Guyana Times Daily

Regional hospitals hurt by drug shortage

Anti-drug agencies need the tools to fight

– Granger urges major recapitalisation

By Svetlana MarShall

Retired Guyana Defence Force Commander and former National Security Adviser David Granger said the main antidrug agencies need major recapitalisation if they are to stop the “large” flow of drugs in and out of the country.

Speaking with Guyana Times during an exclusive interview, Granger, who is also Leader of the Opposition; Chairman of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU); and Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), said in addition to the shortage of human resources, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU); the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); and the Guyana Police Force’s Narcotics Branch lack critical maritime and riverine assets needed to effectively monitor ports, remote airstrips, the intricate river networks, and porous land borders.

Granger is of the firm belief that only a small percentage of persons attempt to traffic narcotics through the official ports such as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), contending that drug lords capitalise on poorly-monitored airstrips and borders as they traffic “huge volumes of cocaine into and out of Guyana”.

Compounding the situation, the security expert said, is the CJIA Control Tower’s inability to detect planes entering or leaving the country outside of its radar. “So planes can land on hinterland airstrip… deliver their cargo and take off without being detected by the law enforce-

ment agency or by the Civil Aviation Authority.”

Back in December 2007, an illegal airstrip located some 80 miles upriver from Orealla in the Corentyne was discovered with a burnt-out aircraft by the GDF. The airstrip was reportedly constructed to facilitate the transshipment of narcotics and the conduct of illegal activities. GDF had stated that the aircraft, a Let 410 turboprop, was manufactured by the Czech Republic and carried a Venezuelan Flag. It was severely damaged after attempting to take off, investigators concluded.

Opposition blockade

Granger’s A Partnership For National Unity has spearheaded a virtual blockade of any serious security initiative by subject Minister, Clement Rohee, owing to accusations that he has been mismanaging the sector. From legislation to stop gun trafficking, to major reforms of the Police Force, the opposition has blocked these critical initiatives at the level of Parliament because of Rohee. Also only recently Granger and some of his parliamentarians had engaged the GDefence Force, promising to support their budget in order for them to get the necessary tools to fight crime.

But Rohee had responded saying that the statements made by the opposition leader seem to be in contrast with the APNU’s refusal to engage government on consultations on the 2014 budget estimates. “One is left to wonder whether the discussions with the army top brass is intended to be a back door attempt by Granger to preempt and influence the budgetary allocations to the army, having regard to his public utterances regarding his party’s support for the army’s allocation during the forthcoming budget debates,” he stated.

He had also questioned the reason for the Opposition Leader’s meeting with senior army personnel under the pretext of national security concerns “when his party, when in the National Assembly is desperately trying to undermine the efforts of the PPP/C administration to put legislative and administrative measures in place to protect the integrity of the country and its people.” Rohee also noted that given APNU’s constant attacks on the work of the Joint Services, Granger’s statements are all the more intriguing if not hollow.

Granger also argued that the Guyana-Brazil, Guyana-Venezuela and Guyana-Suriname borders cannot be effectively manned with the “present Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force” and the lack of aviation and riverine assets.

“The Police Force has no aircraft… the Defence Force Air Corps does not have enough assets to continuously patrol those borders. So planes can come in and leave almost at will… by not giving the police and army sufficient aviation assets, they cannot control those borders,” Granger said.

While major attention is often given to the main rivers –Essequibo, Demerara, Berbice and the Corentyne – Granger opined that other rivers such as the Pomeroon River and creeks are used to the advantage of traffickers.

Deficiencies

CANU primarily monitors the CJIA and other established ports; however, due to deficiencies within the system, large volumes of cocaine trafficked in lumber, coconut milk, fish and other commodities are frequently intercepted by international anti-drug units after leaving Guyana.

This was the situation in November 2013 when 52 packages of cocaine weighing 57.5 kilograms, with an estimated street value of US$57,000 or J$5.7 million were seized in a joint operation by Jamaica Customs and Trans-national Crime and Narcotics Division (TCND) at Kingston Freezone. The contraband was found wrapped in brown masking tape in a 40-foot import container with commodities declared as tea bags from Guyana.

Granger said the Police AntiNarcotics Unit, which forms part of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), focuses primarily on marijuana. It is “a small understaffed unit and does not have the vessels and the vehicles to get out into all of the areas. So, there is quite a lot of marijuana smuggling.”

Granger said Government should invest heavily in the security sector by equipping CANU, GDF’s Coast Guards, and the Guyana Police Force Anti-Narcotics Unit with the requisite assets that will enable them to conduct patrols and interdict the inflow of drugs. “We got to stop the inflow…. we have to stop the drugs

from coming in.”

Also contributing to the trafficking of drugs in Guyana is the absence of a National Drug Strategy Master Plan, which expired in 2009. The former presidential security adviser criticised the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for its failure to implement another plan. “For five years, we had no plan… that plan has certain architecture… so one of the major deficiencies in the short, medium, or long term is the administration’s failure to have a valid National Drug Strategy Master Plan, there is no excuse.”

In his book Public Security –Criminal Violence and Policing in Guyana, Granger recalled that in 1992, Home Affairs Minister Feroze Mohamed had inherited a counternarcotics plan dubbed “Guyana’s Strategy for Dealing with the Drug Problem” and a National Drug Law Enforcement Committee, which received regular reports from an active Joint Anti-Narcotics Operations Committee. The plan and committee were established in 1988, but were discontinued following the change in administration in 1992.

However, in 1997, the PPP/C Administration launched the “National Drug Strategy Master Plan 1997-2000”, and subsequently established a National AntiNarcotics Commission. However, it was not until 2005 that the third plan was launched.

Major busts In the absence of the master plan, major drug busts have unfolded on the international scene with links to Guyana. The most recent occurred in February when two dozen suspected drug traffickers linked to the Gambino and Bonanno crime families and the Italian crime syndicate known as “Ndrangheta” were arrested in New York and Italy during a coordinated American-Italian operation.

The operation targeted a network of drug smuggling that stretched from Guyana to Italy to Malaysia to the United States. The drug lords were plotting to transport 500 kg of cocaine hidden in shipments of frozen fish or pineapples. Additionally, US$7 million worth in cocaine hidden in crates of pineapples and coconut milk were also unearthed.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Government, in its 2014 International Narcotics

Control Strategy Report, said it was looking forward to tangible progress on investigations, prosecutions, extraditions, as well as security sector and port security capacity enhancement.

In the report, the U.S. said efforts to increase law enforcement capabilities, protect borders and ports, strengthen workforce development, and promote anti-money laundering effectiveness directly address priority concerns shared by Guyana and itself. The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI)-funded programmes support Guyana’s maritime operations by providing interdiction assets, including riverine patrol boats delivered in December 2013 and relevant command and control systems, as well as associated logistical support and training.

By strengthening Guyana’s counternarcotics capabilities, the U.S. seeks to enhance interagency coordination and help gather better intelligence on drug trafficking routes.

Guyana is a transit country for cocaine destined for the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and West Africa. Cocaine originating in Colombia is smuggled to Venezuela and onward to Guyana by sea or air. Smugglers also transit land borders with Brazil, Venezuela, and Suriname. Cocaine is often concealed in legitimate commodities and smuggled via commercial maritime vessels, air transport, human couriers, or various postal methods. (svetlanam@yahoo.com)

Regional hospitals hurt by drug shortage

– no new supplies for Essequibo facilities since January

By Vahnu Manikchand

Quirks in the distribution and storage of drugs at the Government’s multimilliondollar bond at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, continue to affect the operations of medical institutions, with several regional hospitals complaining about shortages and unreliable supply.

In Berbice, a top official told Guyana Times that despite assurances the shortage of drugs continues, affecting the operations of hospital across Region Six. While noting that there has been a slight improvement based on what obtained a few months ago, the official who asked not to be named said very often the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) has had to borrow money from the Region Six Administration to purchase drugs to fill the void.

The official said drugs often arrive two to three weeks late, creating a mini crisis at several of the region’s hospitals. “Usually, we have a situation where two to three months of orders are backed up... then you will get one order come in... that is the situation up here,” the official commented.

Bond

“This affects operations tremendously, because the basic supplies people need on a regular basis are not there. Pharmacies can’t offer some basic treatment they needed and residents and patients have been complaining. They have been asked to source medication elsewhere.”

It is believed that the systems established to manage the bond contribute significantly to the problems. “Yes, the automated system at the new bond and the challenges the staff face are main contributors.”

This publication was told that in addition to the problems at the bond, a number of key staff left the Ministry

back in 2012, causing a dearth of the required skills to operate the bond. “No one has taken ownership of the issue, but everyone knows it’s a central ministry issue and we are bearing the brunt of it. Our outreach programmes to areas such as Mara and Baracara have been hampered... when we go to these places, we don’t have the drugs to give the patients,” the official said.

Essequibo

Across in Essequibo, another official speaking under condition of anonymity said they have not received any new supplies of drugs since January. Patients visiting the Suddie Public Hospital and the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital have routinely complained that they are not receiving sufficient medication from the hospitals. Several patients speaking with this newspaper said every time they

the main pharmacy. The official disclosed that in 2013 the late delivery of drugs was described by Health Ministry officials as a “teething” issue. However, for this year so far, drugs were only supplied to Region Two in the month of January. ” The Suddie Hospital Pharmacy

visit the pharmacies at the two hospitals, they are given prescriptions to purchase drugs from private pharmacies.

Contacted on the issue, a senior officer at the Suddie Public Hospital revealed that indeed there is a huge setback in the delivery of drugs to Region Two. The senior health officer said the problem is more severe at

is the main pharmacy, which collects all the drugs\medication for the region and later distributes them to the 30 different health facilities in Region Two.

The officer said when the Suddie Pharmacy received medication late, distribution to the various health centres is delayed. Meanwhile, another health professional said the delay in the drugs

supply is a countrywide issue and it is adversely affecting the coastland. The officer said when enquiries were made as to why the drugs are not being delivered on time, senior Health Ministry officers noted that transportation is an issue. The officer said once the drugs reaches Region Two then the distribution internally is not an issue. The drugs at Suddie Pharmacy are said to be running out and the pharmacists are waiting optimistically to receive the new shipment of drugs.

Inadequate drugs

Additionally, last year Lethem Hospital Nurse-inCharge Emona Hamid had expressed concerns about the undue delays in the supply of medical drugs to the facility.

Hamid explained that Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo, on a quarterly basis, submits a list of medical supplies that are required to keep the health facilities in the region operational. This list is submitted to the Health Ministry’s Material Management Unit (MMU).

However, the process, she said, takes close to two months before medical supplies are delivered, hindering mostly the operations of the Lethem Hospital.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

The future of libraries

It was reported in the press that Guyana’s Chief Librarian (ag), Ms Emiley King, found there has been “a steady decrease in the number of persons who have used the Guyana National Library over the past three years or so”. She exhorted the Guyanese public to take advantage of the greater amount of resources that had been deployed to the library by visiting the facility. “When we have a facility, we must use it,” she concluded.

In light of the acknowledged and widespread publicity given to the decline in reading in general, the Librarian’s lament is not surprising. But, fortunately, Guyana is not alone in the predicament: “fortunate” because the developed countries, which we followed in the development of our library system, have already experienced the phenomenon. And more to the point, have evolved strategies that are currently being implemented to deal with the implications. While our circumstances will certainly differ in specifics, the overall phenomenon must share some commonalities and offer us some lessons.

The first lesson we have to learn is that just telling citizens to visit libraries will not change the present decline in library usage. World-class libraries in the developed world became veritable ghost towns. Librarians and library administrators will have to innovate.

In the e-magazine American Libraries, Barbara K Stripling, professor of practice at Syracuse University advised library professionals to ask themselves the following four questions before they introduce innovations: “What do we, as a profession, believe that our patrons want? What if the opposite were true? What core do we need to hold on to even as we transform our libraries to adapt to the changing demands and information landscape? What unique services and opportunities do we offer to our communities? If we could work on only one innovation for the next year, what would it be and why?”

Over in Britain, the Andrew Carnegie foundation, which established numerous libraries in that country, and, in fact, also established ours, has an ongoing project that interrogates “The Future of Libraries”.

In their publication, “A New Chapter: public library services in the 21st century”, they echoed the above-mentioned questions and informed that in their nationwide survey, the efforts to redefine the “core aims of the library service” fell into the following areas: • support for reading and learning; • provision of information and advice about a wide range of services and issues; • support for lifelong learning • access to IT; • promotion of information and digital literacy by supporting and facilitating access to IT; • space for community activities.

In the meantime, the Arts Council of England conducted a major research project, “Envisioning the library of the future” in 2012/13. As they reported: “This research has found that public libraries are trusted spaces, open to all, in which people continue to explore and share the joys of reading, information, knowledge and culture. It is clear that people value the services that libraries provide and will continue to do so. Indeed, there is a clear message that there is a compelling and continuing need for a publicly-funded library service.

“The research also reminds us that public libraries face many challenges in the coming years, including: advances in technology, which affect the ways in which people want to connect to information and culture; reduced public expenditure; the increasing involvement of citizens in the design and delivery of public services; and the needs of an ageing population.

“In order to foster a successful, sustainable library service in light of these challenges, the Arts Council has set out four priority areas for development which have been tested and corroborated by stakeholders: 1) place the library as the hub of the community; 2) make the most of digital technology and creative media; 3) ensure that libraries are resilient and sustainable and 4) deliver the right skills for those who work in libraries.”

The key for the survival of libraries involves people, communities, and their needs.

Some more thoughts on the Colwyn Harding matter

Dear Editor, Following on from my previous letter, I wish to go further on the allegations against the police in the Colwyn Harding matter. How many people have properly examined a police baton?

I could now understand why Cecil Kennard came to the conclusion that Harding wasn’t baton-raped after he (Kennard) examined a police baton before reaching his conclusion.

The largest part of a police baton in terms of circumference is towards the tip (end). The said end (tip) is not rounded nor pointed. Rather, the baton’s tip (end) is sawn-off making it flat, and this flat area at the tip (end) is much larger than the anal opening.

Before a baton can enter the rectum, it first has to pass the anal opening which is a ring of powerful muscle called the sphincter, which is always tightly closed even during sleep.

Ask anyone who has ever had a prostate examination done on him by a doctor as to how (un)comfortable the experience was, even though the doctor would first wear a glove over his hand then insert his glove-covered finger through the anal opening and into the rectum.

For a police baton to enter the rectum, it first has to rip and tear apart the anal opening, resulting in serious

damage with profuse bleeding and requiring immediate life-saving surgery. Harding alleged that the police baton was covered with a condom.

Was the allegedly horrible police who did such an allegedly horrible act also, at the same time, very considerate of Harding’s wellbeing that he took time to place a condom over the baton? Harding spent many weeks in prison on remand with normal bowel movements. How could this be so if his allegations of batonrape were true?

On January 13, Nigel Hughes told the magistrate in a packed Providence Magistrate’s Court that Harding’s mother, Sharon Harding, in the presence of himself (Hughes) made a police report to Timehri Police Station that the police baton-raped Harding on November 28, 2013 and later assaulted him at the station.

The prosecutor said it was an allegation and that Hughes should use the word “alleged” to which Hughes refused to do. It was pointed out by the prosecutor to the magistrate that Harding ably walked into Court and did not report anything to the magistrate except that he did not beat the police.

It was further pointed out by the prosecutor that on November 28, Harding was in prison on remand as he did not pay his bail, nor

did anyone pay the said bail on his behalf. According to Harding’s mother, something happened to Harding on November 28 (while Harding was in prison on remand).

Note that the allegations changed from November 28 (when Harding was on remand in prison) to January 13 (when Harding was in police custody). Innocent police are being blamed, as it is profitable to blame the police to extract G$100 million of hardworking Guyanese tax-payers’ money in settlement or lawsuit.

Did the Guyanese public note the haste in which a settlement was requested with a threat of a lawsuit, before an investigation could be done? With such a seriously grave threat being made against the police, all innocent persons need to beware.

Which innocent person is now safe from being falsely accused of anything by those backed by the Alliance For Change (AFC); A Partnership for National Unity (APNU); Guyana Bar Association (GBA); and Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA)?

There are two lengthy taped conversations on the Internet in which a witness claims an offer of money was made to change testimony. How believable the allegation and how reliable is the witness as to the alleged assault that took place in the

police lock-ups? The doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital say Harding did not report any rape to them and that they treated him for hernia. Was Harding afraid they would discover his allegations to be false? Was he advised not to do so, as his allegation would be discovered to be false?

I am recommending to the Guyanese public that anytime anyone consults a doctor, they should raise the topic of a baton being inserted through the anal opening then entering the rectum. It is also recommended that every adult male should get a prostate examination done on him every four years for the early detection of prostate cancer and then understand the discomfort of a finger being inserted so as to comprehend that a baton could never have been inserted into Harding’s anus.

In my estimation the allegations are fictitious, pretentious and malicious, and, therefore, all the allegations are to be treated as such. This whole matter has been a conspiracy to procure conviction of an innocent person, and it is an offence. It has also been an attack on the Guyana Police Force, on law and order, on the harmony of the people, and against the peace of the country.

Sincerely, Reaz

Holladar

Rough times are ahead for the rice industry

Dear Editor,

On March 14, some 200 Essequibo Coast rice farmers and their wives took their protest from Reliance to Anna Regina on the main public road, demanding better prices for their paddy.

Some 20,000 rice farmers throughout the rice growing regions will be affected by the low price being offered for a bag of paddy.

The price last crop was $14,000 per bag. This trend of $1300 per bag was nonuniform and has had more serious consequences for Guyana’s rice producers than others.

Guyana, the Caribbean’s main rice producer, in the last crop, faced serious threats to its earning position, as Vietnam began offering more competitive prices. This is undoubtedly a bold move by Vietnam to capture a greater share of the international market.

the more they owe with the fall of the paddy prices. The farmers have passed a resolution, calling on the Government to reintroduce subsidies on all agricultural items, including spares and fuel.

The Government, at this point in time, cannot falter and allow a collapse of the rice industry, as all Guyana will be hurt. It is, therefore, important that Government and farmers work together to drive the industry forward for the benefit of all.

I want back my properties

Dear Sir,

Over 20 years have passed since an attorney, a legal firm and others took part in an apparent conspiracy in the full face of the laws of Guyana to deprive me of my properties. And all my efforts to regain them have so far proved futile.

verified by affidavit.”

By that citation, I was a fit and proper person to file such a complaint, and entitled to be heard by the Legal Practitioners Committee, as I was aggrieved.

Furthermore, the Committee recorded: “Final adjourned to January 27, 2000 at 15:30h”, in the case file, but when I appeared for the intended hearing of my case at that time, no members of the Committee were there.

The protesters are complaining bitterly that there is no adequate representation for them by the Government; the Agriculture Ministry; the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB); and the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA). Over the past year, there has been a general decline in paddy prices.

depend on other inputs and banks to provide them with the necessary working capital to produce their paddy.

Farmers were paying $5000 for one bag of urea; $6200 for a bag of TSP; $1000 to ‘throw’ a bag of fertiliser; and $22,000 to broadcast the seeds in the field. They also

The cost of debt at the bank has been unacceptably high for farmers. The debt problems have milked farmers of much of their resources, including debt payment, of which millions of dollars were as interest. And the debt continues to climb.

This is a debt trap, whereby the more the farmers pay,

Shameful but true

Dear Editor,

Soon after taking up a teaching appointment with the Government of St Lucia, I was acclaimed by some St Lucian friends of mine as “GT”. I was hailed “GT”, which was followed by a wry grin.

Guyanese are commonly called “GT” here in St Lucia which is “Georgetown” – a harmless terminology for “Georgetown Man” but when I enquired what the wry grin was all about, I got to know that the harmless Georgetown Man can be translated as “Great Thief”.

Now from that day onward, I became vehemently opposed to any reference of me as “GT”, because it meant that I would automatically fall in the category of a “great thief” which I am not. In fact, I went the full yard to make that important distinction that I am not a resident of Georgetown, but from Berbice, a county in Guyana known for its proud, ambitious and hard-working citizens. To make a long story short, my friends from that day were advised to call me

“Addie”.

The point I am making is, some Guyanese, by their actions at home and abroad, have that unenviable reputation for being thieves. When it is said in St Lucia that all Guyanese are thieves, it comes as a result of the dubious actions of some individuals from a particular region and mainly, note mainly, people of a certain ethnicity.

When this statement is made over here, Guyanese understand and accept it, but when it is made in Guyana the political charlatans like David Hinds run away with the erroneous idea and brand the statement racist. They did this some years ago when they mounted a picket claiming that the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper is a racist tabloid which is out to stereotype black youths as thieves and bandits.

I never read the article, but if the article did allude to the fact that persons of a certain racial makeup were in the habit of committing armed robberies, I would be the first to admit this poignant fact. I

would not be like those jokers who hide their heads in the sand and pretend this is not so.

And that is why when people of a certain ethnicity prey on other persons of that same ethnicity, there should be no hue and cry, but a cryptic acceptance of the fact that the “boys can’t get a job”. I would go even further to say that these incidents should not be reported at all, because it would otherwise constitute a “racial” report.

So, try convincing Television Anchorman Handel Duncan or Oscar Clarke (he was shot and robbed) by the very “people” I am talking about. In fact, the Clarke incident elicited an asinine excuse by David Granger “that the bandits should have known that it was the home of the General Secretary of the People’s National Congress (PNC) they were violently invading”.

That statement clearly explains what I am talking about! The stark reality is, persons of a certain ethnicity in a certain city are prone to

We need to keep our society safe from deviants

Considering the critical nature of the current situation, it will be wise for President Donald Ramotar and Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy to meet with these farmers before the millers add further pressure and lower prices further.

The need for constructive dialogue among rice farmers at this time cannot be overemphasised. The reality is that rough times are ahead.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed

Khan

becoming thieves and robbers because they are helped into this position due to the excuses made on their behalf. They constantly make these excuses for them, hence these guys are encouraged to becoming more indulged in their nefarious trade.

Finally, I would close by saying if an ethnicity cannot constructively sit down and constructively criticise itself, then that group of individuals are doomed.

Sincerely, Neil Adams

I had engaged the paid services of another attorney to seek remedy for me in the High Court, but apparently because of his declared policy to me for fraternalism to his fellow lawyers, he did not pursue my case in court with his usual zeal, as he did not file some requisite pleadings in the matter, thereby causing my case to lapse.

I also applied to the Legal Practitioners’ Committee with a verified affidavit, in order to seek redress for the injustice done to me. But at the trial, the members there violated their own procedures by rejecting my right to complain to that legal body, and wrote on my case file thus: “Committee is of the view that there is no lawyer and client relationship.”

That devious act was done to me despite the fact that, according to the Laws of Guyana, Cap 4.01, Legal Practitioners – Item 24 (1) reads: “An application by a client or other persons aggrieved to require a legal practitioner to answer any allegation by such client or person against the legal practitioner…shall be made to the Registrar and shall be

After making many efforts to be heard there, I recognised that they sent my matter to oblivion!

Notwithstanding the foregoing, there seems to be some hope for me, as there is now resounding clamour for a new global order against crime, as we hear the echoes of disbarments, suspensions and pumpkin suits around us from some notable members of civil society and organisations.

In this situation, I pray for support to my cause from all such upright Guyanese and fraternal overseas missions to let justice be done to me with the involvement of the Attorney General’s Chambers.

An original detailed release on this issue to the media was sent out by me in October 2009 and is still available on the Internet. You may also simply google Prakash Persaud for details of the issue.

Yours truly, Prakash Persaud

Dear Editor, Something has to be seriously wrong with a person who has the capacity to harm or take the life of another human being in any way possible. These individuals are often mentally disturbed in some way or another and are often incapable of feeling guilt, remorse, or empathy for their actions. They are generally cunning and manipulative. They are often unreliable, dishonest, insincere, lack shame for their actions, lack insight, and often embrace extreme egocentric and narcissistic behaviour.

Guyana and continue to take the lives of innocent people. I strongly suggest that if we want to protect our nation, we must increase the presence of police officers on our streets so that they can better monitor the city.

Unfortunately, these people freely roam the streets of

Sincerely, Ishant Hadiz

How children make friends

BY EILEEN KENNEDYMOORE

If you’ve ever heard your child complain, “Nobody likes me!” or “They won’t let me play”, you know how painful it is for a child to feel friendless.

As parents, we can’t make friends for our children, but we can help them understand the key ingredients that underlie friendship formation at all ages.

Ingredient one: Openness

Every friendship begins with some sign that two people are interested in becoming friends. So, the first ingredient for making friends involves showing that we like someone and expressing openness to friendship with them. Preschoolers will sometimes ask directly, “Wanna be my friend?” but older children signal liking less directly.

Greetings

A very basic way to show openness is to greet potential friends. Shy children often have trouble with this. If another child says “Hi!” to them, they tend to look away and say nothing, or just mumble in response. This happens because they feel awkward and self-conscious, but the message that they’re sending to the other child is “I don’t like you, and I don’t want anything to do with you!” That’s not how they feel, but that’s what they’re communicating. If this sounds like your

child, you may want to help your child use role play to practice greeting people. Break it down: Explain to your child that a friendly greeting involves making eye contact, smiling warmly, and speaking loudly enough to be heard. Saying the other person’s name also makes the greeting more personal. After you’ve practised, help your child figure out some people to greet in real life.

ment classmates. Keep it simple: “Nice shot!” for a child playing basketball, “I like the way you drew the sky!” about a peer’s artwork, or “Your sweater is pretty!” for a child wearing a new outfit are some possibilities.

Kindness

Small kindnesses can be another way to signal liking. This could mean lending a pencil to a classmate, saving them a seat, helping them

ey or valued possessions. This definitely doesn’t work. The other children will probably take whatever’s offered, but they won’t reciprocate, and they could lose respect for your child.

Going overboard with gifts can come across as desperation rather than openness.

Another caution: Kindness is defined by impact not intent. Sometimes young children get carried

Compliments

Compliments are another easy way to signal openness to friendship. It feels good to receive a sincere compliment, and we tend to like people who are discerning enough to appreciate our finer qualities!

Brainstorm with your child some ways to compli-

carry something, or sharing a lunch treat. Kindness tends to elicit kindness, and it’s one of the best ways to begin a friendship.

Research tells us that kind children are usually well liked by their peers, but sometimes children try to buy friends by giving away mon-

away with hugging and kissing a classmate, or they insist that another child has to play only with them. If the other child feels uncomfortable with this behaviour, it doesn’t count as kindness. You may need to help your child find less intrusive ways to express liking.

Expressing openness is the first ingredient of friendship formation, because it casts wide the metaphorical door to friendship. But it doesn’t guarantee that anyone will walk through that door. To increase the odds that a friendship will grow, children need to extend their friendship invitations to children who are likely to want to come on in. That’s where the second ingredient of friendship formation comes into play.

Just because two children live in the same neighbourhood or share the same classroom doesn’t mean they’ll become friends. Children as young as oneand-a-half or two years of age show preferences for some peers over others.

One of the most common findings in research on children’s friendships is that children tend to be friends with other children whom they perceive as somehow similar to them. Children are most likely to befriend other children who are the same age, sex, and ethnicity as they are. Friends also tend to be more similar than non-friends in terms of interests, social skills, popularity, and academic achievement.

Ingredient two: Similarity

So, the second ingredient of friendship formation is similarity. Similarity attracts because it’s satisfy-

ing to children at both a practical and an emotional level. At a practical level, it’s handy to have a friend who enjoy the same activities they do! At an emotional level, similarity provides a sense of comfort and validation.

Refuting the Magnet Theory of friendships

Many children don’t understand the importance of similarity for starting friendships because they have what I call The Magnet Theory of friendships. They believe they need to be somehow so wonderful that they draw friends to them the same way a magnet attracts steel.

This is often what’s behind bragging: A child says, “I can do this! I know that”, hoping that peers will be impressed and want to be friends. The child is trying to communicate, “I want you to like me!” but the message that other children receive is “I think I’m better than you!” That’s no way to start a friendship.

Fundamentally, friendship is a relationship between equals, so the magnet theory is completely wrong. Instead of trying to get other children to admire them, children need to find common ground with potential friends.

Explaining the concept of common ground

Here’s a way to the concept of common ground to your child: Draw two overlapping circles and say, “This circle is you. The other circle is the other child. The part in the middle – the overlap – is where friendships grow. If you’re talking about something that’s outside the overlap, that’s true only of you and not the other child, that has nothing to do with friendship.”

Ask your child, “How can you figure out what you have in common with someone?” Answers could include observing the other child, asking questions, or doing things together to create shared experiences.

Finding common ground doesn’t mean that your child has to be a clone of everyone else. It also doesn’t mean that your child can never become friends with someone who has a different background or different interests. It just means recognising that friendships start with connection. To make friends, children need to develop or discover those “me, too!” areas.

If expressing openness unlocks the door to friendship, and similarity predicts who’s most likely to walk through that door, the third ingredient of friendship formation is what encourages people to sit down and stay awhile, so friendship can grow.

(psychologytoday.com)

Guyanese die of carbon monoxide poisoning in Canada

Police believe carbon monoxide caused the deaths of three Guyanese of the same Brampton, Ontario family early Monday when propane heaters were brought into the home after the furnace stopped working in frigid conditions.

Dead are: Peter Pitamber, 60, owner of Calypso Hut on Queen Street and his wife Seeta Pitamber, 59. The couple’s 36-year-old son Terry Pitamber also died.

Also in the home was Paul Rampersaud, 56, Peter’s brother and owner of the second Calypso Hut location. Paul was taken to hospital, but was later released. Another man, a friend of the family’s, was also released after being treated in hospital

“It’s just a tragedy… a terrible situation,” Peel Regional Police Constable

Fiona Thivierge told reporters Monday. Just before 02:00h Monday, emergency services were called to a house on Linden Crescent, in the Dixie Road and Queen Street area. The 911 call was

made by Jerry Pitamber, 29, who arrived home to find carbon monoxide detectors activated and members of his family unconscious.

At the time of the incident, the family had gathered at the Pitamber home to mourn the recent death of Paul and Peter’s mother.

Paul Rampersaud issued a statement Monday on behalf of the family.

“Today has been an unimaginable and horrific day for our family,” it reads. “The past few weeks have been extremely difficult, as we have been grieving the death of my mother who passed a few weeks ago. “My brother, Peter Pitamber, came to this country from Guyana over three decades ago. From humble beginnings he became a respect-

Regional hospitals hurt...

She explained that the hospital not only receives patients from Lethem and communities within the region, but also from Brazil, and a shortage would result in the hospital being unable to administer adequate drugs to patients. “We send but it takes so long to get here, so by the time it comes, the supply that we had run out, and we have to be begging Brazilians and we don’t want to have to make it a habit.”

According to Hamid, several complaints were made to the MMU, the Regional Health Services, and even the Health Ministry, but to no avail. “Yes, this is an ongo-

ing problem, we dialogue with the Regional Health Services, they call us day to day to find out how we are doing and we tell them, they themselves get up and go to MMU to see how best they could help package for us, but this is an ongoing problem,” she lamented.

Management issues

Only last week, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran said he welcomed the recent comments made by the Social Sector Committee members following their visit to the Ministry’s multimillion-dollar drug bond at Diamond. Recently, Committee Chairperson Indra

ed businessman and active member of the Brampton community. Peter built a strong home for his family, and we ask that you now pray for his surviving son, Jerry.

“We are currently in the process of making funeral arrangements and would ask that the media kindly respect our privacy during this devastating time.” Police believe the family’s furnace stopped work-

from page 3

Chandarpal told Guyana Times that there is need for the effective management of all systems at the bond to

ensure the timely delivery of supplies to the various medical institutions.

Minister Ramsaran said

ing Sunday, and at some point, propane heaters were brought inside to heat the home. Overnight temperatures Sunday dipped to the –15 C range with the windchill making it feel like it was mid–20s.

Police said those who died were in the upper level of the home, while the survivors were on the lower level.

“We would caution people to not bring propane heaters into their house,” said

efforts are being made to strengthen capacity. “We have come across some cases when people make requests, although a specific medication may have been marked nil, it might be out in the quarantine room but not present on the shelves, so they are not in the system so when we do rush, they are supplied but it would have been recorded as not available.”

Minister Ramsaran said over recent times, the facility has lost staff, but that should not justify the situation. “The facility has a computerised system. It is our suspicion that we need to exploit that system, so that we will know what

Thivierge. “It’s a very dangerous situation.”

Shortly after 09:00h Monday, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services issued a warning on Twitter about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. “This tragedy shows that you should never use propane appliances in the home,” said the tweet. “If your furnace goes out, call for repair.” (Story and photos by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

medication is on hand, what are about to be stocked out and it will give us capacity to address another area of weakness that has been identified.”

The role of the MMU is to accurately forecast the medical and pharmaceutical needs of the nation, procure supplies in a timely manner, and efficiently distribute them to health care institutions, in order to meet the needs of patients.

The new bond is said to be electronically managed and has all the prerequisites, including controlled temperature and fire response mechanisms. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy.com)

Nations University to offer Master of Law Programme

Nations University will be collaborating with the University of London to offer Guyanese the opportunity to study a more highly recognised law programme.

The Law Department of the University will be offering courses in a wide range of fields that will help prospective and current lawyers and even non-lawyers to have a better understanding of legal concepts.

This is according to Director of the Master of Law (LLM) Programme, Dr James Bustill, who is visiting from the University of London. He noted that he was excited to be in Guyana and to edify persons on the programmes that his university is offering.

He explained that the Master of Law Programme is one that is very flexible “it works with you”, the director noted. He continued that there are a wide variety of courses one can take while

studying this programme.

Under the LLM programme, there are 57 different courses. Persons can study Business Law, International Law, and Human Resources Law, among other courses. In respect to Nations University with whom the University of London has worked for the past 19 years, students who sign up for any of the courses will be studying by distance learning and will receive a reading manual. They can also follow along online.

Flexible payment plans

The courses are each five years long, with two exams a year which can be taken at students’ convenience at the British Consul in Georgetown.

Also speaking with Guyana Times was Ashme Singh, who heads the Law Department at Nations University. She highlighted that she herself is a student

of the law programme and she endorses it.

She stated that there are flexible payment plans for interested students.

The University of London is one of the great universities of the world. A federation of 18 world-class colleges and 10 specialist institutes, its reputation for high academic standards has been built on the outstanding teaching and research of its colleges since

1836. University of London degrees are recognised internationally by governments, universities, employers and professional bodies as being of the highest academic quality.

Since 1858, University of London degrees have been accessible to students all over the world through the University’s International Programme, the longest standing flexible distance learning programme in the world. Over the years, many exceptional people who have studied with the University of London International Programme have shaped our world. Former students include seven Nobel Prize winners, leaders of Commonwealth countries, Government ministers, renowned authors, academics, judges and business leaders.

Today, the University of London’s International Programme is truly international in character with more than 52,000 students in more than 190 countries. Interested persons can visit Nations University at 4142 New Market Street, the building just after GPL or contact them on numbers 225-4211 or 226-5681.

Quarantine lifted off vessel Guyanese sailor died on

The health authorities in St Lucia have conditionally lifted the quarantine of the St Vincent and the Grenadines registered cargo vessel Lady Zai, imposed after a Guyanese sailor died on it last week and another took ill.

The vessel left Guyana on March 9, for St Lucia with 10 Guyanese crewmembers on board. During the voyage, one crewmember died, and another became ill and was subsequently hospitalised on the island; however, he has since been released.

Officials from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) are continuing to work with their colleagues in St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines and the owners of the ship, with respect to the welfare of the Guyanese seafarers.

They are also in contact with the local health authorities on this matter.

Eyew tness Enough with the...

...co-ops

The sub-editor of this newspaper succumbed to a bit of the dramatic when he/she announced, in a front-page headline, that the Police Co-Op and the Teachers’ Co-Op were among 220 co-ops, on a “hit list”. More prosaically, the co-ops had actually breached the Act that governed their existence and were scheduled to be closed down.

But the action raised a larger point than whether Labour Minister Nanda Gopaul, who’d initiated the whole process of review of co-ops, was a “hit man”. Gopaul, it must be said, had triggered the inspection when a coop sold a large parcel of land without the knowledge of its membership. An iceberg of wider co-op hanky-panky was inferred. The larger point is that the entire co-op movement itself received its present national importance when Burnham and the PNC declared Guyana a “Cooperative Republic”.

We’re still listed on the UN’s roster of nations in the world as the “Co-operative Republic Of Guyana” even though most citizens would be hard pressed to recognise a co-operative if one crept up and bit them on their bamzee. Burnham had sworn the co-operative defined the quintessence of the Guyanese experience. Africans cooperated once the yoke of slavery was removed; the native Amerindians always co-operated and it was stipulated that the Indian immigrants also “cooperated”.

“Evidence” was duly mined or manufactured by several house historians to prove this assertion and “Cooperative Republic” we became. But like with most of what the PNC did, there was more in the mortar than the pestle, and it, inevitably, had to do with his rivalry with Cheddi Jagan. Jagan had claimed the space that defined third-world radicalism, with his Marxist declarations.

The Americans, unlike the British who knew Jagan’s Marxist bark was worse than his bite, confirmed Jagan’s radicalism when they ousted him in the ‘60s. Burnham wanted to have his cake and eat it too: he craved to be known as “radical” but tempered his rhetoric to become acceptable to the U.S. What to do? Well, he could claim to be neither Marxist nor Capitalist. And here is where the Co-op label came in.

It’d been tried by some early radicals but was derided as a sop by the Marxists. Burnham also jumped on the co-op bandwagon because he claimed the Ujaama (Cooperative) Socialism, then practised in Tanzania, made the institution authentically “African”. Two birds with one stone!

But Ujaama’s long been declared dead in Tanzania. Why do we keep its corpse preserved in Guyana?

...Opposition recalcitrance

If Guyanese don’t see the true nature of the Opposition now, they never will – and deserve what they’ll get when the wheels of international finance grinds our economy to a halt. This, of course, should be known to every Guyanese man, woman and child, unless they were meditating on the top of Mt Roraima.

To us, the clincher was the statement by the quite seasoned businessman Yesu Persaud, calling for the AML/ CFT Bill to be signed by the Opposition. Folks might’ve forgotten, but Persaud was trained as an Accountant –a real one, not the quack like Laloo Ram. He’d applied his accountancy knowledge in the real world to steer DDL from bankruptcy to financial health – through the export route.

The man knows how the international financial system works – not in theory but in real, nitty-gritty terms. And guess what? This pipsqueak non-entity, Ramjattan tries to take Persaud on. He could not, of course, engage Persaud on the merits of the latter’s argument.

So he ends up reiterating the Opposition’s recalcitrance. Wanker!!

...small-mindedness

Your Eyewitness saw a couple of persons objecting to the water splashed on their clothes yesterday. And they weren’t even in their “Sunday best”. What happened to our commitment to multiculturalism?

GRDB says marketing rice not its mandate

– but spends $30M yearly doing so

By Jomo Paul

Under pressure to defend its failure to secure markets for the current bumper rice crop and justify what it does with the $500 million it receives yearly from its levy on rice exports, the Guyana Rice Development Board said over $30 million is spent each year on marketing the country’s rice.

Rice millers here have been struggling to secure markets, so farmers have been receiving low prices for their paddy, creating a mini crisis in the industry. In an interview with Guyana Times last week, GRDB General Manager Jagnarine Singh related that it was never one of the board’s responsibilities to find markets for rice.

Marketing plan

However, he added as time passed, the board spearheaded the inking of a contract between the Venezuelan and Guyanese governments to have rice exported to the neighbouring South American country.

The General Manager further related that an even larger percentage of funds received by the board goes into research and development. He noted that the research station is currently working on several new measures which will bring change to the rice industry, including new varieties of rice.

“It’s not that we don’t have a (marketing) plan, we have a plan, that plan is to try and reduce dependency on the Venezuelan mar-

kets…. last year, we exported 54 per cent of our rice there and this year, it’s just about 35 per cent.” Hence, he explained the current efforts to attract more markets. He highlighted that another part of the plan includes reducing production costs. He articulated that a reduction in the production costs will see a reduction in prices, thus attracting a larger market.

The GRDB head further said the PetroCaribe Project was another factor in the board’s plans. He said the initiative, which was piloted by the GRDB, saw a significant reduction in production costs.

When questioned about whether the fixed levy cost of $1200 will be waived for the Haitian shipment, Singh replied in the negative, stating that the money is not an actual levy but rather a checkoff fee.

He explained that this fee is paid to the board to ensure

that quality control standards are met.

Singh related that another portion of the levy monies would be put into research on soil samples and the regulatory aspects of work carried out by the board as it was duly mandated.

On a happier note, Singh lauded the efforts of Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana Reina Margarita Arratia Diaz. He noted that the Ambassador played a pivotal role in keeping the Venezuelan deal alive, stressing that had it not been for her diligent work, the deal would not have gone through.

The rice expert also related that the deal with the Belizean government is yet to be inked. He explained that rice experts from the Latin American country are still in Guyana looking into production and other aspects of rice production in this country before a deal is struck between the two governments.

Singh had earlier told Guyana Times that foreign buyers are demanding low prices owing to the surplus on the local market. He said on Monday that samples of the various rice varieties have been sent to several different markets as the board seeks alternative export markets for this year’s bumper harvest.

These markets, he explained, include Holland, England, and Portugal. He said although the countries currently import rice from Guyana, the board is looking to significantly increase the quantities.

Frustrated Mahaicony man commits suicide

One day after drinking a poisonous substance, a young man succumbed at the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital on Sunday just after midday leaving his relatives with several unanswered questions.

The deceased was identified as Roopchand Bisnauth, 20, of Dundee, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

While there is speculation about why he committed suicide, his relatives believe that it was due to depression and frustration. One day before he drank the substance, Bisnauth reportedly confided in his mother and brother that he was not sure what to do, since many people owed him money for work he had done for them. At no point, however, did he show any signs of wanting to commit suicide, relatives said.

On Saturday morning, Guyana Times understands, the young man went to his farm about 07:00h, along with his father and siblings. After some time, his father left him and it was during this time that he ingested the poisonous substance.

ferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, after he did not respond to treatment there, he was taken to the Dr Balwant Singh hospital where he was admitted.

There, as well, he did not respond to the treatment and as a result, took his last breath. The distraught father posited that it was after his son drank the poison that he was told about his confession. He described his son as a quiet person who did not get into the way of others.

Linden Hospital low on drugs –

board member, RDC concerned

By utamu Belle

Region 10 Health Committee Chairman

Maurice Butters said concerns are growing over the shortage of medical drugs and supplies at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).

Butters, who is also a member of the LHC Board and a Councillor of the Region 10 Democratic Council (RDC), said he is especially concerned, since no money from the most recent budgetary allocation of the LHC was sent back to the Government, but there is still the issue of drug shortage.

“It starts with the community not receiving (enough) drugs and medical supplies, to the extent that there was a shortage of things like gauzes, cotton wool and even needles... the interesting thing is, when there is a shortage, the hospital is given a budgetary allocation to buy drugs and medical supplies and when the purchase

is made, it’s made from companies, which have contractual arrangement with the Government to supply the same drugs to the medical institution,” he said.

The Health Committee

Chairman further noted that based on recent communications with the Regional Health Officer (RHO), there was need for a list of drugs, since that list was submitted to the RHO.

Butters said the Health Ministry is tasked with preparing an essential drugs list, as it decides what medical drugs or pharmaceuticals which are to be provided to medical institutions should be termed ‘essential’.

Expired drugs

“The purchases are based on that list. When you go to the hospital sometimes, the doctor may prescribe drugs that are outside of that essential list. The reason is that the drugs on the list are not as effective as those the doctor may prescribe,” he said.

Butters also alleged that when drugs from the essential list are supplied, they are sometimes too near their expiration date, already expired or imported from companies which are not internationally recognised.

He noted that this is the case, in some instances, with drugs which are being transported to outlying areas across Region 10. Drugs from the LHC are used to supply its sister hospitals as well as health centres across Region 10.

“They (hospitals) receive a large quantity, so by the time that can finish, the

drugs may already have expired and the cycle continues,” Butters said.

The Regional Health Committee Chairman related that he was also concerned about the burning of hospital waste, which is being done at the back of the old hospital complex, located only a few yards away from the current utilised building. He said residents in West Watooka area are complaining of being affected by the fumes.

Dangerous Additionally, he stated that there are concerns over porters attached to the hospital being called upon to cater to patients while disposing of solid waste and performing other manual duties.

“That is very dangerous for a medical institution, because you’re talking about cross-infection... because at that same time, a nurse may call them to deal with a patient. They sometimes are called when they are involved in jobs that require them to perspire a lot,” Butters said.

Recently, Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon and other Councillors within the RDC raised concerns over the issue of drug shortages at the LHC as well as other sister hospitals, including Kwakwani Hospital and the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH).

President Donald Ramotar had also recently expressed dissatisfaction over the poor management of drug supplies in the public health sector and the quantity of expired drugs which had to be dumped.

His father, who is known as “Dado”, on Monday told this publication that he was at home in the lower flat of the house when he felt water dripping down from above and thought that someone might have spilt water, so he went to check.

The man added that his wife has been in and out of consciousness since the tragic incident. Guyana Times understands that the young man and his mother had a close relationship.

Upon checking, he saw his son lying on the floor, so he enquired what had happened to him, but he did not respond. “Dado” said he called out to one of his wife’s aunts for advice and she said his son should be taken to the hospital. He was rushed to the Mahaicony Hospital where he was examined and the family was subsequently informed that he had ingested poison. He was then trans-

A post-mortem examination of the young man’s body is set for today.

This is the second such incident to have occurred within two days. In the first, a Mon Repos resident took his life after he learnt that his wife was unfaithful. The woman reportedly watched him tie the rope around his neck and jump from a rafter of the house. The scourge of suicide has been on the increase, despite many efforts to curb it.

Guyanese exporters not dependable – diplomats

By Jomo Paul

Foreign Affairs Minister

Carolyn RodriguesBirkett said suppliers of goods for export in Guyana were not consistent with their supplies and this has had a negative impact on the work of the ambassadors in marketing local produce globally.

In light of Guyana’s failure to secure rice markets, observers have questioned whether the country’s diplomats were doing enough to market our products.

In an editorial appearing in this newspaper last week, the writer noted that ever since the beginning of the present state system and the exchange of ambassadors, the selling of their nation’s products has been one of the primary functions of ambassadorial offices.

The writer observed that the local U.S. Embassy, for instance, is constantly “hocking their goods in this tiny country”.

What exactly are our diplomatic officers doing abroad when it comes to selling our products in general and rice in particular?, the writer asked, adding that “the Foreign Service has also for over a year been “executing” a diaspora programme funded by the International Office

for Migration. “Have they located any strategically positioned Guyanese abroad that might market our rice?”

In response, RodriguesBirkett said her diplomats have being doing a “great job” contending that buyers need the products on their shelves throughout the year and the local suppliers are principally unable to maintain the supply of goods. This, she explained, could be attributed to the lack of resources and high production costs in some instances. In other cases, she explained, interested investors contact the Embassy and are placed directly in contact with the Ministry responsible or GOInvest.

Direct contact Rodrigues-Birkett reiterated that the ambassadors of Guyana have been doing a stellar job at marketing Guyana’s produce. She noted that the work done by the ambassadors has led to several deals and contracts between local producers and international buyers. She also said that the role of the ambassadors is made less strenuous with the great advancement of technology and the fact that businesses are in direct contact via the Internet.

On that note, the Minister commended Guyana’s

Ambassador to Venezuela, Geoffrey Da Silva for his work in recent months which played a major role in ensuring that the contract with Venezuela and Guyana for the shipment of rice was honoured. “The continued contract with Venezuela is due, in no small part, to the effort of our Ambassador in Venezuela,” she said. Also uttering similar statements was Guyana Rice Development Board General Manager Jagnarine Singh. In a recent interview with Guyana Times, Singh noted that the Ambassador would have played a pivotal role in ensuring the contract survived another year.

As it relates to the other ambassadors, the General Manager affirmed that whenever a task was asked of any specific Ambassador, the task would be completed forthwith. “This is very redeeming work ethic on the behalf of the ambassadors,” said Singh. He explained that he is currently in talks with Guyana’s Consulate in Belize who spearheaded the Belizean contract which would see the weekly export of some 1500 tonnes of rice.

The contract came about after the Belizean Government estimated that there would be a significant decrease in the total yield for their crop this year. Hence, the country had sought to import rice to facilitate the expected shortage.

This is where the Consulate came in and made the impending deal possible. Last week, Belizean officials paid a visit to the local shores, travelling the length and breadth of the rice industry, inspecting the rice production process in Guyana.

It was explained that this process would aid in guaranteeing the contract being signed between the two South American Nations, hence strengthening bilateral relations.

Itinerant Spanish teacher lands in Guyana

By alexis Rodney

Some say being bilingual is a ticket to the world, and Mauricio Calatayud’s life is a testament to that.

The 40-year-old has been travelling the world since he was a teenager, depending on his many stints teaching Spanish and English to pay

his way. Holding impromptu language lessons throughout the United States, Europe, Morocco, Japan, Mexico, and the Caribbean, Calatayud earned enough money to pay

for food and lodging. But sometimes he was paid with a meal and a place to stay.

A gregarious man with a friendly laughter, Professor Calatayud’s journey has now landed him in Guyana, and for him it is a marvellous experience. “Everything that I read, and everything I saw is nothing to what I felt when I was outside the airport. I was completely blown away by the diversity and by the people’s kindness when I was looking for the Brazilian hostel, I just felt at home,” he told this publication, speaking about his first experience here.

In a recent interview with this newspaper, Calatayud explained that he was born in Mexico, but was taken to Chicago by his parents, who were both teachers. He travelled around with his father, observing his unique methods of teaching. He said it was

Green Bridge want Green Jah wuk

When lil pickney growin up, dem does get a lotta problems and pains. Old people does call that growin pains. But when yuh get big, yuh not supposed to get more growin pains, because yuh done grow up and turn big man and big woman. Growin pains does turn to old people pains.

But in Guyana, only some people does grow up. Some a dem does leff small. Dem does grow up and turn big only in size. Big in dem head, like de night time Pumpkin Man; big in dem mouth and tellin de nation lies, like de Headitor; and big in dem dreams and livin in another world, like Green Bridge.

But dem does be small in dem brains, like de Pumpkin Man who only want favours from de guvament; small like a slave when dem deh at de wuk place, like de Headitor especially when de Boss Man around; and small in common sense, like Green Bridge who callin fuh a “nasty” and “bloody war” in Parliament.

After all, common sense is not so common. And it definitely not common wid Green Bridge. It wasn’t common wid Green Jah de other day when he tell dem people at Geena and N-See-N that dem gon feel if de guvament can’t hear.

As fuh de Mayor-fuh-Life Green Ham, common sense is de most uncommonest ting. Green Ham want de mayor wuk, but he don’t want de wuk that come wid bein de mayor. It musbe that common sense not common with none a dem Greens.

Green Bridge musbe tink he is de Speaker because he talkin bout “our watch” in de House. But not even de Speaker does talk that way, so it musbe be some ting else that he tinkin. Is one a Green Bridge own Em-P pardna who does sit down next to he explain de problem. He seh Green Bridge does tink that he in de guvament.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! So it gon be blood and war time soon from Green Bridge! He definitely plannin to tek over de real Soldier Man wuk!

there his love for the art was birthed. “My father was like me in that he loved to travel and I was his co-pilot... But I noticed that my father was very shy speaking English, but could understand and write everything, so he’d always encourage me to have a technique like the one I’m using, just focusing on conversational skills.”

I love teaching

Calatayud’s aim now is to meet as many Guyanese as possible to teach the language he holds dear to his heart, free of cost. He stressed, “I’ve never believed I am the best teacher, but I know that I love what I do and people can sense it and if they can sense it I would like to offer,” he said. “I don’t care if it is a hostel, whether it is a Venezuelan embassy, I love teaching Spanish, and I love travelling and embracing people.”

The opportunity to follow his dream came after he was admitted into a training programme at the renowned Berlitz Language School in Chicago while he was still a teenager. He said the experience garnered from that prepared him for a life of excitement in and out of the classroom. Calatayud said through the school, he was able to travel to many States in America, embracing diverse cultures and practices. The Professor disclosed that his work has allowed him to meet some of the biggest names in Hollywood and he has even

worked with the President of the CBS Television Network. However, amid all this, Calatayud revealed, his joy came from meeting the simple people and doing what he loves best. “I decided that I have learnt from the corporate, I learnt from all these executives but I just want to be myself which is the “Back Packer” teacher. Of course I want to grow, of course I have expectations, I want to do a book and a documentary but all that without selling myself to any other,” he said. Calatayud said he has recently developed a hernia which, according to him, resulted from carrying heavy backpacks around. He said he is fortunate, however, to have his Cuban assistant Michel, who has been carrying his backpack for him. With tales like a near-kidnapping at the hands of astute Moroccan merchants, and a close call with a South Korean cult, Calatayud has plenty of stories to tell. He hopes to use Guyana as the main plot for his first book talking about his travels, and would like to include it in a video documentary.

Asked about his experience as a backpacker teacher, Calatayud said it has been amazing. He said he has made his life a journey and while he is not encouraging people to “pack up and go”, life is lived but once. “I am not telling people to do it as a lifestyle like me, but to do it at least once in their life,” he said.

HJ honours local artistes for ‘staying in the game’

By Bhisham mohamed

Local entertainment group Hits and Jams on Sunday evening honoured a number of local artistes for staying the course despite the limitations of the music industry here.

The awards were presented at the inaugural Hits and Jams Music Awards (HJ M-As) and BOOM Concert, held at the National Park.

Taking two awards for the evening was Jonathan “Lil Red” King for best songwriter and best music video for his Carib Soca Monarch

entry, “Who We Are?”.

The Best Calypso Award went to Lester “De Professor” Charles for his tune “The Truth”, while Fiona Singh was bestowed with the Best Chutney Song Award for “Start Wining”. The Best Producer Award was given to Ken Taylor for his song “Still In The Game”, which was performed by Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson to claim this year’s Soca Monarch title.

The best collaboration was “This Gal Can Wine” by Mystic featuring Jory Hector and Barbadian Soca

for his contributions to Mashramani. The award was collected by his sister who reminisced on the contributions made by her brother.

The Song of the Season award went to Edmondson for “Still In The Game”. Unfortunately, the reigning Carib Soca Monarch was not present to receive his award nor were Mystic, Kirk Brown and Jory. Those who received awards, apart from thanking the Almighty, thanked their managers and obviously Hits and Jams for recognising local talent.

Sensation, Kirk Brown. The Best Groovy Soca Award went to Shelly “G” for “Party Animal” and the Best Power Soca Award went to Adrian Dutchin with “Bend Over And Roll”.

The Best Newcomer Award went to Kemmy with her tune “Designated Winer”, while the Most Dynamic Performer Award went to Jumo Primo. A special award was presented to Burchmore Simon and an award was conferred on Trevor Rose

The award ceremony started after 22:00h, but before its commencement, those present were entertained by the Boom deejays and selectors. There were some excellent performances by local artistes and there were some that were extraordinarily “ghetto”.

As usual, X2 performed to the delight of the audience as they dished out a few of their songs and performed their individual hits. “Jook”

by Adrian Dutchin undoubtedly had the crowd going on as well as “On the Road” by Jumo Primo. They ended their short stint on stage with the popular “Tick Tack”. Vanilla stormed the stage with her piece “Yada Yada”, which had the crowd going wild. Dresswed in a skimpy pair of pants, she performed to the satisfaction of the audience. Another performer that was sober was “Lil Red” who performed his tune “Who We Are?”, among others. Just after midnight, the crowd erupted after James Bond took to the stage with

“Whine Pon Meh Button”. While he certainly lived up to his name, some felt that it was too obscene.

Shelly G followed in his footstep and at this point in time, it seems as though the BOOM concert turned erotic with some of the most unbelievable selections of lyrics. Lady “T” and her two counterparts did not do justice to the crowd and were booed after a while.

They tried to impress but it did not work. In addition, there was Magga Man who sang “Long One Pon Meh Bumpa” and as was seen in the Carib Soca Monarch contest, he stayed on one spot as he performed.

Lil Million was introduced to the crowd minutes before the curtains were pulled on the event and again, he was not too impressive, but others thought that he did the song justice as he jumped from one end to the other of the stage wearing dark shades.

The evening ended on a high note as Gully Ras and the emcee of the evening, Paul “Chow Pow” Jardine, clashed in a deejay faceoff but obviously, everyone knows who won. The de-

his tune, “Whine Pon Meh Button”. His tune had almost everyone moving on the tarmac of the National Park.

Then there were some unruly performances that were enjoyed by certain sections of the crowd. The “wickedee” man was extremely wicked on Saturday evening as he had another version of Bond’s

feat did not go down well, so “Chow Pow” offered a challenge for stand-up comedy.

The event did not have any major disturbance except for a little squabble between two ladies, resulting in a bra belonging to one of them ending up on the stage after it was ripped from her body.

Litter Prevention Regulations

TThe fine for an individual found littering in a public place is $50,000; for a corporate business it is $100,000

The fine for this offence is $30,000 or six months’ imprisonment.

The fine for failing to obey the notice to clean up a public or private premises is $20,000 and an additional $5000 for each day of non-compliance. Further, the guilty person will bear the cost of the litter removal if it is done by the Litter Warden. Repeat offenders will pay double the maximum fine for the offence committed or face three months' imprisonment.

Leaders urge at Holi festivities

President Donald Ramotar and Leader of the Opposition David Granger urged greater unity at the level of the National Assembly, when they joined hundreds of persons at the Indian Cultural Centre for the celebration of Phagwah.

Amid the celebrations at the Prashad Nagar location, President Ramotar said Holi removes the barriers and reminds Guyanese that they are all one people. In the name of unity, President Ramotar said Guyanese must work at all tiers of society to protect the country’s economy and simultaneously foster social development.

“I hope that we will have unity in the National Assembly…and pass the Anti-Money Laundering Bill and save our people from a lot of trouble,” Ramotar said to thunderous applause.

President Ramotar had spo-

ken just a few minutes after Granger who also called for national unity. In his brief remarks, he said, “Today, I hope that Holi brings us together not only for one day but for the remainder of the year in the National Assembly.”

In addition to the speeches, a cultural extravaganza unfolded at the Indian Cultural Centre with a variety of dances. It was also an occasion where Guyanese, Indians, Canadians, and Americans used abrac, abeer and other colourful substances to transmit the message of peace, love, and harmony. The Holi celebration also saw in attendance Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, A Partnership for National Unity Member of

urge unity festivities

minutes after for nabrief reI hope togethbut for in the speechextravaganza unCultural dances. where Canadians, abrac, colourful submessage harmony. The in atSamuel Minister Education Manickchand, Minister Partnership Member of

Parliament Jaipaul Sharma and City Mayor Hamilton Green among others.

Speaking with Guyana Times during the celebration, the Education Minister, who was covered in abrac, said Holi serves as a remembrance that the human race should be living together. “It is a great opportunity for us to refresh our souls…” Accompanying Minister Manickchand were several relatives, including Emile who hails from Canada. “It is really nice, I love the weather and the way everybody gets together,” Emile said as she commented on her first Phagwah celebration.

This publication also caught up with the Legal Affairs Minister who extended best wishes. He said as Holi is celebrated, persons must remember the significance and the fundamental principals associated

with the festival of Phagwah where good will always triumph over evil.

“If we are going to incorporate that into our everyday life, one would recognise how important such a message is and one, perhaps, would have a greater appreciation for the significance of Phagwah.” He said too that Phagwah is now a universal festival celebrated across ethnic barriers and religious boundaries.

The City Mayor had similar sentiments. “It is a good movement and I hope it is not just for today and I hope that our people will learn the importance of unity in a multicultural society.”

He recalled that as a child, Holi was primarily observed in selective Hindu communities, and expressed happiness that it is being observed countrywide in today’s society.

Regional

Former FIU director designate: TT at risk of being blacklisted

enough of the standards or recommendations of the FATF it would go on the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) list. If that happens, he said TT would be regularly evaluated and monitored. “We don’t have any convictions. We don’t have any prosecutions on money laundering and that is what they are looking at now.

If the TT Government fails to begin prosecuting people under the money laundering laws, TT runs the risk of being blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Cahill Energy to boost Barbados economy with US$240M clean energy plant

GThe warning was issued by former director designate of Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) David West who pleaded with parliamentarians to work together to ensure the legislation is enforced.

He was speaking at the launch of the first local Chapter of Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) at Soongs Great Wall

Restaurant in San Fernando on Saturday. West said the fourth round of FATF evaluation was in 2015 and the country was not ready because there had been no prosecutions and no convictions for money laundering.

In an interview afterwards, West explained that if TT was not compliant in

“Previously, we were getting all the legislation in place and we have legislation but now it’s time to get the investigations and prosecutions going. “It is highly likely that we could be back on on the ICRG list and if nothing happen in the near future we could be blacklisted.” He said the FATF would issue a bulletin saying TT had failed to comply with certain standards and advise countries not to do business here. “It hits the man on the street,” he added. (Excerpt from TT Guardian)

Venezuela unrest toll rises as soldier is shot in head

AVenezuela National Guard captain died on Monday after being shot in the head during a demonstration, the military said, the 29th fatality in six weeks of clashes between protesters and security forces.

General Padrino Lopez, head of the armed forces’ strategic operational command, said the captain was shot late on Sunday at a street barricade set up by demonstrators in the central city of Maracay, in Aragua state.

“He was another victim of terrorist violence,” Lopez said on Twitter, calling for an end to the confrontations.

“Our armed forces don’t repress peaceful protests, they protect them... Much more Venezuelan blood would have been shed if it were not for the responsible actions of our National Guard.”

Since early February, students and hardline opposition leaders have been calling supporters onto the streets to protest against President Nicolas Maduro and his socialist government. A national guard holds a bottle of

molotov cocktail at Altamira square in Caracas March 17

The demonstrators are demanding political change and an end to high inflation, shortages of basic foods and one of the worst rates of violent crime in the world.

The protests, however, show no signs of toppling Maduro, a 51-year-old former bus driver who narrowly won an election in April 2013 to replace his late friend and mentor, Hugo Chávez.

The armed forces seem to be firmly behind Maduro, and the protesters are far

fewer than those who took to the streets a decade ago to oust Chávez, albeit briefly. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, are deeply divided over the current confrontations.

During the daytime, thousands of Opposition supporters have marched peacefully. Then a masked hard core has been emerging in the evenings, especially in wealthier eastern Caracas, to fight running battles with riot police and the National Guard.

Tareck El Aissami, governor of Aragua state and a member of the ruling

Socialist Party, said authorities arrested a “Chinese mercenary” near where the National Guard captain was killed.

“This terrorist was captured carrying a firearm – a Glock pistol, and we found an arsenal in his home,” Aissami said, showing video of hundreds of rounds of different calibres.

“We also seized a revolver, advanced telecoms systems, two-way radios, military uniforms, helmets, balaclavas and tear gas canisters,” the governor said, adding the haul was “irrefutable proof” the opposition had violent plans.

Aissami gave the man’s Venezuelan identity card number, but did not elaborate on the raid or where the man was from originally. The Government has often talked about alleged assassination plans, rarely with many details.

Supporters of both political camps, and several members of the security forces, have been killed. Hundreds of people have been injured, and more than 1500 have been arrested. (Excerpt from Reuters)

80 per cent of Colombian drugs gets to U.S.

The U.S. does not have the ships and surveillance capabilities to go after the illegal drugs flowing into the U.S. from Latin America, the top military commander for the region told senators last week, adding that the lack of resources means he has to “sit and watch it go by.”

General John Kelly told

the Senate Armed Services Committee that he is able to get about 20 per cent of the drugs leaving Colombia for the U.S., but the rest gets through.

Aided by surveillance planes, radar, human intelligence capabilities and other assets, Kelly said he has “very good clarity” on the drug traffickers who are moving the drugs out of

Colombia and through the Caribbean Sea. But much of the time, he said, “I simply sit and watch it go by. And because of service cuts, I don’t expect to get any immediate relief in terms of assets to work with in this region of the world.”

Kelly, who heads U.S. Southern Command, said he would be able to interdict more drugs if he had

16 ships that could be used as the base for helicopters. Generally, law enforcement officials use the helicopters to quickly go after traffickers operating small boats, forcing them to stop and surrender. Currently, Kelly said he has one U.S. Navy ship and two Coast Guard vessels that can be used for the drug operations. (Excerpt from Yahoo!)

uernsey-based Cahill Energy is delighted to announce it signed a historic agreement with the Barbados Government on March 15 to build and operate a leading edge clean energy plant on the Caribbean island. Established to finance, build, own and operate utility-scale Waste to Energy plants in key markets, Cahill Energy plans to utilise the most innovative technology available to transform all kinds of waste on Barbados into clean, renewable energy.

Cahill Energy expects to invest up to US$240 million in the proposed plant which is set to be built in Vaucluse, St Thomas, creating up to 650 skilled labour jobs, stimulating growth across the island and pro-

viding the Government of Barbados with several hundred million dollars in estimated savings over the lifetime of the 30-year contract. Clare Cowan, CEO of Cahill Energy, commented: “Cahill Energy began exploring Waste to Energy in 2011 and our attention was directed towards the Caribbean by 7th Heaven Properties. While we recognise the country faces some short term challenges due to the impact of the global economic downturn, we believe the fundamentals are strong. We are therefore confident that this investment represents a phenomenal business opportunity for our investors and offers even greater benefits to the people of Barbados.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Sugar crop hinges on wage talks in Jamaica

The Sugar Producers Federation (SPF) and the three unions representing some 4000 employees headed back to the Labour and Social Security Ministry on Monday morning, hoping to sign off finally on issues which could make or break this year’s sugar crop.

The parties were anxious to reach an agreement when they met at the Ministry last Thursday and, after the meeting, improved offers covering wages and other basic line items in the unions’ 27-point claim moved the parties much closer to a settlement. However, a number of sub-issues, including the demand by workers for a realignment of differentials affected by the recent increase in the national minimum wage, have stalled a possible set-

tlement until Monday.

A source at the SPF told the Jamaica Observer that the sugar companies are anxious to get the issues settled, in order to get on with the 2013/14 sugar crop, which has already been hampered by drought and late starts.

But spokesmen for the trade unions, including deputy island supervisor for the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), Harold Brown, say that they also want to see the crop accelerated, but insist that unless critical issues are addressed, there is always the danger of industrial action.

The National Workers Union (NWU) and the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) are the other two unions representing sugar workers.

Putin signs decree declaring Crimea a ‘sovereign’ state

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed a decree declaring Crimea as a “sovereign and independent” state one day after the region voted to separate from Ukraine in a disputed referendum condemned by Kiev and the West.

Putin’s declaration comes just hours after both the United States and the European Union imposed the heaviest sanctions against Russia since the Cold War, targeting

Rahul

high-profile Russian and Ukrainian officials with travel bans and asset freezes for supporting Sunday’s fast-track vote.

Ukraine’s turmoil has become Europe’s most severe security crisis in years and tensions have been high since Russian troops seized control of Crimea, which has now decided to merge with Russia. Russian troops are also massed near the border with Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine’s acting presi-

dent raised tensions on the ground by calling for the activation of some 20,000 military reservists and volunteers across the country and for the mobilisation of another 20,000 in the recently formed National Guard.

In the Crimean capital of Simferopol, ethnic Russians applauded the referendum that overwhelmingly called for secession and for joining Russia.

The U.S., the EU and Ukraine’s new Government do not recognise the referendum, which was called hastily as Ukraine’s political crisis deepened with the ouster of pro-Russia President Viktor Yanukovych following months of protests and sporadic bloodshed. In addition to calling the vote itself illegal, the Obama administration said there were “massive anomalies” in balloting that returned a 97 per cent “yes” vote for joining Russia. (Excerpt from France24)

Gandhi gives rare interview in bid to appear approachable before polls

Rahul Gandhi, the scion of India’s most famous and powerful political dynasty, has revealed a dislike of Hollywood films, a taste for non-fiction books, and no immediate plans to marry.

Gandhi, who is currently leading the campaign of the beleaguered ruling Congress party to win a third term in power at elections due to start next month, has only given a handful of interviews in recent years. The 43-yearold, who is single and childless, has rarely commented

on his personal life. But in an interview with the Press Trust of India, the former management consultant said: “When I find the right girl, I will get married… Right now I am engaged in fighting the elections. Unfortunately I have not been focused on [my] private life.”

Gandhi, who has a reputation as being fonder of theoretical thinking than the bruising day-to-day tussle of politics in the world’s second most populous country, said he was a keen read-

Primark to pay US$10M to Bangladesh victims

ritish clothes retail -

Ber Primark will pay a further US$10 million in compensation to victims of the collapse of a Bangladeshi factory last year that killed more than 1100 people.

The disaster has galvanised most of the clothing industry’s big names to work together to improve safety standards, but many brands have shunned a fund that is trying to raise US$40 million for the more than 2000 people injured and the families of the dead.

Campaigners are demanding that 27 brands linked to factories in the Rana Plaza complex should contribute to the fund run by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) by the first anniversary of

the April 24 collapse, the Reuters news agency reported.

Primark has already paid US$2 million in shortterm financial support and food distribution.

It said it would pay out the extra US$10 million in long-term compensation, which includes US$9 million directly to the 580 workers of its supplier in Rana Plaza, or their dependants, and another US$1 million to the fund.

The company said cash payments to the workers of its supplier, New Wave Bottoms, would begin this week, with the amount to be paid based on estimates of lost earnings for the dependants of those killed and on the level of disability for those injured. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Malaysian

airplane investigators look at suicide as possible motive

The co-pilot of a missing Malaysian jetliner spoke the last words heard from the cockpit, the airline’s chief executive said on Monday, as investigators consider suicide by the captain or first officer as one possible explanation for the disappearance.

No trace of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 has been found since it vanished on March 8 with 239 people aboard. Investigators are increasingly convinced it was diverted perhaps thousands of miles off course by someone with deep knowledge of

the Boeing 777-200ER and commercial navigation.

A search unprecedented in its scale is now under way for the plane, covering an area stretching from the shores of the Caspian Sea in the north to deep in the southern Indian Ocean.

Airline chief executive Ahmad Jauhari Yahya also told a news conference that it was unclear exactly when one of the plane’s automatic tracking systems had been disabled, appearing to contradict the weekend comments of government ministers.

Suspicions of hijacking or sabotage had hardened further when officials said on Sunday that the last radio message from the plane - an informal “all right, good night” – was spoken after the tracking system, known as “ACARS”, was shut down.

“Initial investigations indicate it was the co-pilot who basically spoke the last time it was recorded on tape,” Ahmad Jauhari said on Monday, when asked who it was believed had spoken those words. (Excerpt from Reuters)

China dismisses UN report on North Korea ‘crimes’

China has dismissed a UN report alleging that North Korea has committed crimes against humanity, raising fears among human rights activists that it will shield its ally Pyongyang from international prosecution.

er though his literary diet included “too much non-fiction” and “too much about things related to my work… history, geography, political affairs… a lot about the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan and China”.

With only weeks to go before voting starts, the Congress party is struggling to make a dent in the apparent dominance of the main opposition candidate: 63-year-old Narendra Modi, from the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata party.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

Chen Chuandong, a member of China’s mission in Geneva, told the UN Human Rights Council on Monday that the independent commission of inquiry made unfounded accusations and made recommendations that were “divorced from reality”.

The report, published in February, accused the country of killings and torture comparable to Naziera atrocities and said officials, possibly even Supreme Leader Kim Jongun himself, should face the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“The inability of the commission to get support and cooperation from the

member China would have the power to veto any move to refer North Korea to the ICC

country concerned makes it impossible for the commission to carry out its mandate in an impartial, objective and effective manner,” Chen said.

China, as a member of the UN Security Council, would have the power to veto any move to refer North Korea to the Haguebased ICC. Diplomats had already warned China was likely to object to the re-

port, which also criticised Beijing for its treatment of North Korean defectors, the Reuters news agency reported.

The chief author of the report, retired Australian judge Michael Kirby, had opened the debate by challenging the UN to act to stop crimes against humanity that he said ranked among the worst in modern history. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

U.S. forces seize tanker carrying oil from Libya rebel port

U.S. Special Forces have seized a tanker that fled with a cargo of oil from a Libyan

port, the U.S. Department of Defence said on Monday, halting an attempt by rebels to sell petroleum on

the global market.

Libyan rebels demanding a greater share of oil wealth managed to load crude onto the ship, which escaped Libya’s navy, embarrassing the Government and prompting parliament to sack the Prime Minister.

U.S. Navy SEALs boarded the Morning Glory tanker in international waters off Cyprus on Sunday night and took control of the vessel, which the Pentagon said was held by three armed Libyans.

The tanker’s seizure by U.S. forces is likely to prevent any more attempted oil sales by the rebels, who in August seized three export terminals accounting previously for 700,000 barrels a day of exports.

No one was hurt in the tanker raid, which was approved by U.S. President Barack Obama and requested by the Libyan and Cypriot Governments, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said.

“The Morning Glory is carrying a cargo of oil owned by the Libyan Government National Oil Company. The ship and its cargo were illicitly obtained” from the Libyan port of Es Sider, his statement said. The standoff over control of OPEC member Libya’s oil is one facet of wider turmoil that has engulfed the vast North African country since the civil war that led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi nearly three years ago. (Excerpt from MSN)

Africa

The Capital of Paradise

1 fishing vessel docked for the first time this year on Friday with a 10,000 pound haul of blue marlin, yellow fin tuna and albacore, from this catch, 7000 pounds will be exported to the United States as high-grade fish and the rest will be sold on the local market. “Every trip we basically bring in about ten to twelve thousand pounds of fish. We export some and

North America

the by-catch is sold on the local market in Tobago,” said Llewellyn Ellis, who has captained the vessel for the last three years.

The vessel is owned and operated by the Fish Processing Company of Tobago Limited (FIPCOT), a special-purpose company set up by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) in 2009 to support the development of a Tobago-based commercial fishing industry. Fisherman

Lorris Horsford, who also works on the vessel, said “FIPCOT was designed to create employment and training for people in the industry, and to help Tobago fishermen see fishing as a proper business”.

FIPCOT’s mandate is to help develop and diversify Tobago’s commercial fishing industry by making it more efficient and competitive and by reducing the seasonality of fishing activities. (Trinidad Guardian)

Tanzania’s membership in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has opened an important door for the South African firm, Trellidor, to penetrate and expand its business wings in Tanzania.

Trellidor Tanzania Country Manager Ryan Atkinson said at the weekend in Dar es Salaam that SADC region offers good trade and investment opportunities to invest in Tanzania. Trellidor is an international company

Asia

U.S. car manufacturer

General Motors (GM) expects to spend nearly US$300 million (£180 million) in the first quarter to repair vehicles affected by its recent recalls. The firm set aside the amount on Monday as it announced three separate recalls affecting nearly 1.5 million vehicles. That follows the 1.6 million vehicles it called back last month over faulty ignition switches.

GM is facing an investigation over its handling of the recall over the faulty switch-

Europe

Vodafone has agreed to buy Spain’s largest cable operator Ono for 7.2 billion euros (US$10 billion), the latest hefty deal in a European telecoms sector starting to rebuild as the region recovers from a recession.

The British group said on Monday it would use some of the US$130 billion proceeds from the sale of its U.S. arm to acquire Ono, with a superfast cable network and 1.9 million customers, to create a stronger challenger to market

Market

es which can disable airbags. “I asked our team to redouble our efforts on our pending product reviews, bring them forward and resolve them quickly,” said Mary Barra, Chief Executive of the firm, in a statement.

The recall announced on Monday affects the following models:

* 1.18 million vehicles, including 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook, over problems with

deployment of side airbags.

* 303,000 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana from the 2009 – 2014 model years with gross vehicle weights of 10,000 pounds or less as they do not comply with a head impact requirement for unrestrained occupants.

* 63,900 Cadillac XTS fullsize sedan from the 2013 and 2014 model years to fix a problem that could lead to overheating, melting of plastic components and a possible engine compartment fire. (BBC News)

Toyota Motor Corp’s Indian unit has declared a lockout of its workers at two car plants after strained salary negotiations spurred workers to stop production lines. Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) in a statement said it has locked out workers at the plants near Bangalore since Sunday. It did not state for how long the lockout will continue.

Over the past 25 days, some workers have stopped production lines and disrupt-

Middle East

that manufactures security materials as well as motorised aluminium shutters.

“Without the community our job would be more difficult due to various different conditions set by the different governments. We are happy that Tanzania’s membership in SADC has simplified matters and offered us this opportunity to bring our products to the Tanzania’s public,” said Atkinson. He said it was important that the country continue sticking in the SADC block that

has over 15 countries and offers good investment opportunities in the region for international firms as well as increases the competition in the market. He said just like any other country, Tanzania has many opportunities to grow economically if more investors have financial muscle to invest. However, he said, they were excited to be present in the Tanzanian market and strongly believe that their products offered the best choice. (allAfrica)

ed business as the management, labour union and local government failed to reach an agreement over salaries, TKM said.

“The company is left with no other option but to declare a lockout of the premises to ensure the safety of its workers and management personnel,” TKM said.

Tokyo-based Toyota Motor spokesman Naoki Sumino said the unit and union will continue holding talks to resolve the issue. If operations

are suspended, that would result in a production loss of 700 vehicles a day, Sumino said.

TKM manufactures vehicles including the Fortuner and Innova at its first plant, where production started in 1997. At the second plant, which opened in 2010, it makes cars including the Etios and Corolla Altis. Toyota is not the first Japanese car maker to be hit by labour relations troubles in India. (Times of India)

leader Telefonica. The deal for private equity-owned Ono is Vodafone’s third purchase of a European fixed-broadband asset in two years, following similar moves in Britain and Germany, enabling it to offer fixed-line and mobile services, pay-TV and broadband, while saving money on building and operating its networks. The agreement, which comes as the French market undergoes a similar transformation, could also spark more consolidation

within Spain as players such as France’s Orange seek out acquisitions to avoid falling behind.

Orange has been linked with Jazztel, Spain’s fourthbiggest telecoms operator, while Yoigo, owned by Sweden’s Teliasonera, is also seen as a likely target, analysts say. Shares in Vodafone were up 1.4 per cent in midday trading, outperforming the FTSE 100 index, and shareholders have generally been supportive. (Reuters)

Dubai’s Jumeirah Group on Monday said it has signed a management agreement with GT Land Holdings to operate 169 luxury serviced residences, in addition to the 207-room luxury Jumeirah Guangzhou Hotel, which is nearing completion in China. The agreement between was signed at a ceremony held at the Burj al Arab attended by Su Meng, chairman of GT Land, and Gerald Lawless, president and Group CEO of Jumeirah Group.

The previously announced

207-room five-star luxury Jumeirah Guangzhou Hotel is scheduled to open in 2015 and will feature 10 food and beverage outlets, a Sky lobby on the 49th floor and banquet and conference centre.

The 169 serviced residences will be located in a separate low-rise West Tower and are scheduled to open in 2015, the company said in a statement. Set in a prime location on the intersection of Hua Cheng Avenue and in the centre of New Pearl City Tian He District, East Guangzhou, the

apartment and hotel complex is located in a rapidly growing commercial centre and upscale hotel district. Meng said: “We are honoured to announce the Jumeirah Group will manage our serviced apartments in addition to the Jumeirah Guangzhou Hotel in the heart of the new central business district. Jumeirah’s arrival in Guangzhou will help satisfy the demand for luxury accommodation in Guangzhou’s developing upscale hotel district.” (Arabianbusiness)

There is only one combination of facts that makes it advisable for a company to repurchase its shares: First, the company has available funds – cash plus sensible borrowing capacity – beyond the near-term needs of the business and, second, finds its stock selling in the market below its intrinsic value, conservatively-calcu-

lated. To this we add a caveat: Shareholders should have been supplied all the information they need for estimating that value. Otherwise, insiders could take advantage of their uninformed partners and buy out their interests at a fraction of true worth.

We have, on rare occasions, seen that happen. Usually, of course, chicanery is employed to drive stock prices up, not down. The business “needs” that I speak of are of two kinds: First, expenditures that a company must make to maintain its competitive position, and second, optional outlays, aimed at business growth, that management expects will produce more than a dollar of value for each dollar spent.

(Business Dictionary)

The generation of people born during the 1980s and early 1990s. The name is based on Generation X, the generation that preceded them. Members of Generation Y are often referred to as “echo boomers” because they are the children of parents born during the baby boom (the “baby boomers”). Because children born during this time period have had constant access to technology (computers, cellphones) in their youth, they have required many employers to update their hiring strategy in order to incorporate updated forms of technology. Also called millennials, echo boomers, Internet generation, iGen, net generation.

Several injured in EBD smash-up

Ahorrific accident on the East Bank of Demerara on Monday has left at least eight persons nursing injuries, with three being listed as critical.

The injured were identified as: Sharay Busby,16; Anthony Singh, 21; Brandon Ramon, 19; Fairy Ramdat, 19; Ranatta Ragabeer, 23; Tambika Bowan; 21; Jugraj Singh; Gabriel Hassan; Imran Khan; and Avanash Lazarus. Up to press time, Guyana Times was unable to determine who were the three listed as critical by the authorities.

The accident occurred at approximately 15:30h on the East Bank Demerara Public Road in the vicinity of Mc Doom when a Toyota Tundra suffered a blowout with approximately 11 persons onboard.

After the blowout, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, resulting in it toppling several times before coming to a halt on its side. The occupants of the vehicle had reportedly left Seeta’s Bar at Station Street, Kitty and were on their way to the National Stadium, Providence to participate in the Phagwah celebrations there.

When this newspaper arrived on the scene, public-spirited Guyanese were rushing the injured to the Georgetown Public Hospital. There were spots of blood and pieces of the shattered windscreen all over the roadway. There were also two coolers with alcoholic beverages at the scene.

At the hospital, relatives of the injured lashed out at the administration over the presumably poor and sloppy service offered to the injured. The victims

Some of the injured men being transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital

evidently waited hours before they were giving medical attention.

One of the injured young men, Anthony Singh, who lives at Lot 10 Garnett Street, Kitty, lay helplessly on a stretcher in the Accident and Emergency Unit which triggered an outburst from his family members.

He had arrived at the hospital shortly after the accident and up to 17:30h, he was still awaiting medical attention. Frustrated over the situation, his father said “this is madness”. Singh’s family later decided to take him to another medical institution.

Meanwhile, Busby, a student of the Brickdam Secondary School, was sent to the X-Ray Department upon her arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Shortly after leaving that department, she reportedly collapsed in the washroom within the emergency section and was taken to a chair that is used by

personnel of the medical facility; she was later asked to move.

This triggered another reaction from relatives who said the teenager was not even offered a wheelchair in spite of her condition. Later, the teen walked out of the hospital’s compound with blood dripping down her body.

A hospital official told Guyana Times that the ‘staggered’ staff was busy attending to several other victims who were involved in another accident on the East Coast of Demerara. The official added that while the institution is committed to providing the best health care to the citizens; sometimes, there are other serious cases that have to be attended to.

The official explained that when persons are taken to the medical facility, their condition is assessed and a decision is taken with respect to priority cases.

The police have since launched an investigation into the accident.

Essequibians calling for more interventions to combat suicide

Residents on the Essequibo Coast are of the view that suicide can be reduced if more structured interventions are made by the relevant authorities.

This is according to a survey done by the American University for Peace Studies, in collaboration with Guyana Teaching Service Commission head Leila Ramson, American University of Research Project Officer Jennel Williams, and Guyana Professional Counselling Association Coordinator Zairol Neisha.

The university announced the recent survey findings during a press briefing. The research was part of the institution’s initiative to address mental health issues in Guyana and was conducted by 11 psychology diploma students and two professors from the university.

The programme was initiated by American University of Research President, Dr Eton Simon, along with prominent psychologist and counsellor, Dr Yaswantie Beekhoo. The survey was done to collect information on some of the contributing factors to suicide, its effects, and possible solutions.

Contributing factors

Speaking at the press conference, Dr Simon stated: “We believe that the first step in getting to the root cause of any situation is to first examine the contributing factors before determining a solution.

“There are lots of solutions to address suicidal issues, but we have to find a solution that would work with our people in this country. We believe that each person has what it takes to transform themselves, but the transformation must start with you. Be aware of what is causing you to behave the way you do; be aware of what is triggering your thoughts; how your thoughts are affecting your emotions; and how your emotions are affecting your response to others.”

According to the 2370 respondents’ experiences, 24 per

cent of suicides were as a result of relationship problems; 22 per cent by domestic issues, that is disagreements between parent and child; 19 per cent by frustration and two per cent by unemployment and financial difficulties.

Forty per cent of the respondents were directly connected to suicide victims while 20 per cent knew or had knowledge of someone who had committed or attempted suicide.

Responses showed that 34 per cent of suicide victims attempted or died due to poison, while 25 per cent died by hanging. This was due to the fact that many residents are farmers and pesticides and insecticides are a norm in many homes.

Education and counselling

Education and counselling were necessary, since 14 per cent of the respondents thought that suicide was the best option to get rid of or escape from life problems and six per cent have previously thought of, attempted, or are thinking of committing suicide.

Fifty-six per cent of the respondents are calling for the relevant authorities to initiate programmes on the Essequibo Coast to combat suicide, since they believe that enough is not being done to educate and or provide advice to young adults, particularly those between the ages of 16 and 20 who are more susceptible to suicidal thoughts and actions.

Participants of the survey believe that counselling (31 per cent); sensitisation and education (14 per cent); provision of recreational facilities and activities (14 per cent); creation of employment (six per cent); and religious organisations’ involvement and parent coaching (six per cent) will go a long way in reducing the high rates of suicide in the Cinderella County.

They opined that proper guidance and counselling facilities are not present and as a result, frustrated persons tended to commit suicide, since they

Bajan charged for Guyanese woman’s murder

Police have arrested and charged Andrew Pollard, 28, of Mahaica Gap, Green Hill, St Michael, Barbados for the murder of Guyanese Onicka Gulliver.

The partially nude and decomposing body of Gulliver, 23, was found in a bushy area of Vaucluse, St Thomas last Friday after going missing from her Station Hill, St Michael home last Wednesday.

Police reports indicated that she was sexually assaulted, beaten, and strangled. Pollard appeared at the District A Magistrate Court Monday and was remanded until March 26 to reappear at District D Magistrate Court.

In addition, two male police who were sought regarding a serious criminal matter have turned themselves in. The identities of the men have not been revealed, but

police reports indicate the men turned themselves in at the Hastings Police Station around 11:00h in the company of an attorney.

Public Relations Officer of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF), David Welch had told Guyana Times, in a telephone interview, that the police were informed about the woman’s disappearance

after her mother lodged a missing person’s report. He said an investigation was launched, but proved futile until Friday morning when the woman’s partially decomposed body was found.

He could not verify whether or not, the suspect was related to the woman or had any connection to her. In May last, Brenda

Duncan Taylor Belle, 64, of St Barnabas Settlement, Bridgetown, Barbados and formerly of Lot 50 Russell Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, was brutally stabbed to death by her estranged husband who subsequently ingested a poisonous substance.

The accused, Allan Alston Belle, 58, a landscaper of St Barnabas Heights, St Michael, was a few days later charged for the woman’s murder and was remanded to prison. The woman’s home was also set alight. It was reported that on the night of the fatal stabbing, the victim left her home and was visiting a male friend who resides at Cutting Road in Haggatt Hall, St Michael.

During her visit at the friend’s house, her husband arrived and repeatedly called out to her. He then began to break the windows of the home, with the aim of

getting into the house.

Fearful for their lives, Belle and her male companion rushed out of the house, but the suspect ran behind them.

The man managed to escape, while Belle was cornered by her estranged husband who pulled out a knife and stabbed her several times about her body. She reportedly died on the spot.

have no one to talk to or guide them through their precarious circumstances.

The Essequibians further reiterated their need for recreational facilities, relating that the youth population has nothing productive to occupy their time. They explained that due to the lack of facilities and productive activities, they take part in all sorts of activities which become too precarious for them to cope with and some take their lives to escape the consequences. They believe that with interventions from the Human Services Ministry, interested organisations and other stakeholders, the growing number of suicides can be addressed and lowered.

The residents remarked that they will welcome any initiative that can end the growing phenomenon.

Anti-suicide courses Over the period 2009 to 2013, 498 cases of attempted suicide were reported on the Essequibo Coast, 406 were treated, 25 died from hanging, and 67 died from consumption of poisonous substances.

While the residents are awaiting interventions from the relevant parties, the American University for Peace Studies will be initiating a series of courses and initiatives to combat this issue. It is expect-

ed that these courses will provide basic information regarding self-realisation, assist the families of victims, and help individuals to make informed choices and decisions through guidance and counselling.

In addition, a youth movement is expected to be launched in which survivors of suicide attempts will provide lectures and talk of their experiences in an attempt to highlight the truth of suicide.

The University, with the help of other contributing agencies, is currently constructing a help centre to provide moral support, counselling and guidance – over the phone, Internet and in person to those desirous of accessing the programme. The University will also be moving to sensitise people on the issue through television programmes and frequent outreaches to suicide-prone areas.

Residents, when told of the plans, expressed great hope and satisfaction, conceding that it will go a long way in the reduction of the epidemic that has been taking over their region. The continuous initiative is expected to be launched in Berbice at the end of the month.

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Jonathan Trott Ashes walkout was a con – Michael Vaughan

Jonathan Trott’s decision to leave England’s Ashes tour when he was fit to play was a “con”, according to former captain Michael Vaughan.

The 32-year-old batsman left Australia in November, with officials citing a “stress-related illness”.

“He did not fight and got on a plane and went home... it is harsh but that is the reality,” said Vaughan.

Trott has since revealed he was “burnt out”, but not depressed.

“I feel a little bit conned. We were told Jonathan’s problems in Australia were a stress-related illness he had suffered for years,” said Vaughan.

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Writing in his Daily Telegraph column, the Test Match Special pundit, who captained England between 2003 and 2008, added: “We were allowed to believe he was struggling with a serious mental health issue and treated him with sensitivity and sympathy.

“He was struggling for cricketing reasons and not mental - and there is a massive difference.

“I have friends who have been diagnosed with depression. They have an illness that is invisible to others but can be debilitating. I do not think Trott realises just how important an issue it is.”

Before leaving the Ashes tour, Trott scored 19 runs in two innings dur-

ing England’s first Test defeat and struggled against the bowling of Mitchell Johnson.

His display in Brisbane was described as “poor and weak” by Australia’s David Warner, who also claimed England’s batsmen had “scared eyes”.

England captain Alastair Cook described Warner’s comments as “disrespectful”, while then coach Andy Flower said they had no bearing on Trott’s decision to leave.

The visitors went on to suffer a 5-0 whitewash in the Ashes Test series before losing 4-1 in the one-day internationals and 3-0 in the Twenty20 series.

For Vaughan, Trott’s decision to walk away was the wrong one.

“What Trott will have to accept is that players in his own dressing room and in the opposition will look at him and think at the toughest of times he did a runner,” said Vaughan.

“Trott was failing on the biggest stage and he admitted that the previous occasion he suffered burnout was in South Africa in 2009-10, the only other time he has faced top-quality fast bowling.

“He was in a bad state mentally in both series but also technically.

Until he corrects the faults in his game against fast bowling, he will not get any better.

“He did not fight and got on a plane and went home. It is harsh but that is the reality.” (BBC Sport)

Steven Gerrard: Liverpool are genuine title contenders

Captain Steven Gerrard says Liverpool are “genuine contenders” for the Premier League title after they beat Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford.

If Liverpool needed to deliver a defining mission statement that they can stand alongside any of the challengers for the Premier League title on their own terms, they produced it most emphatically to humiliate Manchester United in their own self-styled ‘Theatre Of Dreams’.

Gerrard scored two penalties and could even afford to miss a third, before Luis Suarez rounded off the scoring.

“We’ve showed that we are genuine contenders and we are going to fight to the end for this,” said the midfielder.

Liverpool have not won the league title since 1990

but are now only four points off leaders Chelsea.

The Blues, who have played a game more than Liverpool, were beaten by Aston Villa on Saturday.

Liverpool have won eight of their past 10 league matches and still have home games against favourites Manchester City and Chelsea on 13 April

and 27 April to come. Gerrard felt Liverpool were completely dominant at Old Trafford as they won at the ground for the first time since their 4-1 success in March 2009.

The 33-year-old urged his team-mates to replicate the same level of performance in forthcoming matches. (BBC Sport)

Indian Wells: Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer in final

Novak Djokovic fought back to beat Roger Federer in a deciding tie-break 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7-3) in the BNP Paribas Open final in Indian Wells.

The Serb, 26, lost the opening set but, despite not being at his best, clawed his way back to win the event for the third time.

Djokovic failed to serve out for the match at 5-4 in the third, but kept his nerve to comfortably win the tiebreak.

It was revenge for his loss to Federer in Dubai last month.

Djokovic said: “It was a proud achievement. It was not just winning the trophy but the way I came back from a set down in a couple of matches. That gives me a lot of confidence.”

A single break decided the opening two sets, but the game burst into life in a thrilling decider.

Trailing in the final set after dropping his serve in the third game, Federer broke back to keep his hopes alive.

From there, they went

Novak Djokovic

to a tie-breaker that was all Djokovic.

Federer sent a backhand long on the first point of the breaker and Djokovic seized a quick 3-0 lead with an overhead smash and another errant backhand from the Swiss.

Federer saved one match point with an ace, but Djokovic ended it on his first opportunity on his own serve when Federer smacked a backhand into the net.

“I said after my semifinal that very few points will decide the final - and I

was right,” said world number two Djokovic, who trails Federer 17-16 in head-tohead meetings.

Federer, who recruited Stefan Edberg to his coaching team at the end of last year, said: “I would have liked a few more points at the end, but Novak made it very tough.

“I’m happy and playing great tennis at the moment.”

The consolation for Federer, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, is that he will rise from eighth to fifth in the world. (BBC Sport)

Lewis Hamilton unfazed by Australian GP retirement

Lewis Hamilton has shrugged off his retirement in the opening race of the new season, insisting his Mercedes team are in a “really strong position”.

One of the favourites for this year’s title, the 2008 world champion was forced out of the Australian Grand Prix after just three laps as team-mate Nico Rosberg took victory in Melbourne.

“There are massive positives,” said Hamilton, whose

race was cut short by engine trouble. “We won the race by a long way, so as a team it’s a really strong position to be in.”

The 29-year-old Briton, who started the race on pole, added: “The car looks great and we have a lot of data for the guys to work on.

“I did everything I could. I’ve just got to look to the next race.”

The next grand prix takes place in Malaysia on 30 March. (BBC Spott)

Manchester United face 10year title wait – Danny Mills

Manchester United might not win the Premier League title again for another decade, according to former England international Danny Mills.

The current champions suffered a 3-0 defeat by Liverpool on Sunday and are seventh in the table, 18 points behind leaders Chelsea.

“It could be 10 years at least before they win the title again,” Mills told BBC’s Match of the Day . If Liverpool needed to deliver a defining mission statement that they can stand alongside any of the

challengers for the Premier League title on their own terms, they produced it most emphatically to humiliate Manchester United in their own self-styled ‘Theatre Of Dreams’.

“The whole rebuilding process is going to take three or four years at least.”

He added: “Then you have got to think Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool will strengthen - and Tottenham and Arsenal could possibly strengthen as well.”

United won the title by 11 points last season, but since David Moyes replaced Sir Alex Ferguson as man-

Wayne Rooney: Man Utd loss to Liverpool a ‘nightmare’

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says his side’s 3-0 home defeat by Liverpool ranks as one of the lowest moments of his career.

Steven Gerrard scored two penalties and missed a third before Luis Suarez sealed victory for Liverpool, now just four points behind leaders Chelsea.

Manchester United also had defender Nemanja Vidic sent off.

“It’s a nightmare.” Liverpool-born Rooney told MUTV. “It’s one of the worst days I’ve ever had in football.” He added: “It’s hard to take. You have to

Wayne Rooney

give Liverpool credit - they played well - but it’s difficult to take.

“Nobody wants to lose,

especially in this way, in your own stadium. It’s not nice.”

Rooney, who signed a new contract at Old Trafford last month, had just one chance on goal as Liverpool dominated at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are seventh in the Premier League table, although Rooney said on signing his new £300,000-a-week deal that he was not concerned by their recent dip.

United boss David Moyes says he was at a loss to explain his side’s abject performance against a Liverpool team who moved to within four points of Chelsea with a game in hand. (BBC Sport)

Fifa bans English footballers for life after match fixing in Australia

Two English footballers have been banned for life by Fifa after helping fix games in Australia for a global betting syndicate.

Reiss Noel and Joe Woolley, both 24, pleaded guilty to conduct that corrupts a betting outcome in December.

The pair, who played for Southern Stars in the Victorian Premier League, were originally suspended by the Football Federation of Australia.

A coach and two further

players remain under indefinite bans by FFA.

Fifa has pledged to tackle match fixing with a number of moves.

“Fifa continues to work closely with its member associations and the confederations to tackle match manipulation,” the world governing body said in a statement.

“As part of a 10-year programme of collaboration with Interpol, regional workshops involving key stakeholders are being held

all over the world while elearning programmes are also helping to educate players, coaches and referees on the dangers of match manipulation.

“Other initiatives include the signing of an integrity declaration by officials, the monitoring of the betting market via Fifa’s subsidiary Early Warning System and the setting up of an e-learning ethics tool, an integrity hotline and e-mail address and a confidential reporting system.” (BBC Sport)

Didier Drogba still one of world’s best strikers – Chelsea’s Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Blues legend Didier Drogba is still one of the best strikers in the world.

The Galatasaray striker, who left Stamford Bridge in June 2012, returns to London for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie.

ager last summer they have struggled.

Aside from being out of the title race, the Old Trafford club are also 12 points off one of the top four spots needed to qualify for next season’s Champions League. They have only missed one season of European football’s premier competition since 1993-94.

United could still qualify for the Champions League by winning this season’s competition. But the club will have to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Olympiakos on Wednesday to stay in the tournament. (BBC Sport)

Mourinho said: “Is he (Drogba) the same player at 36 years old as he was at 26? Nobody is, but he is certainly still one of the best strikers in the world.”

Drogba said he may not celebrate if he scores against his former team-mates.

The Ivory Coast forward netted 157 goals in 342 appearances during an eightyear spell at Chelsea.

With his last kick for the club, he tucked away the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out at the end of the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

Mourinho, who signed Drogba for Chelsea from Marseille in 2004, was given a rousing ovation when

Didier Drogba

he made his return to the Blues dugout in August after a near six-year absence and hopes the Ivorian will experience similar acclaim. He added: “He is undoubtedly one of the most important players in the history of the club. All Chelsea

supporters, we agree with that.”

Mourinho also believes that Drogba, who was voted by fans as Chelsea’s bestever player in the club’s official magazine in 2012, will return to the club in the future. (BBC Sport)

Jayawardene to quit T20Is after World T20

Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lanka captain, will retire from Twenty20 internationals at the end of the World T20. The news came a day after his team-mate, Kumar Sangakkara, announced the tournament will be his last in the format as well.

“The rationale behind retirement is pretty much the same as Sanga’s,” Jayawardene told Wisden India. “When it is clear that I can’t see myself playing in the next ICC World T20, there wasn’t much point in me occupying a spot. It makes more sense for a youngster to come into the mix and establish himself.”

Jayawardene, 36, has played 49 T20Is to date, and is his nation’s leading runscorer in the format, having hit 1335 runs at 31.78, with a strike rate of 134.17. A technical purist for much of his career, Jayawardene introduced new strokes and an innovative outlook to his game to become arguably Sri Lanka’s best T20 batsman. He had not played the reverse sweep for the first 10 years of his international career, but the shot is now among his most productive in limited-overs cricket.

“While I enjoy all formats of the game, and Test cricket is certainly the pinnacle for any player, the journey in Twenty20 cricket has been fascinating,” Jayawardene said. “In many ways it helped me get back to my roots, to bat like I used to when I was a schoolboy, for the sheer love of playing attacking shots and expressing myself with full freedom.”

Jayawardene is also revered among Sri Lanka’s finest captains, and his record at the helm of the T20 side lays out his tactical

Ireland v Zimbabwe, World T20, Group B, Sylhet

Ireland hold on for last-gasp win

prowess. In 19 matches under Jayawardene, Sri Lanka won 12, lost six and tied one. He had the reins during Sri Lanka’s march to the 2012 World T20 final, having hit a crucial 42 on a Premadasa dustbowl in the semi-final, to propel his team there.

That his retirement came 18 years to the day since Sri Lanka won the World Cup, did not escape Jayawardene.

Having lost two World T20 finals, he hoped his swansong would capture something of that 1996 spirit. “

That was a big day for Sri Lankan cricket and no one at home will ever forget it. Every year we look back on that date with joy,” he said. “Hopefully we can do something special here in this tournament as well. We always come into big tournaments such as this one with a view to showing the world what Sri Lanka is capable of. We take great pride in our performances and it’s no different here in Bangladesh.”

Jayawardene has taken more catches in international cricket than any other fielder, with 14 of those having come in T20s. He has one T20 century against Zimbabwe in Guyana, making him one of six batsmen to have hit a hundred in all three formats.

Jayawardene also shares a second-wicket partnership record with Sangakkara, having made 166 together against West Indies in 2010. Like Sangakkara, Jayawardene is expected to continue playing franchisebased domestic T20. While T20 retirement is the first step toward winding down his international career, he has indicated the 2015 ODI World Cup remains a goal, and that he will play Tests as long as form, fitness and motivation allow. (Cricinfo)

Some say the phrase “The luck of the Irish” refers to the good fortune enjoyed by the citizens of that country when they took up mining, with much success, in the United States. Others say it was coined in irony, to reflect on the potato famine and wars that affected the country so badly. After their last-ball win against Zimbabwe on St Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s cricketers will be inclined to believe the former.

They restricted their Full Member opposition to what was considered a below-par

score on a ground hosting its first international match. In response, they seemed to be having their own St Patrick’s Day parade, coasting towards a win at 61 without loss after the Powerplay and 99 for 1 at the halfway stage. Then, they started to stutter.

Tinashe Panyangara, who went for 18 runs in his first over, changed ends and delivered a double-wicket maiden in the 15th over to drag Zimbabwe back into the game. Brendan Taylor made the bowler change ends again for his third over and

Kevin O’Brien took 15 runs off Panyangara before falling on his sword in the 18th over. Still, Ireland needed only seven runs off the last two overs. Zimbabwe needed a miracle.

Tendai Chatara had bowled intelligently to that point with 17 off three overs and a wicket. He understood the conditions called for a change of pace. With a slew of slower balls, he gave away only three in the penultimate over. Ireland needed four off the last six.

Panyangara stepped up for the final over. The hallmark of his game is deathbowling and he showed it with his third ball - a perfect yorker to dismiss Ed Joyce. The next ball was almost as good but Max Sorensen dug

it out and set off for a risky single only to be run out by Sean Williams at mid-off. Ireland needed two runs. Zimbabwe still needed a miracle. The penultimate ball was a low full toss which Stuart Thompson outsideedged to third man. Ireland were one run away from a win, even as Zimbabwe thought they could pull off a miracle.

Panyangara fired a yorker-length ball, Alex Cusack missed but ran anyway. Taylor was not standing up to the stumps but threw under-arm from his position. Had he hit, Cusack would have been run-out and the match would have gone into a Super Over. He missed and Ireland scrambled the bye for a win. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Zimbabwe innings (20 overs maximum)

H Masakadza c Porterfield

b McBrine 21

Sikandar Raza c Sorensen

b Cusack 10

BRM Taylor*† c Joyce b Dockrell 59

SC Williams st †Wilson b McBrine 16

V Sibanda c Sorensen b Dockrell 16

E Chigumbura not out 22

T Maruma not out 13

Extras: (b 1, lb 4, w 1) 6

Total: (5 wickets; 20 overs) 163

Did not bat: P Utseya, T Panyangara, TL Chatara, T Kamungozi

Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Sikandar Raza, 1.5 ov), 2-56 (Masakadza, 6.2 ov), 3-78 (Williams, 8.5 ov), 4-111 (Sibanda, 14.3 ov), 5-131 (Taylor, 16.6 ov)

Bowling: PR Stirling 4-0-24-0, AR Cusack 4-0-53-1, MC Sorensen 1-0-11-0, GH Dockrell 4-0-182, AR McBrine 4-0-26-2, KJ O'Brien 3-0-26-0

Ireland innings (target: 164 runs from 20 overs) WTS Porterfield* c Maruma b Williams 31 PR Stirling c Sikandar Raza b Chatara 60 EC Joyce b Panyangara 22 AD Poynter c Chigumbura b Panyangara 23 GC Wilson† c Masakadza b Panyangara 0 KJ O'Brien c Williams b Panyangara 17 SR Thompson not out 3 MC Sorensen run out (Williams) 0 AR Cusack not out 0

Extras: (b 1, lb 4, w 3) 8 Total: (7 wickets; 20 overs) 164 Did not bat: GH Dockrell, AR McBrine Fall of wickets: 1-80 (Porterfield, 8.2 ov), 2-100 (Stirling, 10.3 ov), 3-129 (Poynter, 14.4 ov), 4-129 (Wilson, 14.6 ov), 5-157 (O'Brien, 17.6 ov), 6-162 (Joyce, 19.3 ov), 7-162 (Sorensen, 19.4 ov) Bowling: P Utseya 4-0-380, T Kamungozi 2-0-17-0, TL Chatara 4-0-20-1, T Panyangara 4-1-37-4, SC Williams 4-0-27-1, H Masakadza 2-0-20-0

Broad confident of playing ‘full part’ in World T20

England’s preparations for the World T20 have been about as tranquil as your average ride in a Bangladeshi auto-rickshaw but, having arrived in Dhaka ahead of the start of the Super 10 stage in a few days’ time, they have received a cautiously optimistic prognosis on the fitness of Stuart Broad. England’s T20 captain has been suffering from patellar tendonitis due to his exertions over a draining winter season but Broad has said he is confident of being available throughout the two weeks.

Broad was rested from England’s final two T20s in the West Indies because of swelling and discomfort in his right knee. He has since had an injection on the joint and is not likely to play in England’s first warm-up match - also against West Indies on Tuesday - meaning that he will have just the second practice fixture against India to prove his readiness.

Since the start of 2013, Broad has bowled more than 650 overs for England in all formats, the most by any fast bowler in that period. The fact that T20 will only require short bursts is in Broad’s favour, although he may still need surgery and a significant period of rehabilitation at some point in the near future. (Cricinfo)

Kirani James aiming for Commonwealth Games glory

When Kirani James was set in his block in the 400m final of the World Athletics Championships last year, he was one of the favourites to win.

After all, he had won the world title in 2011 and followed that up with gold at the Olympic Games in London, making him one of the most exciting figures in world sport.

However, 43 seconds after the starting pistol sounded in Moscow, he was left disappointed. LaShawn Merritt, the former Olympic and World champion and James' main rival, celebrated victory.

The Grenadian finished seventh.

James' performance and placing raised a few eyebrows of surprise. But, with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow now approaching, he is determined to get back to winning ways at major championships.

"It was just a bad race," said the athlete, reflecting on that night in Russia. "It happens. It just happened on the biggest stage of the year.

Watch the 2013 World Athletics Championships 400m final, where Merritt stormed to an impressive gold

"It could have happened in the Alabama Invitational but nobody would care because that event is not magnified to the level of the

World Championships.

"There is no adjustment in training. Just get it out of your head and focus on your next meet."

Of course, James will not have to think about Merritt or any other Americans in Glasgow.

While the Grenadian team is not confirmed, he is focussed on competing in the 400m at the Commonwealth Games.

James is looking forward to performing in front of a British crowd again after his Olympic success two years ago.

"I always try to be competitive and give my best effort," he said. "I had an

opportunity to go to the Commonwealth Youth Games and I won the 400m there.

"Every championship, every event, is unique in its own way. I don't try to compare World Championships or Olympics or Commonwealth Games.

"I am just looking forward to competing and representing my country."

James is enthused by the Commonwealth concept.

"It is a great fraternity to be part of," he said. "Hopefully, we will put on a show."

James doesn't have his eye on any particular opponent in Glasgow, believing

everyone will have "something to prove".

James crosses the finish line ahead of Merritt and Kevin Borlee of Belgium in the men's 400m World Championships final in 2011

One man who has nothing to prove is Usain Bolt. The Jamaican 100m and 200m sensation is yet to confirm if he will compete in Glasgow and James - who has been compared to the sprint king since he was a teenager - is hopeful the fellow Caribbean star will make the trip.

"It is great when people recognise your talent and compare it to somebody who is a legend in the sport," he said. "I was flattered. I try to write my own history.

"Obviously he has a schedule that he has to work out. We will hope that it is feasible for him to come to the Commonwealth Games."

James is already making his own history. As well as his Olympic and World titles, he was the first athlete to win 200m and 400m World Youth Championship titles and followed that up with 400m victory at the 2010 World Junior Championships. Still only 21, he studies business at the University of Alabama. Alabama was one of 10 scholarships offered to him by American universities, all keen to have the prodigy on their books. (BBC Sport)

WI plans could irk Barmy Army

Abattle looks likely to break out within the Caribbean cricketing community after it emerged that several traditional venues could miss out on hosting England Tests next year. The matter is already being discussed in the highest levels of government.

ESPNcricinfo understands that the WICB is keen to grant the Tests to Guyana, Jamaica and Grenada, meaning the likes of Trinidad, Antigua, St Lucia and Barbados will be left disappointed. Barbados, which has enjoyed close to sell-out crowds for the T20I

series against England, is thought to be particularly disappointed and is trying to persuade the WICB to change their plans.

With many of the Caribbean nations heavily reliant upon tourism, the allocation of an England Test is especially valuable. No other country brings as many travelling supporters and their willingness to embrace the local hotels, restaurants and bars provides a meaningful boost to the local economies.

The WICB has many nations to satisfy and many grounds from which to se-

lect, meaning disappointment is inevitable for some.

But at a time when international cricket is struggling to fill stadiums, it does seem odd to stray from a ground like Kensington Oval, in Barbados, which has a proven popularity not just for cricket supporters in the Caribbean but also for thousands of travelling England fans.

In the past, the ECB has privately lobbied for their overseas Tests to be scheduled in popular tourist venues, with the Barmy Army in mind and it remains to be seen whether they will at-

Kanhai’s double-double...

Kanhai ended with a double-double of 28 points and 12 rebounds while Ryan Stephney had 13 points and Vincente 12. Jermain Slater was also a big part of the victory, pulling down 16 boards while dropping nine points which included a game-changing put back to give Ravens the lead in the fourth quarter.

Shelroy Thomas was the best player on the floor for

Colts, dropping a team- high 22 points, while Nikkoloi Smith had 12 points and Steve Macswen 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Dave Causway had his worst game of the tournament as he was cold from the field chucking up a number of threes that kept missing, but still kept firing away despite being cold. Meanwhile, Retrieve Raiders rallied without their

best player Dwayne ‘Brown Suga’ Roberts, who had to report for work, for a 55-50 win over the Amelia’s Ward Jets.

Jets had tow chance to win the game but could not capitalize in the final seconds when young guard Emmanuel Archibald decided to make the game show and threw up two wild shots over the tough Raiders’ defence that missed, while the

Milo Schools Under-20 Football

Carmel Secondary lights it up with 16 goals

By Treiston Joseph

Carmel Secondary School should be disqualified for humiliating David Rose Secondary 16-0 when the final day of the Milo Schools under-20 tournament continued on Sunday at the Ministry of Education ground.

Marlon Nedd and Mosses Gritten combined for 10 of the 16 goals with Nedd starting the goals fest in the second minute with an easy finish in front to the goal before going on to score in the fifth, 22nd, 46th and 48th minutes, while Gritten got his first goal in the 13th minute before scoring in the 15th, 20th, 29th and 40th minutes.

Carmel Secondary never stopped attacking David Rose who played with just seven players due to the rest of their players being found illegal in the tournament.

The other goal-scorers in the game for Carmel Secondary were Tevin Curry in the 23rd and the 54th minutes, Jovian Glen in the 26th and 34th minutes, Nicholas Kirton in the 26th minute and Shivanah Persaud in the 44th minute.

St. Winifride’s Secondary held a 2-1 lead over Tutorial High school before the match was abandoned due to a punch-out in the field between two players.

tempt to broker such a deal.

The Kensington Oval is referred to as “the Mecca of cricket” in these parts - and where cricket lovers from England and the Caribbean flock in unparalleled numbers.

With a tour of Sri Lanka scheduled for late 2014, followed by the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, England supporters will be spoilt for choice over the next year, leaving the Caribbean up against it in any case to attract its usual quota of supporters for a tour scheduled for April 2015. (Cricinfo)

Raiders were able to run the ball down the court for easy scores and the win.

Neil Marks had a teamhigh for the Raiders scoring 20 points and grabbing seven rebounds, while Louis James had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Shane Webster had a game- high 24 points and 13 rebounds while Aliaster Webster had 11 points in the loss.

Andrew Holder drew first blood for St. Winifride’s in the seventh minute after Tutorial missed several opportunities to score first in the earlier minutes of the game.

However, the game would end as high paced as it started before the half-

time whistle with Edward Pereira equalizing in the 32nd minute to conclude the first half of action.

Holder doubled in the 47th minute before the game was abandoned due to the scuffle caused by the indisciplined players.

Kingston High School kept their undefeated streak alive with a 3-1 win over Richard Ishmael Secondary in the group stage match-up. Both teams seemed to have lacked fluidity in the opening minutes of the game as players just knocked the ball around and lost possession due to poor passes in the midfield.

Kingston got their breakthrough first from the boot of Shawn Grovesnor in the 22nd minute before an immediate equalizing goal in the 25th minute from Ike Padmore.

Grovesnor would double to put Kingston up 2-1 before halftime with a goal in the 32nd minute to end the half on a high note.

A Vincent Thomas goal in the 40th minute would seal the deal for Kingston, who are now their group leaders, through to the top 16 round set for next weekend.

Queen’s College would down Chase Academy 2-0 to tack on more points to make it to the top 16.

Queen’s opened the score sheets with a goal from Michael DaSilva in the 21st minute to see the first half end 1-0.

The second half would be much of the same with both teams sharing possession before a goal from Jaydev Mona in the 51st minute that guaranteed the win for Queen’s.

Softball cricket competition, road race set for Sunday

The Bush Lot United Sports Club will host a one-day softball 10/10 cricket competition and fun day for both male and female cricketers on March 23rd, 2014 at the club’s venue, Bush Lot Sports Ground, West Coast, Berbice. The male competition is dubbed the Cheddi Jagan Memorial softball competition, while the females will be competing for the Janet Jagan Memorial Cup.

On the same day a grand cross-country race will be held covering a distance of 3 1/2 miles and

will be open to athletes from the Bush Lot, Lovely Lass and Hopetown communities.

At stake will be the Commander’s Cup sponsored by Commander of Police ‘B’ Division (Berbice) Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph. Winners of these competitions will be presented with trophies and cash prizes at the end of the day’s activity. For further information persons can contract Robby Saywack on 660-0049, 2320255 and Rakesh Singh on 232-0559.

tuesday, march 18, 2014

‘Got to Go’ wins feature at PMTC season opener

“Got to Go”, owned by the Jumbo Jet Stables, produced a blistering finish to win the feature C3 and Lower onemile event when the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) staged the club’s season opening horse-race meet at the club’s entity on Sunday.

“Got to Go”, with champion jockey Colin Ross on the perch, took advantage of a good start and held on to the lead, seizing control and romping to victory ahead of California Strike, CP Got Even and Jack in my Style. The win was worth one million dollars.

The Jumbo Jet Stables was in winner’s row in the Four-year-olds race for Guyana and West Indies bred horses’ and the G3 race for West Indies Maiden and Guyana Open horses.

The race for Guyana and West Indies bred horses was won by Princess Alicia, while It’s my Turn and Silent Night occupied second and third positions.

The G3 race saw Joyful Victory power to pole position ahead of Quiet Storm and Silent Night.

“Windy Killer” took care of business in the J and Lower race with an impressive win ahead of Affinity and De Gump.

Royal Empire won the race for Three-year-old Guyana and West Indiesbred animals, while Quiet Storm and Cat Messiah took pole positions in the F and Lower and the I and Lower races respectively.

At the conclusion of the

day’s activity, Jumbo Jet Stable was adjudged champion stable.

Meanwhile, horse-racing action continues this Sunday with the Kennard Memorial Turf Club’s (KMTC) annual Phagwah horse-race meet.

(Rajiv Bisnauth)

Women determined to win World T20

West Indies women’s captain Merissa Aguilleira joined her male counterpart Darren Sammy in dreaming of a ‘Windies double’ at the upcoming ICC World T20 tournament.

Speaking to reporters at the open media session, the inspirational wicket-keeper said her team is looking to take it “to the next level” and better their semi-final places in 2010 and 2012.

“Darren Sammy said he is dreaming of a ‘Windies double’ and that’s great. We always keep in contact with the men’s team and they always offer us their support. It is great that they have faith in us to come here and deliver and it would be magnificent for both West Indies teams to lift the cups on April 6,” Aguilleira told WICB Media.

“Our motto for this tournament is ‘moving in faith’. We didn’t have a good time on the recent tour of New Zealand so it is time now for us to bounce back and show what we are made of. We would like to take the title and continue to make the people of the Caribbean proud.”

Aguilleira took over as West Indies captain in 2009 and has led a revival in West Indies women’s cricket. She guided the team to the ICC World T20 semi-finals in 2010 in the Caribbean and 2012 in Sri Lanka. They also reached the finals of the 2013 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup last year in India.

The squad includes several world-class players in-

cluding – Stafanie Taylor, the two-time ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year; Anisa Mohammed – one of the most successful wicket-takers in women’s cricket history; and Deandra Dottin –who holds the world record for the fastest century in a T20 match.

The Windies will have their first warm-up match against South Africa on Tuesday at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Prothistan in Savar. First ball is 1:30 pm (3:30 am Eastern Caribbean Time/2:30 am Jamaica Time).

“It is always good to start with a win. We came here to play eight matches and to win all eight matches, so tomorrow we will look to make

a positive start against the South Africans. It is a very important match,”

Aguilleira said.

“We won all our matches when we were here in Bangladesh back in 2011 at the ICC World Cup qualifiers and it is a matter of picking up where we left off. The conditions here are similar to those in the West Indies – with the hot sun and we know the pitches will favour our great spin attack.

“We will be looking to dominate in that department especially on the dry pitches we expect here in Bangladesh.”

Full squad: Merissa Aguilleira (captain/wicket-keeper), Shemaine Campbelle, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Stacy-ann King, Kycia Knight (wicketkeeper), Kyshona Knight, Natasha McLean, Anisa Mohammed, Subrina Munroe, Shaquana Quintyne, Shakera Selman, Tremayne Smartt, Stafanie Taylor. (WICB Media Release)

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE

Warm-ups

March 18: vs South Africa at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Prothistan, Savar

March 20: vs Australia at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Prothistan, Savar

Tournament Matches

March 24: vs England at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium

March 26: vs Bangladesh at Sylhet International Cricket

Stadium

March 28: vs Sri Lanka at Sylhet International Cricket

Stadium

April 1: vs India at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium

April 3: 1st Semi-final at at Sher-e-Bangla, Mirpur

April 4: 2nd Semi-final at Sher-e-Bangla, Mirpur

April 6: FINAL at Sher-e-Bangla, Mirpur

Entries close today for KMTC Phagwah horse race meet

Registration for the Kennard Memorial Turf Club’s (KMTC) annual Phagwah horse-race meet closes today and, according to president of the KMTC, retired Chancellor of the Judiciary Cecil Kennard, no late entries will be accepted.

“Entries were supposed to close yesterday (Monday), but with the number of horse owners still interested in having their animals register, we have decided to extend the registration process to another day, so entries will close tomorrow (today),” Kennard said.

The meet is scheduled for March 23 at the club’s track, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

It is being conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and, according to Kennard, those rules would be rigidly enforced.

Meanwhile, organisers have made several changes from the original programme. They have added a race for winless Guyanabred horses, making the programme an eight-race meet.

Further, the ‘E’ class race has now been replaced by a D3 race.

The feature attraction will be the ‘A’ and Lower Class over a distance of six furlongs. The top prize is $1 million, while the secondplaced finisher will receive $500,000.

Horses that place third and fourth will receive $250,000 and $125,000 respectively.

The other six-furlong races are the ED3and Lower, I and Lower, J1 and Lower and Three-year-old for Guyana-bred horses. The winners of those four races will pocket $400,000, $250,000, $200,000 and $250,000 respectively.

The ‘G’ and Lower race offers a first prize of $300,000, while the Three-year-old event for Guyana and West Indies- bred horses has a top prize of $400,000. Both races will last a distance of seven furlongs.

The final race of the day is for J3 and Lower horses for a top prize of $150,000 over five furlongs.

Horse owners can register with Roopnarine Matadial on 325-3192; Ivan Dipnarine, 331-0316; Cecil Kennard, 226-1399, 2254818 or 623-7609; Isabella Beaton, 693-7812; or Dennis Deroop, 609-9143. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

BCB names U-15 squad for InterCounty tournament

The Junior Selection Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) under the chairmanship of Leslie Solomon has named a strong 22man squad for the upcoming Under-15 Inter-County tournament.

The Limacol Under-15 two-day competition will take place from March 2330 featuring Demerara, Berbice, Essequibo and the GCB President’s XI.

The team will be led by promising Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club allrounder Kevelon Anderson with Kris Ramnarine of Bush Lot as vice-captain.

The squad also includes Kevin Sinclair (Police), Surrendra Budhoo (RHTYSC), Junior Sinclair (RHTYSC), Alex Algu (Young Warriors), Steven Deonarine (Tucber Park), Seon Glasgow (Blairmont), Javed Karim (Blairmont),

Junior Williams (Young Warriors), Keith Simpson (RHTYSC), Dineshwar Boodhoo (Upper Corentyne), Steven Kamallidin (Albion), Haifa Walter (RHTYSC), Karran Rajpaul (Albion), Kevin Omrou (Albion), Brandon Corlette (RHTYSC), Nicholas Shivrattan (Bush Lot), Emmanuel Seecharran (RHTYSC), Cheddie Budhoo ( Port Mourant), Ramesh Kasinauth (Albion) and Keron Hooper (Big Star).

The team will be involved in special coaching sessions this week under Coach Andre Percival.

The players will also be involved in a special oneday Developmental Seminar organised by the Special Events Committee of the BCB on Friday at the St. Francis Training Centre. Training will commence today at the Young Warriors ground.

Jayawardene to quit T20Is after World T20 P21

Kanhai’s double-double carries Ravens to Road

to Mecca final

– Retrieve Raiders rally without Roberts to reach final

By Treiston Joseph

Aone-handed sledgehammer from Akeem ‘The Dream’ Kanhai was the final nail in the coffin of Bounty Colts as he helped catapult his team to a 74-68 win on Sunday evening for a place in the final of the Road to Mecca national club championship.

The game seemed like a track meet as both teams came out looking to run the basketball hitting jumpers in the opening minutes while attacking the paint.

Nikkoloi Smith and Shelroy Thomas would both dominate the second quarter dazzling the crowd which packed the sports hall with the finesse around the rim as the Colts tried to put away a relentless Ravens early in the game with their combos of

fast guards. The Ravens on the other hand were their usual self, pushing the ball and looking for the open players while attacking the defence through the open gaps created by their passing.

Kanhai kept propelling his team constantly driving the lane going to the foul line for numerous three-point plays. However, Kanhai’s dominance in conjunction with the Ravens’ team play in the final minutes of the game that led to dagger-like three pointers from Dominic Vincente to put them up 65-59, followed by a one-handed dunk two plays after from Kanhai to extend their lead to 10 as time wound down signalling the end of the Colts’ run in the tournament, despite adding four points in seven seconds.