. In the top ten, the Presidential Advisor on Governance is followed by Dr Luncheon.

The Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment, Odinga Lumumba receives a salary of $735,553. The Director General of the Civil Defence Commission Ret’d

Chabilall Ramsarup has a monthly salary of $728, 887 while the Presidential Advisor on Sport Neil Kumar is paid $721, 000. He is followed by the Divisional Head $648, 402, the Senior Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet $552,333; Coordinator of Public Information $551, 214; Administrator $525, 000 and Advisor on Sustainable Development, Navin Chandarpal $496, 125.

They subsequently voted against $3.846 billion allocated for capital projects taking the total disapproved funds to $5.182 billion, out of a grand total of $6.078 billion budgeted for the OP. However, APNU and the AFC did not object to the $830.3 million for Presidential Advisory services (Cabinet and other services) and $65.1 million for Defence and National Security, which were also budgeted under the Office of the President.

Statement of Excess

“I am aware that, the Statement of Excess has been presented in relation to wherever there was a restoration of the monies cut…,” the AG added.

Greenidge, in response, denied having knowledge that Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had tabled a

Under the chairmanship of Speaker Raphael Trotman, APNU Member of Parliament (MP) Christopher Jones asked why GINA and NCN received $135.8 million and $81.3 million respectively when the National Assembly had reduced their subsidies to $1 each in 2013.

In response, Minister within the Finance Ministry, Bishop Juan Edghill said: “Mr Chairman, we relied and were guided by the Chief Justice’s ruling.” But this was an answer the Opposition was not willing to accept. APNU Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge said MPs are guided by the Constitution which orders the National Assembly to approve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund.

“I am not aware that in the Chief Justice’s decision anywhere he has appropriated for himself, authori-

Statement of Excess. He further told his colleagues on both sides that the Constitution does not allow for monies to be used from the Consolidated Fund without approval from the House.

He said, too, that such was conditional on matters being urgent, arguing that by no means the payment of wages and salaries could be deemed urgent.

“Given the unconstitutional action by the Government, given the fact that a figure is shown in these estimates which was not approved by the House, we are not going to approve this item at all. And if that has consequences to the approval of the head as a whole, so let it be,” Greenidge said. He had set the tone for the Opposition.

But before voting on the current expenditure for Administrative Services, AFC MP Cathy Hughes, along with her colleagues, capitalised on the opportunity to bombard Edghill with a flurry of questions on the fi-

Chileans survey Valparaiso fire damage

Thousands of Chileans who had to flee their homes in Valparaiso as a forest fire razed parts of the port city, have been returning to survey the damage. Officials said about 2500 homes had been destroyed, leaving 11,000 people homeless.

The fire, the worst ever to hit the city of Valparaiso, broke out on Saturday and quickly spread fanned by strong winds from the hills. Fifteen people died in the blaze; many of them had refused to be evacuated.

Firefighters continued to try and extinguish pockets of the blaze which still remained active on Monday night. But with forecasters predicting a cooler and less windy day for Tuesday, some residents were allowed to return to areas where the fire had been extinguished. Many found that their entire neighbourhood had been razed to the ground by the blaze which quickly spread from the wooded hills surrounding the city of 250,000 inhabitants.

Valparaiso’s poorest neighbourhoods, often made up of little more than wooden huts, were worst affected. Carolina Ovando, 22, said she would “rebuild right here”. “Where else would I go?”, the mother of three asked.

Volunteers accompanied some of the residents, helping to remove debris and handing out water bottles. Some people had refused to leave altogether, fearing that looters would steal their possessions. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Take no pay, Antiguan Opposition MPs told

Chairman of the ruling United Progressive Party (UPP), Leon Chaku Symister, is challenging Opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) members of parliament to forego their monthly salaries. Symister said the seven parliamentarians would do so if they were convinced of the argument that they have been making on the political platform since March 12.

“They should put their money where their mouths are and do not take any salary

after March 12, 2014, then we know (they) really have a conviction. If you’re telling me it is illegal for the Government to continue and it is illegal for the parliament to continue and they say they’re not going to Parliament, at the end of March, they should’ve said, ‘Pay (us) only for March 1 to March 12, any other monies we’re not entitled to,’” Symister said. ALP political leader Gaston Browne has since fired back, saying Symister, who made his comments on state media Monday

morning, is trivialising the issue.

He said Symister, who is also an attorney, should accept that the general election has been protracted beyond the “conventional” timeframe and this is hurting the country, particularly the business community. Since March 12, the ALP has contended the Baldwin Spencer-led UPP administration has been “squatting” in office because the last general election was held on March 12, 2009 and is due every five years. (Excerpt

Water woes for yet another Caribbean country

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has become the latest Caribbean Community (Caricom) country to warn nationals about the low level of water at its reservoirs and the need to implement “strict water conservation measures”.

St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and Jamaica have already said the prolonged drought period is affecting water supplies to consumers

and the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) here said that the “critical levels’ at three of its intakes were due to the continuing lack of rainfall.

“The CWSA is therefore requesting all citizens to now observe strict water conservation measures, including restricting watering and washing of vehicles,” the CWSA said in a statement.

“Caretakers of schools and public buildings are ex-

pected to ensure that wastage is eliminated and the general public is also asked to continue to report all leaks promptly to the CWSA.” The CSWA warned that should the situation worsen, rationing of water may have to be implemented to ensure an equitable distribution of water from these systems, promising nonetheless to keep the public informed of the situation. (Caribbean360)

French Foreign Minister visits Cuba to revitalise ties

The Foreign Minister of France Laurent Fabius arrived on Saturday for a brief visit aimed at strengthening ties, as Cuba begins talks with the European Union (EU) on normalising relations.

“This is the first time in 31 years that the head of French diplomacy is on an official trip to Cuba,” Fabius told reporters as he spoke of revitalising ties with the Americas’ only Communist nation.

Turning his attention to NCN, Edghill, after being grilled, told the Committee that in 2013, the state broadcaster earned $476.6 million. Coupled with the subvention, NCN received $557 million. NCN has a staff complement of 236 – 177 permanent workers and 59 temporary workers. But despite the Minister’s attempt to justify the spending, the Opposition moved ahead with its decision to vote against monies for the OP. It subsequently voted against the $3.8 million budgeted for capital projects. AFC MP Moses Nagamootoo questioned why the Government did not delink NCN and GINA from important items, given the concerns the Opposition has with regard to the entities and the “use of taxpayers’ money to fund these entities for partisan political purposes”.

“France wants to strengthen its ties with all of South America and, in this context, we wanted relations to be strengthened in particular with Cuba,” Fabius added as he was received by his counterpart at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

“Today we note a favourable development – and great potential – in our bilateral relations,” said Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, as he pledged his “willingness to continue to work on common goals” with France.

Coming from Mexico, where he accompanied President Francois Hollande for a state visit, Fabius is scheduled to meet the head of Cuba’s Catholic Church, Cardinal Jaime Ortega, as well as representatives of French businesses in Cuba and several civil society leaders. In March, Cuba agreed to a proposal for talks paving the way to normalising diplomatic relations, which turned frosty a decade ago over Havana’s human rights record. (Caribbean360)

but, instead, they are bundled here with other line items which we have absolutely no problem with. We have no problem voting for Information Communication Technology or any of the other items.” Nagamootoo maintained that given the CJ’s ruling to approve or disapprove an entire line item, the Government should have delinked the two agencies.

She argued that last week, the Opposition broke the agreement that stipulates how parties should proceed or operate during the consideration of the 2014 Budget Estimates.

He added, “They have refused to democratise them,

He further accused the Government of withdrawing from the so-called tripartite committee initiated by the Speaker. “They must answer to the Guyanese people!” he stressed. Government Chief Whip Gail Teixeira said the Government never withdrew from any tripartite discussions. “The Government did not withdraw from any consultations, it was actually shut out, and we were shut out. The Government was deliberately shut out by the Opposition.”

She explained that the Opposition had failed to submit important information it had pledged to submit. The agreement stipulates that at 09:00h daily during the consideration of the budget, the Opposition would have to supply areas of concern that have been listed to be disapproved. Subsequently, it was expected that the meetings would have been ensued among the parties.

But after the first day of the budget consideration, which saw the approval of $6 billion for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the tripartite discussions broke down resulting in a series of disapproved line items thereafter. AG earns over $1.5M... from page 13

Ukraine on verge of major armed conflict

Ukraine is on the verge of major armed conflict as Government forces launch their first significant military action in the east of the country, where they have clashed with about 30 armed proRussian gunmen at a provincial airfield.

Shots were fired in Kramatorsk airport as Ukrainian special forces stormed in to reassert Kiev’s control. As troop helicopters hovered above and tempers flared, a Ukrainian general was set upon by a group of local people incensed that two protesters had been injured, knocking off his military-issued fur hat and yelling, “Jail him.”

At the same time as Kramatorsk airport was being seized, elite Ukrainian units were also gathering outside the nearby city of Slavyansk in an operation aimed at taking back control from armed pro-Russian groups.

The deployment involved regular army troops alongside special forces from the

Interior Ministry and the security service in at least nine troop carriers and seven buses.

Tracked troop carriers could be seen parked in the woods. It was the first major operation since the Ukrainian Government vowed to take “anti-terrorist” action if the rebels did not vacate Government buildings in eastern

UN should halt arms shipments via Ivory Coast after China breach – panel

United Nations experts have called for the world body to stop allowing arms for its Mali peacekeepers to be shipped through Ivory Coast after they said a load of military hardware sent by China violated the country’s arms embargo.

In a confidential report presented to the UN Security Council sanctions committee on Friday, the panel of experts said the shipment of weapons, ammunition and hardware which passed through Ivory Coast in November lacked proper permission and said China had understated its actual size by 21 metric tons (23.15 tons).

In response to Reuters’ questions, Beijing denied it had misstated the ship-

ment’s size and said all the equipment was correctly received by its contingent, rejecting the experts’ criticism they had been unable to trace it.

Chinese troops form part of a 12,000-strong UN peacekeeping mission being deployed to help stabilise Mali after a French-led military intervention last year drove off Islamist fighters who had seized the country’s desert north.

Ivory Coast’s main port of Abidjan has been a primary transit point for cargo shipped to landlocked Mali’s mission, known as MINUSMA. However, the country remains under an arms embargo following a decade-long political crisis that ended in a brief civil war in 2011. (Excerpt from

Armed men kidnap schoolgirls in Nigeria

Heavily armed men have kidnapped more than 100 girls from a secondary school in north-east Nigeria’s Borno state and torched the surrounding town, a day after a deadly bombing in the African state’s capital.

No one claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s kidnapping, but fingers were pointed at fighters of the armed group Boko Haram, which means “Western education is forbidden”. The attackers killed a soldier and

police officer guarding the school, then took off with at least 100 students, a State Security Service official said.

Some of the girls managed to escape from the back of an open lorry, other officials said. “Many girls were abducted by the rampaging gunmen who stormed the school in a convoy of vehicles,” Emmanuel Sam, an education official in the town of Chibok, where the attack took place, told AFP news agency. He spoke from Borno’s capi-

tal Maiduguri where he said he fled after the attack at the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok. The attackers came “in trucks and on motorcycles and headed to the school”, where they overpowered soldiers deployed to guard it, a witness who requested anonymity said. The witness said soldiers had been deployed to provide extra security in advance of yearly exams, but the attackers “subdued the soldiers and took the girls away”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Undersea drone hunt for Malaysian plane may take two months

Ukraine. A smaller, abortive operation in Slavyansk on Sunday ended in a shootout, in which one Ukrainian soldier died and two were wounded, apparently by proRussian forces.

Ukraine’s acting President said the recapture of the airport was just the first such action aimed at restoring Kiev’s control over the east. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

AU.S. Navy underwater drone sent to search for a missing Malaysian jetliner on the floor of the Indian Ocean could take up to two months to scour a 600 sq km area where the plane is believed to have sunk, U.S. search authorities said on Tuesday.

The prediction coincided with the end to the abbreviated first mission by the Bluefin-21 autonomous un-

derwater vehicle six hours into what was meant to be a 16-hour operation on Monday after it exceeded its 4.5 km (14,750 feet) depth limit and was automatically returned to the surface.

The introduction of the undersea drone marks a new slower paced phase in the search for Malaysia Airlines MH370 which disappeared on March 8 and is presumed to have crashed thousands

of km (miles) off course with the loss of all 239 people on board.

Authorities, who soon plan to scale back the air and surface search, are confident they know the approximate position of wreckage of the Boeing 777, some 1550 km (960 miles) north-west of Perth, and are moving ahead on the basis of four acoustic signals they believe are from its black box recorders. (Excerpt from Reuters)

India court recognises transgender people as third gender

India’s Supreme Court has recognised transgender people as a third gender, in a landmark ruling. “It is the right of every human being to choose their gender,” it said in granting rights to those who identify themselves as neither male nor female.

It ordered the Government to provide

transgender people with quotas in jobs and education in line with other minorities, as well as key amenities. According to one estimate, India has about two million transgender people.

In India, a common term used to describe transgender people, transsexuals, cross-dressers, eunuchs and transvestites is hijra.

Campaigners say they live on the fringes of society, often in poverty, ostracised because of their gender identity. Most make a living by singing and dancing or by begging and prostitution.

Rights groups say they often face huge discrimination and that sometimes hospitals refuse to admit them. They have been forced

to choose either male or female as their gender in most public spheres. “Recognition of transgenders as a third gender is not a social or medical issue but a human rights issue,” Justice KS Radhakrishnan, who headed the two-judge Supreme Court bench, said in his ruling on Tuesday. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Boston to mark anniversary of marathon bombing

Boston is marking the anniversary of the deadly bombing at last year’s marathon, honouring the dead and lauding the character and strength of the survivors and the city’s residents. U.S. VicePresident Joe Biden told survivors they were an example of “pure courage”.

The city’s leaders thanked those who saved lives in the frenzied aftermath. Three people were killed and some 264 injured when two bombs exploded near the finish line at last year’s race.

“I know that no memorial, no words, no acts can fully provide the solace that your hearts and soul still yearn to acquire,” Biden said at a midday memorial programme. “I hope it eases your grief a little bit.”

Participants in Tuesday’s ceremonies included representatives

U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden told the crowd: “We respond, we endure, we overcome and we own the finish line”

from families of the victims, members of the city’s fire, police and ambulance services, Government agencies and civic organisations. Dignitaries in attendance included Biden, former Mayor Thomas Menino,

current Mayor Martin Walsh, Governor Deval Patrick, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and others.

This year’s Boston Marathon is due to take place on April 21. Tuesday’s memorial events began

with a wreath-laying ceremony at the site of the explosions, attended by the families of the three bombing victims – Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell and Lu Lingzi. (Excerpt from BBC News)

wednesday, april 16, 2014|

Amerindians, APNU protesters clash over budget

By Jomo Paul

Amerindians protest-

ing the disapproval of funding for a $1 billion development project by the combined Opposition for a second day clashed with a handful of demonstrators drawn from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) who were calling on the Government to be more accountable to citizens.

Though police were wellpositioned to guard against any altercation, caustic taunts and remarks were hurled by the opposing sides during the protest.

In a swift response, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry condemned what it described as the Opposition’s intimidatory tactics “targeting Amerindians who were protesting peacefully the Opposition imposed cuts of $1.1 billion earmarked for Amerindian development”.

According to the Ministry, supporters of APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC) “were mobilised by the Opposition to intimidate hundreds of Amerindians on the second day of their protest action outside the Parliament.”

The Ministry noted that the Opposition supporters hurled derogatory, discriminatory and threatening remarks at the group of more than 400 Amerindians

from various regions across Guyana. “The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MOA) is concerned about this development and urges the Opposition to desist from this known tactic of intimidation and bullyism in efforts to deny Amerindians’ right to protest and freedom of expression. The MOA insists that Amerindians have legitimate rights to protest against a matter which has severe consequences for their livelihood and well-being.”

Dissatisfaction

From their position across the road from Parliament, the Amerindians chanted: “We want development.... Granger must go... Renita is a shame”. Renita Williams is a recent addition to the APNU benches, representing Region One (Barima/ Waini).

Speaking with Guyana Times, one man who only gave his name as Charles said he was there protesting, because he wanted the Opposition to take a decision to restore the funds that it disapproved. “I’m protesting, because I want them to give us back our money, it is for our development, we need it in the villages,” he said. When questioned on how he would have made his way to the city from his home in Kamarang in Region Seven, he related that he became aware of the actions taken by the combined Opposition

as the news had spread like wildfire through the villages in the interior. He added that the National Toshaos Council provided transportation for them to reach the city and stand in solidarity against the action by the Opposition. “I came here to protest because what they are doing is wrong, nobody did not pay me, I am not receiving payment for this, we want the monies from the budget to go into our villages,” Charles posited. Another young protester voiced similar statements and added that she would be directly affected, since she was part of the Youth Entrepreneurship Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP), which will be severely affected since $796 million of the disapproved $1.1 billion was dedicated to that project.

On the other hand, the APNU supporters claimed that the Amerindians’ protest was part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic propaganda. These protesters

Amerindian villages. This programme, which had previously employed in excess of 900 Amerindian youths, was overwhelmingly endorsed by the leadership of the villages. In the 2014 Budget provisions, were made to ensure that every Amerindian village would have these young people learning and providing much needed support to their communities.

The 2000 young Amerindians will go on the breadline, the ruling PPP/C had said on Monday, as a consequence of the disapproval of the funding. Among the programmes that are now affected by the Opposition’s negative vote are: the Secure Livelihood Initiative in Region One; the annual subvention to the Bina Hill Institute; grants to 10 villages to support ecotourism projects; and $200 million which goes annually to Toshaos for initiatives they have been tasked by the villagers to pursue.

Equally shocking, the party said was to see six

waved their placards, demanding more accountability from the Government.

The PPP/C said claims by Amerindian representatives of abuse of money are baseless, noting that part of the allocation cut by the Opposition includes the apprenticeship of more than 2000 Amerindian youths involved in management, community development, planning and providing much needed assistance to the Captains and Councils of

Amerindian Members of Parliament from the Opposition – Dr George Norton, Valerie GarridoLowe, Eula Marcello, Renita Williams, Sydney Allicock and Dawn Hastings, voting against the further advancement of their people.

“Imagine that we are 10 per cent of the population and we cannot get one per cent of the budget,” former Chairman of the National Toshaos Council, Yvonne Pearson said.

Govt pours cold water on vote to send Sooba on leave

Amid growing tensions in the Georgetown Mayor and City Council over acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba, Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker has announced that the decision made by the City Council to send her on administrative leave was null and void

The Minister said that immediately after the decision of the acting Chief Justice, Ian Chang he had advised the acting Town Clerk to report for duty, thus the decision made by the Council has no substance. Whittaker said that

City Mayor Hamilton Green is well aware of the particulars of the ruling handed down by Justice Chang, since a signed letter was sent to him indicating that the acting Chief Justice in his ruling was careful to point out that there was nothing to prohibit the Town Clerk from performing duties as the “de facto” Town Clerk.

He said the Attorney General had also intervened giving guidance to the ruling through another letter.

“In essence what was done on Monday in the Council’s chambers was il-

Prisoner sets fire to NA jail Cell

Firefighters attached to the New Amsterdam Fire Service were able to avert what could have been a major disaster after an inmate on remand for murder on Tuesday set ablaze his mattress at the New Amsterdam Prison located at Penitentiary Walk.

According to reports, Marlon Fordyce, 25, of Dhanraj Street, Kitty and of Number 79 Village on the Corentyne deliberately set alight his mattress. The incident occurred at approximately 12:15h. Fordyce has been committed to stand trial on May 21, 2013 for the murder of a man at Number 79 Village on the Corentyne.

On December 18, 2012, Fordyce allegedly murdered

Rajmohan Phaskarran known as “Cowboy”.

According to sources, had the prison officers not been vigilant and alert, the situation could have very well resulted in a massive fire ravaging the building. Both the Police and fire officials responded promptly and the fire was contained to just the prisoner’s cell. The mattress was completely burnt and sections of the prison cell were badly scorched; however, no one has sustained any injuries. The inmate has since been placed under close watch. Police and prison authorities have also beefed up surveillance at the facility. An investigation has been launched into the matter.

legal,” the Minister said, adding that the Mayor and Opposition Parties have always been on a quest to drive Sooba out of office for political gain.

Political gain

He said since her taking up office, she has been performing exceptionally. He pointed out that while he was not admitting that Sooba is the best Town Clerk around, her dedication to her job far supersedes many who have gone before.

“I’m aware that the Mayor and the Opposition, for political reasons, have been calling for the Town Clerk’s removal, but the Town Clerk has been doing some of the things we thought to have happened, in terms of bringing order, in terms of accountability to the use of resources,

much to the disgust and annoyance of the Mayor and Council. She has been working to have persons who are indebted to the Council to come in and work out payment plans to the Council.”

He said he hopes that the Council could realise this and work together, so that the objectives could be realised.

“We are not saying that the Town Clerk is the best that we can have, but what we are saying is that when you look at what was and what is, there has been significant improvements.

“And if the Council can work with the Town Clerk and the Town Clerk with the Council, since that’s what we have at the Local Government Ministry is striving to achieve in pursuit of the aims and goals of the Council, what it should be doing, there should be

improvement.”

The Minister further declared that his Ministry will be appealing the decision by the Chief Justice which stated that the former Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud had no legal right to appoint Sooba to the position of Town Clerk. He had, therefore, quashed the appointment.

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Councillor Oscar Clarke on Monday moved a motion to have the acting Town Clerk sent on administrative leave, pending the outcome of a court action. However, Sooba held her ground declaring that the Council, headed by Mayor Green, had no power to send her on leave, which according to Clarke is pending.

Green had claimed that no member of the council had seen the decision

handed down by the Chief Justice, and they were only made aware of the decision via the press.

He had said that the decision by the High Court was of major concern to the municipality although it had emerged out of a legal challenge made by the City Council’s Public Relations Officer Royston King. He noted that the main issue brewing from the decision suggested that the former Local Government Minister’s action of appointing Carol Sooba as Town Clerk is ultra vires. As a consequence, he said, other positions fell into the same condition. Green said it was clear that the Council is duty bound and has all right to seek further legal advice to interpret the decision, so that there would be less ambiguity and hopefully little or no distortion.

SUDOKU

Your popularity will increase if you listen attentively to friends and colleagues. An invitation to a social event will open several promising doors.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Jealousy in the workplace could lead to damaging rumours. Someone is likely to have an ulterior motive. Keep your personal life private to avoid an unpleasant confrontation.

You will feel better about yourself by making a small personal improvement. Even though you may be reluctant at first, changes at home will turn out better than expected.

Your family may feel that they are no longer a priority in your eyes. Curtail the number of hours you spend working and spend more time close to home.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Your unique abilities are not being used to their full potential. Investigate other job markets, and network with former co-workers or clients. Consider making a change in direction.

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t cut corners when dealing with legal, financial or medical matters. Take the time to fully understand what’s expected of you as well as the penalties you could face.

(April 20-May 20)

You need to be at your best when dealing with loved ones. Show patience and care, and listen attentively to everyone’s concerns and feelings. Equality should be your goal.

(May 21June 20)

Don’t risk your position by entering into a relationship with a co-worker. Inappropriate remarks or suggestions, no matter how innocent, could cost you dearly.

Professional changes will work out in your favour if you focus your energy on work and present your accomplishments with confidence. Don’t rely on others to hand you the spotlight.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Your superiors will be impressed with the way you handle a crisis at work. Your grace under pressure and your professionalism will put you at the top of the list when promotions are available.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Stimulate your senses today. Increase your knowledge by studying various philosophical or self-awareness practices. Checking out different attitudes and points of view will help you relate to others.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

A solid moneymaking opportunity will present itself. Careful research and investigation will provide the insight you need to take full advantage of the situation.

The Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) has named a strong team to participate in the 2014 Commonwealth Games to be held from July 23 to August 3 in Glasgow, Scotland.

National captain Mahendra Persaud, a Commonweath Games veteran and reigning West Indies Individual champion Lennox Braithwaite make up the two-man team, while experienced rifleman and wind coach Ransford Goodluck will serve as Coach/Manager.

In 2010 at the X1X Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, Persaud and Goodluck had teamed up to place fifth in the pairs competition, the best showing by a Guyana team at the Games. Persaud said the

Lennox Braithwaite

team will be looking to better its New Delhi showing, but expects tough competition from the 21 other competing nations.

Braithwaite is a backto-back regional champion following his success at the

Timehri Rifle ranges in 2012 and the Paragon ranges in Barbados last year, while Persaud was runner-up to Braithwaite in 2012 and placed third among regional shooters last year.

According to the national captain, preparations for the Games will intensify during the West Indies Fullbore shooting championships billed for early next month in Jamaica, and the annual international shooting programme at Bisley, United Kingdom, a few weeks before the Games.

The XX Commonwealth Games shooting competition will be held from July 25-29 in Glasgow.

Meanwhile, the local shooters are continuing preparations for the West Indies Fullbore shooting championships at

Score’s Even prepares...

This newspaper understands that the principal concerns that led to the decision to debar Score’s Even from participating, was the fact that other horse owners threatened to opt out of the race meet citing unfair competition, because of the pedigree and experience of Score’s Even which hails from the USA.

The injunction was filed against Krishan Presaud Jagdeo and Chattergoon Ramnauth, who were trading under the name and style of the Turf Club.

DeRoop on Tuesday afternoon informed the Guyana Times Sport that he was pleased with the decision of the High Court and opted immediately to register the horse.

Participation Meanwhile, Ramnauth in an invited comment late on Tuesday afternoon insists that Score’s Even will not participate in Sunday’s race meet due to the fact that the event does not provide for ‘A’ Class animals.

“Score’s Even will not participate, the meet does not provide for ‘A’ Class animals. The feature race is for animals classified ‘C’ and Lower, so Score’s Even does not fall in that category”.

Ramnauth added: “To run a ‘A’ Class race is quite expensive, so the promoter has [to] make it clear that only if the necessary sponsorship is acquired, then [the] ‘A’ Class race will be on

the card”.

Further, both Ramnauth and Jagdeo are unaware of the injunction.

The meet will be conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and, according to organisers, those rules would be rigidly enforced.

Programme

The feature race will be the ‘C’ and Lower race for horses over a mile and the winner will ride away with $2 million. The secondplaced winner will receive $1 million, third, $500,000, and fourth prize, $250,000.

The Three-year-old Guyana and West Indianbred event will have the winner taking away $1 million in the 1200- metre race. The second-place prize is $500,000, third, $250,000, and fourth, $125,000.

The Four-year-old event for Guyana and West Indies-

bred horses, over 1600 metres, carries a winner’s prize of $700,000.

The E ‘1’ and Lower 1300- metre event carries a winner’s prize of $600,000.

The G’3’ and Lower race will gallop over a distance of 1300 metres and carry a winner’s prize of $500,000.

The I ‘2’ and Lower race will be run over 1000 metres and carries a first prize of $300,000, while the J ‘2’ and Lower winner will pocket $200,000 also over 100 metres.

The ‘H’ and Lower will run over 1200 metres with the winner taking home $350,000.

For further information and registration contact Chandu Ramkissoon on 624-9063 or 232-0633, Kris Jagdeo on 624-6123 or 322-0369, Rajendra (Jim-Jo) on 618-7278, Ramnauth on 337-5311 or Romel Jagroop on 624-1798.

GNRA names strong team for Commonwealth Games

Twickenham Park ranges in Jamaica.

Training sessions are being held weekly at the Timehri ranges as the riflemen fine tune their programme for the regional showdown that will see competitors from AntiguaBarbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and host

Jamaica.

Ryan Sampson, GNRA Secretary, said the local riflemen are focused on the task at hand and will be going all out to defend the Milex long- range title over 900 and 1000 yards ranges, and will be seeking to recapture the short range (300, 500 and 600 yards) title they lost

Meanwhile, Troy Peters, long-serving public relations officer, has been re-appointed to the position following an executive committee meeting of the GNRA held recently.

Recently appointed Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips, was elected president of the association.

Bishoo’s comeback a statement of intent

By Avenash Ramzan

American Matthew Nicholas Biondi, the former world record holder and Olympic swimming champion, once said, “Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.”

Persistence it was that drove Biondi to capture a total of 11 medals (eight gold, two silver and one bronze) at the Summer Olympic Games in 1984, 1988 and 1992, certainly an extraordinary achievement.

Only last weekend, Guyana and West Indies legspinner Devendra Bishoo pulled off a feat of similar proportions, notching up several milestones on his way to a remarkable bowling performance against Trinidad and Tobago in the seventh round of the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Regional Four-day competition.

The 28-year-old from the East Berbice village of Albion, an area called Guava Bush to be specific, raked in astonishing bowling figures of 9-78, the best returns by a Guyanese in the history of Regional First-Class cricket.

The Trinidad and Tobago batsmen did not escape Bishoo’s guile and accuracy in the second innings either, as he snatched 6-71 for outstanding matchfigures of 15-149 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The feat came in Bishoo’s 50th First-Class match and in the process he also went past 200 wickets in a career so far spanning six years. He also contributed with the bat, scoring 27 and 25 not out to crown a fine all-round effort.

The fact that such monumental achievements did not produce a victory, as rain curtailed the final day with Guyana 80-3 chasing 225, might be the only dis-

appointment for Bishoo and his team-mates.

What was significant however, was the fact that Bishoo was making a return to the team after being dropped for the first time by Guyana, presumably because he hadn’t the wickets to show.

In four matches prior to last weekend, the former ICC Emerging Playerof-the-Year had taken just 13 wickets, five of which came in one innings against Barbados at Providence.

That magical display against the twin-islanders catapulted Bishoo to 28 wickets, one behind Guyana’s leading wickettaker in the tournament, fellow clubmate Veerasammy Permaul. An average of 18.39 was way below his career average of 28.20.

Determined

After being axed for the match against the Leeward Islands in Antigua, Bishoo said he worked on “certain things” to get his game back on track.

“Obviously, I was disappointed to be dropped from the team, but I went back and did a lot of work on certain things, because I was

determined to regain my spot,” he told this publication on Tuesday. He added, “I did a lot of bowling in the nets at Albion, so I was still keeping myself in condition once I was called upon to do a job for my country.”

Reflecting on his performance, the diminutive bowler, with 11 Test matches, 13 ODIs and four T20 Internationals to his name, said he just stuck to doing the basics right.

“I didn’t try to do too many fancy things, I just tried to stick to the basics and as you can see it really paid off. I know I had to do well once I got that opportunity and fortunately I did. I’m very satisfied with the performance, because I was able to contribute and that is what you have to do as a team player. I got some runs as well so it feels good to contribute to the team,” Bishoo said.

The leg-spinner is keen on wearing the maroon West Indies cap once again, but he would have to produce similar performances on a more consistent basis to regain the attention of Clyde Butts and company on the WICB selection panel.

Prosecutor wraps up Pistorius grilling in murder trial

The prosecutor in the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius ended his five-day cross-examination of the double amputee track athlete on Tuesday with a stark summary of how he shot his girlfriend, insisting he killed her deliberately after an argument.

“You fired four shots through the door whilst knowing that she was standing behind the door,” said prosecutor Gerrie Nel, known in South Africa as “The Pitbull” for his hectoring style of questioning.

“She was locked into the bathroom and you armed yourself with the sole purpose of shooting and killing her.”

“That is not true,” said 27-year-old Pistorius, who faces life in prison if convicted of murder.

Pistorius has broken down in tears on many occasions during the questioning, and at one point retched into a bucket on the witness

stand after being shown grisly pictures of Reeva Steenkamp after the shooting on Valentine’s Day last year. He insists he killed the 29-year-old law graduate and model accidentally after mistaking her for an intruder hiding behind a closed toilet door.

On Tuesday he told the court he had pulled the trigger without thinking after hearing a noise behind the door, out of terror and fear

that his and Steenkamp’s lives were in danger.

“I was extremely fearful, overcome with a sense of terror and vulnerability,” said Pistorius, whose lower legs were amputated as a baby.

“I didn’t think about pulling the trigger, as soon as I heard the noise, before I could think about it, I pulled the trigger.”

The athlete’s voice quivered as he recounted how he was “overcome with terror and despair” on finding

come, filled with sadness,” he told judge Thokozile Masipa, adding he urged Steenkamp to hold on while he sought help from neighbors at his high security Pretoria residence.

Pistorius insists he and Steenkamp were in a loving, if fledgling, relationship, despite phone text messages read in court which pointed to some arguments. On Tuesday he read a Valentine’s Day card his girlfriend got for him before her death.

her bloodied body slumped against the toilet after he broke down the door with a cricket bat.

“I was broken, I was over-

“Roses are red, violets are blue,” the card begins.

The trial has drawn wide interest both in South Africa and abroad.

Before the shooting, Pistorius was one of South Africa’s most revered sportsmen, admired for his prowess on the track using carbon-fiber prosthetics that earned him the nickname “The Blade Runner” and brought him a clutch of Paralympic medals.

The defense later moved onto questioning its third witness, with the trial looking likely to run into next month. (Reuters)

“I think today is a good day to tell you that I love you,” the message concludes, the last part in Steenkamp’s own words.

High jumper Robinson latest Jamaican hit with ban

Jamaican high jumper Damar Robinson has been handed a oneyear ban for doping in the latest blow to the country’s athletics program.

The sanction was handed down by the chairman of the Jamaica Anti-doping Disciplinary Panel Kent Pantry following an in-camera hearing at the Jamaica Conference Centre.

Robinson’s suspension comes days after three Jamaican Olympians, sprinters Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson and discus thrower Allison Randall, received lengthy doping bans.

Former 100 meters world record holder Powell was banned for 18 months by a Jamaican anti-doping disciplinary panel on Thursday after testing positive for a banned substance last year.

The sprinter, 31, tested positive for the stimulant oxilophrine at last year’s national championships and the ban has been backdated to June 21 2013 - the day he provided the sample. His ban will end on Dec 20.

Athens Olympics relay champion Simpson was suspended for 18 months after testing positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrine during last June’s trials. Randall was suspended for two years after she too failed a drugs test during the 2013 national trials.

Robinson, a former Jamaican national junior representative who also competes in triple jump, was suspended for using a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM).

The ban for Robinson, who is currently studying in the United States, will be retroactive to June 16 2013 when he provided the positive sample at Jamaica’s national junior trials. The 20-year-old will be eligible to compete again on June 17. (Reuters)

England captain says Test places are up for grabs

Captain Alastair Cook has said there are places to be won in the England Test side to face Sri Lanka in June.

Cook, 29, averaged 24.60 during the 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia over the winter, but scored a century for Essex on Monday.

Ian Bell and Sam Robson also made tons for their counties this week.

“It’s an exciting time in English cricket in that, for the first time in a long time, there’s quite a few places up for grabs,” Cook told BBC Essex.

“That happens when you lose games of cricket and we lost five pretty heavily.”

Cook managed a secondinnings total of 181 in Essex’s County Championship Division Two game against Derbyshire this week, hitting his first century since making 154 for England against Australia A last November.

Bell also struggled with the bat in Australia, passing 50 only twice in 10 in-

nings, but his 189 not out for Warwickshire against Sussex will have pleased selectors.

England Lions batsman Robson enhanced his claims for an opening position alongside Cook with a knock of 163 for Middlesex against Nottinghamshire, while fellow Test hopeful and teammate Eoin Morgan struck 86.

“Everyone knows there are places up for grabs and

good performances in the County Championship over the next few months will push peoples’ claims,” said Cook. “I don’t think you rule anyone out.

“I’ve hit the ball quite nicely myself over the last few weeks or so. It’s nice to go on and make a sizeable contribution.”

The Tests against Sri Lanka take place at Lord’s (12-16 June) and Headingley (20-24 June). (BBC Sport)

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Batting let us down – Johnson

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Guyana finished in cellar position in this year’s West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional Four-Day tournament and team manager Alvin Johnson laid the blame for Guyana’s poor display squarely at the feet of the batsmen.

The Guyanese failed to win a single game, ending on 29 points. They suffered defeats at the hands of Jamaica, Barbados, Combined Campuses &

Colleges and the Leeward Islands.

“Our batting let us down. Our bowling and fielding improved as the tournament went on, but collectively as a batting unit we didn’t do well,” Johnson explained.

He added: “Apart from Leon Johnson, the other senior batsmen failed tremendously, it was evident that the batsmen lacked concentration, hence the consistency wasn’t there”.

Johnson further revealed that had the batsmen ex-

pressed a little more confidence in their own abilities, the situation could have been different.

Guyana’s captain Leon Johnson was by far Guyana’s best batsman on show, displaying a high level of consistency – something that had eluded him over the past 10 years at the regional level.

The former West Indies Under-19 skipper played only three games and ended the preliminary phase of the competition with 295 runs at an average of 59.00, scor-

ing one hundred and a halfcentury in the process.

Wicket- keeper Anthony Bramble was Guyana’s next best batsman with 286 runs, while Assad Fudadin (273) was the other Guyanese batsmen to pass 250 runs in the tournament.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul (195), Christopher Barnwell (154), Vishual Singh (113), Devendra Bishoo (112) and Zaheer Mohamed (103) were the other batsmen to pass one hundred or more runs.

led the wicket tally with 29 scalps, followed by leg spinner Devendra Bishoo with 28 wickets; 15 of those wickets from the last game against Trinidad and Tobago.

Bishoo crowned a sensational comeback after being dropped for the fifth- round game. He wrote his name into the records of regional cricket by capturing 9-78 in the first innings, the best figures ever by a Guyanese at this level and then grabbed 6-71 in the second innings. He trails Barbados’s

Ryan Hinds (15-102), St Kitts’ Deryck Parry (15-101) and Trinidad’s Rajendra Dhanraj (16-167), who were the other bowlers to achieve the feat of 15 wickets or more in a regional first-class game.

Fast bowler Keon Joseph, who bowled consistently throughout was the other bowler with more than 10 wickets. He captured 14 wickets from five games.

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To compound their woes, their most senior batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, played only two matches before he decided to play in the English County championships, while Ramnaresh Sarwan failed to recover from his back injury.

Test batsman Narsingh Deonarine, their third most experienced player, was dropped after four games.

In contrast, Johnson praised the bowlers for their decent performances, adding that the bowlers were outstanding throughout.

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul

Barbados have been crowned the Regional fourday league champions, retaining the title they won last year, and will receive the WICB President’s Trophy. It is Barbados’s 22nd regional first-class title.

Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago,the Windward Islands and Jamaica have qualified for the semi-finals and will now clash for the George Headley/ Everton Weeks trophy, with Barbados playing Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago going up against the Windward Islands. Both games will be played simultaneously from April 19.

PMTC volleyball team get uniforms to compete in regional tourney

Acorporate sponsor has come on board to adopt the number one volleyball team in Guyana.

On Tuesday, Poonai’s Pharmacy presented the Port Mourant Training Centre 1 ( PMTC) volleyball team with uniforms. The presentation was made ahead of the team’s proposed visit to Trinidad, where they will participate in the fourth Players League Caribbean Club Championships. The four-day tournament starts April 18th.

The team departs Guyana for Chaguanas, Trinidad, on Thursday.

At a simple presentation ceremony at Poonai’s Pharmacy, in Rose Hall Town, proprietor Bhigroog Poonai made the presentation to Federation of International Volleyball (FIV) ranked player Quacy Matterson.

Poonai, who is also the vice -president of the Berbice Volleyball Association, urged the team to do well while in Trinidad.

He promised that if they did well, not only will they

make Poonai’s Pharmacy proud, but all Guyana as well. “If you guys do well, I will continue to sponsor you.” Poonai said.

Several teams from Trinidad along with one each from Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, will participate in the round- robin tournament.

Speaking with the Guyana Times Poonai said he viewed the gesture as part of his corporate responsibility, adding that the company has always been involved in sport. “We get a lot of our support from this community and so we are a part of it; and will be involved in things that take place here… apart from that it is also a way of giving back to the community.” He noted.

This is the third year that Guyana has been invited to participate in the tournament.

The Port Mourant Training Centre 1 Volleyball team did not win the tournament last year, but had performed creditably, winning several of their games but lost at the semi-final stage.

The team is representing Guyana as the number one volleyball team in the country.

The team will be captained by Jason Seelochan and includes national Under-19 player Creston Rodney.

Other players in the team are Trevlon McRae,Rashaad Razack,Madan Budram, Jason Seelochan, Devendra Latchman, Narad Rangasammy, Beepaul Bandoo, Ian Bagot, Luen David, Adriel Moore, Akeem Bowling, Shemroy Ross, Stephen Veerapen, and Satesh Seenauth, with the coach being Levi Nedd.

Meanwhile, officials of the volleyball fraternity are calling on government to establish indoor facilities for volleyball in Berbice.

There are no indoor facilities for the playing of volleyball in Berbice.

The Players League Caribbean Club Championships will be played indoor, which will puts Guyana’s representative team at a disadvantage. (Andrew Carmichael)

Mitseden reward for three female footballers

The three female footballers who participated in the just concluded Trophy Stall/East Bank Football Association Under-15 league were rewarded with a pair of boots each, compliments of Mitseden, a USA based company owned by Guyanese Stephen Budhu.

Krista De Silva and Nikita Amardeo both played with Herstelling FC, while Diana Angoy represented Diamond United FC.

The trio was complimented for participating in the tournament, which attracted four clubs and was contested over two rounds at the Grove Playfield. Budhu, who is the designer and manufacturer of the boots, said he decided to

reward the girls as a means of encouraging them to continue playing the sport,

while also paying keen attention to their educational pursuits.

Stag Beer/EBFA Division One League…

Grove blank Panthers to assume pole position

Grove Hi Tech handed Timehri Panthers their first loss of the Stag Beer/East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Division One League and in the process took over pole position in the points standing, knocking the losers off in the process with a superior goal average.

It was a ding-dong battle between the arch-rivals at the Grove Playfield on Sunday last, and when the final whistle was blown, Grove had scored twice with assistance from Timehri with an own goal, winning the game 2-0.

The day’s opening salvo saw Kuru Kururu Warriors recording their third win of the season, whilst delivering the fifth straight loss to Herstelling FC, a 4-0 whipping.

The main attraction, witnessed by a fair-sized crowd of mostly Grove supporters,

were integrally involved in every moment of the game with the home team going on the offensive early, cognisant of the dangers posed by the Timehri lads.

The pressure was kept up in the first quarter of the game with quite a few corners coming Grove’s way. It was from a corner that the opening goal materialised. Clive Matthews Jr. it was who was entrusted with throwing the ball over and found the head of diminutive forward and captain, Domini Garnett, who made no mistake in clinically putting the ball away in the 14th minute.

While the lead was secured, there were still nervous moments for Grove as they sought to protect their advantage even as Timehri sought to draw even. As the game progressed, the tension levels kept rising in both

camps and around the field among the fans.

The levels of anxiety would have been significantly lowered for Grove when Timehri scored against themselves in the 70th minute, a goal that effectively knocked the wind out of their sails. Grove did their utmost to secure the lead and accomplished same at the end of 90 minutes of bruising ball.

Earlier, leading Kuru Kururu Warriors to an easy win over Herstelling was Cordel Johnson, who blasted a hat-trick. He was on target in the 46th, 71st and 86th minutes. The scene for the win was set by Rakesh Haimnauth, who converted in the 27th minute.

The win for the Warriors propelled them into fourth place behind Agricola, Timehri and Grove. Another double-header is fixed for Sunday at the same venue.

USA-based former player donates to EBFA

Aformer East Bank Demerara footballer,Shubert Bassoo, who is now based in the United States, on Sunday last donated six footballs and a ball bag to the East Bank Football Association (EBFA).

Bassoo, formally of Craig Village, was one of the persons who played an integral role in the formation of the Grove/Craig football team. He said he was impressed with the level of activity that is currently taking place in the EBFA, thus the reason for the donation.

The items were handed over to EBFA president, Wayne Francois, on Sunday last during the Stag Beer division-one league action at the Grove Playfield. Bassoo noted that he would continue to support the EBFA and would have also assisted the Grove Hi Tech FC in the past.

“I am really happy to see the teams are still being kept together at a competitive level and the fact that so many youngsters are involved. This little donation

I hope will go a long way in assisting the continued development of the game.”

Trophy Stall softball finalists decided

The category finalists for the Trophy Stall softball competition have been decided following several games last weekend.

Regal and Wolf’s Warriors will contest the Men’s final, while Floodlights and Success will compete in the Masters version. The female final will bring together Mike’s Wellwoman and Trophy Stall Angels.

In the Masters semi-finals on Sunday at the DCC ground, Success Masters crushed Industry Super Kings by 99 runs, while Floodlights defeated Park Rangers by seven wickets.

In the Female semi-finals, Mike’s Wellwoman prevailed by 34 runs over Karibee Girls, while Trophy Stall Angels emerged with a 33-run win over 4R Lioness. The Men’s finalists were decided prior to last weekend’s games.

Below are the summarised scores from the games.

Success Masters defeated Industry Super Kings by 99 runs. Success 1887 off 20 overs (Sahadeo Budhu 68, Kishore Mohabir 41, P. Singh 3-36) versus Industry Super Kings 89 all out (Danny Gangadin 26, Kishore Mohabir 3-9, Mohan 3-12).

Floodlights defeated Park Rangers by seven wickets. Park Rangers 1905 off 20 overs (Eon Abel 66, Shawn Massiah 60, Clyde Canterberry 2-41) versus Floodlights 191-3 off 19.3 overs (John Sumair 58, Lalta Gainda 44, Wayne Jones 44*).

Mike’s Wellwoman defeated Karibee Girls by 34 runs. Wellwoman 114-7 off 10 overs (Haseena Mohamed 40, Latoya Smith 17, Amanda Bobb Semple 17) versus Karibee Girls 80-4 off 10 overs (Erva Giddings 33, Tenesia Leonard 24).

Trophy Stall Angels defeated 4R Lioness by 33 runs. Trophy Stall 1154 off 10 overs (June Ogle 33, Roxanne Dominick 28, KavitaYadram 20) 4R Lioness 82-7 off 10 overs (Shian Goodluck 11).

Earlier in a preliminary round, 4R Lioness had defeated Regal Champs by 30 runs. 4R Lioness made 109-5 off 10 overs. Timika Wilson topscored with 44. Regal Champs replied with 96-8 off 10 overs. The three finals are set for April 26, starting at 14:00h at the DCC ground.

Shiv props up Derbyshire in run chase

West Indies batsman

Shiv Chanderpaul was carrying the fight for Derbyshire, after another batting collapse left them in danger of defeat on the penultimate day of their opening English County fixture against Essex on Tuesday.

Set 366 for victory at Chelmsford, Derbyshire closed the day on 167 for five, with the veteran lefthander unbeaten on 41 and within sight of this second half-century of the game.

Derbyshire were well poised on 70 for one at one

stage before 21-year-old leftarm seamer Tymal Mills (329) tore through the middle order to trigger a collapse.

Chanderpaul added 50 for the fourth wicket with Leeward Islands left-hander Chesney Hughes (24), to lift Derbyshire from a shaky position of 85 for three.

Once Hughes was trapped lbw to Mills, Wes Durston (7) quickly followed, giving Essex the upper hand heading into Wednesday’s final day.

Chanderpaul hit an unbeaten 75 in Derby’s first innings of 154, as the visitors replied to Essex’s meagre 94 all out. The hosts, however, piled up 425 in their second innings, behind England captain Alistair Cook’s 181. At New Road, former West Indies batsman Brendan Nash was involved in a similar fight as Kent closed the penultimate day on 51 for three, in pursuit of 266 for victory.

The left-handed Nash, who last played for West Indies three years ago in Jamaica, was unbeaten on 14 and was partnered by Ben Harmison on nine.

(Windiescricket)

New Zealand name squad for Windies tour

Wellington Firebirds wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi and Otago Volts off-spinner Mark Craig are the new caps named today in the BLACKCAPS squad for the tour to the West Indies starting later next month.

The pair’s selection is the highlight of the 15-strong squad named today to play three Tests in Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana in June.

The BLACKCAPS selectors have gone for two spinners, two all-rounders and only three pace bowlers in what will be spin-friendly conditions in the Caribbean.

BLACKCAPS Test squad for tour to the West Indies:

Brendon McCullum (c) - Otago Volts; Corey Anderson - Northern Knights; Trent Boult - Northern Knights; Mark Craig - Otago Volts; Peter Fulton - Canterbury

Wizards; Tom LathamCanterbury Wizards; James Neesham - Otago Volts; Luke Ronchi – Wellington Firebirds; Hamish Rutherford - Otago Volts;

Ish Sodhi - Northern Knights; Tim Southee - Northern Knights; Ross Taylor - Central Stags; Neil Wagner - Otago Volts; BJ Watling - Northern Knights Kane Williamson - Northern Knights.

BLACKCAPS Head Coach Mike Hesson says Ronchi, a regular member of the BLACKCAPS limited overs teams but making his debut in the Test squad, has been named as the back-up keeper with Tom Latham included purely as a specialist batsman.

“Luke also provides us with middle order batting cover as he’s a good player of spin bowling.”

Hesson says that the 27-yearold Craig provides a nice balance with leg spinner Ish Sodhi.

“Mark has had a strong Plunket Shield taking 22 wickets and his right-arm off-spinners will be valuable against their left-

handed heavy top order batting line-up. He’s been in our sights for some time and was also chosen for our winter training squad.”

Hesson confirmed that Daniel

Vettori was not available for the tour saying he felt his bowling loads were not yet up to the intensity of Test cricket. Jeetan Patel was also unavailable for the tour but for personal reasons.

Hesson is expecting a far more formidable challenge from the West Indies team compared with the injury-hit side that toured here this summer.

“While we gained a convincing 2-0 Test series victory against the West Indies in December, they’ll be a totally different proposition in their conditions and they’ll have the added motivation to perform well in the first match which will be Chris Gayle’s 100th Test.”

Jesse Ryder and Doug Bracewell were not considered for either squads as they are yet to satisfy the selectors that they have their off-field issues under control. (New Zealand Cricket

Mahendra Persaud Ransford Goodluck

GNRA names strong team for Commonwealth Games Score’s Even prepares to even scores

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Score’s Even will run against some of Guyana’s best horses on Sunday in the Guyana Cup Fever, despite attempts by the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) to axe him from the line- up after his owner Dennis DeRoop secured a High Court injunction on Tuesday.

The Guyana Cup Fever is the brainchild of Jumbo Jet

Auto Sales, and is the largest horse-racing event since its inaugural meet six years ago.

The injunction, which was granted by Judge Sandra Kurtzious in the Berbice High Court, instructed the owners of the Port Mourant Turf Club to register Score’s Even to participate in the Cup after they had unlawfully denied the horse entry, citing several reasons which were quashed by the Court. turn to page 19

By Avenash Ramzan

American Matthew Nicholas Biondi, the former world record holder and Olympic swimming champion, once said, “Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.”

Persistence it was that drove Biondi to capture a total of 11 medals (eight gold, two silver and one bronze) at the Summer Olympic Games in 1984, 1988 and 1992, certainly an extraordinary achievement.