Guyana Times Daily

tuesday, may 27, 2014|

Gold continues to struggle … as declaration dips in Guyana

There has been a reported drop in gold declaration here even as international market prices remain flat for successive weeks, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud has said. He said while gold mining operations continue, there has been a “slow down” in sales to the Guyana Gold Board and other legitimate entities when compared to 2013. The Minister called on Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) President Patrick Harding to take note, stating that small and medium scale miners must maintain the “good track record”.

Approximately 136,240 ounces of gold were declared between January and April 2014, whiles during the same period last year, some 151,758 ounces were declared.

Flat

At the time, he was speaking at the Omai Wharf in Linden, Region 10, where reporters were briefed on the US$86.8 million Karouni Gold Project being executed by Troy Resources Guyana Inc, an Australian-based mining company.

As of Monday, international markets reported that gold continues to struggle below US$1300 an ounce after ending flat for two straight weeks, but

the metal could gain from developments in Ukraine where pro-West billionaire Petro Poroshenko notched an emphatic win in the presidential election. Poroshenko, a billionaire chocolate manufacturer, claimed the Ukrainian presidency on Sunday, taking on a fraught mission to quell pro-Russian rebels and steer his fragile nation closer to the West.

It remains unclear how the tycoon can square the circle of turning firmly westward as long as Russia, Ukraine`s major market and vital energy supplier, seems determined to maintain a hold over the second most populous ex-Soviet republic, occupying a vast swathe of the borderlands between East and West.

“The relationship between Russia and the newly-elected President in Ukraine will be key for gold prices,” said Helen Kau, an analyst at UOB-Kay Hian Securities in Hong Kong.

“Since the new President is not pro-Russia, it could make Ukraine more divided. There is still a lot of uncertainty and political risk there, which could boost gold's safe-haven appeal.”

Spot gold was steady at US$1293.01 an ounce at 0354 GMT, after ending flat for a second straight week. The metal has closed between US$1291 and

US$1296 in the last seven sessions.

Persaud himself back in January had said that despite the challenges in the mining sector, he was optimistic that the sector will remain economically viable, as it holds tremendous promise. He had also announced that the latest gold declaration was just over 28,000 ounces for January, which is about eight per cent above the same period last year.

Optimistic

“Our goal is to ensure that we have the sector being very aware of its environmental and social responsibility, and at the same time, being very strong economically,” Minister Persaud said then.

In 2013, gold output in Guyana reached a record production of over 481,000 ounces. He did acknowledge that it was a challenging year for persons involved in the sector because of the tremendous fall in the price of the mineral.

Persaud had said there has been some level of recovery in terms of the prices for 2014 and had anticipated that there will be conditions which would allow for a more profitable mining sector, which also includes diamond, bauxite (which has also been doing well), and manganese.

Earlier this year in his budget speech, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had reported that the gold mining sector has for another consecutive year played an important role in the domestic economy and delivered record-breaking production. The industry, he said then remained resilient to price shocks with growth only minimally affected as evidence from the retention of jobs and the attendant multipliers in economic activity.

“Despite the more cautious response by the global markets to the price shocks, the prospects for large-scale mining for gold in Guyana are still very real. Fortunately, demonstrated investor confidence remained unshaken where

large-scale projects for gold were concerned.

Notably, the Guyana Goldfields Project at Aurora is advancing aggressively for late 2014 start up, which is earlier than originally projected and Troy Resources (Pharsalus) in the Kaburi area is on stream for late 2014 start up if not earlier. The ETK/Sandspring Project at Toraparu is also poised for further developmental works geared to production start up by 2015. Collectively, these injections for Foreign Direct Investment are anticipated to increase production significantly, along with industrial and commercial linkages, which together bode well for Guyana’s economy on the whole.”

CDB opens five-day technology forum

As part of activities leading up to the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) 44th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors to be held in Guyana this week, the Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services (CTCS) Network is hosting a consultation forum to engage regional stakeholders.

The consultation opened on Monday and is being held at the Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara. It will last for five days with the last two days being dedicated to engaging local representatives.

CTCS is a consultancy service provided by the bank through its Private Sector Development Division (PSDD) to regional and national institutions laboratories, industrial enterprises and private consultants. The network seeks to help solve planning and production problems quickly by providing Caribbean expertise at affordable cost to these entities.

At the brief opening ceremony, CTCS Network Coordinator Kenneth

Harvey enlightened the participants on the objective of the forum. Harvey noted that CDB continues to encourage the CTCS to deal with issues arising out of each member countries that are relevant to the bank’s role in the Caribbean, in order develop a new approach.

Golden opportunity

The Network Coordinator stated that CTCS had recommended that this be done in a strategic way. He disclosed that at the beginning and throughout the year, the lead coordinating institution of each member countriy will send representatives who will identify some of the core activities that they want to do under the CTCS programme within a year, or over a few years that would impact on Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in respective countries. He noted that this will allow for the officers of CTCS to manage and address all the issues in one document.

Harvey stressed: “… this is a golden opportunity to engage with local cooperative institutions in each coun-

tries to be more meaningfully involved in identifying and developing the activities, ensuring that what was the strategic focus of the policy of the Government of the day for SME development and how they want the SME to contribute to the National Economy.”

He added that when the

local coordinators are called to take part in the preparations of the new approach, they will also be required to identify the areas in which the SME sector in their country needs urgent and tangible contributions to the development of the country. They will also have to do all the investigative work that

has to be done whereas before this was done by CTCS officers.

“So you will be engaged from the get go, more importantly, you will engage with all the other coordinating institutions to make sure that what is needed is commonly agreed among you and you will get involve to prepare

the instrument that would then come to us so that we the officers spend less time pen to paper and more time making it happen.”

According to the Network Coordinator, this would allow coordinators to get a wider ownership of the CTCS programme in their country with the facilities provided by the bank at their disposals. He further stated that the activities chosen will also roll over in 2015, as they would have already identify the programmes they want to do in advance. Harvey noted that the consultations over the next few days will see key issues being discussed and then a report would be produced to management that includes all the member countries. He urged the participants to ask questions and be fully involved in the forum. One of the rationales in the strategic approach to be undertaken includes the participants informing local entities in their respective countries of what was discussed and enlighten them on how to get onboard with the CTCS Network.

Success man killed in hit-and-run accident

Afather of two was on Monday morning killed in a hitand-run accident in the vicinity of Bel Air, Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara, while he was fishing in the area.

Almost an hour after the accident, Fizul Houssin, 31, of Lot 270 Success Sideline Dam, East Coast Demerara, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Based on information received, the young man and a family friend Kamaladeen Hussain was fishing in the area when a speeding car struck him down. As a result of the impact, he was flung into a nearby trench and was pulled some 10 minutes later.

A policeman, who was passing at the same time, reportedly contacted the Georgetown Public Hospital to send an ambulance, but it took a while to arrive and when it finally did, Houssin had succumbed to his injuries.

He reportedly suffered

several broken bones. The driver of the car reportedly sped away from the scene, but Guyana Times understands that the Police are in possession of the registration number of the vehicle.

Kamaladeen Hussain told Guyana Times that he and the young man left home about 05:00h and it was the first time they went to Bel Air to fish.

“Blam”

He said that he was approximately 60 rods away from Houssin when he heard “blam” and as he looked around; he did not see the young man but saw his broken bucket in a corner.

He said that he thought the young man had gone into the bus, but while checking, he saw bubbles in the trench.

The devastated man went on to say that the white car had already sped away from the scene and in an attempt to get assistance, he stopped an approaching vehicle. As the vehicle stopped, he realised

that it was a Police rank, so he related the ordeal. With the assistance of the rank, he went into the trench and about five minutes later, he found Houssin in an unconscious state. The Police rank, he noted contacted the hospital for an ambulance which took a while to arrive on the scene.

He also said that the Police collected several broken parts of the car from the scene.

The dead man’s sister, Bibi Shaneeza Houssin said she was at home when she received the call and rushed to the scene.

As she arrived, she saw her brother’s motionless body lying on the parapet and from all indications, he was dead. After sometime, she added that the ambulance came and took him to the hospital and shortly after, they received the dreaded news.

The man’s father, who is also his employer, in tears related that he lives in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara and received a message about 06:00h, informing him that his son was involved in an accident, but was not told he died. It was until he reached at the hospital that he saw his son’s body lying on a stretcher. He explained that his son was not a fisherman but he likes to fish when he has the time.

The young man leaves to mourn his two daughters, father and five siblings.

Sanitised Wisroc Nursery School reopens today

After being closed for approximately two weeks due to mosquito infestation, the Wisroc Nursery School in Linden is set to reopen its doors to students and teachers today.

The school was forced closed on May 12, after the situation had reportedly worsened. Two species of mosquitoes were reportedly living inside the school’s compound based on tests

conducted. Officials at the school have confirmed that the Region 10 Democratic Council (RDC), working in collaboration with the Region 10 Education Department conducted a spraying exercise last Tuesday, to rid the school and its environs of the disease-carrying pest, while noting that the effect of the chemicals are expected to wear off by today .

Staff of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) recently carried out a clean-up exercise in the vicinity of the Wisburg Secondary School, located a short distance from the Wisroc Nursery School, in an effort to keep drains and canals cleaned. The school was closed before due to mosquito infestation.

Additionally, unwanted vegetation was recently removed from around the

school’s compound. Region 10 Health Officer, Dr Pansy Armstrong recently disclosed that three persons are currently in training to conduct vector control and fogging exercise so as to bring the situation in the Linden community under control. She also confirmed that a regionwide fogging exercise was conducted several months ago and the same is expected to be carried out again shortly.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Life expectancy

Recently, the World Health Organisation published its latest report, “World Health Statistics 2014”, which among, other things, details the life expectancy rate in various countries of the world. Some useful facts are included in the report which could guide policy-makers and governments as it relates to improving the health and living conditions of citizens so that they could live longer and healthier lives.

The life expectancy of a country is usually an indication of a country’s economic and social progress. Based on global averages, a girl who was born in 2012 can expect to live to around 73 years, and a boy to the age of 68. This is six years longer than the average global life expectancy for a child born in 1990.

The report shows that low-income countries have made the greatest progress, with an average increase in life expectancy by nine years from 1990 to 2012. The top six countries where life expectancy increased the most were Liberia, which saw a 20-year increase (from 42 years in 1990 to 62 years in 2012); followed by Ethiopia (from 45 to 64 years); Maldives (58 to 77 years); Cambodia (54 to 72 years); Timor-Leste (50 to 66 years); and Rwanda (48 to 65 years).

WHO officials explain that among the several reasons for this level of success, is that fewer children are dying before their fifth birthday. There is still a major rich-poor divide: people in high-income countries continue to have a much better chance of living longer than people in lowincome countries.

For example, a boy born in 2012 in a high-income country can expect to live to the age of around 76 – 16 years longer than a boy born in a low-income country (age 60). For girls, the difference is even wider; a gap of 19 years separates life expectancy in high-income (82 years) and low-income countries (63 years). Wherever they live in the world, women live longer than men.

One WHO official points to the fact that, in high-income countries, much of the gains in life expectancy is due to success in tackling non-communicable diseases. Fewer men and women are dying before they get to their 60th birthday from heart disease and stroke. Richer countries have become better at monitoring and managing high blood pressure.

In Guyana, life expectancy rates over the past decade or so have seen remarkable improvements; and this is due to a number of factors. Guyana has a life expectancy rate of close to 71 years. Life expectancy has risen from 40 in the 1960s to 61 by 1970 and that remained the same by 1990. Critical interventions in the health sector has allowed for further improvements in health care delivery, which resulted in life expectancy rates going up to about 64 for males and 71 for females.

Guyana can now boast of a life expectancy rate that is similar to many other Caricom countries with a gap of only between two and five years compared to the highest ranking countries in the world. Bold decisions were made, including the necessary financial investments in the improving health care delivery at every level, all across the country. From an individual perspective, one may also want to believe that persons are more conscious of their own health and are taking the necessary precautions.

In order to ensure that Guyana’s life expectancy rating improves further, Government must continue to make the necessary investments in the health sector. Citizens must not only be able to access affordable health services, but the services provided must be of an extremely high standard.

Every effort must be made to ensure that citizens are able to live disabiliy-free lives. Chronic diseases in every country of the world are adding disability-laden lives to people. Not only are people losing their sight but they are also losing their limbs.

There is need for urgent action to avert those disabilities and early death.

A nation celebrates

False consciousness among Hindus does not exist

Dear Editor,

What a reawakening Indian Muslims experienced from political “false consciousness” a few years ago In Trinidad. For many decades they voted overwhelmingly for the blackbased PNM led by Dr Eric Williams even though the PNM leader had labelled Indians a “recalcitrant minority”! Prominent PNM leader Kamaluddin Mohamed was their hero.

On the passing of Williams the President Sir Ellis Clarke summoned the man to his residence who was expected to succeed Williams. Sir Ellis informed Mohamed that he had instead appointed the lacklustre John Chambers as the PNM Prime Minister. Why? Sir Ellis told Mohamed he “cannot become the Prime Minister because the people in Trinidad were not ready for an Indian Prime Minister”. Sir Ellis blatantly disqualified Mohamed despite Trinidad’s Muslims traditional support for the PNM!

In the black establishment official’s rejection of Mohamed’s combined qualifications of Trinidadian citizenship and Islam made insignificant, their loyalty to the PNM did not matter. Because he was Indian he was considered disqualified. Subsequently Trinidad’s Muslims and Christianised Indians who had traditionally supported the PNM became the most hardcore supporters of the ruling People’s Partnership (PP) Government with Mohamed

completely identified with the UNC.

No longer a pariah, he was awarded Trinidad’s highest medal by the current PP Government for services to his country. Can anyone honestly name any long serving Indian loyalists within the PNC who, at any time, even today, may likely become the next PNC party leader? The AFC which had proposed PPP renegade Moses Nagamootoo as the Speaker in 2011 was forced to hastily withdraw his candidacy because the PNC instead preferred to validate the return of Raphael Trotman as the Speaker.

Now Mr Romain Khan and Freddie Kissoon are in open dialogue on “false consciousness” and who or what it is to be Indian. To win a war one must start one, and Kissoon, self-admittedly Africanised and ashamed to be all he can Indian be, is all about provoking race conflict and hostility among Guyanese. Who will build that monument he desperately seeks? PNC? Nothing pleases him more than seducing able bodied men into public debate intent on tearing them to pieces. But how quickly he runs away like a coward spewing insults in his wake.

Who or what it is to be Indian, is an institution where Kissoon is currently still unable to understand because of his own false consciousness, nor is he endowed with any positive cultural sensitivity or awareness except by the ills he regurgitates by the bom-

barding lamentations of his accomplices.

Beating up on Indians by proxy of Hindus he bookishly finds India’s caste system unappealing. Pity he is not grounded among Indians to know the caste system has been eroded. Most Hindus promote non caste equality, inclusive of equal rights for women’s, an education and the right to become Pandits, and has female GODS.

For such creolised Indians like Kissoon, all Indians without exception so liberated are yet examples of Indian “false consciousness”! Why is he not man enough to “liberate” his research on the Internet to prove Indian ideological racism for which he is being sued in court? It may be a game changer absolution.

What has been well established is the discrimination, marginalisation, cultural eradication and miscegenation which has been foisted on Indians (Hindus, Muslims and Christians) in predominantly black ruled Caribbean countries.

Where else can a current Surinamese President like Desi Bouterese who had murdered 18 elected Indian parliamentarians get away scot free, a former Guyana Chief Magistrate Juliet Allen-Holder can proclaim Indo Guyanese should be deported to wherever because their ancestors were limited by indentured contracts, and Dr Kean Gibson still works at UWI after writing a despicable racist book blaming Hinduism and Indians as responsible for black peo-

ples’ problems? Black people could still become Hindus with Panditji Kissoon in charge!

Who will explain the reasons for Haiti’s poverty with no Indians? The nationalistic birthright affinity which identifies an Indian as a Trinidadian, or most importantly Guyanese is confirmed by birth and other criterion. But citizenship and religion easily get tossed aside when by racial identity Indians are all lumped and labelled collectively as a single Indian racial and cultural block across the Caribbean.

Let Kissoon walk Georgetown’s seedy side streets unaccompanied by a lucknee (chaperone) during a violent street rampage by the usual suspects. He will find his entire nuclear family robbed, ravaged, raped and ripped to pieces because he is visibly “Indian”. You can change your name or religion anytime. But like President Barack Hussein Obama wisely said “you can put lipstick on a pig, but it still remains a pig” at the end of the day. The streets and racial origin realities mostly define us all, confirmed so eloquently by the official black establishment in Trinidad, Eusi Kwayana and an American black President.

Conclusively, when Freddie Kissoon pours scorn on hard-working class Indians earning honest paisaah (money) and he labels them evil incarnates it’s because he does not know better.

Continues on page 5

Ms Ali should suggest some alternatives

Dear Editor

In light of our own struggle to institutionalise democracy while trying to engender respectable economic growth in Guyana, I will confine my response on Ms Saraswati Ali’s comments on the new Indian Government only as it relates to those local concerns. (“Corporate agenda backing Modi is designed to consolidate existing inequalities and hierarchies”: Stabroek News, May 23).

In both Ms Ali’s Diaspora column and her letter, she emphasises that, “The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken over 31 % of the vote and the clear majority of the seats.” She implies that this circumstance is somehow illegitimate and disreputable if not out rightly immoral: “All that Modi-supporters really can say at the end of the day is that the BJP won the elections – with 21% of the

electorate and 31% of the actual voters, and where a 12 percentage point difference in vote share with the Congress translated into a 600 per cent difference in seats.”

But this is precisely the intended effect the principle known in political science as “Duverger’s Law” where, as a virtue of the constituency system, an MP is elected by a simple plurality of votes in his/her constituency.

It is intended to reduce minority governments by increasing the number of seats in the top two parties. In the constituency system it is quite common for parties with less that 40% of the popular votes to win a majority of seats.

For instance, in 2005 in Britain (which, not so coincidentally, bestowed most of the political institutions of both Guyana and India) Labour won a majority of 66 seats in Parliament even though it secured

only 35.2% of the popular votes. We didn’t notice any squeals of outrage about “illegitimacy” from Ms Ali or from Pankaj Misra, whom she quoted approvingly.

If Ms Ali and cohorts are dissatisfied with the constituency system for choosing political leaders, I wish she would suggest some alternatives rather than just making snarky comments.

In Guyana, the British did change the constituency system to Proportional Representation, so as to deliver an outcome that was more favourable to their interests. Since then Guyana has adopted a hybrid system – with calls for even greater weight to constituencies. At least there are concrete suggestions here.

Ms Ali is also very scathing of the present economic dispensation where business is the “engine of growth”. She scorns “busi-

ness, which is thriving on division, hatred, and exploitation, is being touted as a great development achievement, whereas it is nothing of the sort. It is a rapid conduit of increasing inequality in India to mega-proportions.”

But once again, rather than offering concrete proposals, she points to some sort of utopia, “which is non-corporate, where religion is not politicised and divisive, which is pro-diversity, which abhors majoritarianism and empty triumphalism, and which is revolted by massacre, inhumanity and the impunity of the financial and political elite.”

In her diaspora article, she had pushed for the AAP’s agenda of “people’s struggles...around issues of the environment, nuclear power, the rights of the commons, rights of workers, rights of women, rights of prisoners.” She assured us that would improve “the

False consciousness among...

How can being Indian become “false consciousness” make it a sin for anyone to be unpatriotic or and even self employed? Its people like Freddie who hold back black people from getting rich by their hard work.

In public attacks on Indian self sufficiency, which liberates them from state handout dependency by entitlements, he is setting up black people and their offspring to forever remain at the mercy of the Government and state.

Toiling daily in muddy fields under the boiling sun, all, including Indians, built Guyana. Slave descendants also contributed most significantly. But absolutely no moral or political authority became inherited for anyone to degrade and refashion Indians or others into the others’ ethnic cleansing subservience or undesirable lifestyles.

Such efforts like Kissoon’s to justify any mass savagery of the Indian identity, our religious non exclusivity, our Guyanese nationalism, our culture, and our principles in all unfairness, to become nationally prostituted by anyone, especially advertising creolised salesmen, will not be tolerated. Automatic human rights to defence and prevent mass genocide, no thanks to Mike McCormick’s Afro biased GHRA, has always been permanent.

Freddie Kissoon only seems intent on igniting interreligious and race tensions among Guyanese, especially Indo Guyanese, calculating it will destabilise the governing PPP/C Government’s electoral prospects. Daily, Kissoon is in self propulsive madness mode.

He imposes his own infection of “false consciousness” onto Indians, both Hindus and Muslims like they have no right to exist. Their religious identities will not be philosophically compromised, neither should it be tolerated for absolutely any reason whatsoever, or wherever. Such disposable “rent an Indian” ever prominent in their own mirrors succumbed because the British required religion changeover for office jobs in the sugar estate offices. Like the enslaved Africans, forced to become complete carbon copy Afro Saxons, Kissoon and to some extent Romain etc are the recycled new “enslaved” model Indo Saxons by choice. What they advocate and precisely by how they consciously choose to demean others in their public scorn and ridicule is obvious and most detestable. Nothing good is Indian and all “good” creolised Indians, for them, are better off without their own Indian “false consciousness. Let them explain why black people have embarked on

reclaiming their ancestral culture when they publicly demean their origins. Reading black psychologist Franz Fanon’s Black skin white mask will tell all most vividly about these wandering lost souls serving as fifth column mercenaries of Indian destruction.

However, cultural heritage cannot be discarded except by force, by the demented or by the willing educated ignorants’ consent. Our Guyanese indentured Chinese descendants are not ever found in lewd tramping drunken revelry on Georgetown’s streets nor are they homeless street beggars.

Who divorces and destroys their mother who nurtured them for airy promises? No way do I want to follow any backtrack meandering Moses, be it an AFC Nagamootoo or WPA Bhagwan, for another Wismar/Linden promised land, so help me God. Naah! I earnestly don’t also relish being a Moses-acting movie star fetching someone else’s cross and splitting those in the Caribbean Sea.

Tell the dreadlocked “Eusi Kwayana”, which translated actually means “black man of Guyana”, that he must flip flop to Sydney King because he is a black man in imperialist America, living over there in California’s permanent sunshine.

Watch out. Those dreadlocks are rumoured to be deadlier than Medusa’s!

More ironic is academic savant Kissoon’s brimful pride that his siblings who are in ideal happy inter racial marriages, automatically justifies his own creolisation as a foregone conclusion!

Freddie will never be able to explain the double standards where he bemoans Indian “false consciousness” but embraces and excuses those parading

ordinary Indian’s life.”

This is the sort of vacuous politically correct platitudes that a certain “educated” elite segment of the third world revels in.

Couched in a melange of anti-western, read “anti-American”, MarxismLeninism, postmodernism, post-colonialism, environmentalism and feminism and whatever is the current intellectual fad – throw in queer theory right now –and you get ( or rather you don’t get) what they mean.

The problem with Ms Ali and her fellow travellers is that they appear as poseurs with no praxis. Take their critique of capitalism – it was all emotional. It took a solid Frenchman (rather incongruously) Thomas Picketty, plodding through tax records and such minutiae for years, to demonstrate for instance that capital, does in fact, accumulate faster than income. Now, that critique will generate its

from page 4

creolised Indians like himself. Nowadays some blacks see themselves as the true Jews, devout Muslims and righteous saved Christians.

But light skin blacks still get special privileges and straighten their hair as usual. So what if Indians love Bollywood movies and whiten their skin? All are with the same freedoms.

Again, Freddie will never be able to justify why his own creolisation in all facets of his existence is not similarly deplorable by the

own self correcting mechanisms through new policy initiatives, much as John Maynard Keynes work in the 1920’s did for the Great Depression.

On a personal note, as a third world student in the US in the seventies, I ran into the detritus of the 60’s generation in New York City. They were also well intentioned – but quite impractical with their leftist critiques and communes etc.

However, some of us grew up, worked within a reformed system and could retire at thirty seven.

I hope that people like Ms Ali would grow up, obtain the wherewithal to work in countries like India (I assume that is her homeland) or Guyana, to improve concretely the lot of some of those ordinary people, whom I do believe she genuinely cares about.

Sincerely, Ravi

Dev

precise standards which he has set and often raves and rants about others.

Obviously he fears being put to shame in debate for all the usual oddball reasons. I wish his insanity will stop, he would man up and step into the ring. When two men enter maybe both can coexist separately in harmony. Wouldn’t all like to see that matchup? Step into the ring Freddie.

Sincerely, Vassan Ramracha

Page Foundation

How parents can avoid the common disconnect in their relationship with their child

BY DENNY HAGEL

Parents can avoid the common disconnect that frequently occurs in parent/child relationships if they educate themselves in these top three elements of successful parenting.

In my almost 30 years of working with children and their parents, I have come away with several certainties:

* Fact: We all love our children.

* Fact: We all want our children to lead and create healthy, happy lives.

* Fact: We are all committed to doing all we can to ensure that this happens.

However, at the same time, I continue to see the same thread of disconnect occurring between parents and their children. Parents have expectations and ideas of what is necessary for their children, whom they love more than life itself, are committed to and totally devoted to, to know and be in order to achieve a happy healthy life.

This disconnect is the result of a lack of at least one of the following three elements of successful parenting. As you read through, I encourage you to keep an open mind, being completely honest with yourself taking a moment with each one to see if something resonates with you.

Remember, this is not to find fault or point fingers of blame; this is to help you help your children live out

their best life.

What you model to your children is what they will do

You have heard me say many times that children receive 90 per cent of their information about themselves and the world around them from you. Think about that for a moment.

Ask yourself if those things that you see in your child that you feel are inap propriate or unacceptable could stem from something they see you do. Time and time again, when a parent comes to me with a situation concerning their child’s behaviour, it is most always traced back to something they have seen in their parent.

For example: A young mother, Amy, was concerned that her seven-year-old was com ing home from school with a very negative at titude, always complain ing that the other children were doing things that upset him. He continuously stated he didn’t like school and wanted to go to another school. Her consultation with his teacher was confusing to say the least. She had not witnessed her son’s classmates doing anything out of line. However, she had noticed that Amy’s son was very critical of his classmates and tended to isolate himself from the class.

covered that Amy’s husband was very unhappy in his job, came home each night complaining about his co-workers and how they made it impossible for him to do his work properly. He frequently commented that he really wanted a different job.

how important it is for parents to be aware of what they do and say as it is what their children will absorb and take on and become.

Communicate, communicate, communicate I know you hear this all the time from every parent-

as a child, you will not be able to pass them on to your child!

iour concerning his job, her son followed suit. Her husband began sharing positive stories of his day at work and expressing gratitude for his job. It didn’t take long for her son to change his attitude toward his school and his classmates. By the end of the term, he had made several good friends and by all accounts was having a positive experience at school.

After delving into the family dynamics, it was dis-

I cannot stress enough

don’t understand healthy communication. Most believe that simply talking to their children means they are communicating with them.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. I agree that for the most part, parents do talk to their children. But simply stating your thoughts, ideas and feelings is only part of healthy communication. Healthy communication is a learned skill. If you were not purposely taught these skills

Healthy communication involves both parties being able to express their thoughts, ideas and beliefs in a way that the other person will receive them. It also involves understanding the art of listening. Children need to know they are heard. That does not mean that you will always like or agree with what they are saying, however, conveying to them that you do hear what they are saying and feeling is key. Using healthy communication skills creates the foundation for a healthy relationship. I once did a survey of teens and their parents. I asked one question. ‘What do you feel is at the root of the disconnect in your relationship?’

Unanimously, parents responded that their child didn’t talk to them. They felt shut out and very much left out of the loop concerning what was happening in their teen’s life. Unanimously, the teens responded that their parents didn’t listen to them!

Quite an eye-opener

don’t you think?

Honour and value your children as unique individuals placed in our care to guide

They are not here to become mini carbon copies of us. Our job as parents is to help them become who they are. Our job is not to dictate and control them in order to mould them into what we want them to be.

Far too often parents see their children as extensions of them. They unconsciously impose who they are or who they wish they were onto to their children in an effort to live out those things they feel are lacking in their own lives.

The truth is our children come into this life with the purpose of creating a life that they are meant to live. I believe, as do many experts in the field, that the root to almost every conflict between a parent and child occurs because the parent is wanting their child to do something that aligns with their wishes, not their child’s.

For example: A dad, William, once shared with me that his son was insistent that he wanted to join the band at school. William felt his son didn’t have any talent for music therefore felt his time would be better spent doing something else. It became a problem that was affecting their overall relationship.

Eventually it surfaced that William had once joined the band when he was in school and sadly did not have a very positive teacher. She flat out told him one day that he was wasting his time because he didn’t have a natural ear for music. This devastated William. He quit the band and never attempted anything musical again.

William subconsciously feared his son would experience the same rejection and humiliation that he had felt and out of his love for his son, he wanted to protect him.

Parents must allow their children to find their own way through their own experiences. However, out of the deep committed love they feel for their children they instinctively raise their children according to the experiences they had.

All of these components, being the best you in order to be the best parent, utilising healthy communication skills and teaching them to your children, and respecting your child’s individuality are the key to successful parenting because they establish a solid, positive, mutually respectful relationship.

When your relationship is strong, you and your child are equipped to successfully navigate whatever challenges life presents. (Missing Secrets of Parenting)

Colourful cultural display ushers in 48th Independence Anniversary

BY JOMO PAUL

When the clock

struck 12 midnight and Guyana celebrated its 48th Anniversary as an independent nation, the thousands of Guyanese who were gathered in the National Park rose to their feet as they recited the National Pledge and the

National Anthem. It was indeed a moving moment for those Guyanese citizens when the Golden Arrowhead reached to the top of the flag pole and fluttered gracefully in the wind. The thousands of Guyanese who turned out to the Independence Day celebrations were proof that despite all the political turmoil

and perceived factionalism, Guyanese still loved and are proud of their country.

Prior to the Golden Arrowhead being hoisted, patrons were treated to a rich cultural presentation, which wowed the crowd at the National Park. Some of the presentations included performances from renowned local

poet Randolph Critchlow, Soca Monarch 2014 Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson, Calypsonian Young Bill Rogers, the Aspara dancers, the National School of Dance, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, and the Guyana Fire Service.

One of the more notable performances was that of the Soca Monarch, who proved that he was “Still In The Game”.

“This place is crazy, all these people asking me these questions, stupid questions,” sang the excited crowd when Edmondson performed his 2012 breakout single “Stupid Questions”.

His performance helped put the spectators in gear for the subsequent performance of musical chairs by the Guyana Police Force.

Frenzied laughter

The horse-mounted officers rode around a group of chairs, falling multiple times, sending the crowd into a frenzied laughter. The performances from the Joint Services did not end there. Shortly after the combined Police and Defence forces took to the tarmac and blew the crowd away with an orchestra-like performance of flutes, trumpets, drums, and all the works.

The Joint Services officers also stood out, as they stood at rapt attention, as President Donald Ramotar inspected the Guard of Honour.

If the performers were competing, they would have come in second to the presentation from the Guyana National School of Dance.

It started with a dance, showcasing the six races of Guyana. First, the Amerindians, alone in the perceived wilderness and soon after the other races followed with dancers clad in green with artificial

leaves, depicting the sugar cane plant.

Then came the cane harvesters, singing as they arduously chopped at the sugar cane plants with their plastic cutlasses.

The other races followed in succession, according to history, with each depict-

ing the contribution made to Guyana’s societal fibre. The highlight of the performance, however, was when all of the six races took to the tarmac and together formed the number 48, drawing resounding applause from the crowd.

New Sports bar opens in South Ruimveldt

Anew and exciting sports bar and restaurant opened on Friday in South Ruimveldt at the junction of David Rose and Aubrey Barker Road, in a newly-constructed minimall.

The owners of the South View Tavern Rodwell Phillips and Dellon Griffith, explained that the new entity aims to serve the needs of not only South Ruimveldt residents and its environs, but the wider population.

According to the owners, South View Tavern is a place where persons can come together and share a drink or a meal in a place that is close to home with a relaxing atmosphere.

With the motto, “No Working During Drinking Hours”, the duo said they wanted to create a highend entertainment facility that is attractive and at the same time affordable for its patrons, where they can be

able to escape the hassles of their day-to-day lives. The facility houses an outdoor bar in a roof garden setting, with a variety of exotic cocktails and tasty cutters.

The indoor section features a more intimate setting that is ideal for dinner for two or the entire family where persons can dine on delicious food and drinks at affordable prices.

With respect to the new bar and restaurant, Phillips stated that he was delighted with the product of his hard labour, adding that he and his partner have a lot more to offer the people of Guyana.

Attending the opening ceremony was former Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir, who applauded the young men on their accom-

plishment. Nadir also gave a short history on the area, stating that in the 70s, the idea was to build a shopping plaza for the community of South Ruimveldt, and that is how the Plaza Bridge got its name. He then explained that the owners of the mini-mall have managed to bring to life a dream of the Government that had dwindled over the years.

IDB seeks proposals from Guyanese for community projects

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is seeking proposals from Guyanese civil society and non-governmental organisations to fund innovative communitybased projects, starting from US$300,000 to a maximum of US$750,000.

Project proposals should focus on highly innovative solutions that will solve community problems and

support community-based development, the bank said in a release. Community Support Organisations (CSOs) and NGOs will have the opportunity to pitch and present their most innovative solutions to the IDB, and the winners will get the IDB´s support to incubate, develop or scale-up those solutions.

This year’s call for proposals places emphasis on

the IDB strategy for social innovation in the two categories: financing productive development of microenterprises and strengthening prevention against community violence.

Project solutions must focus on innovative approaches that will targe poverty reduction and social development activities that respond directly to the needs of socially and economically

disadvantaged people, stimulate widespread civil society stakeholder group participation at the community level and pilot partnerships with CSOs as implementing agencies to reach groups currently not being reached by other programmes.

Local and international civil society organisations legally constituted and registered in Guyana with a minimum of five years, since legal constitution and registration under either the Friendly Societies Act, Companies Act or Trust Deed and the ability to prove their financial soundness by evidence of the latest external audit report of the financial statements, no later than 2011 are eligible to apply.

The IDB has posted call documents on its website and started accepting questions for clarification from May 15 to 28 and, applicants can submit their questions by email to nexso@iadb.org.

The IDB will start a competitive process to accept innovative project concepts from June 10. The IDB will only accept proposals received until 23:59h (Guyana time) June 24 or the day it reaches 500 received concept solutions, whichever is earlier.

The IDB Guyana Country Office will host briefing sessions in Georgetown, Berbice and Linden between May 27 and June 6, open only to organisations that meet the minimum of five years legal constitution and registration to clarify the submission process, eligibility requirements, assessment criteria and proposal writing tips. Eligible organisations interested in participating in the briefing session are advised to contact the IDB.

Eyew tness

Messages...

...on “independence”

This paper opined in its “Independence Supplement” that it was a time for some serious “stocktaking”. The political parties had different ideas. They thought it was a time for serious politicking. To be fair, the President did recapitulate some of the achievements of his Government in the last two decades...but “stocktaking” should be a bit more than about “achievements”, no?

We thought somebody or other would’ve done a SWOT analysis on the state of the nation. You know? ...The “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats” framework that’s so beloved by the businessschool grads. So your humble Eyewitness will have a go at from this perspective today – even as you, dear readers, struggle back to work...hopefully not too bleary-eyed.

Strengths? Well, the President did stress some. We do have an economy that has been expanding for the past eight years or so. And that’s not to be sneezed at at a time when the countries we trade with, have imploded. OK...some will say we lucked out with gold. But what’s so different if we have a commodity – in this case gold – that the world will pay for? Isn’t it the same if we’d possessed, say, petroleum? No one goes on about the “luck” of Saudi Arabia. It’s all about supply and demand...and being able to chip in.

Our major weakness has to be the political instability occasioned by the Opposition’s obstreperousness. With all the natural resources that’s been our “potential” for so long – it’s of absolutely no use unless we can harvest or extract them and get them to markets. This calls for investments. But no one’s going to plunk down their hard-earned cash when politicians are running around threatening to rescind contracts when they get power. Or instigating and facilitating riots and arson at the drop of a hat. Businesses and entrepreneurs engage in the evaluation of “political risks” in a country as a preliminary step before investing. With an Opposition like ours, we’ll fail every time. Opportunities? They’re boundless. Right off the bat we can point to our location between Caricom and Brazil – one of the new rising economies that’s going to come into their own in this century.

If the secret of real estate’s success is “Location! Location! Location!” then a country is just a big chunk of real estate that should make use of its location. And finally, “risks”. There’s the risk that if these politicians don’t put a cap on their invocation of “race” in every speech, we might just end up like Bosnia or Rwanda or one of those benighted conflict ridden areas split on ethnicity.

Think about this on this Independence Day.

...from uncultured man

Imagine this Philistine Ruel Johnson, who fixates on the length of his schlong (material for a “Freudian” novel?), has just nominated himself to draft a “cultural policy white paper” for Guyana. The fella prides himself for not being disciplined enough to complete his studies at UG...and is so bold to believe he can tell the Government of Guyana as to what their “cultural policy” ought to be.

People like Johnson exemplify the dilemma the Third World faces – they believe knowledge comes out of merely imbibing and regurgitating words – without testing them in action. They talk the talk but never walk the walk. Exactly what has Johnson achieved in his own life, through his own efforts that he can commend as experienced “truth” to the people of Guyana through any “cultural policy document”?

Johnson dismisses the experience of people who Lamming praised for producing “two blades of grass where there was but one” as Canecutopia. Working with their hands in the fields and in the mud to produce the cheapest local food in the Caribbean, is to be derided –because those people don’t have “culture”. They can’t string together words like Johnson, who’s still living off handouts.

It just makes you puke. On Independence Day.

Struggle has been “long and arduous” – President Ramotar

President Donald Ramotar has described Guyana’s journey since becoming an Independent nation back in 1966, as “long and arduous” , noting that it has been characterised by “valiant struggles and acts of mass heroism as well as great individual feats”.

The Head of State was at the time delivering the feature address to the nation at the National Park on Sunday evening. Ramotar told the mammoth crowd that Guyana is marking the milestone of its political history during a period when the world is becoming more multifaceted, and interconnected.

He noted, however, that it is unfortunate that it still remains unequal between the “developing South and the developed North”.

“International relations today are still dominated and determined by a hand-

ful of rich countries. Many of the institutions established, particularly the international financial institutions, mostly geared to serve the interest of the most rich and powerful countries,” the

President said.

He noted that developing countries are poised to look after the affairs of their respective states in situations that are uncomfortable. This, he noted, is reflected

in the “growing inequality in relation to access to resources and the huge income gap between the rich and poor countries of the world”.

Ramotar pointed out that a mere 85 persons in the world are worth more than the poorest 3.5 billion, noting that almost half of the world’s wealth is owned by just one per cent of the population.

Struggle continues

“The struggle, therefore, for socio-economic justice and a more equitable world, continues. One of the major issues is the need to democratise international relations. It is patently evident that the vast majority of countries in the world and by extension the peoples of those countries do not have enough influence on international politics and economics.”

He said Guyana needs to continue building greater

harmony among the developing world while it works in alliance with those developed countries interested in genuine partnership.

He said the country must also continue to take the lead in promoting regional unity and pledge to work tirelessly within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to bring stronger bonds and integration of the peoples of the region.

“As you are no doubt aware, Guyana took the lead in promoting regional unity. We continue to work tirelessly within Caricom to bring stronger bonds and integration of the peoples of the region,” he said. The President said Guyana has committed to continuing to work towards greater cooperation and integration since closer links will definitely enhance the fortunes of all people.

Guyana has, over the last two decades, also in-

creased its contact with countries on the American continent, Ramotar disclosed. Guyana also takes an active part in the work of the Commonwealth. This body brings together both developed and developing countries and seeks to enhance cooperation between and among them.

Guyana, he continued, has earned the international reputation of being one of the leaders in the fight against climate change and to better prepare the world to confront the challenges associated with it.

“Needless to say this is the greatest challenge of our time and Guyana stands in the front ranks of the struggle even though we play no part in creating this problem. We will continue to work within the framework of the United Nations process towards a global agreement on climate change by 2015.”

Teixeira urges Essequibians to put Guyana first

Presidential Advisor on Governance

Gail Teixiera urged Essequibians to always put Guyana first when she addressed a flag-raising ceremony at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground Sunday night.

The Golden Arrowhead was hoisted at midnight following fireworks and a shower of rain. The celebration hosted by the Region Two Administration commemorated the country’s 48th Independence. There was also a grand cultural show featuring dances, songs and poetry.

In her address to the gathering, Teixiera related that Guyana is facing many challenges, pointing out that the Opposition is using their one-seat majority in the House to block development.

She added that all the economic and social gain which was fought for and gained, can easily be lost if Guyanese cannot be serious and take a stand to put the country first.

Reminiscing on Guyana’s Independence, Teixiera noted that she was a child when the Union Jack was lowered and the Golden Arrow Head was hoisted.

She recalled that before

Independence, the country was occupied by the Dutch, French and English and Guyanese people were made to suffer harsh circumstances.

According to her, slaves were brought from Africa while East Indians were sourced from India as Indentured labourers to work on the English plantations in Guyana and were forced to withstand the struggle to abolish slavery and indentureship; a feat which was achieved as a result of numerous rebellions and thousands of lost lives.

GAWU fought the good fight

She further added that it was at this time that trade unionism began and was soon after recognised in Guyana. She reflected on the struggle made by the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) for the workers’ rights.

“The struggles for Independence as a free nation during the 40s, 50s and 60s, all along was not one without interferences in the country, either to guide or to ensure that whoever heads the new Guyana as an Independent country would not be a trouble for the many old colonial mas-

ters and Guyanese must continue to be strong, united and withstand the continued struggle,” the politician noted.

Teixiera told the gathering that the call for freedom did not end with Independence, since 48 years after that achievement; the struggle still continues for the restoration of democracy so that persons 18 years and older can be granted the right to vote and for each vote to be counted.

The woman pleaded with Essequibians not to become complacent, declaring that the battle is not yet over.

“It was a long, difficult struggle to get a free and fair election and for 22 years the country was faced with new struggles and challenges to reconstruct Guyana; to build a new model Guyana that is democratic; a model society in which technology and information-based technology, cellphone services across the country were made available...,” she said.

Meanwhile, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud reflected that since Guyana’s return to democracy on October 5, 1992, the country began to rapidly grow and develop, resulting

A group performing at the cultural show at Anna Regina in what it is today. The guard of honour was inspected by Teixiera, who was accompanied by Persaud, Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo and

West Berbice launches $23M recycling project

Global Youth Movement – Guyana (GYM-G) last Wednesday donated more than $500,000 worth of agriculture tools and equipment to seven secondary schools in Region Five at the launch of a $23 million Community Health, Environment and Recycling Project that will be implemented in the region over the next year.

The schools that benefited were Rosignol, Bush Lot, Belladrum, Bygeval, Mahaicony, Fort Wellington and Number Eight village secondary. The launch of the environmental project coincided with the International Day of Biodiversity, which was observed on Thursday.

The Environment and Recycling Project is expected to address improper disposal of plastics and burning of solid waste; improper use, storage and management of chemicals; continued use of mercury in mining and jewellery production; and the absence of skills and trained personnel in these areas in the region.

Natural Resources and Environment Ministry representative Asma Sharief noted that the project “is within the mandate of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the management, conservation and protection of the environment and prevention of pollution. It is laudable that this group is independently pursuing this initiative consisting of various components which will all contribute to the goals EPA aims to promote and achieve”.

Sharief alluded to the fact that the Environment and Recycling Project contains a comprehensive work plan that seeks to address a number of issues the EPA encounters in Guyana with respect to environmental management.

“The initiative aligns itself with the country’s efforts to phase out the use of

mercury in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector.”

She added that Guyana has signed on to the Minamata Convention on the elimination of mercury and spoke of the EPA’s role in protecting the environment and biodiversity and the impact of solid waste on biodiversity; such as plastic getting into the ocean which can affect turtles, as they can be chocked and killed if they mistakenly eat it.

Praise Sharief lauded the group for its comprehensive approach to addressing and dealing with environmental issues, noting that solid waste is a major issue in Guyana and new laws are soon to be implemented that will seek to curb littering.

The main components of the project are: reducing use of chemicals by farmers through training and exchange visits; reducing the burning and dumping of untreated and harmful solid waste in communities by piloting a solid waste programme which will see 2600 recycling bins distributed and training of householders in composting; reducing the use of mercury by Artisan and Small Gold Miners (ASGM) by training them on the effects of mercury on humans and the environment; and composting large amounts of animal waste by piloting four biodigester units to produce biogas for household cooking.

The launch of the project is expected to see the establishment of new, or support to existing, environmental clubs in 11 secondary schools, training of 35 students as environment ambassadors, encouraging Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to join environmental clean up campaigns, television programmes and tree planting exercises across the

region.

In brief remarks, Regional Five Chairman Bindraban Bisnauth welcomed the project. He highlighted that his administration sees the public education activities as very important and alluded to the fact that the regional administration had started this ex-

dogs of their environment. According to the regional official, he is unhappy with the present state of the region as it relates to the disposal of solid waste.

GYM–G Executive Director Mark Ross explained that the project will target schools and communities with a comprehensive

ercise, but because of lack of funding, it was ceased.

Bisnauth commended the organisation and offered his administration’s support to the project in whatever way possible and took the opportunity to launch an appeal for all to be watch

public education campaign, while implementing programmes to reduce, reuse and recycle plastics and other types of solid waste, preventing the burning of some type of waste, as well as providing training and other types of public engagement.

De pullice need to get tight

It gotta a Mayor in Canada who name Rob Ford. That is a man who can’t get he hands off de bottle no time. And de bottle does move fast from he hand to he mouth. So after all, it got Canadians who does live hand to mouth too.

Is some a dem same kinda bottle whah Rum Jhaat does hold on to at 7-Owe-4 from seven till four. Just that Rum Jhaat hand does move faster than Ford from he hand to he mouth.

De other ting whah Ford can’t get he hand off is crack. Even de media in Canada seh Rob Ford tekkin crack till he heself crack. De Guyana Mayor-fuh-Life Green Ham crack wid out tekkin any crack. Dem should send he fuh rehab wid Ford fuh de crack problem.

And talkin bout crack, that is a big pullice problem. De pullice in Guyana ain’t crackin nutten.De way tings goin, some body might have to crack de pullice, because dem ain’t crackin no case whah dem supposed to crack.

De pullice only lookin to interfere wid people crack. Harding sue dem fuh usin a baton. De lil boy who jump up pun a newspaper roof top seh de pullice pull he in a crack by de big market. Fuh a lil boy like that jump up so high and open he mouth so big, any body got to be crack not to believe he crack story.

Somehow de pullice tekkin longer to crack dem own pullice. Is only now Ken Hard come out and admit that de pullice does crack one another different from how dem does crack other people. Every body wanna know how de pullice does crack one another. And nuff people wanna see!

But Feel Licks seh that it ain’t got nutten to see, because de pullice too slack and it ain’t got nutten to crack! And Feel Licks would know because he heself was slack. Some ting musbe done to mek de pullice more tight.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But not de kinda tight how dem does be in dem Chinese shop!

ECHO launches Green Ambassador Programme

The Environmental Community Health Organisation (ECHO) will launch its Green Ambassador Programme, on Friday at North Georgetown Secondary School. The objectives of the project are to raise environmental awareness among young people; promote civic and environmental responsibility among youths; reduce the incident of littering in the local community by 25 per cent; provide a forum for young people to talk about and take appropriate action on environmental issues; and to establish Green Ambassador Clubs in schools and local communities

According to a release

from ECHO, the progamme is science-based and will involve community and other leaders, in society. This is part of a wider programme to raise environmental awareness at the national level. ECHO believes that this is vital to personal and community environmental responsibility and accountability.

“Our young people have a deep and abiding interest in the presentation and protection of the natural environment. Community groups and interested individuals, who wish to participate in this green initiative can call telephone numbers 6042479 or 2230682. There is a formal application process,” the release said.

Rohee applauds those who stayed to develop Guyana

ome Affairs

HMinister Clement Rohee said many Guyanese are determined to ensure that development continues in this country as he addressed a sizeable gathering at a flag-raising ceremony to observe Guyana’s 48th Independence Anniversary in New Amsterdam on Sunday night.

He said not all Guyanese have all of their relatives

“Notwithstanding the fact that our society is made up of people coming from different historical backgrounds, different nations, culture, religions, not withstanding, there is a tremendous sense of national convergence.”

He said many other nations that gained their independence before Guyana are plagued by conflicts, which Guyana has never experienced. These are

living in some part of the world other than Guyana.

“There are hundreds of thousands of Guyanese who have every single relative living in this country still,” he said.

The Minister added that it is these Guyanese that have decided to put their shoulders to the wheel to ensure that this country makes progress.

“And makes progress in conditions of peace, makes progress in conditions of unity and makes progress where all Guyanese enjoys a tremendous sense of happiness.”

He noted that Guyana has managed to achieve a tremendous sense of national unity and cohesion.

achievements that “we must honour”, the Home Affairs Minister said.

According to Rohee, all Guyanese have a stake in Guyana and he called on the nation to work in unity to ensure development continues.

“However, in order to do this, we need to work hard as did out fore-parents... manage our resources so that all can benefit,” he said.

Great things in store

Noting that Guyana is laying the foundation for future generations, the Home Affairs Minister contended that great things are in store to come.

He warned that prosper-

Shot man still to be identified

Police are yet to identify the body of a man who was found two days ago along the Eccles Access Road, East Bank Demerara, with suspected gunshot wounds to the head.

Officials of the Lyken Funeral Home on Monday said that no one visited the mortuary to identify the man, who is of mixed decent. His body was discovered about 22:30h by several Police security officials who were patrolling the area at the time.

From all indications, the

man did not appear to be a destitute and might have been shot moments before his body was discovered.

Police in a statement said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the man, who was said to be in his 30s, brown in complexion, and clad in a white jersey, blue denim coat, a pair of blue denim pants and black boots.

The body is at the Lyken Funeral Parlour awaiting identification and a postmortem.

ity is something that comes with challenges, but pointed out that these challenges present opportunities, which must be tapped into.

Rohee explained that independence for any nation is a good thing, but must be backed up with economic wealth, political will and social determination.

“An Independent country must become economically powerful. An Independent country must become culturally aware.

An Independent country must be one with people who are well educated and this is precisely the path which Guyana has chosen to traverse.”

The Minister said Guyana needs to reflect on the past as it plans for a brighter future.

“On this occasion of Guyana’s 48th Independence Anniversary, I call on each and every Berbician to treasure your country’s Independence, to hold it as sacred and to

think about our future and always moving forward.”

Guyana’s Independence 48th

Independence Anniversary

Regional Group wants Jamaica government to decriminalise marijuana within 120 days

The Jamaican Government is being urged to enact legislation that would decriminalise marijuana as well as establish a medical marijuana industry.

The Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Taskforce, which organised a three-day meeting on marijuana decriminalisation together with the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), says the Portia Simpson Miller Administration should move within a four-month period to decriminalise marijuana.

“The movement of citizens within the region makes it difficult to deal with the decriminalisation of marijuana on an individual basis. Therefore, I personally believe that this issue must be dealt with on the regional level,” Prime Minister, Dr Kenny Anthony has said

The taskforce has issued a 12-point roadmap it believes the Government should follow. It wants the Government to immediately expunge criminal records for all Jamaicans convicted for possessing small amounts of marijuana.

The task force said Jamaica would significantly benefit from a regulated medical marijuana industry. Jamaica and oth-

“Pirates of the Caribbean” ship sinks off St Vincent coast

The St Lucian pirate ship which was featured in Hollywood movies including the popular "Pirates of the Caribbean" has sunk. The Brig Unicorn pirate ship sank off the coast of St Vincent and the Grenadines on Saturday.

According to reports, the vessel was heading to St Vincent from St Lucia for repairs when it encountered difficulties and sank. No one was injured.

The exact number of people aboard the vessel has not been confirmed but news reports say there may have been nine crew members and the captain.

They were reportedly rescued by the St Vincent Coast Guard shortly after the incident. The Brig Unicorn was used in the filming of all three “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies as well as in the series “Roots”. For some time, the 148feet long vessel had been docked on the Rodney Bay Marina and was used there as a mini bar and restaurant. The Unicorn was built in Finland in 1948.

The softwood schooner “had made St Lucia proud” according to Captain Sam Alleyne sometime after it was featured in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films starring Johnny Depp. (Caribbean360)

Jamaican teenager charged with murder of nine-year-old

The 14-year-old boy arrested in connection with the death of a nine-year-old in the western parish of St James has been charged with murder.

The teenager, who will face a court in the western city of Montego Bay, was charged following the discovery of the body of Romain Robinson in bushes on

Wednesday morning last.

The Police report that the teenager and his brother were taken into custody on Thursday and questioned, but released the same day. Investigators returned to the community and arrested the 14-yearold after he reportedly confessed to killing Romain who was said to be his close friend. (Caribbean360)

er Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders will discuss the issue of decrominalisation of marijuana for medicinal purposes when they meet in Antigua in July for their annual summit.

The leaders during their inter-sessional summit in St Vincent in March discussed a preliminary report prepared by the Caricom Secretariat that indicated decriminalising marijuana for medicinal purposes could help boost the region’s economy.

The St Lucia Government has already said it is important for Caricom to adopt a regional approach to settling the issue of the legislation of marijuana. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Wives of jailed Venezuelan Opposition Mayors win in polls

The wives of two jailed Opposition Mayors in Venezuela have won elections to replace them.

The two women, whose husbands were sentenced earlier this year over their failure to contain Opposition protests, won by a landslide.

Venezuela has been disrupted by mass anti-government protests since early February. Talks between the Government and the Opposition to resolve the crisis are currently stalled.

Patricia Gutierrez won 73 per cent of the vote in the western city of San Cristobal, while Rosa Brandonisio won in the central city of San Diego with 88 per cent. Their husbands, Daniel Ceballos and Vicencio Scarano, were sentenced to

12 and 10 months in prison respectively for their refusal to remove street barricades set up by protesters. San Cristobal and San Diego are Opposition strongholds and the women’s victory came as no surprise. But analysts say that the wide margin of their win over the governing PSUV party will still be seen as a boost to the Opposition.

“The result of these elections has shown that power and abuse have received a big lesson,” the Opposition MUD, for which both women stood, said in a statement.

An official for the PSUV party recognised the Opposition’s win and said that “everyone had to learn from the lesson” voters had taught. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Haiti’s President and beneficiaries mark two years of cash transfer programme

Haiti’s leader and several thousand women who are part of a cash transfer programme, set up by the Caribbean country’s Government to assist vulnerable mothers, marked during the weekend the two-year anniversary of that particular component of the current administration’s social assistance programme.

President Michel Martelly said his administration is aware of the fact that the social assistance – such as the cash transfer programme called Ti Manman Cheri (Dear Little Mother), which has been made available to many poor women and other underprivileged individuals in vulnerable areas – was only a relief.

“Ti Manman Cheri is only a show of solidarity to help you hold on, but what will change the situation is that your children should to be raised in a different manner so that they may become engineers, doctors...,” Martelly told an enthusiastic crowd on Friday.

“What you need is jobs in order to have the means

to meet your needs in terms of your well-being without having to rely on any particular assistance from a President or anybody else,” said Martelly.

“That’s why we are setting up the necessary framework to attract investments and grow the economy,” Martelly told HCNN on the sidelines of the gathering held on a large open field. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Climate change park coming to Portmore

At one time it was to be the site of the Jamaica Football Federation’s training centre. Then there was talk that it was to be the home of the municipal offices. But last Friday, 15 acres of open lot across from the Portmore Mall was unveiled as the site for a climate change park.

It is a joint venture between the city of Hagen in Germany and the municipality of Portmore in St Catherine, and is one of several projects to be completed

under the Municipal Climate Partnership Programme.

Hagen and Portmore were twinned in 2012 during the second term of Mayor George Lee, who died last year while in office.

No date has yet been set for the completion of the facility, but on Friday, German ambassador Josef Beck, representatives from central and local government and an outpouring of Labour Day volunteers started the process by planting 100 Lignum Vitae, Blue

Mahoe, Mahogany and Poui trees along the area’s periphery.

As acting Portmore Mayor Leon Thomas explained it, the park will be a virtual poster child in the fight against climate change as it will feature rainwater harvesting, solar and wind power, and an underground wastewater treatment plant which will be used for irrigation. It will also feature a jogging trail, a water fountain, and park benches. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Around

Narendra Modi takes office

...along with 45 Ministers

With the setting sun forming a magnificent backdrop, India got a new Prime Minister on Monday as Narendrabhai Damodardas Modi, 63, took oath Monday in a 90-minute, open-air, business-like ceremony in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential palace, attended by leaders of eight neighbouring countries.

Among the 4,000-strong guests at the epochal event were the who's who of India – politicians, business honchos, cinema stars, interfaith leaders – as well as diplomatic representatives from over 100 countries.

The oath of office and secrecy including pledge of allegiance to the Indian constitution was administered in Hindi to Modi - who wore a off-white kurta-churidar and a fawn-coloured Nehru jacket – by President Pranab Mukherjee.

Modi becomes India's 14th Prime Minister, succeeding Manmohan Singh, who was at the event, along with his Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi. Modi is the first prime minister born in independent India – and the second from Gujarat, after Morarji Desai.

Modi, who led the BJP to a historic victory in the Lok

Sabha battle, is expected to move to his South Block office at 08:00h. Tuesday.

Leaders of the members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries who were present included Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka, Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and Abdullah Yameen of the Maldives as well as Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan, Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan and Sushil Koirala of Nepal. Bangladesh was represented by Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of its parliament.

Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam also attended the event. Their presence was a first for a prime ministerial inauguration.

Seconds after he took oath, the website of the Prime Minister's Office carried his message to the people promising to "script a glorious future for India", one that is "strong, developed and inclusive" and that engages with the global community for the cause of world peace and development.

Modi said he was choosing his website to deliver his

Nigeria army ‘knows where Boko Haram are holding girls’

The Nigerian military say they know where the girls kidnapped by Boko Haram are but they will not attempt a rescue.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff said it was “good news for the parents,” although he admitted the military would not risk “going there with force.”

More than 200 girls were abducted by Boko Haram gunmen from their school in northern Nigeria in April.

Earlier, the BBC learned

that a deal to release some of the girls was close but was called off by the Government.

The BBC’s Will Ross in Abuja says an intermediary met leaders of the Islamist group and visited the place where they were being held.

He says agreement was almost reached to release 50 of the girls in exchange for the release of 100 Boko Haram prisoners. But the Nigerian Government pulled out of

the deal after President Goodluck Jonathan attended a conference on the crisis in Paris. The reasons for the withdrawal are unclear.

Nigeria’s Government is under pressure to do more to tackle the group and bring about the girls’ release.

Thousands of people have died since Boko Haram began a violent campaign against the Nigerian Government in 2009 and in the subsequent security crackdown. (Excerpt from BBC News)

first message to the people as he was a "firm believer in the power of technology and social media to communicate with people across the world" and a "very important medium of direct communication between us.”

There was a certain poignancy to the momentous occasion as the inauguration of a New prime Minister happened 50 years after the death of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on May 27, 1964.

Along with Modi, a 45-strong council of Ministers that included 23 of the cabinet took oath. There were seven women, including six in the cabinet.

Prominent Ministers were BJP President Rajnath Singh, the first among ministers to take oath; Sushma Swaraj, former Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha; and Arun Jaitley, the former Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Najma Heptullah is the only Muslim in the cabinet.

The setting was in many ways unique. Contrary to earlier occasions when the short ceremony was held in the stately Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Modi, true to his style as a communicator, chose to have it in the open in order to be able

to accommodate many more people, perhaps the largest such gathering for any prime ministerial swearingin in India.

The ceremony was watched live across the nation and in world capitals, on TV and web casts. Those on the move could get a realtime feed from the social media.

As soon as the ceremony concluded, Modi met the visiting leaders, starting with a warm handshake with Nawaz Sharif. The leaders then posed for a photo-op with the new Indian Prime Minister, the president and Vice President Hamid

France’s UMP

Ansari. With the reins of Government passing to Modi, the elite Special Protection Group formed a protective ring around him as his party colleagues and others jostled to congratulate the new leader. In the background, his supporters chanted slogans of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram.”

It was an amazing journey for the bespectacled and bearded Modi who sold tea in a railway station in Gujarat at a young age, before embracing politics, culminating in his becoming the leader of a country of 1.2 billion people.

‘ordered €10M fake invoices’ to hide Sarkozy campaign spending

France’s main Opposition party, UMP, told a communications agency to produce fake invoices to cover up vast over-spending during Nicolas Sarkozy’s failed 2012 presidential election campaign, a lawyer for the agency said on Monday.

A senior UMP official later acknowledged “anomalies” in the campaign’s funding, sparking the potential for a scandal that could en-

gulf the party’s current leader Jean-Francois Copé, as well as scupper Sarkozy’s hopes of a political comeback.

Patrick Maisonneuve, a lawyer for the Bygmalion communications agency, told a press conference that the UMP pressured the company to mis-label invoices as being for party conventions when they were actually for Sarkozy campaign rallies. This meant charg-

es went to the UMP rather than the Sarkozy campaign. He estimated the total value of these “fake invoices” at “more than 10 million euros”.

Maisonneuve alleged that UMP officials had made clear to Bygmalion staff at the time that if they did not comply they would not get paid. He accused the party of “financial blackmail”. (Excerpt from France24)

China scrambles fighter jets on Japanese aircraft in disputed territory

Territorial tensions between China and Japan have flared after a close encounter between their military jets in disputed airspace over the East China Sea.

The neighbouring rivals accused each other of potentially triggering a dangerous incident, after two pairs of Chinese fighter jets were scrambled and flew unprecedentedly close to a Japanese OP-3C surveillance plane and a YS-11EB electronic intelligence aircraft Saturday. The fly-bys

occurred in airspace claimed by both countries as part of their “air defenCe identification zones,” while China carried out joint maritime exercises with Russia at the weekend.

Japan claims the flights were part of a routine reconnaissance mission near a group of uninhabited islands claimed by both nations, known as Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan. Meanwhile, China’s National Defence Ministry described the move as a justified enforcement of the

country’s air defenCe zone. Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera said it was the closest that Chinese jets had come to Japanese aircraft – passing about 30 metres from one plane and 50 metres from another.

“We believe this proximity and behaviour does not follow common sense,” he said.

He said the flight crews reported the Chinese planes were armed with missiles. “The crews were on edge as they responded.” (Excerpt from CNN)

tuesday, may 27, 2014 | guyanatimesgy.com

UG workers to agitate for better working conditions

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

The University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and Workers Union (UGWU) are prepared to take industrial action if the university’s administration fails to recommence the negotiation process on workers’ welfare.

The unions have been championing the cause for better wages, salaries and working conditions for all categories of employees on the Turkeyen and Tain campuses since 2012, but to no avail, as negotiations have broken down.

During a recent press conference at the Turkeyen Campus, UGSSA Vice President Melissa Ifill disclosed that on May 2, the unions wrote Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi requesting an urgent meeting with the administration’s negotiating team, but to date a response is still forthcoming.

Considering the apparent turmoil that has been felt by the university at the governance level, Ifill said the unions have been quite patient with the administration.

But now they are of the opinion that Dr Opadeyi, who was appointed as Vice Chancellor last December, has had sufficient time to familiarise himself with the burning issues plaguing the academic and non-academic staff of the university.

Since his appointment by

the UG Council, Dr Opadeyi reportedly met once with the unions in March with the promise of having monthly meetings, but thus far the administration has failed to make good on its promise.

“We are serving notice that unless the meeting is convened almost immediately, that the staff will take the necessary action. We have been attempting to negotiate with the university to improve salaries and working conditions since January 2012. We have exercised enormous patience, we have been extremely understanding of the circumstances within which this university finds itself… and we are serving notice that we are no longer prepared to do so,” Ifill said in no uncertain terms.

The UGSSA Vice President made it clear that if the meeting is not reconvened and progress made, industrial action would be taken. “We are prepared to close the university down because we are very unhappy with the current administration and the Council’s action.”

Concern

UGSSA President, Dr Patsy Francis said too that the unions are concerned over moves by the administration to hire senior administrative officers who are being paid huge sums of monies for their services.

“These senior administrative staff are coming at very high prices, most of them are paid more than half a million dollars a month. I cannot see what value they will add that we the 600 academic and unacademic staff cannot do,” Dr Francis complained.

According to her, these senior administrative officers are being paid “fat salaries” while academic staff members are awaiting better salaries. “We are demanding better pay!”

The unions have agreed that they are geared to shut the university down, if the Vice Chancellor moves ahead with plans to shelve programmes at the institution due to the cash shortage. Dr Opadeyi had indicated that lowly subscribed programmes at the university will be cut off and the ser-

vices of lecturers terminated, if the institution experiences a major shortfall in enrolment due to students’ inability to access loans for the Academic Year 2014/2015. This is a direct result of the 2014 budget cuts inflicted by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC).

Dr Opadeyi said if the Government fails to return to the Assembly for supplementary funding to the tune of $450 million for the Student Loan Programme before the House goes on recess in August, programmes will be cut.

But the unions are calling on the administration to find alternatives to remedy the situation. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

FAO urges global commitment to tackle nutrition challenges

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director General José Graziano da Silva has called on countries to put nutrition high on their national and international agendas, and to take a lead role in the upcoming Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2).

The meeting will be jointly organised by FAO and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in November in Rome, Italy.

“ICN2 presents us with a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on nutrition. Let’s not lose this opportunity,” said Graziano da Silva during an address to the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Despite some progress in the last 20 years, over 840 million people are still undernourished and 162 million children suffer from stunting. In addition, about two billion people – over 30 per cent of the global population – experience the ‘hidden hunger’ of micronutrient deficiencies, while at the

same time, obesity rates are rising rapidly.

Graziano da Silva urged governments to “ensure that different voices are heard” in the debate, underlining the benefits of multi-stakeholder participation in the debate on nutrition. He stressed that while governments have the final say on the policy matters at stake, non-state actors had important contributions to make.

ICN2 to put nutrition in the spotlight

“We believe that multistakeholder participation contributes to the debate, strengthens our decisions, and helps generate the political consensus needed to push the nutrition agenda forward, including for the implementation of the Framework for Action we wish to see adopted in November,” explained Graziano da Silva.

Set to take place in Rome on November 19-21, ICN2 will be the first global intergovernmental conference to address the world’s nutri-

Lall, Ram alleged tax evasion cases come up today

The case which was brought against newspaper publisher Glenn Lall and Attorney Christopher Ram for allegedly failing to pay millions in taxes to the City Council will be heard today at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The case was brought against the duo in October last year by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for millions of dollars which they reportedly owed in taxes. The case will come up in Court Eight and Nine of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Ram reportedly owes the M&CC more than $11.3 million in tax for several properties. He owes more than $1.4 million in taxes for sub lot D of 157 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, and $7 million for sub lot B, according to court documents.

He is also believed to owe the M&CC another $2.9 million for sub lot C of the same Waterloo Street property. He is being represented by Attorney Neil Boston.

Meanwhile, Lall and his wife, Bhena, are accused of owing the M&CC more than $5.6 million in taxes for a property at 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, according to court documents seen by this newspaper. The

Lalls are being represented by Alliance For Change (AFC) leader, Khemraj Ramjattan.

In a press release issued on October 11, Ram claimed that discussions on the matter go back to the 1990s when an agreement was reached to have balances due for services rendered to the M&CC offset the millions of dollars he owes in rates and taxes. Ram claimed that the issue is essentially an administrative one, and suggested that the matter could be settled out of court.

In a Kaieteur News report, also on October 11, Lall made a similar claim about off-setting the millions of dollars owed in rates and taxes by him and his wife with services provided by the newspaper. Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green and M&CC Public Relations Officer Royston King have claimed likewise in interviews with Kaieteur News. However, at a press conference, the M&CC’s administrative head, acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba, said the Council will continue its zero-tolerance approach in dealing with breaches of the city’s laws. She noted that a number of cases are before the court, as the Council seeks redress.

OAS Permanent Council submits proposals to General Assembly

The Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) approved the submission of several draft resolutions to the General Assembly of the institution, which will take place from June 3 to 5 in Asunción, Paraguay.

In a regular meeting, the Council approved by acclamation the draft Declaration of Asunción, and elevated it to the General Assembly, after receiving the report from the Chair of the Working Group and Permanent Representative of Paraguay, Elisa Ruiz Díaz.

inequality and social inclusion” in its various areas of work.

On another point, the Council approved – also by acclamation – the submission to the General Assembly of the draft resolution “Strategic Vision of the Organisation of American States”, after receiving a report on the activities of its working group from the chair of the group and Permanent Representative of Mexico to the OAS, Emilio Rabasa.

should

tion problems in the 21st century. It is co-organised by FAO and WHO with other UN and international organisations. The conference seeks to accelerate progress on nutrition through national policies and effective international cooperation by identifying ways and means to overcome obstacles, especially by ensuring that food systems better address nutrition needs.

approve a political declaration on nutrition and a framework for action to ensure effective implementation of the commitments made at this high-level meeting.

Heads of State and Government, other dignitaries and leaders have been invited to the high-level conference. Pope Francis has already confirmed his participation.

In addition, OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza informed the Council that “on occasion of the General Assembly, we are editing a book entitled ‘Inequality and Social Inclusion in the Americas’, which contains 13 contributions from members of the General Secretariat”.

The Secretary General explained that the book, which will be distributed at the Assembly, represents not only a description of the problem, but also “the contribution that the Organisation of American States makes on the issues of

Similarly, the body agreed to the elevation to the Assembly of the draft resolutions previously approved by its committee on Juridical and Political Affairs (CAJP) and the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI).

During the meeting, the representatives of Paraguay, Venezuela, Mexico, El Salvador, Canada, Barbados, US, Dominica, Peru, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Panama, Chile, Colombia, Nicaragua, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Honduras took the floor.

Greenidge says Environmental Tax is a fund raiser for Govt

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge is accusing the Government of using the Environmental Tax as a means of raising funds and stated that his party would not help them.

Greenidge explained to reporters that the proposal which the combined Opposition rejected last year had nothing to do with the environment but was a way of raising money for the ruling administration.

“It did not discriminate against materials that were not biodegradable and therefore both sides of the Opposition said to the Government that this is simply another way of raising money… We are not prepared to raise more money for the Government,” he noted.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon said the Government will retable the Customs Amendment Bill, which will see both local and foreign companies paying taxes on non-returnable containers of alcoholic or non-alcoholic items.

Previously, the tax only applied to imported items, but this was found to be discriminatory by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) when Surinamese firm Rudisa Beverages, manufacturer of Thrill soft drink, initiated court action against Guyana for levying the tax on them. The tax was a breach of Guyana’s obli-

gations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC). The CCJ has since ordered Guyana to refund US$6 million (G$1.2 billion) to the Surinamese company. Greenidge pointed out that the tax which is being talked about is not an Environmental Tax but simply a tariff on containers coming in the country. He noted that for several years, the Government had failed to address the issue and it was only in 2013 that the Government took a proposal of amendments to the National Assembly to modify the tax.

This newspaper understands that on February 15, 1995, Guyana introduced an Environmental Tax on imported beverages in specified containers through an amendment of Section Seven of the Customs Act

in 1995. The new Section Seven (a) stipulated that an Environmental Tax shall be levied at a rate of US$10 on every unit of non-returnable metal, plastic, glass or cardboard containers of any alcoholic or non-alcoholic item imported into Guyana.

Requirement

Importers are required to pay these taxes when customs duties are paid. Government has argued that the tax was introduced largely because non-returnable beverage containers negatively impact Guyana’s environment, owing to their nonbiodegradable nature and improper disposal and that it was deemed reasonable to expect that a clean-up cost be borne by the businesses concerned.

The new amendment also seeks to apply a tax on both

imported and local non-returnable alcoholic containers. Government is also proposing to reduce the rate of the tax from US$10 to US$5 in an effort to allow the tax to remain revenue neutral and to render the legislation nonapplicable on beverages being exported from Guyana.

According to the APNU Shadow Finance Minister, the proposal basically added more importers to the list of those who pay taxes. Greenidge further explained that as a member of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), Guyana should not have a tax that discriminates against other member countries.

He stressed that if taxes are to be placed on containers, then it should be applied to all containers whether they were imported or produced locally.

Greenidge went on

to say that Caricom, in the first place, had never asked Guyana to implement any Environmental Tax. “Caricom has not asked Guyana to implement any Environmental Tax. The tax that they have in place, which they call Environmental Tax, was not implemented at the requests of the governments of the Caribbean and I want that to be clear. So when the Government goes around telling people ‘look the Caribbean has a problem with us because we are not implementing the Environmental Tax’, it is not true. Caricom did not ask the Government to impose any Environment Tax; the Government decided to raise money and in order to justify it, they tell people it was an Environmental Tax. It was not an Environ Tax, it had nothing to do with the environment,” he maintained.

New traffic arrangements for EBD peak hours

In an effort to ease the traffic build-up during peak hours along the East Bank of Demerara, with effect from today, the Guyana Police Force will be putting into effect a three-lane system between the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the Houston Access Road.

The system will begin from 07:00h to 09:00h in the morning and from 16:00h to 18:00h in the afternoon on Monday to Friday of the week.

In a release, Police said during the morning period of 07:00h to 09:00h, in addition to the two lanes on the western carriageway, the western lane of the eastern carriageway will also be used to accommodate motor vehicles travelling north into Georgetown.

During the afternoon period of 16:00h to 18:00h, in addition to the two lanes on the eastern carriageway, the eastern lane of the western carriageway will also be used to accommodate motor vehicles travelling south along East Bank Demerara highway.

Motorists are requested to cooperate with Police ranks.

Over 20,000 screened for cervical cancer since 2007

More than 20,000 women in Guyana have been screened for cervical cancer since 2007, former Regional Health Services Director, Dr Narine Singh disclosed on Sunday.

In February, the Health Ministry reported that cancer is the third leading cause of mortality in the country with Ischemic heart diseases coming at second and cerebrovascular diseases at number one. Prostate, breast, lung and cervical cancers are the main categories affecting the Guyanese population.

But it was keen on pointing out that Guyana has the third highest rate of cervical cancer in the Western Hemisphere.

Speaking at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall on the topic “The Challenge of Cervical Cancer”, Dr Singh said the Health Ministry has been aggressively tackling the issue.

He explained that the Health Ministry has been capitalising on preventative measures such as immunisation and screening. According to him, more young women are undergoing the visual inspection using Acetic Acid (VIA).

According to Dr Singh, the Guyanese public is

now responding positively to the administration of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to young girls. When it was introduced by the Health Ministry in 2011 under the leadership of the then Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, many parents

had responded negatively towards the initiative. The HPV vaccine is said to prevent cervical cancer.

In addition to the interactive session on cervical cancer, some of the obstetrics and gynaecology resident doctors were introduced, one of whom hails

from Nigeria and another from Antigua.

The Georgetown Public Hospital Residency Master’s Degree Programme in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is being facilitated in collaboration with the Case Western University Hospital

Cleveland, Ohio. The programme, which is in its third year, has six firstyear resident doctors and six second-year students, with the remaining five in their third year. At the end of their fourth year, the medical certificate will be issued by the University of Guyana, which is also a partner in this initiative. Director of the residency Master’s Degree Programme in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Margaret LarkinsPettigrew, who is based at the Case Western University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, was also present at the seminar, in addition to senior Georgetown Public Hospital official, Dr Ruth Derkenne.

The seminar was organised by Bishop Francis Alleyne and Monsignor Terrence Montrose of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Georgetown in collaboration with the Georgetown Public Hospital.

SUDOKU

A lot of favourable attention will come your way today. Your talent and charm are a winning combination. A decision that you’ve been avoiding can be dealt with now.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

You will need to make an extra effort to get along with others today. Use tact and show patience with someone who is feeling sensitive and insecure.

Gain some insight about who you and your associates are. Start a dialogue about your past, and urge others to share theirs as well. You could learn something quite interesting.

Finding the right balance can be difficult. Look for the best way to manage your time effectively so you don’t fall behind. Being too proud to ask for help will be your downfall.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Get together with someone you love for an enjoyable outing. Be honest about the way you feel. Open communication will help smooth any difficulties you have with someone.

(March 21-April 19)

Work changes are imminent. This is a good time to go for interviews, or pursue a more lucrative position. You may consider starting your own business. Be prepared to make some cash.

(April 20-May 20)

You may be caught in an emotional whirlwind. If you find matters too confusing at the moment, back away from the situation temporarily to give yourself time to sort out your feelings.

(May 21June 20)

You may be missing some key information. Appearances can be deceiving. Refrain from making an important decision until you have all the relevant details.

Someone you care deeply about needs attention. Make an effort to show gratitude and affection. Planning a short vacation or improving your living quarters should be considered.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

If something has been bothering you, take action. Get professional advice or consider taking a break from whatever is causing you stress.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

It’s time to move forward in your personal life. Face up to emotional issues and decide what is right for you. Reconnect with an old friend and start over.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Check out an opportunity to advance from your current position. Even if it offers less in the initial stages, you’ll move ahead in the long run.

Linden crowned champions of Inter-Association B’ball tourney

– Georgetown top Linden after controversial no call

By Treiston Joseph

Linden are the new Inter-Association basketball champions despite losing to Georgetown 70-71 on Sunday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Linden was awarded the win on points differential, after defeating Georgetown in Linden by eight points, while Georgetown was only able to pull off the one -point win.

In game action, the referees failed to call a foul away from the ball that would have given Linden possession of the ball before Georgetown’s Ryan Stephney stepped to the line with five seconds left in the game and knocked down one of two free throws that would give Georgetown the one- point win.

The first quarter of the game saw Linden trying to establish themselves in the post as Georgetown made Dwayne “Brown Suga” Roberts work tirelessly for position in the post.

However, Linden was able to score with fluent ball movement as the first quarter ended with the mining town leading 17-15.

Linden came out flowing in the second quarter, continuing their superb ball movement, while hitting consistently from midrange as they continued to lead Georgetown going into halftime with the score at 37-33.

Georgetown came out more aggressively in the third quarter and amped up their defensive intensity that resulted in some easy fast- break opportunities as they continued to struggle from beyond the arc.

The fourth quarter was a see-saw ride with both teams exchanging leads

right down to the wire, as Roberts made a tough shot to put Linden up by two before Travis Burnett, who was a menace all night, sank to free-throw to tie the game at 70… the rest is now history.

Burnett, who tormented Linden’s perimeter with his on-ball pressure, was able to get to the rim at will, finishing some smooth

finger rolls for a game- high 21 points for Georgetown.

Roberts was Linden’s high- point man with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Keon Cameron had 16 and Shane Webster 14 in the losing effort.

Meanwhile, Berbice will make a trip to Linden on May 31 to conclude the events of the InterAssociation tournament.

Golfer Guyadeen continues to shine in USA

Guyanese golfer Cris

Guyadeen is creating waves in the United States of America, notching up some impressive performances over the past few months.

Guyadeen, who is always keen on keeping the Golden Arrowhead flying high, won the TPC Sawgrass Open earlier this year and won his flight, before playing the season opener for the GCAM Tour and placing joint third.

That was followed by a joint fourth- place finish in another tournament at the Spring Lake Golf Course and the top podium spot in the ‘A’ Flight Championship at the

Golfweek Am Tour at the Harbourlinks Golf Course in Nassau County, New York.

Guyadeen also competed in the GCAM Tour last week when he shot +2 to win outright in the highest flight (Palmer).

Guyadeen told this publication, “I would like you to inform the public that I still try to keep the Guyana flag flying high over here in the USA, and will be very humbled if I can get to represent Guyana in Argentina in January 2015 at the LAAC golf tournament, but we must ensure that Guyana is a member of the LAAC.”

Lindeners to represent Guyana at US Open Beach Soccer C’ships

By Itamu Belle

Two players of the Linden-based Cool Running Beach Football Club (CRBFC), Keon Sears and Ron Fiedthkhou, are expected to depart Guyana on June 5 to represent Guyana in the annual US Open Beach Soccer Championships, slated to be held in Virginia USA, VA beach.

The tournament is expected to kick off on June 6 and end on June 8. Rollin Tappin, President of the CRBFC, said the two seasoned beach footballers were invited by the Florida Beach Soccer Club to play under the team’s roster. He said the tournament is one of the most prestigious tournaments held annually in the USA. Teams from Africa and Central

and North America are also expected to be competing this year. No stranger to the tournament, Sears will be appearing in the championships for the second time around, having played under the Tobago beach soccer team in the Bagosports Invitational tournament held in Tobago in 2012. Fiedthkhou however, will be making his debut in this form of com-

petition. Tappin related that although both players would have gained meaningful experience from participating in various beach football tournaments ,both in and out of the country, the executives of the club wish them success and hope their participation will raise awareness about Guyana’s potential in this format of football.

“We also would like to

register our deepest disgust at the way in which the sport is seemingly being neglected by the authorities. One issue to note is that Guyana was invited to participate in the South American beach games in Vargas, Venezuela and it was most disheartening that beach soccer was omitted, even though it is known that Guyana has quality players with international exposure, but in-

stead beach rugby was given the nod. Even more glaring was that both teams, beach volleyball and beach rugby had their final work-out at the recently commissioned Linden beach football facility. As president of the club, I call on the Guyana Football Federation to bring about administrative normalcy to the sport, so its true potential can be realized,”he stated.

Serena huffs and puffs into second round in Paris

orld number one

WSerena Williams huffed and puffed into the French Open second round with a 6-2 6-1 win over local favorite Alize Lim on Sunday.

The defending champion sprayed court Philippe Chatrier with unforced errors in a match that was not as one-sided as the scoreline suggested.

Williams was so confident she would crush her training partner that she warmed up for the encounter wearing a blazer suit, but Lim proved to be a tenacious opponent despite her ranking of 138.

In the opening set, Lim claimed 27 points but sur-

prisingly 23 of those came thanks to Williams’s unforced errors.

Williams wasted four match points in the second set before wrapping it up on the fifth when her opponent sent a backhand long.

Williams, who could face her older sister Venus in the third round, did not want to put too much pressure on her shoulders, having already won the tournament twice.

“This year I’m just going day by day. I do have to say this year I don’t feel as much pressure on myself as I did last year,” she told a news conference.

“And that’s it. I just am doing the best I can.” (Reuters)

Pacquaio vs Mayweather will happen, says Arum

The prospect of a long awaited mega-bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao may have receded in recent years but promoter Bob Arum believes the fight will take place, most likely before the end of 2016.

A duel between the defence-minded Mayweather and the aggressive Pacquiao, the biggest drawcards of their generation, has long been savored by boxing fans, if only to decide the mythical title of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter.

Filipino Pacquiao lost much of his appeal after successive defeats to American Timothy Bradley and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012, prompting talk of his possible retirement, though he has since bounced back with two impressive wins.

“I think that fight will eventually happen,” Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, told Reuters on Thursday in a telephone interview. “We are certainly open to the fight happening and we are prepared to sit down with (the Mayweather team) at any time and work out terms.”

Five-division world champion Mayweather, who is known for his shrewd business acumen, had been expected to meet Pacquiao in 2010 until negotiations collapsed over the

Golf:Rory McIlroy up to sixth in world after Wentworth win

Rory McIlroy has risen to sixth in the world rankings after winning the PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The double-major winner, 25, came from seven shots behind 54-hole leader Thomas Bjorn to card a six-under-par 66 and beat Shane Lowry by one on Sunday.

The victory lifted the former world number one from Northern Ireland up four places in the rankings.

Australian Adam Scott, 33, retained his place as world number one by winning the Crowne Plaza Invitational.

McIlroy, who won the Australian Open last December, has targeted more major titles after his surprise victory at Wentworth. This latest win boosted his confidence ahead of the year’s second major, the US Open, at Pinehurst from 12-15 June.

“There’s still three majors to play this year...So even

though we’re nearly halfway through the season, I feel like mine’s just beginning”

Rory McIlroy

“I think the win in Australia stopped all the questions about equipment and about struggling and a slump and all this stuff,” he said.

“I think this victory here, against one of the best fields of the year, sort of cements

that and shows that I’m on the right track again. Hopefully it won’t be long before I’m contending in majors and having a chance to win those again.”

With 14-time major winner Tiger Woods absent through injury, McIlroy said earlier this season that golf was waiting for a “dominant player” to stamp authority on the game as Woods did in his prime. (BBC Sport)

American’s demand for random drug testing.

Mayweather, who has hinted at illegal methods by often questioning how Pacquiao could have won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight classes, has since said he would not fight the Filipino as long as Arum is his promoter.

Veteran Arum, however, has his own theory about that.

“Frankly, it’s the same as it always was,” said the 82-year-old promoter, who has worked with giants of the ring such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran.

“The idea that Mayweather says, ‘Well, I’m not going to fight Pacquiao because Bob Arum is involved,’ is the latest is in a whole line of excuses.

“If you look at it from Mayweather’s standpoint, he has this unbelievable deal with Showtime (satellite television network), paying him all this money ... so he would probably figure, ‘I have three more fights under the Showtime contract’.”

Strong Feeling

Assuming that Mayweather wins those next three fights to improve his perfect record to 49-0 and conclude his Showtime deal, Arum has a strong feeling that the flamboyant American would then agree to a mega-fight with Pacquiao (56-5-2).

“He (Mayweather) would figure, ‘Why don’t I do those (three) fights for the easy money and then in 2016, with my 50th fight, I could beat the (49-0) record of (Rocky) Marciano by fighting Pacquiao’,” said Arum.

“That would be a huge fight, and I believe it will happen.”

Should that bout take place, it could well be the last fight of Pacquiao’s career as the Filipino agreed earlier this week to extend his promotional agreement with Arum’s Top Rank company until the end of 2016.

Between now and then, Pacquiao is likely to fight twice each year and he will next step into the ring on Nov. 8,

in all likelihood in Macau and probably against his old foe, Mexican Marquez, a four-division world champion.

“Marquez has not, as of yet, committed to the fight so we will be talking to him in the days ahead,” said Arum. “I am going to be over in Macau next week (for a fight) and I have invited Juan Manuel and his wife to come. I believe they will.”

Marquez, who knocked out Pacquiao the last time they met in December 2012, beat welterweight Mike Alvarado by unanimous decision in his most recent fight, last week.

Should Marquez decline the opportunity to take on Pacquiao for a fifth time, Arum said he would probably then target Ruslan Provodnikov of Russia as the Filipino’s opponent in November.

When Pacquiao’s promotional agreement with Top Rank ends at the end of 2016, the Filipino southpaw will be 38 years old, the perfect time for him to end his glittering boxing career.

“That’s what we figured and that’s why we made it to the end of 2016,” said Arum. “Hopefully by that point he would have been elected to the Philippine senate and that’s very time consuming. That would be the signal for him to hang up his gloves.” (Reuters)

Heath Streak appointed Bangladesh bowling coach

Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak has been appointed Bangladesh’s bowling coach until 2016. Streak will arrive in Dhaka in the first week of June and will form a new-look coaching partnership with head coach

Chandika Hathurusingha, who was appointed earlier this month.

According to the BCB, Streak will work for 450 days across two years and will also be a consultant for the other teams under the board. According to his con-

tract, he will be available three weeks before every series and will prolong his stay with the team before the 2015 World Cup.

“I look forward to the challenge of working with the Tigers and thank BCB for the opportunity,” Streak said in a statement released by the BCB. “It is exciting for me to be back into the international coaching arena again. It is my passion to coach at an elite level.

“I hope I can bring my experience as a former player and coach to the Bangladeshi bowlers. I look forward to teaming up with the new coaching staff and mapping the future for this exciting team.”

Streak had been Zimbabwe’s bowling coach between 2009 and 2013. He played six of his 65 Tests as well as 10 ODIs against Bangladesh, apart from a season of domestic cricket in the country in the 1990s. (ESPNcricinfo)

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r uthless nadal demolishes ginepri at French open

World number one Rafa Nadal started his French Open title defense in ruthless fashion, dismantling American Robby Ginepri 6-0 6-3 6-0 to reach the second round on Monday.

The eight-time champion from Spain wasted no time on a damp day in Paris to set up a meeting with either France’s PaulHenri Mathieu or Austrian wunderkind Dominic Thiem.

Nadal used his whipping forehand to unsettle the world number 279 and never showed the signs of nervousness that sometimes bother him in early rounds.

The sun pierced through the clouds midway through the third set as Nadal wasted two match points, ending the match on his third attempt when Ginepri’s backhand sailed long.

Second seed Novak Djokovic distracted the Roland Garros crowd but kept his focus as he made light work of Portuguese Joao Sousa to reach the second round of the French Open with a 6-1 6-2 6-4 win.

Seventh seed,Maria Sharapova,beat Ksenia Pervak 6-1 6-2.

Manchester United’s brand

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‘devalued’ by weak season

The value of the Manchester United brand has been damaged by a disappointing season according to a study by consultancy Brand Finance.

They say United’s brand is worth $739m (£439m), down $98m on last year.

That makes it the third most valuable football brand after Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s victory in the Champions League final on Saturday helped boost its brand value. The club already has the biggest sales of any football club.

‘Solid footing’

The authors say an improvement in the Spanish economy could help the club retain the top brand spot.

And they add that “with arguably the finest player in the world in the shape of Ronaldo” and now a first Champions League title since 2002, “Real’s brand is back on a solid footing”.

Gareth Bale helped Real Madrid win their 10th European Cup as they fi-

nally overcame neighbours

Atletico Madrid in a compelling Champions League final in Lisbon.

But despite Real’s strong season, Bayern Munich has the most valuable brand in football for the second year running according to the report.

The authors point to the Bavarian club’s record points haul in winning the Bundesliga title in the 201314 season.

English clubs

Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are

placed from fifth to eighth most valuable.

United revival?

Manchester United will be hoping the appointment of Louis van Gaal will reverse its fortunes both on and off the pitch next season.

Speaking on Dutch TV station RTL last week, Mr Van Gaal said his immediate objectives were to return United to “number one spot” as soon as possible, and that fans “will think they are champions of England again within a year”. (BBC Sport)

thunder strikes back to narrow Spurs deficit

The Oklahoma City Thunder, buoyed by the return of Serge Ibaka from injury, recovered from two demoralizing road losses to beat the San Antonio Spurs 10697 in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday.

The Spurs lead the bestof-seven series 2-1 but the Thunder at least breathed some new life into their season, which was in danger of ending with a whimper.

Power forward Ibaka, who missed the first two games with a left calf strain,

scored 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the floor in nearly 30 minutes of action. He also grabbed seven rebounds and played strong defense, blocking four shots.

“I tried to give my team mates some energy in defense and offense,” the 24-year-old from the Republic of the Congo told TNT TV.

“I think I did pretty well. Also, my team mates too, we did a great job to make them take some tough shots.”

Coach Scott Brooks praised Ibaka: “Serge gave us a big lift, not only on the

defensive end but the offensive end,” Brooks told reporters.

“We obviously missed him the last two games but that’s part of sport. You have to deal with the injuries. We bounced back tonight.”

The Thunder, who lost the first two games of the series by a combined 52 points in San Antonio, looked like a different team as they played with energy and more than a touch of skill in front of a raucous home crowd.(Reuters)

BCB XI take Independence Cup

The Berbice Cricket Board XI (BCB XI) has won the 2014 Independence Cup final, played at the Albion Sports Complex.

Despite a swashbuckling and determined half- century from I. Hossen, East Coast Jaguars (ECJ) failed to lift the Independence Cup in an exciting final under lights.

Hossen hit 51 off 29 balls with the aid six fours and two sixes in a bid to take his team to the winning target of 74. He was eventually run out in the final over in which two wickets fell, as ECJ reached 71-6 off of their allotted overs.

The match had been re-

duced to eight overs a side after a heavy downpour left the pitch wet, forcing organizers to have to wait for more than one hour before the match could have got started.

Hossen came to the crease in the first over with the score on 4-1 and piloted his team to 70-5, when he was run out attempting a second run as the visitors needed four to win off the last two balls.

Leading BCB XI, S. Shameer was the pick of the bowlers grabbing 3-19 off three overs.

Earlier, man-of-thematch Michael Newland hit a whirlwind 27 after clearing the boundary ropes twice

Sabina Test on course despite lights installation

Urban Development Corporation (UDC) General Manager Desmond Malcolm does not expect work currently being carried out on the installation of floodlights at Sabina Park to affect the staging of the first Test between the West Indies and New Zealand slated for the venue.

The match, which will be opener Chris Gayle’s 100th for the regional side, is slated to get under way on Sunday, June 8, and end on Thursday, June 12.

“We have been in constant communication with Sabina Park Holdings, Kingston Cricket Club and the Jamaica Cricket Association in a bid to ensure that the match is not affected by the works,” said Malcolm.

“We also intend to do daily checks so as to ensure that systems such as water and telephone services remain intact, with most of the work planned to be done around and not inside the venue.

“We, therefore, do not anticipate any disappointments or setbacks.”

Malcolm, whose state agency has oversight responsibility for the project, which is being implemented by FosRich Lighting and Jentech Consultants, also explained that they are targeting a mid-July completion of the project.

This, he pointed out,

should facilitate at least a two-week period of inspection by cricket and other authorities ahead of Jamaica’s scheduled hosting of matches in the Caribbean Premier League.

The country, home of defending champions, the Jamaica Tallawahs, is set to stage matches on July 31, August 2 and August 3.

“We did a site visit recently with the project engineers and managers, and the word is that things are on track,” outlined Malcolm.

“Excavation is almost completed for the anchoring of towers on which the lights will be mounted, while materials to facilitate the construction and erection of the light poles are being imported, and expected by midJune.

“The completion, therefore, is expected to be by no later than mid-July, which will allow for two weeks of inspection by authorities and the doing of any adjustments necessary.”

The light project was facilitated by a US$2.1 million grant from the government of India to the Government of Jamaica.

The first Test, one of three to be played by the New Zealanders, will see the West Indies hunting a winning start as they seek to avenge a 2-0 series defeat last December in New Zealand.

(Windiescricket)

and hitting three fours to help BCB XI to 73-7 off their allotted eight overs.

K. Bishundyal was almost unplayable as he finished with 4-21 off of four overs bowling for ECJ.

The winners received $200, 000 and the Independence Cup, while the losing finalist received $100,000.

The BCB XI had qualified for the final by beating the Berbice Chambers of Commerce and Development Association XI (BCCDA XI) by four wickets.

Scores: BCCDA XI 1159 off 20 overs. In reply,the BCB XI made 119-6 off 19 overs, while ECJ made light work of Diamond Digital

Technology to reach the final.

Scores: ECJ 163-7 off 20 overs, Diamond Digital Technology in reply were restricted to 122-6 at the end of their 20 overs.

Meanwhile, in an invitational softball game between a West Berbice XI and Oldendoff, the West Berbice boys failed to defend their modest 61-9 that they posted in their allotted 10 overs as Oldendoff reached 62 without loss in 4.2 overs when they batted.

The event was a joint fund- raising effort between the Berbice Cricket Board and Berbice Chambers of Commerce and Development Association.

FIFA warns fans against purchasing World Cup tickets from touts

FIFA’s enforcement arm yesterday warned fans heading to the World Cup not to buy match tickets from touts, whether virtual or physical, saying they could end up out of pocket and unable to see the matches they want.

MATCH Enforcement, the division of Zurich-based firm MATCH Hospitality that monitors such fraud for FIFA, said it had even seen black market tickets on offer for almost $40,000, as the June 12 kick-off looms for the tournament.

“Ticket mark-ups are one of the main risks that fans face when purchasing from illegitimate, unauthorised or illegal sources, in that they will be paying highly inflated prices for tickets which are very likely to be invalid or counterfeit,” a MATCH spokesman told AFP.

“We have repeatedly seen fans reporting to us as having paid two to three times the face value on the ticket prices published by FIFA,” he said.

In some cases, ticket sellers are trying to squeeze even more out of fans.

In the online marketplace viagogo.com -- which connects sellers with would-be buyers of concert, sports and theatre tickets -- World Cup tickets have been marked up

Blackwood ton gives HPC early advantage

Johnson chips in with half-century

Lucas Street, Barbados - Bangladesh ‘A’, replying to the West Indies High Performance Centre’s 292 all out, reached

five without loss in their first innings at the close of the opening day of the first fourday “Test” at the Windward Cricket Club here Monday.

by almost 500 percent, according to MATCH.

According to viagogo. com’s customer policy, sellers do not get their money until the buyer has been to the event.

But even if they do not ultimately make the pay-out for such a ticket, fans risk being out of pocket because they have spent money on travel to a stadium and are then unable to get in.

FIFA voids tickets discovered to have been sold or resold illegally, and the only legitimate online source is the world football governing body’s website, fifa.com.

“To date MATCH Enforcement have identified around 150-170 websites worldwide engaging in unauthorised ticket resales, with countries such as Spain, the United States, Mexico, China, the Netherlands, Brazil, Britain and Colombia being home to such websites and also the home to fans who are being most affected by this activity,” the spokesman said.

Fans who have any doubts about the legitimacy of any alleged source of tickets are invited to contact MATCH directly.

FIFA and MATCH launched their anti-tout drive in 2012, a year before the actual launch of World Cup ticket sales.

(Jamaica Observer)

SCOREBOARD

GBA confirms three St Lucian boxers for “Nuff Cuff Injection” card

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has confirmed that three St Lucian boxers will be a part of the “Nuff Cuff Injection” Boxing card set for Buxton on May 31 at the Buxton Community Centre ground.

The St Lucian contingent will include two males and one female, namely: Arthur Langeleire, Ron Bastiean and Malinda St Clair. Trainer Conrad Hunte will accompany the trio to Guyana who are set to arrive on Friday.

President of the GBA Steve Ninvalle highlighted that it is due to the relations with the St Lucian Boxing

Association that the boxers could be added to the card.

“We have an extremely good relationship with the St Lucia Association, which is headed by a Guyanese and that’s the reason why we were able to at the short notice[to] get them involved with the Buxton event,” Ninvalle told Guyana Times Sport.

Ninvalle, who noted that all systems are in place for the tournament and the arrival of the St Lucians, stated that his association is happy with plans thus far and looks forward to a successful event.

Kevon Cooper reported for suspect action

Kevon Cooper, the Rajasthan Royals allrounder, has been reported by the umpires for a suspect action while bowling certain deliveries, after his team’s five-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians. It is the second time that Cooper’s action has come under the scanner; in 2011, his action was reported during the Caribbean T20 league after which he had

to take remedial measures at the University of Western Australia, Perth.

Under the IPL Suspected Illegal Bowling Action policy, Cooper may request an official assessment from the BCCI Suspect Bowling Action Committee, which comprises S Venkataraghavan, Javagal Srinath, AV Jayaprakash and Sanjay Patel, the BCCI secretary.

However, pending any clearance by the committee, Cooper would be available to bowl for Royals in IPL 2015. Should he be reported a second time, he would be suspended from bowling for the remainder of that season.

Cooper, who joined Royals in 2012, has picked up 39 wickets in 31 appearances over three seasons in the IPL. He picked up the wickets of Michael Hussey and Kieron Pollard at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, but Royals were edged out of the race for playoffs as Mumbai Indians chased down the 190-run target in 14.4 overs. (ESPNcricinfo)

President Cameron seeing shift in focus

Money to be allocated to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) from the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL), an annual contribution of US$360,000, will, according to board President Dave Cameron, boost the pace of the professionalisation of first-class cricket in the region, and initiate a shift from the way things are done currently.

It is a position supported by West Indies Players Association (WIPA) President and CEO Wavell Hinds.

The move to professionalise West Indies first-class cricket was announced in March following a meeting of the board, and forms part of a 19-point plan to raise the quality of first-class cricket in the region. In addition to the Test players already contracted by the WICB, 15 first-class players from each of the six territories will be contracted on a full-time, year-round basis.

This development, however, does not mean that the West Indies will turn its back on grassroots players.

Shifting focus

“We have 151,000 kids playing grass-roots cricket across the region. That’s a huge number, but we haven’t been able to translate that into winning Test matches and one-day internationals, so we now have to focus a little bit on performance,” the WICB president said. “We are not going to take our foot off the development and getting kids in the game, but obviously, if you are more successful, then kids will gravitate towards the sport.

“But, in my view, we have been a little too focused on the development side rather than performance, so we have shifted gears. Now our HPC team will be our ‘A’ team, always ready to get into action, and that means we will now have 30 players who you can call your senior team. That’s a big difference from what we had be-

fore. And then, backing that up, the other 70 or 80 players that will be on contract throughout the region, so it’s a huge step for us.”

The money from the Limacol CPL will represent a significant portion of the sum that the WICB will allocate towards the new thrust, Cameron said, and this will allow for players to spend more time focused on developing their skills, which, in turn, will benefit regional cricket.

Cameron estimates that it will cost the board about US$2 million. That money, divided among the 80 players, represents a significant boost to their annual earnings, and in addition to the US$1,300 each will receive for each four-day game and US$750 for each one day game, and earnings from the Limacol CPL, the players should be able to live off their cricket earnings alone.

“You will have players, my guess, earning in the region of US$20,000 a year,” Cameron said. “That is a good entry level for any cricketer. That will keep them interested in the game, keep them working harder, and have them striving to be getting into the senior team.”

New approach

This will now require some adjustments from the players and their approach to their careers.

“What we’re saying now is that you need to come to work five days a week being

a cricketer, not having jobs on the side and only turning up when there is a camp,” Cameron said.

“Players obviously need to go to their place of work, so in the case of the Windward Islands, we need to determine which island will be the centre, and all the players will have to move there, because they need to turn up for work. They need to be monitored because we are not just talking about batting and bowling stats, we’re talking about physical fitness as well, and those things will have to be monitored all the way through.”

Hinds believes that under the new paradigm, players will have to work harder, but, in return, will have greater financial security.

“We are appreciative that that US$360,000 will go into the pool of six to get the cricket professionalised so that our youngsters and our cricketers can understand what it means to be a professional from the territorial level. Then when they go to represent the West Indies on the international scene, they’re not learning on the job, they are consummate professionals and will execute accordingly,” he said.

“As a professional, you will be expected to put in the hours. You will be having guidelines and training schedules to follow and, as such, you will be remunerated accordingly so that you can look after yourself and your family.” (Windiescricket)

Gayle to seek treatment for back injury

Chris Gayle has said he will seek treatment in Germany for an injured back to ensure he is fit for the home Tests against New Zealand. Gayle is eyeing a return to fitness for the first Test in Kingston, which begins on June 8. If he plays, it will be his 100th Test match. The opening batsman suffered the injury after the World T20 in March and missed a few games for his franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore, at the start of IPL 2014.

“It started at the end of the T20 World Cup. I thought initially it was a simple thing but I went back home for a couple of days,” Gayle told Indian Express.

“Then I travelled back to Dubai to play in the IPL and when I started training I found it difficult. I could not bat properly and bending was a problem and sprinting between the wickets was a problem even though you guys don’t see me running much. It was difficult but I tried my best.”

Gayle has been struggling with injuries in the recent past. He last played a Test against India in November 2013. A hamstring injury he suffered in the first ODI against India sidelined him from the rest of the series and West Indies’ tour to New Zealand in December 2013. He made a return to the side for the limited-overs matches

against Ireland, but missed the ODIs against England in February this year due to lower back pain. If not for all this, Gayle said he would have played his 100th Test “a long time back”.

“It will mean a lot to me,” he said. “I have been serving West Indies cricket for the last 13 years and going on to 14 years now, I am actually looking forward to this milestone. I have missed out on the last couple of months because of injury. I was supposed to get past this milestone a long time back but it didn’t happen. As a cricketer these things happen and you pick injuries at crucial times.

“I still have an injury

now and I am trying to get it sorted as quickly as possible so I can be fully fit for the special occasion. It is going to be played at home so it is a big occasion for me and for the people back home too. I don’t have much time but hopefully it will work out and I will be back on the field quickly.”

Gayle has been named in the 15-member West Indies training squad that will participate in a preparatory camp ahead of the Tests against New Zealand. Gayle is expected to join the camp on June 1, along with Sunil Narine, who is currently playing the IPL for his franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. Dwayne Bravo and Kemar

Roach, who are coming off shoulder injuries, are also a part of the squad, along with Jamaica pacer Jerome Taylor, who returned to cricket after being sidelined by injury for more than three years. The final squad for the Tests will be announced at a later date.

West Indies training squad: Denesh Ramdin (captain), Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Shiv Chanderpaul, Kirk Edwards, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Shane Shillingford, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels,and Jerome Taylor (ESPNcricinfo)

Darren Bravo

Left-hander Darren Bravo warmed up nicely for the first Test against New Zealand with a hundred on the opening day of a three-day practice match against a Barbados Select XI here Monday.

The 25-year-old hit 124 as West Indies were dismissed for 272 at the 3Ws Oval, UWI Cave Hill Campus.

At the close, the Barbados Select XI were 26 for two, with one wicket apiece for fast bowlers Jerome Taylor and Kemar Roach.

West Indies lost Kieran Powell cheaply for five with the score on ten but Bravo and Kirk Edwards, who stroked an even 50, came together to repair the damage.

Bravo faced 215 balls for his century while the righthanded Edwards spent 114

deliveries over his innings, as they added 134 for the second wicket. When Edwards fell, Bravo put on another 35 for the third wicket with Marlon Samuels who scored just nine before becoming the first of left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican’s five wickets.

Veteran left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul managed a rare first-ball duck while newly appointed West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin got just 12.

The practice game is one of two scheduled for West Indies during their preparation camp which got underway last Friday. West Indies face New Zealand in a three-Test series starting at Sabina Park in Jamaica on June 8.