Caribbean made progress in reducing child labour – ILO
2013 gold declaration ahead of last year’s figure
Broomes declines invitation to speak on TIP at mining confab
Miners justify call for Vieira’s appointment as GGMC head
High winds topple trees in North East La Penitence Bandits raid La Penitence house
Despite fluctuating market prices, local declared gold production has surpassed the figure for the same period last year, Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud has said.
He said declared gold production from January to July is 23.23 per cent more than the quantity reported for the comparative period in 2012. Diamond production has increased by 53.97 per cent as compared to 2012’s level for the same period, while bauxite production has dropped, but is expected to surpass last year’s total production despite industrial relations stoppages.
Stone output has increased by 17.05 per cent as compared to the level of output for the same period in 2012, while sand declara-
tion has increased by 18.87 per cent when compared to the declaration in 2012 for the comparative period. Persaud said the value of
mineral production in 2012 was estimated to be $175.8 billion, representing an increase of 28.9 per cent from the $136.4 billion reported in 2011. The increase in the overall value of mineral production was due to the continued outstanding performance of gold and bauxite, favourable prices for bauxite and gold, and increases in output for sand and loam, he said in a statement on the occasion of Mining Week 2013.
Among the productive areas he highlighted are: gold mining, which continues to maintain its position as the biggest producer of the mining industry in 2012, accounting for 78.2 per cent of the total value of mine output. This was followed by bauxite ($31,697.5 million), which accounted for 18 per cent of the total mine
output; diamond contributed ($1468 million); quarry stone ($3338.1 million); and sand ($1815.9 million), 1.0 per cent.
In 2012, the industry directly employed 16,579 persons, he stated, and if indirect and induced jobs are added, a total of approximately 20,332 persons were employed in the mining and quarrying industries. In addition, several hundred persons were employed by companies involved in exploration activities.
“The value of exports from mining and quarrying was budgeted to increase from $662.3 million, or 58.7 per cent of the total of US$1128.8 million in 2011 to US$795 million or 61.6 per cent of the total of US$1291.1 million in 2012,” Minister Persaud stated.
Latin American and Caribbean countries have made progress in reducing child labour, according to a new document released by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The ILO said the “new tool” will help countries eliminate children’s involvement in slavery, child prostitution, drug trafficking, and other types of the worst forms of child labour by 2016. The “Implementing the Roadmap for achieving the elimination of the worst forms of child labour: a training guide for policy makers” document is directed at governments, workers’ and employers’ organisations, and international and non-governmental organisations.
The 2010 conference in The Hague adopted the roadmap, which breaks down data by age, gender, and region. It shows that AsiaPacific and Latin America and the Caribbean continue to reduce child labour, while sub-Saharan Africa has witnessed an increase. Africa also has the highest incidence of children working, with one in four children engaged in child labour.
According to the document, child labour continues to decline but only modestly as 215 million children are still affected. There are also fewer children in hazardous work, a measure of which is often used as a proxy for the worst forms of child labour.
Global decline
The overall pattern from four years ago has been maintained: the more harmful the work and the more vulnerable the children involved, the faster the decline. Nevertheless, a staggering number of 115 million children are still exposed to hazardous work.
According to the ILO, global child labour trends are distinguished by age
and sex. There have been increases in child labour among boys, but considerable and welcome decreases among girls. Most of the global decline in child labour has been due to reduced numbers of working girls. Alarmingly, there has been a 20 per cent increase in child labour in the 15-17 years age group – from 52 million to 62 million. The largest sector for child labour remains agriculture, where the majority of children work as unpaid family members.
Much progress has been made in the rati?cation of ILO standards in many parts of the world, accompanied by concrete action for their implementation. After a decade, the world is close to universal rati?cation of Convention Number 182. At the same time, Convention Number 138 has bene?ted from the rapid pace of rati?cation of Convention Number 182. Impressive as this global picture is, it masks important qualitative gaps, with several countries still to ratify the ILO child labour standards, particularly Convention Number 138. A significant proportion of the world’s children are still not covered by these fundamental conventions.
Critical juncture In 2006, the International Labour Organisation set a visionary target – to bring to an end all the worst forms of child labour by 2016. With the target date drawing closer, the global campaign to end child labour is at a critical juncture. There are clear signs of progress, but also disconcerting gaps in the global response. As things are today, the pace of progress is not fast enough to achieve the 2016 target. A ?agging in the worldwide movement, a certain “child labour fatigue”, must be prevented.
By Svetlana MarShall
UWinds:
High Tide: 09:16h and 21:36h reaching maximum heights of 2.21 metres and 2.22 metres respectively.
Low Tide: 15:06h reaching a minimum height of 1.05 metres.
niversity of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) President, Dr Patsy Francis said the time has come for students and lecturers of the university to stand up against the injustices that prevail. “We must fight,” she said while addressing national leaders and students at the university on Tuesday under the theme “UG and the Next 50 Years: Dead or Alive?”
The university is operating at a $300 million deficit. The financial challenges have caused a ripple effect resulting in deplorable facilities, shortage of staff, underpaid lecturers, and lack of critical equipment essential for education delivery.
UG can cross this major hurdle, Dr Francis opined, but said it depends on students’ willingness to stand and demand more. “We must be ready to stand up and say enough is enough,” the UGSSA president said.
Spirit of unity
With the spirit of unity and the determination to pursue greatness, Dr Francis sees UG becoming the premier tertiary institution in Guyana and around the Caribbean, leading the way in science, technology, medicine, and education in the next 50 years. “If you fight, we will get new facilities, there will be new products and services, your creative
energies will be unleashed... even though you might not get all the facilities, if you fight, you will get some,” she noted.
According to Dr Francis, it was worthy protest that led to the government of Guyana and the World Bank signing an agreement to the tune of US$10 million that would now pave the way for the science and technology labs to be rehabilitated. Earlier in the year, UGSSA had signalled its unwillingness to work in the labs which were described as “unhealthy, unsafe, and unproductive”.
State of emergency
Meanwhile, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentarian James Bond said the university has managed to survive for the past 50 years, but has been unable to succeed. He opined that the the university appears not to be amenable to change. “We can talk a good talk, we can talk change, but we are not willing to sacrifice for change,” Bond said as he called the students to action.
He too believes that the time to act is now, positing that the institution is in a state of emergency. “When I read that Professor Daizal Samad tendered his resignation, I do believe that we are in state of emergency –when I read that the auxiliary staff are not being paid and their wages are not up
to scratch, ” the lawyer noted.
In accelerating development within the university, Bond said investment is an essential ingredient, while highlighting his dissatisfaction over the council of the university being dominated by politicians. If the university continues along this trajectory, it may encounter greater challenges in the long run.
“All political parties must get their act together and make UG work, because in 50 years’ time, we may come here and we will examine the same problems we sought to examine 50 years past and find the same problems again, although there were solutions, and out of acts of “cowardness” we refuse to force those solutions,” Bond said Chartered accountant
Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) President Simona Broomes has declined to make a presentation on human trafficking in the gold mining industry at the ongoing mining and quarrying conference being held at the Guyana International Conference Centre.
Today, she was expected to deliver a presentation at the Guyana International Conference Center, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, at a forum
tackling social issues plaguing mining communities; an event which forms part of Mining Week 2013.
Speaking with Guyana Times, Broomes said the GWMO has declined all requests and will not be participating in this year’s list of activities.
Just two days ago, Broomes was arrested on theft and assault allegations.
It is alleged that Broomes on April 21 assaulted Ann Maria Carter and stole an eight ounce gold chain dur-
ing a trafficking in person operation at Puruni. The report was lodged on August 19.
Christopher Ram said the university should serve as a link between the intellectuals and the development of society.
In analysing the life of the university in the next 50 years, Ram said several changes must be taken into consideration. He noted that UG no longer had a monopoly on tertiary education, as he pointed to Nations University and the Texila University, positing that universities will now be competing for students.
He however stated that neither rights nor opportunities come without duties or responsibilities, and that ingredient, he added, is missing from the tertiary educational system. “I think if people want university education, they must be prepared to stand some economic cost, or do some kind of national service,” he said.
Duty to give
“You have a right to demand more but you have a duty to give more as well,” he added.
Among the speakers were Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman and former law student Ronald Daniels. They were invited to address the university on the moot “UG and the Next 50 Years: Dead or alive?” The panel discussion was organised by student organisation the Revolutionaries. (svetlanam@ guyantimesgy.com)
Editor: Nigel Williams
Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134
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Guyana is rapidly becoming a destination of choice for many tourists looking to experience something new and different. The country is being written and talked about by major tourism stakeholders and there is a sense of hope that the tourism sector will take off very soon.
It is always felt that Guyana could rake in huge sums of foreign currency from tourism as the potential is evident. But for this to happen, the necessary investments would have to be made. Every related sector will need to get on board and work collaboratively by pooling both their financial and human resources with the aim of raising the bar like the small islands in the Caribbean have done.
There are a few factors which continue to impact the pace at which the tourism sector grows – one of the main ones being reliable and affordable air travel. Air travel has been quite an expensive venture, with a number of inconveniences for travellers. Vacationers want deals. They look for a complete package that is competitive and they want to have an enjoyable time.
With there being increased travel by the diaspora, getting a flight into Guyana is sometimes very difficult and this acts as a deterrent to persons coming here. Additionally, visitors have complained bitterly that the experience with some of the airlines coming to this country is not a pleasant one. They complain of long waiting times at airports, unnecessary delays, and in-transit times.
We have taken note of the recent high-level meeting between the government of Guyana and the Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) to iron out issues, which have long been of concern to Guyanese passengers. This is the sort of approach that should have been taken many months ago when CAL used its position – a monopoly over air travel in this part of the region – to hike its fares.
CAL and the government have since agreed to work to improve the partnership and to formulate a strategy that would define the way forward in the interest of all stakeholders involved. There were also some encouraging words from CAL’s representatives who assured us that the people of Guyana are important to the company.
CAL officials made it clear that although there are constraints, the airline will continue to build improved partnerships with Guyanese travellers. It was promised that the next step is for CAL to review the current price structure so that all customers can benefit and we hope that this process will be completed soon.
Further, one of the crucial first steps we hope to see implemented soon is the establishment of a formal communication structure through which important concerns can be quickly directed to the senior management of CAL for them to address. This could prove to be beneficial for both the company and its customers. Customers would feel that they are valued and their concerns are being addressed at the highest level, and the company would save itself from getting so much bad publicity as we have seen recently.
That said, the authorities must seriously look at more long-term measures to fill the gap created as a result of the departure of Delta Airlines and the others. The government had said some time ago that it was considering re-entering the airline business, as the demand for another carrier for the North American route increases, but, so far, nothing much is being said about it. The time has come for the authorities to revisit this issue.
No doubt, there are many more Guyanese who are anxious to return home, and many other visitors who are eager to come here and explore the many wonders, but they are unable to do so due to uncompetitive airfares and packages.
Perhaps the private sector may want to explore how they could become more involved, or they may want to mull over the possibility of partnering with the government to invest jointly in the airline business. Competitive airfares and tourist packages will serve as a major boost to the tourism sector in our country.
Dear Editor, Sri Krishna Janamashthami marks the “birth” anniversary of Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna made His appearance at midnight on the eighth day (ashtmi tithi) in the dark half of the Hindu month Bhadrapada (August).
Hindus observe this day by attending mandirs, performing poojaas, chanting and listening to Krishna’s glories, doing japa (muttering of God’s name) and engaging in meditation.
Hindus believe that God incarnates himself again and again whenever religion (dharma) gets perverted, and irreligion (a-dharma) gains prominence. On such occasions, God comes down to earth with a physical body to show the right path of deliverance to the righteous ones, and to inflict due punishment on the unrighteous with a view to correction.
“Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an upsurge in unrighteousness, then I body Myself forth. For the protection of the virtuous, for the extirpation of evil-doers, and for re-establishing dharma on a firm footing, I come from age to age.” (Bhagavad Geeta 4:7-8).
It is no exaggeration at all to describe Sri Krishna as the unique personality, power and phenomenon which has exercised a profound influence on Hindus over thousands of years, an influence which had been most pervasive, positive and potent.
The Sanskrit root-verb “kars” means to pull or draw to oneself. When derived from this, “Krishna” connotes one with that power, and from all accounts we have of him, he was a veri-
fiable divine magnet who irresistibly attracted to himself all beings – men, women and children, young and old, saints and sinners, scholars and the unlettered, royalty and common folk, heroes and the weak, and even animals like the cows. Both illumined sages and innocent devotees have adored Krishna as the ideal of all that is good and great, and noble and beautiful. He has been considered the most perfect manifestation of divinity on earth. But there have been critics, both Westerners and Indians, who consider him just a product of the infantile imagination of a people who possess neither lofty intellect nor high ethical standards.
Notwithstanding the opinions of such critics, Krishna remains and prospers as continual power, a living and wholesome ideal illuminating the minds, inspiring the hearts and moulding the lives of millions of good, worthy and intelligent people. What may appear to the dry intellect of the ill-informed critic as a bundle of contradictions and confusions – that very Krishna lives on in the consciousness and memory of the devoted as the sublime, indefinable, fusion of a many-faceted magnetic personality, a grand all-round ideal and a delightfully uplifting legend.
Refusing to be disturbed by the doubts, comments or critical onslaughts of the sceptics, devotees have blissfully allowed themselves to be drawn to one or more of Krishna’s aspects. They find themselves elevated and enriched by the light, love, and joy radiating from
their great teacher, who is “Madhava”, the embodiment of sweetness and bliss. Sri Krishna is not merely the great lover, but equally the great hero, the great yogi and the supreme guru for aspiring and adoring humanity.
Swami Vivekananda in offering a tribute to Krishna observes as follows: “He was the most wonderful (sannyasin) and the most wonderful householder in one; He had the most wonderful among the rajas, power and was at the same time living in the midst of the most wonderful renunciation. Krishna, the preacher of the Geeta was all His life the embodiment of the Geeta; He was the great illustration of nonattachment; a great landmark in the history of religion, the ideal of love for love’s sake, work for work’s sake, duty for duty’s sake, and it is for the first time fell from His lips of the greatest incarnation, Krishna, and for the first time in the history of humanity, on the soil of India.
He was the first heart large enough to see truth in all. In Krishna we find two ideas supreme; the first is the harmony of different ideas, and the second is nonattachment. He does not need anything; He does not want anything. He works for work’s sake.
He is the most rounded man I know of, wonderfully developed equally in brain and heart and hand. Every moment of His is alive with activity. Five thousand years have passed and He has influenced millions and millions. My regard for Him is for His perfect sanity. No cobwebs in His brain, no superstition. He knows the use
of everything.”
Limited, finite persons and themes are easy to grasp and delineate. But Sri Krishna belongs to the dimension of the unlimited, beyond the understanding of the ordinary minds, and measure of ordinary standards. In him all contradictions meet and become harmonised. He is the confluence of the highest expression of knowledge, love and action, heroism and tenderness, strength and grace, might and humility, splendour and renunciation.
In short, he has emerged as the composite ideal of various human aspirations, the fulfilment of the quest for perfection – ethical, aesthetic, spiritual, altruistic –of various hearts and minds. It is because of this that he often becomes the central theme of not only religion and philosophy, but of art and sculpture, music and poetry, a phenomenon that defies all delimiting definition or classification.
Krishna stands out and stays on eternally as the ideal and inspirer for the classes and the saviour and refuge for the masses.
“Krishna appeared like a thunderbolt to the warriors, superhuman to man, God of love incarnate to His devotees, their own to the cowherd Gopis, a child to His parents, as death itself to Kamsa, the vast cosmos to the gross, ultimate reality to the Yogis, and supreme deity to His worshippers” (Bhagavatam 10. 43, 17). (Excerpted from “Understanding Hinduism: an Anthology”).
Regards, Pandit Charranlall Nandalall
You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com
Dear Editor,
The new academic year is upon us and in terms of the University of Guyana (UG), we are simply not ready yet. We have problems that have become chronic sores and it is either we have become very accustomed and they do not bother us, or it is has to be that we do not care.
I am in limbo as regards registering for this new academic year. This is because I have not received my results. Is this how a university is supposed to function?
Do lecturers have deadlines? If so, who enforces these? How about posting the grades online in a complete manner – will this ever be achieved?
Last week, I had to unnecessarily go into the campus at Turkeyen, and the spot where the hire cars are parked was filled with mud – I almost fell down. It is unimaginable what is hap-
pening there. These drivers have been pushed off the wide parapet on the eastern side of the road and this section should have been converted into a nice little UG lot, say with a shed. If we are talking upgrading, then this should really be a non-issue. When it comes to the access road, I have never known a time when this road was in an average condition. When it rains, it gets even worse. Imagine taking a person to see our lone university? The road is bound to send a negative message.
UG is not a dignified organisation. There seems to be too many untouched issues, and attempting to fix anyone of them is like stirring up a hive of bees or ants nest. That is how low we have sunk.
For this 2013/2014 academic year, the vice chancellor challenged the students
and others concerned not to say negative things about the institution on social media. He said there is nothing that goes on at UG that does not go on at other universities around the world. The latter half of the statement is a total misrepresentation.
Almost all established universities have the very basics – a good library, clean campuses, adequate water supply and easy access. They also have a good academic culture – punctuality, responsibility and timeliness.
We have some very fixable problems. May we deal with these unnecessary things very quickly and make UG what it can so easily be.
Respectfully submitted, UG student Name withheld by request
Dear Editor,
Several doctors working at various health facilities in Berbice have had their contracts terminated for charging patients for services. The recent pronouncement by the Region Six chairman, in connection with these doctors, must be echoed all across Guyana.
I apply this to many who say that their money for the job is just too small. I think of teachers who push for high lesson fees, police who must be bribed to perform, public servants who charge for things like birth certificate and passports – the list is very long.
I recall how the teachers were told to stay and do a good job or leave. This is what I say to everyone who thinks that poor salary is the excuse for acting furtively, that is, for taking bribes, or accepting gifts.
A word for citizens here is that they must not subscribe to this kind of culture. They need to know what they are obligated to and if they have to make some noise when things are going wrong, they should do so to the right authorities.
Bribing and doing questionable things depend on two sides. So citizens must expose any kind of malprac-
tice along this line.
The guilty local doctors in Berbice had to be disciplined and I am very disappointed that a few foreign practitioners had to be called in and sent back home. People need to know that all services at public healthcare facilities in Guyana are free of cost.
So citizens must expect and demand this free and quality service. Those who have been disciplined must now be counselled and restored. I am sure they will see the folly of their ways.
Sincerely, Stephon
Atherley
Police should go to court to explain their actions
Dear Editor, No one should waste the court’s time. A friend of mine, living in the U.S., told me that he indeed suffered this way. However, he did not suffer too much, because of his good history. I recall last year’s U.S. Tia Sharp’s case, just completed.
Tia, 12, was murdered by her grandmother’s boyfriend, Stuart Hazell last August. He then hid her body in the attic of the grandmother’s house, where it took police almost a week to discover it.
This boyfriend, now straddled with a 38-year sentence, was also accused and charged for causing
wasteful employment of the police, by originally making a false report. So how about the other side, that is, when a police officer is wasting the court’s time?
It is actually well set out that attending all levels of court to give evidence is one of the duties of a police officer – that means showing up for court. Usually, this duty is also spelled out explicitly in the police service’s policies and procedures, and if so there can be consequences for officers who do not attend court as required.
I find that there is a kind of laxity in this regard in Guyana.
This has terrible implications. It means that even if accused of a most heinous crime, the person involved in the matter can simply be let off, all because of a dismissed case. So much for the unfortunate victims! This is where something must be done. No citizen should be subjected to time-wasting exercises, whether intentional or not. Police must be more conversant with their job requirements and legalities. When they are found to be very inept or acting out of personal mischief, they should be punished.
Yours truly,
Lorraine Yearwood
Dear Editor, The police were contacted following a recent incident at a wedding house in Blairmont, Berbice, but no arrests were made. Investigations are continuing. The incident is not one that had any element of discreetness about it. Two men were severely beaten by 10 unidentified males. Based on reports, this wedding house beating took place because one man was having a conversation with a female.
The question is, how can the police miss all of the attackers? How come the two victims are not saying who beat them? We are talking about a wedding here, and
if nobody wants to say anything, then I am sure that the host can help out.
Anytime there is a fight at a wedding house, the hosts always come to the fore, mostly putting out someone from the yard or taking some form of action. We cannot afford to let this incident slip by, or there would be severe consequences. Many would feel that they can run away or hide from the full force of the law.
From the atmosphere alone, wedding houses tend to form a setting which lends itself to violence and misdemeanour. They have noises that rattle people’s utensils, drinking that allows for revelry, and dancing that pro-
motes vulgarity. This spells bad news for communities. It is always about drinking and making loud noise way into the night.
Loud music is a gross form of disrespect. We have nurses and other people who work at nights. They have to sleep in the day. I call on someone to come forward and indentify some of these men. I am also asking that we fix our wedding house laws. Or do we want to keep violence and noise pollution as part of our culture?
Sincerely, Resident of Blairmont Name withheld by request
By HannaH Boyd
The beginning of the school year should be an exciting time, but it can be stressful for children starting at a new school. Whether you moved over the summer or are simply switching schools, you’re probably wondering how to make the transition easier on your children. Here are 10 expert tips.
Before school starts
1. “Include your children the process,” suggests Debbie Glasser, PhD and founder of NewsForParents.org, who moved three children to a new part of the country. “Attend the school orientation together and/ or arrange for a tour. Older children might appreciate the opportunity to follow their schedule – walking from the bus loop to each class. Also, be sure to point out the bathrooms, cafeteria and auditorium. Younger children might benefit from a few visits to the new school. Most schools will assign a ‘buddy’ to assist your child during the first few days or weeks. If you think this is something your child would benefit from, talk with the guidance counsellor.” Knowing where things are should alleviate some of your child’s fears.
2. Seek the positive. Request the school handbook or scour the website for fun facts, photographs, and lists of interesting classes, extracurricular activities and sports activities.
3. Future friends are everywhere you look; find them! Sign your child up for nearby summer camps and classes, play at the school playground, and visit the local library story time. Young children may need help meeting new friends, but they’ll feel less nervous starting a new school if they see some familiar faces in the classroom.
4. Brainstorm. “Knowledge is the best tool to reduce anxiety and
5. “Remind your children about other “firsts” they’ve experienced in their lives and how well they handled them,” suggests Glasser. “For example, has your child ever started a new camp? Does your child remember his or her first day of kindergarten? Find opportunities to talk about successes they’ve experienced and the advantages of taking that first step – like meeting a new friend
settle in.
2. Stick to your routine. If rapid changes have left your child reeling, knowing what’s expected at home can provide a soothing anchor.
3. Find any excuse to socialise. Throw a “new in town” party, invite someone over for a playdate, or ask if your child wants an early birthday party. Socialising on home turf is often easier for children and socialising one-on-one can be less intimidating than trying to break into a new group, while hosting a party is a great way to ingratiate oneself with a crowd. Get involved with the school. If you’re able to volunteer in the classroom, you’ll to know the teacher and your child’s classmates firsthand. Networking with other parents can be a great way to meet other children, too.
dress them,” says Rhona M Gordon, MS, SLP/CCC, author of Thinking Organised for Parents and Children. Whether your child is worried about making new friends, losing touch with old ones, or simply finding his seat on the first day of school, odds are you can help.
The first few weeks
1. Be prepared for stormy weather. “You might find children are withdrawn, more sensitive, not doing as well in school, being uncooperative,” says Suzy Martyn, founder of Mother’s Friend. This will pass as they
5. Be patient. “I would expect most children to have a hard first six weeks or so, although some who adapt and make friends easily may adjust much more quickly,” says Jennifer Shewmaker, PhD, Director of School Psychology Training at Abilene Christian University. “If a child was still really struggling, crying and complaining of lack of friends, after six months, that might cause me concern.” In that instance, talk to your child’s teacher and the school counsellor – but remind yourself that the odds are he’ll adjust just fine. (education.com)
In-class debates do not just teach public speaking skills; you also develop critical thinking; research skills and organisation and prioritisation of information. They also present an opportunity to have your students engage with the material they are studying in different ways, forming and deconstructing both the opinions of others, and their own! But they can be a little daunting; teachers often think that they need to be experienced debaters themselves to get their students involved. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The truth is, in fact, that there is no wrong or right way to debate in the classroom –the idea is to find out which way best suits your learning outcomes, the make-up of your class, or the way that just makes you feel comfortable. Debates are elastic, they can have as few or as many people involved in them as you want. Some, like balloon debates and alley debates, can get large numbers of students involved Students are divided to sides of an argument, one in favour, the proposition, and one against, the opposition. They take it in turns to present arguments, and respond the other side, trying to persuade the rest of their class one way or the other. The “audience” aren’t passive –there is an opportunity for them to question the speakers, and to give their own opinions from the floor. A chairperson and a timekeeper, who keep events moving, oversee the whole thing. The floor debate section in this format allows for the students not speaking to question the speakers and give their point of view. Quieter students can be introduced to the concept of speaking by forming research teams, or can be given the role of chairperson or timekeeper to have them involved in the in-class exercise. And you can keep rotating the students, to make sure they all get the opportunity to fulfil all the roles.
The most important thing to get right is the motion. A good motion will allow for debate on both sides, will be straightforward, will suggest the research the students need to do to argue their side, and will be accessible to them. By relating the motion to an area of study in the classroom, you allow them to start thinking about their speeches in relation to their study. Debates can be on almost anything, from the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s plays, to economics, to the awarding of a Nobel prize, or the use of stem cells - just pick an area, set a contentious topic with two sides, and let them at it!
(The Guardian)
“Ihavethree children and I need help, their father died two years ago. [The hamper] is a very good help to me.” This was the view of Marcy Ross, one of the single parent residents of Grove who struggles on a daily basis to make ends meet for her children ages eleven, nine and six, who are among the 150 in the community who received school hampers from ranks of the Grove Police Station.
Living up to its motto of service and protection, the policemen and women created bright smiles on the faces of students from nursery to secondary. The hampers included haversacks, lunch packs, exercise books, pencils, pens, and rulers.
Station Sergeant Lorna Adonis said the activity is the first of its kind undertaken by the station and expressed pride in the realisation of this venture. She hopes the little tokens will go a long way in helping the
mostly single parents send their children to school come Monday.
Most single parents, like Ross, expressed gratitude, describing the act as God sent.
“We realise that there are many single parents in the community who are trying to raise their children on their own, so we thought of some way to assist the children back out to school, we went around to the business community in and out of the area,” Adonis explained.
Among the businesses donating items were the Busta Company who sponsored the 150 bags and school lunch kits, and Sterling Products.
“We are giving you this hamper to help you to go to school every day,” she admonished the children.
The children said a big thank you to the sponsors for making this venture a success and helping them to get back to school.
The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has renewed its call for Rickford Vieira to be appointed the substantive head of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), rubbishing criticisms that it was improper for the body to lobby for the appointment.
In a letter to the editor on Tuesday, the GGDMA said as a serious stakeholder in the local mining industry it has taken this position. “The GGDMA has two representatives who sit on the board of directors of the GGMC and were part of the process to recruit a commissioner to fill the vacancy created at the retirement of the past commissioner in 2012. The vacancy was advertised and applicants were shortlisted (among them senior staff of GGMC), assessed by interviews, and Vieira was the preferred candidate at the end of the process.”
Vieira was recruited as commissioner by the GGMC board; however, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) as the union representing the commission’s workers protested and advanced the case that the then acting deputy commissioner be appointed to the position of commissioner since the individual was soon to retire in a few months. Vieira acquiesced in good faith and in the interest of good working relationships with GGMC and has been acting for close to 18 months. “It is the association’s opinion that Vieira is discharging his duties commendably in the present circumstances.”
According to the body, the issues of falling gold prices, rampant illegal mining and upsurge
of criminal activity in the hinterland are as old as the commission itself and have to be dealt with on several fronts.
Necessary appointment
“The gold and diamond mining industry is regulated and monitored by the GGMC. Over the past 31 years the GGDMA has successfully managed the development of the small- and medium-scale alluvial gold and diamond mining industry to the most successful industry in Guyana. This was done by working together with the GGMC to solve the problems and agree on the way forward. At this critical stage of its development it is necessary that the mining industry has someone who has intimate knowledge of the sector as its commissioner.”
Terrence Williams in a letter last week said that the miners’ body had certainly exposed itself when it called for Vieira to be confirmed as commissioner. The GGDMA’s
call was made during a meeting with President Donald Ramotar and two of his ministers. I find this call for the confirmation of the acting commissioner by the GGDMA contradictory as the GGDMA represents miners, while the GGMC is the regulatory body that ensures compliance through monitoring and enforcement of the Mining Act and Regulations. It creates the impression that the GGDMA and the GGMC are bed-mates for mutual benefits…,” the letter said.
Williams said while the GGDMA in its statement called for the appointment of a commissioner, the association indicated that a confirmed commissioner is needed to manage and give direction to the mining industry, especially the gold and diamond sector, to address falling gold prices, rampant illegal mining, and the upsurge of criminal activities in the hinterlands of Guyana. “If the acting commissioner in his current capacity cannot function and issue directions effectively, why should the government consider his appointment as the commissioner?” Williams queried.
“I do hope that the government does not act in haste and fall prey to the GGDMA’s request to confirm the acting commissioner, but rather evaluate his abilities to carry out his functions and responsibilities with the guidance of the board of directors and the subject ministry. Being in an acting appointment does not prevent anyone from performing their duties. Therefore, I am of the conviction that confirmation of the acting commissioner or any other government officer should be based on merits of an individual,” the letter added.
wednesday, august 28, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com
– victims believe it was a "set-up"
ALa Penitence family is now traumatised after two armed bandits invaded their home in the wee hours of Tuesday morning and carted off cash, jewellery and cellphones.
Guyana Times was told that the robbery took place around 02:30h as armed bandits entered the house through the garage and used an adjoining door to go upstairs where they confronted the sleeping occupants. Both of the men were armed with knives; however, one of them also had a firearm.
Owner of the Lot 88, Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown house, Marrissa Ramnarayan said she and her two daughters, ages five and 15, usually live at the house, but her sister and a 14-year-old niece are visiting from Trinidad.
Punched Ramnarayan said around 02:45h, she was awakened by a knock on her room door and alerted her boyfriend who was with her. “Me and my boyfriend were sleeping in the front room, the kids were in the second room and my sister was in the back room, but they went straight to her room and dragged her out by her hair and they tied her hands and foot and gagged her mouth.”
The woman noted that
after they heard the sound, both of them got up and opened the door and saw two men, one of whom punched her boyfriend in his face before pushing them back into the room.
She said that the men’s faces were covered with handkerchiefs. The woman said the robbers then took her and her boyfriend out of the room to sit with her sister and began asking for valuables.
“They were asking for jewellery and money saying ‘which one of you come from outside’, but we told them that we don’t have any and they still asking for U.S. money,” the woman said.
Ramnarayan added that the men continued to ask for money and jewellery and after she told them that they do not
have any, they punched her boyfriend again and began to remove her sister’s clothes.
Obscenity
“My sister then tell them that the money in the bag and I went to get it, but before that they terrorised us, asking for money and jewellery all the time.”
They men took $150,000, TT$5000, two gold rings, a gold chain, a pair of diamond earrings and four smartphones. The 37-year-old woman explained that it appears that the men broke the padlock on the garage gate and entered the house through an adjoining door, which was opened, because her boyfriend was supposed to leave, but they fell asleep.
Ramnarayan said that
from the things the men said and how they behaved, she suspected that they were “set up” to commit this crime. “The things the two guys came in and say are suspicious and when they saw me they said, ‘oh is you who does terrorise people here’.”
Issue
The woman explained that she was in another house in the yard which she rented out by apartments to several persons. She disclosed that two of the tenants from the upper flat owed her three months rent and refused to pay, so she locked the door and told them that after they pay her, they can go in, but they still refused to pay. “We had an incident with them last week and me and them had a big altercation, it didn’t turn out pleasant and then they told me that they will make me pay for embarrassing them like that.”
The woman added: “I’m thinking that they (bandits) thought my sister was me and that’s why they terrorise her and start to strip her and stuff like that and then the things they said too, they say ‘we come to shed blood and we have to do what we have to do’, but I’m not sure what really happened, but it just shake all of us up because we living here for 20 years and nothing like this never happened.”
from page 2
According to the ILO, the challenge is to deliver on the ambitious agenda endorsed by the ILO’s governing body in 2006 by mobilising the political will to prioritise children in national budgets and development efforts.
“There is no reason or excuse for commitments to fall victim to shifting priorities during the global economic and employment crisis. A world without child labour is within grasp. Many countries are on the right track, and they are experiencing success. Yet, there needs to be a reawakened sense of urgency so that the elimination of child labour becomes a worldwide reality,” the document said.
The ILO said the focus of this third global report on child labour under the followup to the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work is about honouring the commitments made in 2006, with the adoption of a global action plan. The action plan sets out time-bound targets for the elimination of child labour. Important obligations and commitments were entered into by ILO constituents. Four years is a short time to ensure major change, but it does, however, permit the organisation time to take stock and gauge progress. In particular, we need to know whether the world is on track to meet the target of eliminating all the worst forms of child labour by 2016.
...treason jump out
There was a most interesting discussion between former treason accused Mark Benschop and Philip Bynoe. Bynoe addressed “straight up” the accusations that he’d sold Benschop down the river and, because of that, the Malcolm X wannabe spent five years in jail. Bynoe’s case was simple – and one that Benschop, who was doing the interview, couldn’t (and didn’t even try to) refute.
Benschop, said Bynoe, was never part of the protest – this was organised out of Congress Place. As an addict for publicity, Benschop simply saw a protest going on and decided to join in with his “hailer”. He had no one but himself to blame that everyone and their uncle thought he was one of the organisers –since he looked so officious and all. In addition to the hailer, he had on his shirt and tie.
Anybody marching around in a shirt and tie in Guyana’s 90-degree F heat is either mad or in authority. But the clincher, Bynoe revealed, was that while he rejected legal advice to turn himself in, Benschop went ahead. Now Bynoe made a great to-do about some People’s National Congress (PNC) lawyer (“now a leader”, in mysterious tones) whose bad advice Bynoe followed. But we think Bynoe is too hard on the lawyer.
While Bynoe didn’t want to be arrested and thrown into the clinker – he doesn’t understand that getting arrested and charged was Benschop’s plan the moment he decided to push his mouth into Bynoe’s story, assisted by his hailer. Benschop just never figured he’d be charged for treason. If he was pretty much a bystander, he figured he’d collect some free publicity and be released with a slap on his wrist.
Well, he got five years of slaps and it wasn’t on his wrists! Bynoe figures that Benschop just doesn’t have the smarts to judge who to trust and hang with. Well, everybody knows about that failing: look how long he took to figure out that Freddie Kissoon was just a faker. But apart from the comic relief, what does the episode teach Guyanese? We can’t do better than use Bynoe’s own words: don’t get involved in mass protest, “because when the numbers reach a certain level, you cannot control that protest any longer”. Now if Bynoe could learn this lesson, why can’t the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)-PNC with their decades of experience with protests. Or the Alliance For Change (AFC) with their leaders’ long experience? The answer’s very simple: they know things will get out of control and that’s just the way they want it. It’s called being expedient. Or callous.
...and FDI flees
Carl Greenidge might’ve thought he was quite cutting with his riposte to the advice of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) that the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP) was a good investment. Said Greenidge snidely: “If it is that good…let them put their money where their mouth is.” But that was a very ignorant answer, wasn’t it? Only people with money can know about good investments?
Are all economists and financial advisers people with money to invest? Was Greenidge rich when he advised the president for a decade on how to invest the government’s money? Oops!!! That’s not a very good example since Greenidge’s advice drove the whole country into bankruptcy.
More germanely, as Clinton Urling from the PSC retorted recently, the whole point about the modern emphasis on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is that the latter is wooed to pick up the domestic slack in funding. And from this perspective, concluded young Urling: “We don’t need an environment where we are playing all of these political tit-for-tat and chasing away investors…” Ouch!!!
...wheel fall off
There’s an old chutney song about “fallin’ from a plane”. But did you catch the story where a wheel from a LIAT aircraft from Guyana to Barbados fell from the plane in mid-flight. Had someone unscrewed it to fill it with some contraband stuff?
Heavy winds Tuesday afternoon uprooted several trees in North East La Penitence, Georgetown, one of which fell on a house.
One of the occupants of the Lot 421 North East house, Merlene Williams, told Guyana Times that no one was at home when the incident occurred. She said her mother came home sometime around 15:40h and was informed about the incident by a neighbour. At the back of the house, there is an alleyway which separates the yards. Along the alleyway, huge trees can be seen, and below, there are bushes growing out of the drains.
When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, technicians from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) were trying to cut power running from the two houses.
Williams pointed out that the trees fell on their roof and the others fell in the space between their house and their neighbour’s.
“The tree fall between our house and the neighbour, but it fall on the electrical wires that run from
our house to their house, so we had to call GPL to come do something and is good thing it had blackout when it happen,” she noted
The woman explained that they have always been afraid of the trees, noting that they are too high to be close to the house. While the trees fell on her house, Williams told this newspaper that there was no major damage; however, part of her back fence was damaged.
“We have to check the roof to see if it damage up there, but part of the back fence break because when the trees fell, they braced
down the fence but is good because at least it break the impact of the trees falling,” said Williams.
She continued that after she got the news, she sought advice and was told to take photos of the trees and make a report to the Mayor and City Council. Williams is calling on the authorities to look into the matter and have all the trees cut down.
“They need to clear the trees because it could have been worst, but thank God no serious damages were done and not only are these trees hazardous, but also dangerous because it pro-
vides a spot for thieves to hide also,” the concerned woman stated.
Meanwhile, Williams’ neighbour Joan Hadmon said she got a call around 15:00h from her son, who told her about the incident.
Hadmon said when she got home, she saw the aftermath of what transpired. “I was so shocked to see these tremendous trees fell and they fall on the electrical wires too, but thank God nothing was damaged.”
The woman is imploring the Mayor and City Council to take action now and clear the alleyways so as to prevent an impending disaster. She noted that no one maintains the trees and they get huge and old before collapsing.
In January last year, a palm tree fell on the Kiskadee Drive, North East home of Shieldston Roberts, 73, damaging his kitchen and several items in it, the bedroom, the bath area and shattered some glass windows. The previous year, Tammica Hackett of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, was asleep when a tree collapsed on her house and killed her.
The young man who is accused of running over the 12-year-old French national who died on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway on Saturday was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday.
Judah Louisy,18, of 121 Half Mile Wismar, Linden, drove his motor car in a manner that was dangerous to the public, causing the death of Johnny Da Silva, the charge states. He was not required to plead to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
Prosecutor Seon Blackman said on the day in question, around 15:40h, the accused was driving motor vehicle PRR 5455 east along the Hauraruni section of the Linden-Soesdyke Highway at a fast rate. Da
Silva was standing on the northern side of the bridge, opposite the Umbrella Resort, along the road edge when the accused hit him. The boy was thrown into the air on impact and dragged 113 feet. He was picked up and rushed to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital (Diamond Diagnostic Centre) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Da Silva was vacationing in Guyana with his parents and seven siblings.
Attorney Rahamat replied that it was the police force who issued the licence to her client and him obtaining it means that they found him competent enough to be the holder of one. She also said that a tragic death has occurred and no one was trying to take away from that. The defence counsel added that her client is not a flight risk and is not the holder of a Republic of Guyana passport in her application for reasonable bail.
Approximately five hours after detention, the GWMO president was released on station bail to the tune of $10,000; however, she has not been charged. Broomes is mandated to return to the police on September 6, as investigations continue.
The virtual complainant who hails from Bartica, Region Seven, is on remand. She was remanded last week after answering to the charges of trafficking in persons and assault causing grievous bodily harm.
It is alleged that between March 14 and April 1, Carter trafficked a person, that is; she recruited, transported and harboured a 17-year-old girl for sexual exploitation.
It was also alleged that during the same period, she unlawfully assaulted the teenager causing her actual bodily harm. The 17-year-old was among four girls rescued from Tiger Creek Backdam, Puruni, Region Seven by the GWMO.
According to Broomes,
the allegations levelled against her are simply devious and seek to tarnish her reputation, noting that it will not deter the GWMO from rescuing women and children who have been trafficked to the interior for exploitation purposes. To date, the GWMO has rescued 11 victims who were trafficked to the interior for exploitation.
In June, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry honoured Broomes as one of this year’s nine Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes.
“At the June 19 TIP Report rollout event, Secretary Kerry paid special tribute to the 2013 TIP Report in the global fight against modern slavery... In 2013, nine people were chosen as TIP Report Heroes in the fight against modern day slavery. Guyana’s Simona Broomes was selected from among the many impressive nominees from around the world,” the U.S. embassy here said in a release.
Prosecutor Blackman objected to bail on the grounds of the nature of the offence and the punishment it attracts. He also stated that the defendant got his driver’s licence only two months ago.
Attorney Latchmi Rahamat represented the accused and told the court that her client, a Republic Bank teller, did not cause the death of the child, since he ran out from behind a minibus. She stated that if granted bail, the defendant will return to court and will submit to any conditions the court wishes to impose.
Magistrate Faith McGusty granted bail in the sum of $200,000 and ordered that the defendant report to Madewini Police Station every Saturday at 09:00h. She also told him that he is not to have any contact with any relatives of the deceased.
wednesday, august 28, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com
The Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation Inc (NHF) continues to focus its energy on assisting the less fortunate on West Coast Demerara.
The group has been hosting charity events since its establishment in 1997. It has three registered branches in Guyana, Venezuela and Canada. According to executive member and Public Relations Officer Ramesh Deochand, the organisation usually holds its charity events annually and will be hosting shows across the country in aid of raising funds for orphanages, feeding programmes, building houses by partnering with other organisations, training teachers and to purchase supplies for the less fortunate.
Educational programmes
“We started this almost 15 years ago and the funds we raise remains in Guyana. It helps to develop our educational programmes we offer below the normal cost so that whoever cannot afford, they will be able to learn basic computer skills,” Deochand said.
He added: “We assist in all areas of disasters… when the
government sought the aid of NGO during the relief initiative for Haiti… we donated to that cause also… The Nirvana resource centre on the West Coast of Demerara currently provides several accredited low-cost computer training programmes, life skills training programmes and a well-stocked library.”
Recently, the organisation hosted several cultural programmes at the Zeelught Shiva Mandir, Astro Cimena and the Sarswattie Vidya Niketam on West Coast Demerara, and the funding will be going towards charitable programmes.
The organisation will be also holding another charity show called “The Dancing Bells of Rekha” at the Indian Monument Gardens on Saturday and the University of Guyana, Tain Campus, Berbice.
Burial Fund
Deochand also revealed that the NHF is seeking to establish a Burial Fund to assist poor families, and has recently launched a reading competition targeting the elderly as well as children.
“We even offer an electric installation course in addi-
tion to the other educational programmes… these are funded by the events that we host to raise the money… the participants of the events are all volunteers.”
According to the Deochand, the non-profit organisation was established as a humanitarian foundation that uses a cultural spin to its charity events. Since its inception, Nirvana has been actively involved in the promotion of humanitarian and Indo-Caribbean cultural activities through volunteers, who give their services for free. “This allows the foundation to record little or no overhead administrative expenses.”
Poor families
The NHF over the years has been highly commended by a wide cross-section of society for its work, especially in assisting less fortunate students on the West Coast of Demerara. Meanwhile, the New York NHF primarily focuses its energies to assist the less fortunate in the West Indian immigrant community.
Additionally, the NHF provides assistance to poor families in the Caribbean and
support educational activities in Guyana.
Further, over the past 15 years, the NHF has also responded to requests for assistance in situations relating to a number of international disasters, including the earthquake in Gujarat, India; El Nino floods in Central America; Hurricane Mitch in Grenada; the Haiti Hurricane Relief Funds; the South Asia tsunami disaster through the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF); the Guyana Flood Relief Fund and the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
Over the years, Nirvana has also donated to the Kamal International Home for the homeless in Berbice, the Dharm Shala in Georgetown, the Kids’ First Fund programme, among others.
It also regularly supports the Sankara Eye Foundation, the United Hindu Cultural Council Senior Centre and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
As of recent, Nirvana donated to the Pramarth Niketan Foundation for homeless boys in Rishikesh, India.
Three men are assisting police with their investigation into a robbery at New Amsterdam during which bandits carted off more than $1 million in cash and jewellery from the home of an insurance sales agent.
The men entered Hugh Robin's Lot 47 Stanleytown home on Sunday morning and carried away the articles. According to a neighbour, about 07:15h on Sunday, Robin who lives alone in the upper-flat of the two-storey building, was heard making strange sounds.
After several calls to him went unanswered, the door was kicked open by concerned neighbours. Robin was discovered lying in a semi-conscious state on his bed. He was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was treated and regained full consciousness.
Reports say that Robin returned home about two hours later, and shortly after, he discovered that a flat screen television
set valued $152,000 was missing, along with another television set valued $45,000.
The insurance agent also said his two cellphones, totalling $82,000 in value, were missing, along with $10,000 he had in a wallet. The wallet was not removed. Also missing were two sound systems valued $240,000. Robin said the intruders ransacked one of his bedrooms and removed $500,000 from a drawer. Investigations revealed that when Robin was taken to the hospital, the door was pulled in, but not locked. Neighbours say that they were more interested in saving his life and paid little attention to security.
An eyewitness said one of the men who apparently went to assist when the alarm was raised returned after the insurance sales representative was taken for urgent medical attention. The items have not been recovered. Police are continuing their investigation.
wednesday, august 28, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com
Education Minister Priya Manickchand said there will be some fundamental changes at President’s College amid complaints by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) that the institution is collapsing.
In a statement titled “Deafening silence of the minister of education on the deplorable state of President's College is alarming”, the PNCR expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the school. Manikchand, in a
Facebook comment, responded to the PNCR’s release, saying it is “a very political, self-serving statement”.
She, however, prom-
ised that some fundamental changes are being made in the management of the school that should see some significant improvements in that regard.
Fiesta Fraser, 27, the Sophia woman who is now left homeless along with her two children after fire gutted their C Field home on Sunday, said the blaze was accidental and not purposely set by her reputed husband as was reported.
Speaking to Guyana Times , Fraser disclosed that she and her reputed husband Dexter Semple were fighting over a bicycle on Sunday when it fell and hit a lit kerosene stove.
“We had the bicycle fighting and it knock the stove and it fall down and fire start, catching on everything,” the woman said.
Fraser explained that she was cooking at the time and despite efforts to contain the blaze, it proved futile.
“The fire start spread and catch the kero bottle and it start swell up, and when that happen, I just jump out the window to save myself,” Fraser recalled.
She disclosed that her two daughters, ages four and two, were at her aunt’s
house at the time and after she saw that the house was completely engulfed in flames and realised that she could not have done anything, she went to her aunt to be with her children.
The woman also refuted claims that she was beaten by Semple, noting that they were arguing, but he did not hit her. Fraser said in the six years she has been with Semple, they would have arguments sometimes.
However, she disclosed that arguments between
them have increased in recent times.
Fraser revealed that after the incident, Semple left, saying he was going to his mother who lives on the East Coast Demerara.
The woman said she has not seen or heard from him since, but he called her several times on Sunday night, and she did not answer.
However, when she tried contacting him on Monday, she was told by his mother that he left for the interior and would send money to assist her and their children.
The woman, who is stay-
ing at a relative’s house, told this publication that she is not sure whether she will take Semple back if he returns.
“He is my children father and I love him so if he live up to my expectations and change, then I am willing to give him another chance cause I don’t want a stepfather for my children,” she said.
While she is waiting to see what will happen, Fraser said she will do everything she can to ensure that her two daughters have everything and will also be trying to rebuild her house.
Fraser noted that she had bought everything for her eldest daughter for school, but they were all destroyed in the fire along with everything in the house, including documents and savings.
The woman remains confident that she will get through this difficult period, and her first step will be to start afresh. “I will have to start from scratch, but will make ends meet for my children,” Fraser added.
Satiricus was still puzzled. Now he’d been assured his permanent state of puzzlement was due to “apartheid education” and not any failure or defect on his part, he’d thought it would lift a burden from his brow. But he still wished he could’ve been a top dog in the education sweepstakes. But he didn’t have six toes.
His puzzlement was over all these figures being tossed around about Amaila Falls. “Internal rate of returns”, “contingency debts”, and “off balance sheet” financing – how the heck was he supposed to keep up? He was one of the 90 per cent who used to get maths Grades Four and Five back in the Forbes Burnham days. He still used his fingers when he received change at the bar. But he kept his hands in his pocket.
Now he had a ray of hope. His niece had purloined the secret diaries of Green Bridge, the APANU man who was raising all kinds of technical points. Satiricus felt like his old days in school when he used to peek into Hari’s maths exercise book. What the heck? All is fair in love and maths, no? And Hari and Green Bridge had six toes.
Dear Diary, Ah tell you, Dear Diary, Ah really crank up GrainJa and RoopNaRain. They don’t know dey ass from dey elbow in this financing business. Well, as you know, Ah ain’t no bright bulb myself, but listen, me old man in New Amsterdam always say “one eye man is king in blind man country”. And these fellas in APANU is some real blind men.
(Ah had to fix me dark shades, Dear Diary. Ah know I is indoors. But at my age Ah got to try look cool.)
All GrainJa know about is “Left! Right! Left! Right!!” Ah does be talking to the man about GDP and he’ll ask “SOP?” What the heck Standard Operating Procedures got to do with the economy? And that RoopNaRain know even less. When Ah tell he about GDP imagine he ask me if that was a “trope”. What the arse is a “trope”? So, Dear Diary, imagine Ah tell them the Amaila Falls Hydro is no good... and they believe me!!! Ah tell them about “internal rate of returns”, “contingency debts” and “off balance sheet” financing and you shoulda see how they eye start to roll in they head. When Ah mention Amaila Falls, GrainJa only talking about how he climb Ayangana. And as for RoopNaRain, he say Amaila is some girl from some book name “Vanity Fair”. What the heck do I care if some fella name Thackeray write it?
(Ah had to fix me dark shades again, Dear Diary. It hard like hell to write when you can’t see though you glasses. But Ah got to look young.)
Ah know that when Amaila cancel, is GrainJa and RoopNaRain gon get blame. When all we supporters vex like ass they not getting cheap electricity like Linden, is all hell gon break loose. An I gon be the leader!!!
(Later, Dear Diary. Ah got to try out some new shades.)
Scores of young people on Sunday joined the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) to repaint 101 pedestrian crossings across Guyana as part of the organisation’s road safety and back to school campaigns.
The PYO said in a release that it had mobilised youths from Regions One to 10 to get involved in activism and community work aimed at making the roadways of the country much safer for all Guyanese, especially children and pedestrians.
PYO Steering Committee
Chairman Omar Shariff, who joined the youths to paint a few crossings, said he was impressed with the commitment and dedication shown by the young people.
He said the PYO remains focused on playing an instrumental role in reforming communities, making the roadways safer while reinforcing the general principles of road safety throughout Guyana.
“I am more than satisfied that our PYO has embarked and successfully completed this campaign. I also want
to commend the youths for their bravery and zeal. As I see them with their brushes and paint, I am reminded of the commitment and selflessness that PYO must continue to show in its bid to develop Guyana and complement the work of all patriots,” he said.
Pedestrian crossings in Georgetown, Berbice, Essequibo and several other outlying areas all received a facelift. Last year, a total of 33 crossings were repainted and completed. The repainting exercise will continue throughout the week.
The community of Parikwarunawa in Central Rupununi recently celebrated the handing over of a women’s group livelihood project, funded by the New Zealand High Commission, Head of Mission Fund (HOMF) that has had an extraordinary impact on the team-working spirit of the community.
The project which started as a way of reviving the income generation activities of the PK Women’s Group, had three distinct elements: resumption of upgraded sewing, including new and refurbished machinery, high quality new frames manufactured by community carpenters under supervision of a professional woodworking instructor and a three-day training in basic machine repairs by a qualified contract technician to Singer; upgrade of a hut into a fully functional, hygienic and well-equipped kitchen capable of serving hot meals and snacks and establishing a one-acre vegetable garden, including a shade-garden which is the first community-owned and operated shade garden in the region.
According to a release from the group, other than the funding and coordination of logistics, all other in-
the villagers to the garden where there are currently rows of bora, tomatoes, eshallots, calaloo and okra thriving with the nursery bed flourishing with seedlings for pumpkins, cucumbers, celery and peppers.
Toshao John Daniels, who did some of the hard labour of cutting and preparing the wood, said he was very happy with the results of this project because “it shows what we can do, when
ect, because it would be here for future generations”.
The women’s group chairperson Violet Eusebio said she is proud of the way the members have volunteered to work in the kitchen, noting that they have turned it into a vibrant snackette. The next step for them is to obtain a food hygiene certificate for the members and licence the premises.
necessary timber, transported it to the site, erected the structure, made the beds, installed the water tank, sourced and transported the topsoil and manure, and constructed the shade house with all its complex plumbing requirements for drip irrigation.
puts and outputs of the project was carried out by the indigenous community with technical support provided by local resources.
Thriving garden
Specifically, support from the local branch of National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), has led to the development of valuable partnerships that will help contribute to the sustainability of the project.
Brian James, the community appointed president of the Kitchen Garden Committee, accompanied
we work together”, adding that “it made him feel good to see the results of this proj-
Renewed programme of fundraising activities in the community have also taken place and more are planned to finance materials for the sewing group after the school uniform activities ended.
The staff of NAREI, in particular Senior Technical Advisor Benjamin Frank and Field Officer Joseph Gonzalves were pivotal to the success of the garden and shade house, and supported the project not only through providing technical advice, but assisting with the procurement and transportation of much of the materials, the release stated.
But it was solidarity of the community members that resulted in the successful delivery of the project objectives with minimum of guidance. They cut all the
Members of women’s group are operating the kitchen on a voluntary basis until it is sufficiently established to provide income for the group. The kitchen provides for children, teachers, and working members of the community as well as visitors and travellers who pass on their way south. “A lot of people who buy from the kitchen say they are jealous of what we have done here. They ask us ‘how did you manage this?’” said Helena Isaacs, the volunteer cook at the kitchen. “We show them the HOMF plaque and tell them that is who helped us,” she added.
“Their achievement should be used as a case study on successful implementation of correctly targeted funding for projects that are community owned and supported locally with access to technical experts with hands-on experience,” Behi Barzegar, a field coordinator of the project said.
Trade unionist Chester Humphrey said it is unfortunate that the majority of Caribbean governments continue to ignore LIAT by refusing to give the regional airline much-needed financial support.
Humphrey, whose Grenada-based trade union TAWU (Technical and Allied Workers Union) represents some LIAT workers, said St Kitts and others need to reverse that handsoff attitude and ensure that they become shareholders in what for the region is a vital transportation link.
The leading trade unionist reiterated that it is unfair for three treasuries (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines) to be “sustaining an institution
that is vital to the economies of all of the island states”.
Dominica came on board recently.
According to Humphrey, the demise of LIAT would impact heavily on the economies of Caribbean states.
Asked about St Kitts and Nevis not being a current shareholder of the regional airline, the trade unionist said Basseterre
should address that matter as a priority.
“Get on board and put equity in the airline, it’s in your best interest. It’s in your best strategy economic interest to do so, it will serve your economy,” is his advice to the St Kitts and Nevis government.
Such help would make it easier for LIAT to quickly re-fleet, according to Humphrey. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)
Acourt has sentenced a 45-year-old man to nearly three years in jail after he admitted sexually assaulting his fiveyear-old step-granddaughter.
The man, whose name was not released, blamed “the devil” for his action. He was jailed for two years and eight months. He confessed to using his private parts to touch the girl inappropriately. The court heard when he
was caught by his wife he said “the devil made me do it”.
Defence Attorney Lucy Organ argued the man had expressed shame and remorse after the one-off incident that happened in December last year.
Earlier this month, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Cheryl Richards said she would appeal a six-month jail term given to a 44-year-old father who molested his eight-
year-old child while forcing her to watch pornography.
“An internal review of the matter has already been undertaken and a decision made that the matter is to be the subject of an appeal,” she said, following widespread public condemnation of the six month sentence.
The man was sentenced on two counts of indecent assault and one count of common assault. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)
Michel Levis, a Canadian wanted on charges of paedophilia, has been arrested in Puerto Plata in The Dominican Republic, according to local authorities.
Levis, from Quebec City, had been sought by Interpol since June, The Dominican national police said in a statement.
The 59-year-old man has been sought by Quebec police since January last year, when an arrest warrant was issued in the town of La Sarre, about 700 km north-west of Montreal, not far from the Ontario border.
According to Dominican media reports, a warrant was issued for the suspect by judicial authori-
ties in La Sarre in the Abitibi region of Quebec on January 30, 2012, while the Interpol warrant dates from June 7.
Levis was finally apprehended on May 30 in The Dominican Republic’s popular tourist city of Puerto Plata while driving a white Ford Mustang, police said.
(Excerpt from Caribbean360)
Barbados’ dairy industry stakeholders, farmers gather to discuss looming issues
Trouble is once more brewing in the dairy industry, as both farmers and major milk purchaser, Pine Hill Dairy, believe that the untenable status of poor sales is threatening to further hamper the manufacturer’s ability to intake produce from farmers. Monday, stakeholders met at Pine Hill Dairy’s headquarters, which resulted in both farmers and stakeholders making an impromptu visit to the Agriculture Ministry with hopes of discussing the dire
industry situation of the industry with Minister David Estwick.
The group also sought an audience with education minister, Ronald Jones, with regards to the dairy’s loss of the School Meals Department account, which accounts for Bds$750,000 in revenue to the company. According to the stakeholders, this and other matters must be addressed, given the fact the company’s storage bonds are overflowing with the perishable stock.
“Pine Hill Dairy and the
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said his government will enter into negotiations with agricultural workers as their strike enters its ninth day.
their road blocks.
farmers have been working together with government to chart the way forward, but what has happened now with the recession which is impacting on Pine Hill Dairy sales, so they have accumulated a great deal of milk in the store room that they cannot get rid of,” said Public Relations Officer of the Beef and Dairy Producers Association, Annette Beckett, who divulged that the livelihood of 50 farms, as well as about 100 workers at the Pine Hill Dairy are under possible threat. (Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)
The protests against the government’s agricultural policies have created transport chaos in parts of Colombia.
The government had said it would not meet the protesters until they lifted
President Santos invited strike leaders from the three worst-affected provinces to talks with key ministers in Bogota.
But speaking on Monday after meeting strike leaders in the central town of Tunja, President Santos said that he and his minsters “were determined to confront the problems and work hand in hand with the farmers to see how we can get out of this situation”. He said he wanted to ensure that farmers had “a decent income, could continue working the land and look forward to a future with more hope and optimism”.
Eleven major roads continue to be blocked by the protesters, who include dairy farmers; potato, onion, rice and coffee growers; and lorry drivers. (Excerpt from BBC News)
The options for travel from Cuba to Jamaica each year have been boosted with Monday’s official launch of Aerogaviota’s scheduled air service between Havana and Kingston. The airline has been operating chartered flights to Kingston for the past three years
Speaking at the launch at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Transport, Water and Housing Minister Dr Morais Guy said that, under the partnership, the Havanabased airline will make three weekly trips between Cuba and Jamaica – flying Mondays and Fridays between Havana and Kingston and on Wednesdays between Havana and Montego Bay, St James.
“We take pride in welcoming this group partnership,” said Guy, who described the partnership as a win-win sit-
disembark the first scheduled
uation for Jamaica and Cuba. He said the partnership adds diversity to the travelling options.
He also said that the introduction of air service by Aerogaviota signals that there was confidence not just in the Jamaican economy, but in the people and government.
from
His sentiments were shared by Tourism and Entertainment Minister Damion Crawford. Crawford also said that the development will open the gates for many visitors to the country, and that it was another step towards building the partnership between the two countries. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
More than a dozen people have died in eastern Mexico, in landslides triggered by heavy rain caused by tropical depression Fernand.
Thirteen people were killed when mud engulfed their homes on hillsides in Veracruz state.
Another man drowned after being swept away by
fast-flowing floodwaters in neighbouring Oaxaca.
Fernand made landfall near the Atlantic port city of Veracruz on Monday and weakened as it moved north-west.
Veracruz Governor Javier Duarte has asked the federal government to declare an emergency in 92 municipalities, so they
can receive recovery funds. Veracruz Civil Protection Director Noemi Guzman Lagunes said almost 300 people had been moved to shelters.
Officials said damage had affected 10 per cent of highways and major roads in Oaxaca.
The U.S. National Hurricane Centre said Fernand had packed winds of 85km/h (50mph) when it made landfall, but weakened quickly once it hit land.
Fernand, which had started off as a tropical storm before weakening to a tropical depression, was the fifth named storm of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season. The season runs from June 1 to November 1. (Excerpt from BBC News)
American forces are “ready” to launch strikes on Syria if President Barack Obama chooses to order an attack, U.S. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said.
“We have moved assets in place to be able to fulfil and comply with whatever option the president wishes to take,” Hagel told the BBC.
The White House said the U.S. would release intelligence on last week’s suspected attack in the next few days.
The UK Parliament is to be recalled on Thursday to discuss possible responses.
Prime Minister David Cameron said the world could not stand idly by after seeing appalling scenes of death and suffering caused by suspected chemical weapons attacks.
The crisis follows last Wednesday’s suspected chemical attack near the Syrian capital, Damascus, which reportedly killed more than 300 people.
French President Francois Hollande said France was “ready to punish” whoever was behind the attack, and had decided to increase military support for Syria’s main opposition.
BBC diplomatic correspondent James
Robbins said the U.S., UK and France will now have the larger task of building as wide a coalition as possible to support limited military action.
Meanwhile, the Arab League said it held Syrian President Bashar al-Assad responsible for the attacks and called for UN action.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Two Kenyan men have signed an agreement to “marry” the same woman.
The woman had been having affairs with both men for more than four years and apparently refused to choose between them.
The agreement sets out a rota for Sylvester Mwendwa and Elijah Kimani to stay in her house and states they will both help raise any children she bears.
Mwendwa told the BBC he loved the woman and said the contract would “set boundaries” and “keep the peace”.
Lawyers said the “marriage” would only be recognised if they could prove polyandry – a woman having more than one husband – was part of their custom.
The BBC’s David Okwembah in the capital, Nairobi, said polyandry is not practised by any community in Kenya.
People have reacted with shock to the “marriage”, arguing that it is not acceptable in terms of their culture, religion or the law, he said.
Defending the “marriage”, Mwendwa told the BBC Focus on Africa programme that while he may be acting in breach of the law, he had decided to enter into a contract with Kimani to end their rivalry.
“It could have been very dangerous if the other man would have come to her house and caught me... So our agreement is good as it sets boundaries and helps us keep peace.” (Excerpt from BBC News)
Jordanians have voted in municipal elections amid growing anger over a sluggish economy that is struggling to cope with a massive influx of war refugees from neighbouring Syria.
About 3.7 million Jordanians were registered to pick 100 mayors and 970 municipal councillors from about 3000 candidates in 94 municipalities.
The Municipal Affairs Minister Walid Masri said that more than 4000 local and international observers were monitoring the process on Tuesday.
The election has been overshadowed by anger among Jordanians over the
impact of more than 500,000 Syrian refugees in their country.
Officials say the influx has placed a huge burden on already overstretched water and power supplies as well as housing and education.
With few candidates of the leftist or nationalist opposition in the race, tribal figures, who are the traditional bedrock of the monarchy, are set to sweep the elections.
The Muslim Brotherhood, the main opposition party, boycotted the polls, charging that despite repeated promises since the Arab Spring of 2011, there has been no meaningful reforms in the country. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moualem has categorically denied that his country was using chemical weapons on its own people.
At a press conference held in Syrian capital Damascus on Tuesday, he challenged the world to provide evidence that the Syrian government was behind last week’s alleged chemical weapons attack in eastern Ghouta, a suburb of the capital Damascus.
The Syrian foreign minister accused John Kerry, his American counterpart, of lying and disregarding the work of UN inspectors when he stated there was “undeniable” evidence of a largescale chemical attack.
“We are all hearing the drums of war being beaten around us. If these coun-
tries are willing to launch an aggression or military act against Syria, I believe, the pretext of chemical weapons is false, baseless and groundless. And as I said, I challenge, I dare them to produce any single piece of
evidence,” Moualem said. He also claimed that the second trip of the UN inspectors to the site of an alleged chemical weapons attack had been postponed to Wednesday due to disputes among the rebels.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Miley Cyrus’s risque performance at the MTV VMAs has drawn complaints from a parenting pressure group in the U.S.
The Parents Television Council (PTC) issued a complaint against the channel over the 20-year-old’s routine, which saw her dance suggestively in a nude bikini with singer Robin Thicke.
It argued the show should not have been rated as suitable for 14 year olds, adding: “Heads should roll at MTV”.
Miley’s father Billy Ray Cyrus is among those on the PTC’s advisory board.
However, he is unlikely to have been party to the complaint, which also criticised MTV for airing a condom advert during the
show.
“This much is absolutely clear: MTV marketed adults-only material to children while falsely manipulating the content rating to make parents think the content was safe for their children,” Dan Isett, the PTC’s director of public policy said.
“MTV continues to sexually exploit young women
by promoting acts that incorporate ‘twerking’ [a sexually-suggestive dance] in a nude-coloured bikini.
“How is this image of former child star Miley Cyrus appropriate for 14 year olds?” Advisory board member Paul Porter added: “The Miley Cyrus/Robin Thicke performance simply substituted talent with sex.” (Excerpt from BBC News)
The numbers are staggering and the prospects are absolutely scary as a massive California wildfire menaces Yosemite National Park.
The Rim Fire, which has devoured nearly 161,000 acres, is also threatening San Francisco’s key water and power sources.
“There’s a lot of con -
cern, and there’s a lot of work to be done,” U.S. Forest Service spokesman Lee Bentley said.
The wildfire, which was 20 per cent contained Monday night, was spreading primarily to the east and threatened to grow amid extremely dry conditions and hot weather.
As many as 20 helicopters and air tankers were
aiding the efforts of 3600 firefighters.
The fire continued to spread Monday toward a key part of San Francisco’s water supply: the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which lies within Yosemite and is just east of the flames.
North-west of the reservoir, rocky terrain could stop the fire’s growth there, Bentley said.
The fire also could threaten the area’s hydroelectric generators, which provide much of San Francisco’s electricity. Because of the approaching flames, officials shut down the generators, and the city – more than 120 miles to the west – temporarily is getting power from elsewhere. (Excerpt from CNN)
Tunisia has declared Ansar al-Sharia a terrorist organisation after obtaining proof it killed two secular politicians and several soldiers, Prime Minister Ali Larayedh said on Tuesday.
Ansar al-Sharia is the most radical Islamist group to emerge in Tunisia since secular autocrat Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was toppled in 2011. Its attacks have posed a challenge to the authority of the moderate Islamist-led government.
“We have discovered proof that the Ansar group is responsible for the assassinations of Chokri Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi and the attacks at Mount Chaambi,”
Larayedh told reporters.
“We have decided to offi-
cially classify this group as a terrorist group. Anyone be-
longing to it must face judicial consequences,” he said. Ansar leader Saifallah Benahssine, also known as Abu Iyadh, is a former al Qaeda fighter in Afghanistan sought by police for allegedly inciting an attack on the U.S. embassy in Tunis in September 2012. Four people were killed in those disturbances, which began as a protest over a film that mocked the Prophet Mohammad.
Ansar al-Sharia has been suspected in the two assassinations and violent attacks in the Mount Chaambi area near the Algerian border, including the killing of eight soldiers last month. (Excerpt from France24)
TT govt to earn TT$1B from share sale as First Citizens IPO oversubscribed
The initial public offering (IPO) of 48,495,665 shares by the government in state-owned bank, First Citizens has been oversubscribed by a significant amount, sources at the bank disclosed on Monday. But the officials declined to say the extent to which demand for the shares outstripped the supply, citing the fact that the final tally has not yet been completed. The investing public is anxiously awaiting the results of the First Citizens
IPO as it is the first offering of its kind in more than a decade and thousands of new individual investors are reported to have opened investment accounts in order to buy the shares of the banking group.
Of the 48,495,665 being offered, it is expected that 60 per cent will be taken up by local financial institutions such as pension plans, credit unions, mutual funds and the National Insurance Board. Employees of the bank –who can purchase up to 5000
shares each at a 10 per cent discount to the TT$22 offer price – have been allocated 15 per cent of the shares on offer, some 7,274,349 shares. Individual investors have also been allocated 15 per cent of the shares on offer, while companies registered in TT and other investors such as the Commonwealth Development Corporation and the Caribbean Investment Fund have been allocated 10 per cent of the shares on offer.
(Trinidad Guardian)
U.S. government mortgage fraud lawsuit against BoA headed to trial
AU.S. government lawsuit accusing Bank of America Corp of fraud in the sale of billions of dollars of toxic mortgage loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is on track to go to trial next month after a judge rejected the bank’s bid to dismiss the case.
In an order made public on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan said there were “genuine factual disputes” that justify letting the case continue against the
second-largest U.S. bank. The order clears the way for the case to proceed toward a scheduled September 23 jury trial. Only a few prominent cases tied to the financial crisis have ever gone to trial. Rakoff also said he expects to decide before trial which theories he will allow the government to pursue. He said he would explain his reasons for Tuesday’s order “in due course.” The U.S. Department of Justice sued Bank of
America last October, joining a whistleblower lawsuit originally brought by former Countrywide Financial Corp executive Edward O’Donnell. It alleged that Countrywide, acquired by Bank of America in July 2008, caused more than US$1 billion of taxpayer losses by selling defective home loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the mortgage financiers seized by the government in September 2008. (Reuters)
German finance minister: "I don’t see" any further eurozone bailouts
German Finance
Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble says the eurozone’s problems are not solved, but “we are in a much better shape than we used to be some years ago.” Asked whether he foresaw any further bailouts coming, he replied: “No, no I don’t see.”
In a rare interview, conducted in English, he said: “If Chancellor Merkel (is) reelected I am confident that we will continue to work for a strong-
er Europe – that’s our general position. We don’t want a German Europe but we want a strong Europe and that means every member state including Germany has to increase its competitiveness,” Schaeuble said.
“A stronger Europe means that everyone has to do its duty and not to ask for more money by others – that’s the wrong way to get a strong Europe, that’s the wrong incentive.” His comments come
ahead of the September 22 election, as Merkel faces a German electorate weary of Europe’s largest economy helping to bail out troubled eurozone nations, whose debt woes have threatened the stability of the currency. Greece, along with three other eurozone countries –Portugal, Ireland and Cyprus – remain dependent on rescue loans from the EU and International Monetary Fund (IMF). (CNN)
The Indian government has approved infrastructure projects worth 1.83 trillion rupees (US$28.4 billion; £17.7 billion) to revive the economy and boost the falling rupee. Finance Minister P Chidambaram said 36 stalled projects in oil, gas, power, road and railways sectors were cleared. “The message we are sending is that the investment cycle has restarted, and we are pushing it,” he said.
The announcement came on a day the rupee hit a new record low, touching 65.6 against the U.S. dollar. Recent attempts to reduce volatility in currency markets have so far failed to have any result.
The finance minister told reporters on Tuesday that the rupee had “overshot its true level”, but said that India was not the only country facing problems. “As I said in parliament, every emerging market
is challenged today. So India is also challenged, and the impact is felt both on the equity market as well as the currency market,” news agency Reuters quoted him as saying.
“I think we’ll simply have to be patient, be firm, do whatever is required to be done, and the rupee will find its appropriate level. What I said a few days ago, I still maintain it. The rupee has overshot its true level, it’s undervalued”. (BBC News)
The Australian surfwear brand Billabong has reported much worse than expected results as it continues to try to refinance its debt. It reported a net loss of A$859.5 million (US$777.8 million; £495.1 million) for the year ending June 30, compared with a loss of A$275.6 million a year ago. It has written off the value of many of its brands, including cutting the value of the Billabong brand to zero. Its shares fell as much as 15 per
cent, having lost more than 60 per cent in the past year.
Billabong has been struggling to maintain sales in key markets such as the U.S. and Europe. “They have had an absolutely ginormous writedown, and that’s the only way that you can describe it,” said IG Markets analyst Evan Lucas. The firm has also been in financial trouble after an international expansion loaded the company with debt. Billabong rejected an A$850
million takeover bid from private equity firm TPG Capital Management early last year, which valued the shares at A$3.50 each. The shares ended the day at 53.5 cents.
Chairman Ian Pollard said the year had been “the most challenging period in the company’s history”. The firm, which is also facing weaker trading in its home market, Australia, has taken various steps in an attempt to revive its business. (BBC News)
Arecent escalation in the crisis in Syria proved to be the catalyst that eventually led investors to sell off stocks in Gulf markets and cash in on the enormous profits recorded this year, analysts said.
On Tuesday, Dubai Financial Market plummeted 7.01 per cent to 2549.61, its largest one-day loss since the November 2009 debt crisis and the most significant market decline globally. The decline came despite fundamentals remaining strong and the
emirate’s property market continuing to soar.
Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index lost more than four per cent, its most significant market drop since August 2011. In Kuwait, stocks also plummeted six per cent, with numerous stocks falling by more than eight per cent. Comments by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that indicated America was poised to interfere in the Syrian conflict were blamed for the dramatic sell off.
The UK also recalled its parliament to vote on a response to the crisis on Thursday, while France said it would not “shirk its responsibilities” to act in Syria. However, analysts said reaction in the Gulf had been far more pronounced compared to other major trading cities including New York because investors had been waiting for some negative sentiment to encourage them to bank the huge paper profits earned this year. (Arabianbusiness)
Online education, commonly referred to as distance learning, has become a popular option for busy professionals looking to upgrade their personal marketability through supplementary coursework. It’s also become widely used by those looking to make a career change while continuing to work.
According to the Sloan Consortium, an organisation that monitors and reports on online education, online enrolments grew by 12.9 per cent in 2008 over the previous year. These findings were even more significant due to the fact that the enrolment in higher education overall only
experienced a 1.2 per cent rate of growth in the same time period. It seems people have discovered the convenience of online learning and are flocking to it in evergreater numbers.
Designed to accommodate a wide range of individuals from all walks of life, continuing education through online coursework is ideal for the busy entrepreneur. There are an increasing number of online degrees offered through some of the most prestigious institutions in the country, making it easier
to select the one that fits your specific needs. And as a professional, your primary need typically centres around time. If you need to make your own schedule, many online programmes are completely asynchronous, meaning you’re allowed to complete the coursework at your own pace, as long as the requirements are met according to the established milestones. For example, distance learning courses will often provide e-textbooks and other reading material online and then require the student to write a term paper that will be emailed to the instructor by a set date. (Business Dictionary)
Amultiplicity of comprehensive and extensive evaluations of the hydrological conditions of the Amaila Falls have justified the move to build a hydroelectric power station there, government said on Tuesday.
The studies, according to a government release, have been carried out by a number of international engineering firms. The main hydrological study was done in 2001 by Montgomery Watson Harza (MWH) Engineers, one of the world’s leading engineering firms.
The hydrology analysis used historical rainfall and river flow measurements from several locations in the region of the project as well as more than 40 years of monthly stream flow data (from 1950 to 1990) to calculate inflows and determine the potential energy that the project might generate.
Available data
To estimate flows in the Kuribrong River, where the project is located, available data from a nearby river basin (the Potaro River) were multiplied by a “transposition factor” – a coefficient used to allow meteorological estimations, to effectively arrive at the hydrologic estimated flows for the river system entering the project reservoir.
The 41-year histori-
cal flow estimates were incorporated into an energy model developed by MWH for the project. The previous hydrologic studies completed over the years that evaluate the hydrographic conditions of the project site, and which form the basis for the site selection, are: Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project Feasibility Study Report, Kaehne Consulting Ltd, June 2002; Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project Guyana Feasibility Study Report Hydrology, MWH, December 2001; and Hydroelectric Power Survey of Guyana Final Report, Montreal Engineering Company Limited, April 1976.
In 2008, an updated review of the hydrological study done by MWH was completed to assess the validity of the monthly flow estimations for the project site. Then, in 2011 a second hydrological review was completed by Halcrow Group lLmited.
Positive reviews
The findings of the reviews have all been positive, inferring a low hydrology risk to the project, the release stated. Specifically, according to the release, the Halcrow review validated the transposition factor used by the initial study, citing it as “representative of the proj-
ect site”. Additionally, even when varying this transposition factor by an acceptable range, energy yields still remained good, moving by one per cent to eight per cent of the average annual yield. The specific energy estimates based on the 41 years of flows have also been affirmative.
Energy output
The review estimated average annual energy yield at the generator terminals to be 1141 GWh, with maximum and minimum yields being 884 GWh and 1343 GWh respectively; average annual energy output from the power plant at 1090 GWh ((at the transformer terminals taking account of machine outages and transformer loss and average annual power available at the distribution point in Linden and Georgetown at 1017 GWh and 1047GWh taking into account transmission line losses.
For a dry year, the annual energy yield at 994.8 GWh and 952.8 GWh for monthly and daily flows respectively. All the findings above create a sound basis for the hydropower potential of the project and reaffirms the project’s acceptable hydrology risk to the government of Guyana, thus setting the stage for the outlook of reliable stable and a dependable energy source for the people of Guyana.
Aman who allegedly fired at another one month after a heated argument was brought before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday charged with discharging a firearm.
It is alleged that on July 27 at Sussex Street, Gavin Major discharged a loaded firearm at Shakeel Wilson with intent to maim, disfigure, or kill. He pleaded not
guilty to the charge read against him.
According to Prosecutor Seon Blackman, the accused is known to the virtual complainant and about one month before the incident occurred, they had an argument in the VC’s yard. On the day in question, the VC was riding his motorcycle when the accused jumped in front of him and started discharging rounds. Major subsequently made his escape.
The VC was hit under the right armpit and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted, treated, and later discharged.
The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness and nature of the offence.
Bail was refused and the defendant was remanded to prison. The matter is set to return to court on September 3.
A33-year-old vendor appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.
Andel Daniels, of Lot 19 Good Intent, West Bank Demerara, allegedly assaulted Roy Williams on
August 19 at King Street, Georgetown, causing him actual bodily harm. He pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge read against him.
The defendant told the court that the virtual complainant came to his stall to purchase some items and started picking them up. He stated that the VC hit him
first and that was when he picked up a piece of wire and hit the VC twice.
Based on his explanation, a not-guilty plea was entered for him. There were no objections to bail put forward by the prosecution and it was set at $25,000. The matter is set to return to court on September 3.
Church employee fined for unlawful wounding
Aman was fined 30,000 by Magistrate Faith McGusty on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for unlawful wounding.
Noel Braithwaite, who said he is an employee of St George’s Cathedral, pleaded guilty to unlawfully and maliciously wounding Andrew Williams on
August 23 at North Road near the church. Prosecutor Seon Blackman said on the day in question, around 08:00h, Braithwaite told the virtual complainant to stop throwing bread onto the steps of the church. This resulted in Williams picking up a brick to hit the defendant. The
defendant then drew an iron bar with which he hit the VC several times about his body.
The defendant was unrepresented.
There were no objections to bail. Magistrate McGusty gave the defendant the option of paying a $30,000 fine or facing three months’ imprisonment.
wednesday, august 28, 2013 |
Recruits participating in the GDF Annual Camp demonstrate a firefighting technique under the watchful eyes of Guyana Fire Service instructors
Reservists at the GDF Annual Camp demonstrate the rescue and recovery of persons from a disaster situation
More than 200 soldiers last Friday tested their ability to respond to fire, and to rescue and recover personnel when the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) wrapped up its annual camp at Seweyo base on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
According to the army, 15 reserve officers and 109 other ranks, including 96 recruits, conducted simulated exercises in firefighting, rescue and recovery of personnel.
Chief-of-Staff (CoS), Rear Admiral Gary Best witnessed the exercises and indicated that he was satisfied with the soldiers’ demonstration of learning.
“I am very happy to be here today to witness these exercises and I must say that your demonstrations were very pleasing and satisfactory,” Best was quoted in a GDF release as saying.
“Today, I can say that we have turned the corner in regard to training for reservists. We believe that reservist training has to take a new trajectory and be relevant to the needs of the force and the wider soci -
ety. There was a time when reservists manned our anti-aircraft guns at some locations and others secured the airfield at Linden,” the army chief said. He said the threats which Guyana faced then are not pervasive now, and therefore “we must take a long look at where we want the reserves of the GDF to be positioned. This training is designed to enable you to develop skills necessary for you to positively impact disaster and risk management in Guyana.
Expectation
In this regard, it will be immediately fruitful since each of you is to return to your community and/or workplace and become involved in helping to minimise risks and provide relief in situations where disasters occur. This training will prepare you to function as auxiliaries for the Civil Defence Commission in the various regions.”
Best expressed hope that the reservists would keep coming back to the
annual camp to hone their skills and broaden their learning experiences. “I’d like to see you get more training, progress and be an asset to your communities,” he said. He also praised all the staff that organised and conducted the training and commended the personnel of the Guyana Fire Service, the Civil Defence Commission and Red Cross, for partnering with the force to deliver valuable quality training to the troops. He also thanked the reservists for participating in the camp.
While congratulating the Second Infantry Battalion Reserve (2 Inf Bn Res), Best reminded the members of the GDF that their area of responsibility remained the “middle” of Guyana, which included Linden, Mahdia and several interior mining communities.
New training
“The 2 Inf Bn Res is on a new training path and its officers and ranks will be trained in many more such drills. This is not to say that you will abandon training in tactics, weaponry and the like. But you need to understand that in this new trajectory, you ought to be better able to augment the 1 Infantry Bn. Augmenting civil defence is therefore now this battalion’s new tasking.” Speaking to his soon departure from the Office of Chief-of-Staff, Rear Admiral Best again thanked the 2 Inf Bn for its support and noted that he had always benefited from the battalion’s support regardless of who held the reigns of the unit. He also wished the unit and its members well for the future. During the two-week camp, intense training was conducted in First Aid, foot and arms drills, skill at arms, field craft, map reading and navigation, disaster risk management, shelter management and fire auxiliary orientation, among other areas. The camp officially closes on Saturday, August 24.
Aman was brought before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday after he was charged with attempt to commit a felony.
It is alleged that on August 22 at Georgetown, Kelvin Washington attempted to steal one shoulder bag and its contents from Dawn Murray. He pleaded not guilty to the charge read against him.
According to Prosecutor Seon Blackman, on the day in question, the virtual complainant was walking in Georgetown when she felt a hand on her bag. She turned around, caught the defendant red-handed, and raised an alarm. A police officer dressed in plainclothes gave chase and apprehended the suspect, who was told of the offence and denied it. Washington was unrepresented and told the
court that he is a 23-yearold conductor with a fixed place of abode at Lot 43 Princes Street, Lodge. Prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the offence, the nature of the offence, and the punishment such an offence attracts. Bail was refused and the defendant was remanded to prison. The matter is set to return to court on September 3.
Your family or loved ones could coerce you into making some bad financial decisions. You’ll need to find alternatives that make them happy without breaking the bank. Devote some time to your own projects as well.
By Bernice Bede Osol
(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
How you present yourself will make a difference to the outcome of a legal, financial or medical situation. Do your best and be your best, and things will work out just fine.
Get into shape, start a diet and do whatever it takes to feel better about your appearance. It won’t take much – just a small change to your routine will do wonders for your confidence.
Expand your interests and your friendships to learn some valuable new skills and make crucial work contacts. What you learn and who you meet will be quite useful down the line.
(Aug. 23Sept. 22)
(July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20-March 20)
Conduct business matters without showing emotion, and you’ll make deals and sign contracts with confidence. Ask for what you want and don’t hesitate to make last-minute changes that will increase your returns.
(March 21-April 19)
Expect sudden reversals with regard to partnership situations. To avoid further trouble, retreat and sort through what’s happened instead of overreacting. A challenging physical activity could help ease your stress.
(April 20-May 20)
An intellectual challenge will boost your confidence and put you in a good position. Networking functions will bring you in touch with serious partners. Nurture relationships to avoid discord down the line.
(May 21June 20)
Say little and do a lot. The difference you make to a cause will impress someone who can help you raise your profile. Romance should be scheduled for late in the day.
When dealing with people who can influence your future, you should keep your emotions hidden. Present your best and most talented traits and refrain from complaining or criticising others.
(Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Venture out amongst friends and peers who have something to offer you. Getting out and socialising will lead to a new and very valuable relationship.
(Oct. 24Nov. 22)
Don’t get angry, get moving. If you want to meet your goals, you’ll need to work quickly. A conversation could prove important to your work or career. Your eagerness and inventive outlook will impress the right people.
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
When talking to an important someone, keep your wits about you and resist saying something you will regret. Proceed with caution and put greater emphasis on improving what you have to offer instead of on what others lack.
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The agenda has been set for a one-day state visit of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, who is scheduled to arrive in Guyana on Saturday, August 31.
Following his arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, President Maduro will meet his counterpart, President Donald Ramotar at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown for a bilateral meeting.
Government officials from the two countries are also scheduled to meet at the same venue for separate bilateral talks. The parties will then proceed to State House for lunch prior to a press briefing. The visit will conclude with a social event at the GICC that will see the participation of civil society.
The visit will be Maduro’s first since becoming president of the Bolivarian Republic, to a country that has maintained a longstanding, fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship for a number of years. Maduro, a protégé of the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, became the Spanish-speaking country’s new leader after winning the country’s April 14 general elections.
Hours after Chávez’s March 8 funeral, Maduro was installed the interim president and after taking the oath, he hailed President Donald Ramotar who was in
attendance, as an extraordinary man of the Caribbean. During that occasion, he lauded his predecessor for completely changing the foreign policy of Venezuela with the goal of resolving outstanding issues between Guyana and Venezuela, based on brotherhood.
The existing relationship between Guyana and Venezuela is based on mutual respect and understanding, and has led to progress in economic trade, beneficial to both countries. Guyana is a beneficiary under PetroCaribe, a stewardship initiative under Chávez which has allowed signatory nations to benefit from cheap Venezuelan fuel. In May, Guyana signed a contract for the supply of 140,000 tonnes of paddy and 70,000 tonnes of white rice, continuing an agreement that was sealed for rice exports with Chávez and Guyana’s former presi-
dent Bharrat Jagdeo. Recently, the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration that was built with part funding of US$2 million from the Venezuelan government, was commissioned. At that occasion, President Ramotar said the government of Guyana applauded President Maduro for continuing the legacy to pursue policies for the advancement of the people of Venezuela and of Latin America.
President Ramotar also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to work with the government of Venezuela for the enhancement of relations through the consolidation of existing programme of cooperation and exploration of new areas that will engender mutual benefits and preserve a climate of mutual respect, the Government Information Agency said.
As the repercussion of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation’s rescuing of several young women forced into prostitution in the interior continues to play out, a police officer accused of raping one of them appeared in court on Tuesday.
Kevin “Alex” Bruster, 21, of 203 Coldigen, East Coast Demerara, allegedly engaged in sex with a 26-year-old woman without her consent on May 15 at Sherima Police Outpost, 14 Miles Isaano while being a member of the Guyana Police Force. A report was made and an investigation was carried out. The police constable was later charged with the said offence.
The defendant was not required to plead to the charge, since it was indictable.
Bruster was represented by Attorney Latchmi Rahamat who told the Georgetown magistrate court that her client, who has been a serving member of the police force since 2010 until the allegation against him was made, denies the allegation. She told the court that he has witnesses who will testify that when the virtual complainant visited the outpost to check in, she was with a group of persons who left together. That was the first time the accused had any contact with the virtual complaints until the allegations were made.
Inspector Oswald Pitt, the prosecuting officer, objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the offence and its prevalence in society today.
However, Attorney Rahamat told the court that
rape is a bailable offence, since an application can be made at the High Court. She stated that her client would have no contact with the VC.
Bruster is the third person in two weeks to be charged with an offence related to the trafficking in persons rescue operations. On August 19, shop owner Ann Maria Carter was remanded to prison after she appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore to answer to the charge of trafficking in persons. Less than four days later, another woman was charged with trafficking two young women. She too was placed on remand.
Magistrate Faith McGusty granted Bruster bail in the sum of $200,000 and the matter was transferred to Court One for September 3.
Afather and daughter appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday, after they were cross charged. It was alleged that on August 25 at Carmichael Street, Georgetown Sharon Brown made use of abusive language to her father, Michael Brown who physically and verbally assaulted her. They both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Attorney George Thomas represented Michael Brown and said his client is willing to offer no evidence.
Magistrate McGusty asked both parties if they wanted to proceed with the matter, and they both said no. All matters were dismissed due to no evidence being offered; however, they were both placed on a bond to keep the peace for 12 months.
The last time Zimbabwe beat Pakistan in any format was 15 years ago. Back then, Pakistan lost to arguably the most formidable Zimbabwe side in history - one that was capable of standing up to the best international sides.
With the cricketing climate in the country having undergone a drastic change since then, any victory by current setup against a top side will be remembered for long. Coming off a disappointing T20 series, where Zimbabwe failed to figure out how to close out a chase, they held their composure and applied themselves better despite the short turnaround time.
A strong opening stand of 107 between Vusi Sibanda and Hamilton Masakadza was the bedrock in their chase of 245 on Tuesday. Having dealt with the seamers with ease during the T20s, Zimbabwe’s chances of victory hung on how they would perform outside their comfort zone.
They looked ill at ease against the spin trio in the T20s but crucially, this time, they didn’t let the spinners run away with the advantage. Saeed Ajmal managed to strike, but the long interval between breakthroughs meant that Pakistan were always playing catch-up. In the closing stages, Pakistan had created enough pressure to bring the equation down to a runa-ball, but a combination of poor fielding and freakish luck meant that it was Zimbabwe’s day.
Before this match, Masakadza spoke about the importance of his duty, as an opener, to set the base and not allow pressure to build on the lower order. Back at
Aaron Ramsey scored twice as Arsenal recorded a comfortable victory over Fenerbahce to reach the Champions League for the 16th consecutive year on Tuesday.
The Turkish visitors trailed 3-0 after the first leg of the play-off and went further behind when Ramsey finished from close range after Lukas Podolski’s through ball was deflected to him.
Gunners keeper Wojciech Szczesny tipped Emmanuel Emenike’s shot onto the post.
But Ramsey grabbed a second when he volleyed in Kieran Gibbs’ cross.
Theo Walcott also hit the bar with a free-kick as Arsenal strolled through, with the only concern for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger a second-half injury to Podolski, who was substituted after appearing to pull a hamstring.
England midfielder Jack
the top, a position he is comfortable with, and with an opening partner from school days, Masakadza took the initiative by hammering Junaid Khan for three boundaries in an over. The openers were strong through the off side against the leftarmers and the boundary barrage prompted captain Misbah-ul-Haq to bring in spin from both ends from the eighth over.
The spinners managed to keep the runs down but wickets eluded them. Misbah used all five bowlers by the end of 12 overs and the breakthrough finally came in the 24th, when Sibanda stayed back to an Ajmal ball that spun back in. Masakadza reached his fifty the following over and continued to take on the spinners, sweeping Ajmal and reading Shahid Afridi’s variations. He chipped down the track and lofted Afridi over extra cover for six in an over that produced 13. The frustration showed in Pakistan’s fielding, when in that over, a drive back to the bowler which should have been stopped resulted in two runs.
Masakadza fell during the batting Powerplay, smashing Ajmal straight to cover. It was only temporary relief for Pakistan because by then Taylor was set, having already hit four boundaries. Pakistan didn’t do themselves any favours in the field, though. A struggling Timycen Maruma tried to loft over long-on but Ahmed Shehzad was in two minds whether to catch or stop the ball and the ball bounced over his head for four. Taylor himself was letoff, on 37, when a reverse sweep went straight to point where Junaid dropped it.
Wilshere also looked uncomfortable after receiving a late kick on the ankle but finished the game.
Otherwise, once Ramsey added to his goal in the first leg, it was a relatively straightforward evening in front of an under-capacity crowd at the Emirates Stadium.
Following their openingday defeat by Aston Villa, this was Arsenal’s third successive victory and, ahead of hosting north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday, it will have injected fresh confidence into an occasionally fragile side.
European governing body UEFA may also breathe a sigh of relief since the result avoided a potentially awkward scenario where Fenerbahce could have progressed despite facing the prospect of a twoyear European ban after being found guilty of match fixing.
Hamilton Masakadza
Luck was firmly in Zimbabwe’s favour. Maruma’s wobbly knock suggested that Zimbabwe were starting to panic, but Sean Williams, aided by some good fortune, ensured his side held the edge with a spicy cameo. An inside edge off Junaid hit the base of the stumps but miraculously, didn’t dislodge the bails. Worse still for Pakistan, it went for four.
Williams sealed the win in style, smashing a six over midwicket to give Zimbabwe their first ODI win against a top team since October 2011. Pakistan, winning the toss, found runs hard to come by at the start due to steady seam bowling, recovered in the middle thanks to Mohammad Hafeez’s brisk half-century, and stumbled towards the end, failing to accelerate due to the pres-
sure caused by the sudden fall of wickets. What prevented them from suffering a complete meltdown was Misbah-ul-Haq, who carried on his good form from the West Indies with his fourth consecutive fifty.
It was a mixed day for Zimbabwe in the field. A series of drops at the start showed that the team had hardly made any progress on that front since the India tour. Mohammad Hafeez was a beneficiary of one of those drops, when on 10. He went on to score 70, but the pace of his innings was crucial, with Misbah not deviating from his tried and tested conservative approach in the middle overs.
Hafeez found early momentum with three sixes off Prosper Utseya, down the ground, though he was lucky the second one wasn’t pouched at the boundary’s edge. Hafeez was strong through the off side, punishing the offspinners in particular. He picked 48 of
his 70 runs off Utseya and Malcolm Waller, picking the large gaps square of the wicket on the off side.
Pakistan struggled to maintain a healthy runrate following that wicket. Umar Amin was run-out trying to complete a second run. Afridi played a typical blink-and-you-missed-it cameo before edging a slog. Haris Sohail was caught brilliantly by Utseya, who plucked a one-handed blinder at short cover - a catch good enough to forget the sitters put down earlier by Zimbabwe.
Misbah’s innings had a high percentage of singles - he had scored only two fours till the 46th over, and yet had managed a decent strike-rate of 81.69. Yet, he saved his big hitting only for the final over, mowing Tinashe Panyangara for massive blows over the on side to take Pakistan to 244. It was well short of stretching the hosts, who are a win away from sealing the series. (Cricinfo)
Pakistan innings
Nasir Jamshed c †Taylor b Chatara 27
Ahmed Shehzad st †Taylor b Utseya 24
Mohammad Hafeez c Maruma b Chatara 70
Misbah-ul-Haq* not out 83
Umar Amin run out (Vitori/ Panyangara) 1
Shahid Afridi c †Taylor b Vitori 11
Haris Sohail c Utseya b Vitori 2 Sarfraz Ahmed† run out (Waller/ †Taylor) 7
Saeed Ajmal not out 3
Extras: (lb7, w9) 16
Total: (7 wkts, 50 overs) 244
Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-80, 3-179, 4-184, 5-198, 6-202, 7-223
Bowling: T Panyangara 10-2-380, B Vitori 10-0-42-2, T Chatara
Aaron Ramsey
Their appeal will be heard by the Court of Arbitration in Sport today. History weighed against the visitors, with Arsenal only twice suffering European defeats by three goals or more in the last 50
years, and the Turkish side scoring just three times in eight trips to England.
However, they went close to opening the scoring when Bacaray Sagna’s attempted clearance was deflected towards his own goal forcing
Szczesny into a save. Ramsey then put the Gunners in greater control when the 22-year-old profited from Caner Erkin’s sliding clearance after Podolski attempted to find Walcott. Welshman Ramsey, who
10-2-32-2, P Utseya 10-0-601, E Chigumbura 2-0-11-0, M Waller 2-0-19-0, S Williams 4-018-0, H Masakadza 2-0-17-0
Zimbabwe innings H Masakadza c Misbah-ul-Haq b S Ajmal 85 V Sibanda lbw b S Ajmal 54 B Taylor*† not out 43 T Maruma c Shehzad b Khan 18 S Williams not out 39
Extras: (b1, lb3, w3) 7 Total: (3 wkts, 48.2 overs) 246 Fall of wickets: 1-107, 2-176, 3-201
Bowling: M Irfan 9.2-1-45-0, J Khan 9-0-55-1, S Ajmal 10-044-2, M Hafeez 10-0-40-0, S Afridi 9-0-51-0, U Amin 1-0-7-0
struggled at times last term, has made an energetic start to this season and impressed alongside Wilshere and Santi Cazorla in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.
The trio were at the heart of some early, crisp passing and set up chances for Walcott and Olivier Giroud, while Cazorla was denied by a fine save as Fenerbahce keeper Volkan Demirel kept the game, if not the tie, in the balance.
The visitors went close to equalising on the night before the break when Emenike bore down on goal after giving Sagna the slip, but Szczesny pulled off a superb stop to deny the Nigerian.
Eighteen minutes from the end, Ramsey finished off a fine move down the left, volleying into the bottom corner to ensure Arsenal’s name would be in the Champions League draw on Thursday once again. (BBC Sport)
wednesday, august 28, 2013
NEW YORK - Fivetime U.S. Open champion Roger Federer gave evidence he could still be a force with a commanding 6-3 6-2 7-5 victory over Grega Zemlja of Slovenia in his opening match on Tuesday.
The Swiss master, who suffered a shock secondround loss at Wimbledon in June and entered the U.S. Open as the seventh seed, dominated the 62nd ranked Zemlja, ripping 35 winners and committing just 16 unforced errors in the 93-minute win.
The match had been scheduled to cap the Monday night program at Arthur Ashe Stadium but was postponed because of rain.
The 32-year-old Federer, winner of a record 17 grand slam singles titles, will next play Carlos Berlocq of Argentina, a 6-3 3-6 6-7 (6) 6-4 6-2 winner over Colombia’s Santiago
Giraldo.
Giraldo had led Berlocq 2-1 in the fourth set when Monday’s rain forced them to complete their match on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, former world number one Caroline Wozniacki reeled off five consecutive games to dig herself out of a hole on Tuesday and safely reach the second round of the U.S. Open.
With her boyfriend, Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, watching from the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Wozniacki was forced to work overtime to beat Chinese qualifier Duan Yingying 6-2 7-5.
“It was just difficult because there was a lot of wind out there,” said Wozniacki.
“I just kept my focus and kept fighting for every point. She just went for it, hitting everything, and I just had to keep steady and keep running balls down.”
Wozniacki seemed to be in cruise control after she raced through the opening set in just 35 minutes but the Danish sixth seed soon found herself in trouble, trailing 5-2 in the second.
But she quickly regained control and won the next five games on the trot to seal victory and avoid a repeat of her first-round exit from Flushing Meadows a year ago.
It was anything but a perfect performance from Wozniacki but she said she was just pleased to advance after her shock early exit 12 months ago.
“I think everyone that you asked today would just say it was a day of survival and a day to get through,” she said. “It’s not about being pretty. It’s about just getting the job done. I did that, so I’m happy about that.”
Wozniacki reached the final at Flushing Meadows in
2010 and was a semi-finalist each of the next two years but has fallen on lean times since, failing to make it past the fourth round in each of her past six grand slams.
The 23-year-old’s relationship with McIlroy has been heavily scrutinized but Wozniacki said she remained confident of getting back to her best.
“I always believe in that, so I never lost the belief. There is still so many matches to go, so I just have to go one match at a time like always,” she said.
“I think if you ask any athlete, there will always be ups and downs. The downs just make the ups even better. You appreciate it more. You love it.
“I love proving people wrong, and I love what I do. I live the life I have always dreamed of and I have a passion and I have something to wake up for every morning.” (Reuters)
The Rio anti-doping laboratory which was to be used for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics in Brazil has had its right to test samples revoked.
The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA), suspended the laboratory for a second time in August and will revoke its status on September 25 for failing to meet international standards.
The lab can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 21 days.
It can re-apply for accreditation and seek “fast track” process from Wada.
Organisers of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games had planned on using the centre to test samples from all athletes.
But the decision to revoke the accreditation was taken by WADA’s executive committee following a thorough review of the status of the laboratory, which is also known as Ladetec.
Wada cited “non-compliance with the International Standard for Laboratories and the related technical documents” as the reason for their decision.
A suspension on testing was imposed on August 8 for repeated failure to comply with international standards, before the decision to stop the centre’s testing in its entirety.
Exactly how the laboratory has failed in its work is unknown, but it is not the first time Wada has punished the centre.
In January 2012, Ladetec was suspended from testing for nine months for falsely accusing a Brazilian beach volleyball player of doping.
The latest decision means the laboratory’s testing licence will be removed just over nine months before the start of the World Cup.
Cook among big England names rested for Australia ODI’s
England captain Alastair Cook and James Anderson, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann are being rested for the one-day series against Australia.
The quintet are being given a break after helping England win the Ashes this summer, with the return series against Australia starting in November.
Batsman Eoin Morgan takes over as captain from Cook.
Michael Carberry, Chris Jordan, Jamie Overton and Boyd Rankin - all uncapped by England in ODIs - are included.
England play two Twenty20s against Australia on August 29 and 31 before travelling to
of the ICC Cricket World Cup, which is less than 18 months away.”
Uncapped Yorkshire batsman Gary Ballance, Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor and Hampshire spinner Danny Briggs will drop out of the squad after the game against Ireland to make way for Pietersen, Trott and Root.
Sussex bowler Jordan, 24, and fellow paceman Overton, 19, make an England squad for the first time.
Hampshire batsman Carberry, 32, has one Test cap while 29-yearold Warwickshire bowler Rankin has played 37 ODI internationals and 17 T20 games for Ireland as
Ireland to play an ODI on September 3.
Batsmen Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and Joe Root will miss the trip to Ireland but will return for the five-match ODI series against Australia, which starts on September 6.
well two T20 matches for England.
Rankin quit playing for Ireland in 2012 in order to try his luck with England, while stand-in captain Morgan followed the same path in 2008.
Wada said in a statement: “The revocation will enter into force on September 25, 2013 and means that the laboratory - which is currently suspended - will no longer be authorised to carry out the testing of doping control samples on behalf of Wada or any testing authority.” With the lab currently suspended from testing, the closest test centre to Rio is in Colombia.
“Following a very intense period of cricket this summer we have decided to rest a number of senior players which will allow them to recover from a heavy workload over the last three months and to prepare for the tour of Australia, which begins in eight weeks,” said England national selector Geoff Miller.
“This creates an excellent opportunity for players who have impressed in county cricket and for England Lions recently to test themselves at international level as we continue to build a squad ahead
Australia have included only seven of their Ashes squad in their 18-man setup for the ODIs against England.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that the number of players being rested should mean fans who have bought tickets get recompensed.
Vaughan tweeted: “I would have only rested Captain Cook. Plenty of time to rest from Sept 16thNov 21st? Can’t sell tickets then rest 5 star names.
“No problems resting players but I think supporters who have paid good money to watch the best should get a small refund.”
By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto
Considered one of the more technically correct young batsmen in the Caribbean, Rajendra Chandrika, is aiming to regain a place in the Guyana side for next year’s West Indies Cricket Board Regional Four-Day tournament.
Currently representing Vikings Cricket Club in the annual Toronto and District Cricket Association Elite and Premier League competitions, Chandrika’s form has been admirable so far.
It is his debut season and the 24-year-old batsman from Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown wants to continue with the impressive showing in North America.
He has scored over 300 runs and his best knock of 82 was on Saturday against a Islanders Cricket Club at the King City ground. Like many of his compatriots, who are plying their trade in Canada, Chandrika is willing to make an impact for Guyana.
The talented Chandrika represented Guyana in 22 First-Class matches but had a poor run of form last season.
“Certainly I [am] enjoying my cricket up here; it is my first season but it has been great as I am keep trying to play as much competitive cricket as possible; I want to do well for Guyana in the upcoming regional four-day games, once I am selected, but consistency is very important,” Chandrika related.
He stated that he was very thankful for his club for giving him the opportunity to play in Canada on a professional level and was also delighted to be among the top-performers.
“Coming to Canada and play in both the Elite and Premier divisions is defi-
nitely inspiring and I am using every bit of my opportunity to make an impression; I am indebted to Vikings for giving me the chance to be among many former West Indies and Caribbean cricketers,” the former West Indies Under-19 opener declared.
He commenced his senior career for Guyana in 2010 against Trinidad and Tobago at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, where he scored a fluent 65 while his last outing was rather inauspicious against Jamaica at the Guyana National Stadium where he only made five and nought earlier this year.
“You always want to give your best performance for your country; getting a good start in my career but I had one and two injury problems and unfortunately I lost my form but I am working very hard now both mentally and physically; runs are essential and I am looking forward to represent Demerara and Guyana later this year,” Chandrika, whose highest first-class score is 90, divulged.
He is set to return home shortly and has plans of coming back next year to represent Vikings Cricket Club. He scored four fifties this season.
Five coaches were identified by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to attend the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)-sponsored Tutor/Assessor course, to be staged at the University of Technology in Jamaica.
The five coaches are former West Indies fast bowlers Reon King and Colin Stuart, former national fast bowlers Esaun Crandon and Rayon Griffith and former youth cricketer Julian Moore.
The first intake to the University of Technology in Jamaica is slated to begin in the new semester in September.
The WICB, in an effort to certify and standardise coaching in the West Indies, has partnered with UTECH and the England and Wales Cricket Board to devise a curriculum that will ensure coaching techniques and methods throughout the region follow the same path.
Applicants for the Tutor/ Assessor must be a level 2 coach which will be managed and supervised by facilitators from the University. Upon completion of the programme, all successful participants will receive certification.
Half-centuries from Berbice under-17 batsmen Brian Dukhna and Brandon Persaud spearheaded Lower Corentyne into the final of the 2013 Berbice Cricket Board/Republic Bank Under-17 Inter-Zone cricket competition.
Lower Corentyne advanced after gaining first innings points from West Berbice in their drawn semi-final encounter at
the Cumberland ground in East Canje. Batting first, Lower Corentyne reached 168 for 6 from 53 overs. Dukhna topscored with 53 while Persaud made 52; Daniel Samaroo chipped in with an unbeaten 29.
Bowling for West Berbice, medium pacer Imran Imtiaz was the best bowler with 2 for 19.
In their run chase, West Berbice slipped to 63 for 5,
a position from which they never recovered, and were eventually bowled out for 72.
Off spinner Daniel Lewis and left-arm spinner Dukhna ripped through the batting order with three wickets apiece. Medium pacer Navendra Permaul supported with 2 for 18.
Lower Corentyne reached 37 without loss in their second innings when the day’s play ended.
“Teach Them Young” cycling programme wraps up this weekend
After eight weeks of intense training, the 37th annual National Sports Commission (NSC) Teach Them Young cycling camp will conclude on Saturday with the staging of an 11-race programme, sponsored by the NSC at the inner circuit of the National Park.
This year’s camp attracted a record 65 participants, the most in its history, and according to national cycling coach and facilitator of the event, Hassan Mohamed, it was nothing less than a resounding success.
“This year was by far the most successful because we had a lot of new faces and the youngsters were very keen to learn the basics of the sport. A lot of them came here with balance wheels and within a few hours they were riding without them,” Mohamed pointed out. The camp, which ped-
alled off on July 8, has been in existence since 1977, and is by far the oldest nursery
of any sport discipline in Guyana and the Caribbean. Mohamed, who has
been at the helm of the programme since its inception, said the aim of having it every year is to encourage increased more participation in the sport, prevent delinquency and produce champions.
Sessions are being held from 09:00h to 11:30h on weekdays, and the participants are being given a basic introduction to the sport, both at the theoratical and practical level.
During the last few weeks, the young riders were given a chance to exhibit what they would have learnt so far by competing in several 11-race programmes at the National Park circuit. They will have an opportunity to do so again on Saturday when action gets underway at 09:00h.
The first champion to emerge from the programme in 1977 was former president of the Guyana Cycling Federation and lecturer at the University of Guyana, Hector Edwards. He was followed by Leo Ramalho, who has since ventured into the sport of rifle shooting.
Some of the other notable names whose foundation came as a result of the programme were the Fiedtkou brothers – Noel and Marcus, Byron and Bertram James, Dwayne “Road Hogg” Gibbs, Godfrey Pollydore, the late Troy Humphrey, Linden Dowridge, Eric Sankar, Warren McKay, Daniel Ramchurjee, Shane Boodram, Alanzo Greaves, Geron Williams, Robin Persaud and Enzo Matthews among others.
Sashia Vickery, the United States of America player of Guyanese parentage, made a brilliant start to her U.S. Open campaign on Tuesday, comprehensively beating Mirjana Lucic-Baroni of Croatia 6-4 6-4.
It was a remarkable start to 18-year-old Vickery’s Grand Slam career, as she upstaged her more illustrious 31-year-old counterpart on Court Seven.
Vickery, who gained a wildcard entry into the US Open, needed a mere 87 minutes to wrap up victory, as she had five aces compared to Lucic-Baroni’s two.
In an invited comment, president of the Guyana Tennis Association, Ramesh Seebarran, said the entire local tennis fraternity “is extremely excited at this time.”
“We were following the match on the internet as it was happening, and to see her win is a great moment for all us involved in tennis here,” Seebarran said.
He added, “This certainly means lot for us, because a lot of our young players here have been following her career closely, so this will certainly serve to motivate them to be like her or even better.”
Vickery, who played on the local circuit while on a visit to Guyana recently,
Sashia Vickery made a brilliant start to her Grand Slam career on Tuesday
has shown exemplary skills in the game she has played most of her life.
She is the second player of Guyanese parentage to have qualified for the US Open, which is the final tournament on the Grand Slam calendar.
Vickery is slotted in the bottom half of the main draw where she would be competing with the likes of 13th
ranked Ana Ivanovic, 11th seed and former US Open finalist Samantha Stosur of Australia and Victoria Azarenka.
The bright smiling teen had won the United States Tennis Association’s Girls 18’s tournament which guaranteed the winner a wildcard spot in the tournament at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens.
Alpha “The Hammer” United made their booking in the final of the Goal for Gold football tournament after they defeated Camptown Football Club 3-0 on Sunday night at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.
Both teams came out attacking and looked for holes in the other’s defence. However, it was Camptown’s defence that succumbed to the persistence of the Alpha midfielders who constantly probed the defence of Camptown with crisp passing to their forward Dwight Peters, who struck on the stroke of half-time.
On the resumption of the second half Alpha wasted no time to double their advantage with Anthony “Awo” Abrams in the 49th minute.
Alpha then turned up their defensive pressure, disallowing Camptown any free movement to get a clean strike on goal despite some missed opportunities from the Camptown side. Alpha United on the other hand did not miss those opportu-
Dwight Peters Anthony Abrams
nities; Andre Murray netted a third goal for Alpha in the 90th minute to give the team an emphatic win and a place in the final. Meanwhile, the women from Bartica outplayed West Demerara to win the encounter 4-0 to move ahead in the tournament. Olivia O’Selmo opened the account for Bartica with a goal in the sixth minute before doubling up in the 30th minute to end the first-half with a 2-0 lead.
The second half was no
Port-of-Spain, TRINIDAD - West Indies pacer Ravi Rampaul has recovered from an ankle injury, which kept him out of the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 (CPLT20), and should be available to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the Champions League Twenty20 in India next month.
The pacer could return to action as early as this weekend when T&T travel to Guyana to play the Guyana national team in two T20 practice matches as part of their build-up for the Champions League
T20, which bowls off on September 17.
Chairman of selectors Dudnath Ramkessoon confirmed that the trip to Guyana is on. He said a media release will be made to announce the squad for the two matches there.
Rampaul, who was selected on the Jamaica Tallawahs team for the inaugural CPLT20, was ruled out of the competition after sustaining an ankle injury during the Tri-Nation series featuring West Indies, India and Sri Lanka.
Ramkessoon confirmed that Rampaul has recovered from the injury, but the chairman of selectors could not confirm if the pacer will travel to Guyana for the two matches this weekend or if he will be part of the T&T Champions League T20 squad.
Rampaul’s most recent match was on June 28, and he will need to get some match practice if he is to be part of the T&T Champions League T20 squad.
Despite being sidelined with injury, Rampaul was still invited to celebrate with the Tallawahs after they defeated Guyana in the CPLT20 final at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain on Saturday night.
With the CPLT20 over, T&T, who were forced to put their preparations on hold after most of their players won places in the various franchises for the inaugural tournament, will reassemble this week to start their final preparations for the Champions League T20.
Their preparations will include matches against the Guyana national team at Providence on Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. each day.
T&T qualified for the Champions League T20 for the third straight year by completing a hat-trick of Caribbean T20 titles, and they have also earned direct entry into the Group Stage this year after playing in the Qualifier in 2011 and 2012.
The Denesh Ramdinled side are in group B along with Brisbane Heat, Chennai Super Kings, Titans and the secondranked team from the CLT20 2013 Qualifier.
T&T face Brisbane Heat in their first match on September 22.
Rampaul’s recovery should be a big boost for the T&T team who will again be without the services of Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo. (WICB)
different as Bartica struck twice again, this time from the boots of Kerry Thomas and Candida Ambrose in the 51st and the 58th minutes respectively.
Alpha United now await the winner of the Slingerz Football Club/BK Western Tiger game while Bartica will await the winner of the Georgetown/Berbice clash, expected to be played today. The third place playoff will be played on August 30 while the final is scheduled for September 1.
Damien O’Donohoe said thank you to the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) team who made the tournament and last month possible.
In an open letter he said, “Just like on the pitch, it is teamwork that makes the difference in achieving extraordinary things in life.”
He added: “All across the region, the Limacol CPL team has worked tirelessly to make the inaugural tournament an outstanding success. It took endless commitment to build the tournament from scratch across the region. It’s that human spirit and energy that turned a Caribbean dream into a sporting reality that has exceeded all our goals and aspirations.”
He also emphasized that the Limacol CPL has been a showcase for the world of all that is great about the Caribbean, indicating that “it truly is the natural home of Twenty 20 cricket where
fiercely contested matches are played to the backdrop of full houses and a carnival atmosphere. The biggest party in sport is here to stay. “
“We will review the tournament over the coming weeks and then set out to make 2014 an even more memorable experience for our players, fans and commercial partners. We have always talked about our mission of using the Limacol CPL to re-energise West Indies cricket from the grass roots up. In years to come, people will identify Limacol CPL 2013 as a turning point for West Indies cricket, a turning point on the journey back to the top of the world.
“My sincere thanks to everyone again, including the Digicel Group, who backed the Limacol CPL vision with the financial resources required to make it happen – and to our founder Ajmal Khan.”
Concluding, he said the “journey is only beginning.”
By Rajiv Bisnauth
Former England and West Indies cricketer Monte Lynch has resigned as the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) territorial developmental officer.
Lynch, who was appointed to the post on April 18, confirmed on Tuesday that he resigned the post, divulging little else on the decision to this publication.
“Yes that’s true, I have resigned from the post of territorial developmental officer of GCB three weeks ago,” Lynch said. “I don’t want to comment further," he said.
He added: “I can’t comment about the resignation letter I have written to the GCB and I am waiting on them to make an official release of my resignation
before any further details are released from my side.”
GCB secretary Anand Sanasie said the board will make an official statement on the issue shortly.
Lynch replaced former West Indies fast bowler
Reon King, whose tenure was cut short following the installation of the government-established Interim Management Committee in December 2011. King was the Cricket Development Officer (CDO).
When Lynch was drafted he was tasked with changing the fortunes of Guyana’s cricket, although there had been sporadic success at all levels.
His job description entailed the establishment of a secondary school cricket programme, supervising the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)/GCB/ Digicel grassroots and Scotiabank kiddies’ cricket programme and revamping the GCB coaching and cricket development programmes.
Lynch, a Guyanese by birth migrated to England as a child and played three One-Day Internationals for England against the West Indies in 1998. A natural hard-hitting batsman and occasional off-spinner and a fine slip fielder, Lynch played one season for Guyana in the 1982-83
Shell Shield four-day competition.
He also played for the West Indies on the rebel tour of South Africa the following season. Lynch also played in the county championship for Surrey between 1977 and 1994 and Gloucestershire from 1995 to 1998.
After retiring from First-Class cricket he continued to play club cricket in Surrey and started his own sports equipment company, MAL Skills.
He was also the cricket coach at the Royal Grammar School, Guildford and Southern Rocks cricket team in Zimbabwe.
Lynch, who was appointed head coach of the Georgetown Cricket Club last September, is Level Three English trained coach.