Guyana Times Daily

monday, march 24, 2014|

Opposition mum on budget expectations

– offers no alternatives

With a few hours before Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh presents the country’s national budget, the opposition parties in Guyana remained tightlipped on their expectations in the estimates and they offer no alternatives, preferring to wait until the unveiling.

When contacted, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) Executive Member and Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge declined to comment, saying that the public awaits the presentation of the budget by Dr Singh on Monday.

Also, offering similar sentiments was Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan. He maintained that the unravelling shall happen on Monday in the National Assembly.

In January, APNU Leader David Granger had related that there was a breakdown in talks with the Opposition parties and the

Finance Minister on budget consultations.

The Opposition Leader had also remained adamant that the budget is a highly sophisticated document that requires a lot of data before it can be adequately compiled. “We have to be given that information,” Granger stated, pointing out that the Opposition has been sidelined from the process. He went on to say that the Government “is playing a very dangerous game in denying us the ability to contribute fully to the process”.

The same came to pass, as there was never a resumption of talks between the Opposition parties and Dr Singh, although the latter had made public motions for talks to resume as early as possible.

Decline

It was revealed in February by Dr Singh that in the face of formal invitations being sent to the APNU and the AFC, both of the Opposition parties have declined to contribute to the review process with officials of the Finance Ministry.

“I don’t know whether they will shift their position, but as of now, there is an open invitation from Government to the Opposition to meet with them on Budget 2014, and as of now, they have not accepted that invitation. Indeed, they have gone as far as to say that they have no intention of meeting with us,” Dr Singh had said during the interview in February.

When questioned on the meeting with the other stakeholders, including Opposition parliamentarians and the hierarchy of

the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the signals of support for the military, the Minister said Government is pleased that the stakeholders are onboard and are in support of efforts to enhance and shield Guyana’s borders.

Consultations have been held with other key

stakeholders including the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), and all have been described as a good series of engagements, according to the Minister.

“The door is always open, there must be no doubt in their minds about that, and there must be no doubt in the minds of the people of Guyana that the Government of Guyana is open, willing and ready to meet with the Opposition at any time on the matter of Budget 2014, indeed on any matter of national importance, but more particularly

on Budget 2014. That must be made crystal clear.”

FITUG in a more recent interview with Guyana Times had indicated that it held consultations with the Minister and among other proposals pushed for an increase in the personal Income Tax threshold from the current amount of $50,000 to $60,000.

Executive Member of the union, Seepaul Narine said FITUG met with Dr Singh in January and had discussions relating to Budget 2014. He explained that there was also a proposal to properly regulate the Income Tax system. This proposal would see the Income Tax being increased gradually in tandem with the amount of money earned by a person. For example, persons making $60,000 per month would only be required to pay 20 per cent as Income Tax; however, as their income increases, so would the percentage of tax that is required.

In the same vein, he said there was a proposal to increase the salaries of public servants, another proposal, explained the Executive Member, would see old age pensioners getting relief on their electricity bills in-

creased to $25,000 from the current amount of $20,000. He related that many senior citizens are left in dire straits, since the current amount is insufficient.

Other proposals would see an increase in the number of items on the Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption list, an increase in pen-

sion from $10,000 per month to $15,000 per month to facilitate inflation and higher costs of living.

“It will emphasise macroeconomic stability through the continued creation of investment opportunities,

expanding and upgrading physical infrastructure, improving the quality of social services, and strengthening institutional and regulatory environments,” Dr Singh said in a statement.

He noted that this was done in accordance with the mandate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), which had made several commitments to Guyana’s diaspora. When the current standoff between the Opposition and Government is taken into consideration, the Minister opined that the 2014 Budget would give the three major political parties – APNU, PPP/C and AFC – yet another opportunity to collaborate in the interest of bettering the lives of the citizens of Guyana.

The budget when presented in Parliament today is expected to place major focus on the administration’s core projects, which include the Demerara Harbour Bridge Remodelling Project, and the extension of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport runway. Also, much focus will be placed on the public transportation, security and education.

$7.8M spent to upgrade Mahdia Nurses’ Hostel

Government has spent some $7.8 million to upgrade the Nurses’ Hostel at the Mahdia District Hospital in Region Eight, Regional Executive Officer Ronald Harsawack has said.

The Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) project was awarded to Troy Dainty and supervised by Dean and Partners. The upgrades included the construction of three additional rooms. Additionally, it included the extension of 330 square feet of the existing area for rooms, construction of washroom facilities, tiling, extension of roofing, internal and external painting, replacing of all windows and upgrades to all existing plumbing and electrical fixtures. This project commenced in late 2013 after Basic Needs was ap-

proached by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

To complement the BNTF-funded project, the regional administration provided new furniture and fixtures for the building.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Harsawack said the project had been placed on top on the agenda since his appointment. “One of our priorities is to ensure that acceptable and comfortable living quarters are afforded to our staff and students, be it teachers, dormitory students, nurses or any other staff.”

Once given a conducive working environment, it is likely that the output by workers will be greater. “The output of these staff is linked to the working environment in which they operate, improved facilities gen-

erally equates to improved services,” he added.

Harsawack said this is just part of a wider plan to modernise the operations of the Mahdia District Hospital, which serves as the main health hub for Region Eight. The acquisition of an ambulance, the procurement of medical equipment, the deployment of two new doctors and an upcoming project to install a photovoltaic elevated water distribution system for the hospital are some of the plans on stream for the first quarter of this year for the sector.

The Regional Health Officer also urged the nurses to make good use of the accommodation and emphasised the need to keep the facility in an acceptable manner.

Budget promises hike in pension

Wind: North easterly between zero to 4.91 metres per

High Tide: 10:13h and 23:10h reaching maximum heights of 2.30 metres and 2.20 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:40h and 16:28h reaching minimum heights of 1.01 metres and 0.90 metre respectively.

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL AND GOMATIE GANGADIN

Amid the uncertain prospects of bipartisan support for this year’s budget, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said he remains hopeful that the combined Opposition would approach the 2014 National Budget in a manner that reflects sincerity.

He made it clear that the Government has no difficulties in debating its policies incorporated in the budget. “But I hope that at the end of the process, we will be able to persuade the Opposition to vote in favour of the budget.”

Stage set

The stage is set for Dr Singh to present the estimates in the National Assembly. On Sunday, he put the final touches on his presentation, briefing his staff and ensuring that everything was in place for the presumably five-hour long presentation in the National Assembly.

The big question that lingers in the minds of all Guyanese is whether the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) will support the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration in passing the multibillion dollar budget.

Addressing the various aspects of the National Budget, the Finance Minister said: “I would describe the big picture… the stewardship of the economy, how the economy as a whole is being managed and how the economy as a whole is performing.” He said the budget provides the ideal opportunity for the nation and the world at large to be updated on the performance of the country’s economy.

With the primary objective to improve the economic growth of the country, the Finance Minister said the budget also aims to safeguard and protect macroeconomic stability. “A conducive macroeconomic environment would attract investors, create jobs and generate income for the people of Guyana,” he said.

Great things

He said the budget will also address individual sectors on a micro level, be it housing or health care delivery.

Meanwhile, Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford told Guyana Times on Sunday that great things can be expected in the budget. She disclosed that while she cannot go into details at this point in time, citizens, particularly the lower working class, can look forward to great benefits from the

budget once it has been approved by the House.

Hints were especially given to an increase in Public Assistance to single parent families and Old Age Pension. At present, Public Assistance is pegged at $5900 while the Old Age Pension is $12,500. Dr Westford stated that these amounts would most likely increase in this year’s National Budget since she doubts the Opposition would want to cut the benefits for these two vulnerable groups.

She stated that given the current success of Guyana’s education system and the many top places Guyana would have secured in the past year in academic pursuits, the Education Ministry may very well have an increased allocation for the education system in this

positive that something great awaits everyone from every sector across the country. “The business community, the working class, the vulnerable groups; everyone can expect something from this year’s budget,” she disclosed.

Sounding alarms

However, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Clinton Urling is not as optimistic as the Ministers. He said Opposition lawmakers have sent strong indicators, sounding their alarm with much cynicism.

“I will just have to believe what they are telling me and expect the worst, which is unfortunate for the economy.”

Guyana, he opined, is entering a period of great un-

year’s budget. “Education is a key part of the development of this country and most definitely with all the successes we have experienced during the past year, an increased allocation is expected,” the Minister remarked.

The Income Tax threshold also is expectated to be increased from $50,000. The official stated that while nothing is definite as yet and she cannot speak about provisions from the other Ministries, she is more than

certainty, since it is unclear whether the 2014 National Budget that is being presented by Dr Singh would be passed.

“I am not as optimistic based on what I have seen over the past two budgets since the last elections, where we would have had. Because of a lack of outreach or accommodation, there has been enormous political discord within the legislature. I expect that trend to continue this year.”

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

Professionalism

We all know quite well that it is essential to be very professional, if we want to be a success story, irrespective of the field we are performing in. But what does “being professional” actually mean?

For some, being professional might mean dressing smartly at work, or doing a good job. For others, being professional probably means having advanced degrees or other certifications, framed and hung on the office wall. The caveat is that professionalism encompasses all of these definitions and a whole lot more.

So, what is professionalism, and why does it matter? And how can we be completely professional in our dayto-day role? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines professionalism as “the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterise or mark a profession or a professional person”; and it defines a profession as “a calling, requiring specialised knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation.”

We may add what is left out – some professions demand little academic preparation, but not less intensity of effort and concentration. Implied here is the fact that being professional is about being a specialised or ‘set aside’ person, functioning in an almost exclusive manner.

First and foremost, professionals are known for their highly specialised knowledge. The modern era is a very much specialised one and demands of people to be likewise.

Currently, we are aware of more than 60 different medical specialists, who function in the minutest of categories within medicine. Each one of them is unique, even though each possesses and exhibits many characteristics that allow for common or general functions, when called upon. It is the same for the arts. For example, linguists have areas of specialisation even as they teach across the board.

The other factor for being classified as a professional is that of attitude. We must not all take for granted that it is too frivolous to consider things like dress code and punctuality. These are norms, or should be, for every individual.

What matters very much for bonafide professionals is that they must work in a serious, thoughtful and sustained way to master the application of their specialised knowledge. In life, it is now not only about what we know, although this cannot be de-emphasised. Rather, it is also about attitude.

The thoroughbred professional is all about doing the very best at all times. Professionals get the job done. They are reliable, and they keep their promises. If circumstances arise that prevent them from delivering on their promises, they manage expectations up front, and they do their best to make the situation right.

More importantly, professionals do not make excuses, but focus on finding solutions. This means that they exhibit qualities such as arduousness, honesty, and integrity. They keep their word, and they can be trusted implicitly because of this. They never compromise their values, and will do the right thing, even when it means taking a harder road to stay on course and achieve objectives.

So if a project or job falls outside of their scope of expertise, they are not afraid to admit this. They research immediately, even as they ask for help, that is, they are willing to learn from others and thereby keep their growth ever at hand.

Professionals are people who always want to do better. “Better than what and whom?” The answer: Better than they did before and better than the professionals they were yesterday and last year.

Professionals should exhibit a never-ending quest to improve their performances, in every possible way. Psychologists call this the characteristic of “personal discontent”. That is not to say that they cannot and should not enjoy their success.

However, after they have congratulated themselves for excellent performances, they need to recommit to doing better the next time around. Professionals then always strive to improve.

Guyana needs more and more professionals – people who know their jobs and who do them to the best of their ability.

Reparations seek reconciliation between victims and beneficiaries

Dear Editor Abu Bakr is a well-read intellect who knows his history better than most. It was therefore very perplexing to read many of the statements Abu Bakr made in his Letter to the Editor entitled “we learn a certain narrative of our past” (Stabroek News March 20, 2014).

Let me use this opportunity to clarity a few of the incredible statements Mr Abu Bakr made in his letter

First, and I quote from his letter “it is know that among the Akan peoples from many in the English speaking world are descended, slavery was a socially accepted practice” and speaking of some tribes in African (a few of the 3000 that exist) Mr Abu Bakr further states “they bought, sold and exported slaves for hundreds of years. They committed the crimes. They reaped the profits. But it is considered useless to press these unfortunates, long fallen on hard times, to subscribe to the reparations fund”.

How can a man of vast knowledge and intellect like Abu Bakr, make some troublesome and totally false statements. On whose agency is he writing these delusional statements?

European slavery was chattel slavery where human beings were defined as inhuman and property. African tribes never practised chattel slavery. Never.

Slavery practised by African tribes was never a “crime against humanity”. Chattel slavery was evil and was purely because of criminal enrichment.

How else do you explain the forced migration of 16 to 20 million Africans and millions of deaths from chattel slavery? Chattel slavery was an industry of rape, murder, exploitation, free labour, inhumanity and has never had chattel. Were African tribes building huge ships to take these “gifts” away to a foreign land of extreme cruelty and death?

Yes, some African tribes participated in selling other Africans to Europeans. But these same tribes never practised chattel slavery.

Chattel slavery was about Indigenous genocide as in the case of the Garifuna in St Vincent. Chattel slavery was

about African genocide for profit.

European chattel slavery was the world’s first nuclear bomb that annihilated Africa, African culture, African family structures, African institutions, African pride, African civilisations, African commerce, African science and African economic development.

Chattel slavery was designed by Europeans for European criminal enrichment and made a crime against humanity…legal for profit.

Mr Abu Bakr has for some reason attempted to blame Africans for chattel slavery and has joined the ranks of those who, despite the evidence that abounds, chose to blame the victims. Certainly, Mr Abu Bakr is well aware that European Governments:

* Were owners and traders of enslaved Africans

* Instructed genocidal actions upon indigenous communities

* Created the legal, financial and fiscal policies necessary for the enslavement of Africans

* Defined and enforced African enslavement and native genocide as in their ‘national interests’

* Refused compensation to the enslaved with the ending of their enslavement

* Compensated slave owners at emancipation for the loss of legal property rights in enslaved Africans

* Imposed a further 100 years of racial apartheid upon the emancipated

* Imposed for another 100 years policies designed to perpetuate suffering upon the emancipated and survivors of genocide and,

* Have refused to acknowledge such crimes or to compensate victims and their descendants.

Chattel slavery was the crime that developed Europe. Period. And underdeveloped Africa while creating the politics and practice of racism that exists today.

Royalty, businessmen, bankers, religious groups, merchants, shipbuilders, arms makers, citizens…all made billions of blood money from chattel slavery and their descendants still enjoy this wealth today. How can a man of Abu

Bakr’s stature make the statement “we learn a certain narrative of our servile past. We learn that the European started the slave trade and bought and sold Africans for “beads and mirrors”. I saw in this newspaper a few years ago in a Project Syndicate article with someone bearing an African name repeating the absurdity”.

Mr Bakr is correct only in one part of that statement for it was the Arabs, whose name he bears, that African slavery began and lasted for 11 centuries.

Perhaps it is the name Mr Abu Bakr carries that makes him plunge into disinformation, deceit and plain lies.

The second statement Mr Abu Bakr makes is one that tries to discredit the Reparations Movement. He states in his letter, and I quote “the Coordinator of the efforts (reparations) is Dr Hilary Beckles, and we had earlier read, the local organisers include Eric Phillip of ACDA”.

Mr Abu Bakr fully well knows that it is Sir Hilary Beckles not Dr Beckles and that the reparations initiative has been unanimously approved by the Heads of States of Caricom.

Abu Bakr attempts to make reparations a trivial event. He purposefully has left the reader in the dark. He has purposefully hidden the fact that sovereign nations of the Caribbean will sue eight European countries, including his beloved France, for crimes against humanity and criminal enrichment.

He tries to hide the fact that France, like many European countries, were built on the backs and deaths of millions of Africans and that even today France has an imperialist hold on the money of many African nations.

Let it be known, Mr Abu Bakr, that this effort to stigmatise and weaken the Reparations Movement with lies and European propaganda has no chance of success but rather diminishes him, the subtle bearer of self-hate. Let it be known there is a Caricom Reparations Commission chaired by Sir Hilary Beckles and comprised of the Chairs of National Reparations Committees in the Caribbean. This Commission reports to

a Heads of State Reparations Committee comprised of the Heads of State of Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, St Vincent, Jamaica and Suriname. I am not a local organiser. Guyana has a National Reparations Committee.

With so much time on his hands, I hope Mr Abu Bakr will read about 1100 years of the Arab Slave Trade which was blessed by Islam and which has fallen through the cracks of time and which had its own special horrors of rape, plunder, murder and criminal enrichment.

Finally, Dear Editor, there seems to be great disinformation about Reparations. So I end with what reparations is about.

What is reparations?

Reparation is the process of repairing the consequences of crimes committed, and the attempt to reasonably remove debilitating effects of such crimes upon victims and their descendants. International law provides that the economic and social system referred to as chattel slavery – the legal denial of persons’ rights to human identity and the control over their bodies – was and is a crime against humanity subject to reparatory justice. Reparation seeks reconciliation between victims and beneficiaries. As such it is non-confrontational and conciliatory. Reparation seeks to restore equity in social relations, equality before the law, and justice within the fabric of human diversity that typifies humanity. Reparation seeks to heal, atone, and bring closure to the human tragedy of mass slavery. It seeks, finally, to restore a higher moral order by removing the shame and guilt that persistently poison the relations between descendants on all sides of the crime.

The legal process of reparation demands of perpetrators and beneficiaries the following:

* An apology, rather than a Statement of Regret that expresses no responsibility for the suffering of victims;

* Admission of wrongdoing;

* Commitment to reasonable reparatory actions;

* Commitment to non-repetition.

Yours truly, Eric Phillips

send your

or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Government will not engage in blackmail politics (Part One)

Dear Editor,

The Biblical Prophet Hosea said: “My people are destroyed because of the lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).

It is clear that the Alliance For Change (AFC) and their surrogates seem bent on perpetuating the illusion that the Public Procurement Council (PPC) is the panacea to Guyana’s current political challenge as it relates to the enactment of the AML/CFT Bill No 22 of 2013 and is offering it as the “olive branch” when in reality it is a “fig leaf” in this equation. The following will debunk the mischievous guile of the AFC propaganda.

The PPC is provided for by the Constitution of Guyana, Article 212 W, X, Y and Z clearly states how this Commission should function and how it should be composed.

Article 212 AA 1 (a-m) of the Constitution spells out the functions of the PPC.

Any person speaking to the subject of the PPC should familiarise themselves with these provisions of the Constitution.

The Procurement Act of 2003, Section 73:05 of the Laws of Guyana, spells out in great detail the administrative structure for public procurement, methods of procurement , and all matters as it relates to tendering, the procurement of goods and services, administrative review and all other matters as it relates to ensuring an open transparent and accountable procurement framework. The two complement each other, that is, the Constitutional Provision and the Procurement Act of 2003.

The Constitution provides for a Procurement Commission with specific functions. The Procurement Act of 2003 provides for a National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) which has its peculiar functions. It is the NPTAB that awards contracts. There are administrative things that are required by the Procurement Act 2003 that the NPTAB must follow before the award of contracts. Cabinet does not award con-

tract.

The PPC is not empowered to award contracts. The PPC will not, based upon the constitutional provisions, be involved in the award of contracts.

Its role, based upon Article 212 AA 1 (a), “would be to monitor and review the functioning of all public procurement systems to ensure that they are in accordance with the law and such policy guidelines as may be determined by the National Assembly”.

At (d) “they are to monitor the performance of procurement bodies with respect to regulations and efficiency in procuring goods and services and execution of works”.

(g) to monitor and review the procurement procedures of ministerial, regional, and national procurement entities and those of project execution units.

The PPC monitors the functions of procuring entities. It is not a procuring entity.

The Procurement Act of 2003:

Section 52 provides for review by procuring entities; Section 53 review by an independent authority; • Section 54 review by Cabinet.

A bidder can submit a written protest to a procuring entity as it relates to the prequalification or the tendering process, if they are aggrieved.

If within five business days, the protest is not reviewed, the bidder is entitled under Section 53 (5) of the Procurement Act to a review by an independent authority.

The authority must issue a written decision within 15 business days of the conclusion of the review. The final contract award is suspended during this period.

The Constitution at 212 AA (1) h,i and j — allows for the PPC to investigate complaints from suppliers, contractors and public entities and propose remedial actions, it allows for the investigation of cases of irregularity and mismanagement

and to propose remedial action. It can initiate investigations to facilitate the effective functioning of Public Procurement Systems.

The NPTAB and its auxiliaries can be considered the operators of the Procurement System. The PPC can be considered “the police” of that system.

This was initiated by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)-led Administration to ensure that we have a fair, equitable, transparent and cost-effective Procurement Architecture. No amount of twisting of the facts can change this.

Before the Procurement Act of 2003, what preceded was an outdated system formulated in the 1920s then in the 1950s and saw ST circulars and letters of the 1970s and onwards. What we have now, that was initiated by this administration is “rulesbased” comprehensive, clearly-defined procurement architecture. This was not by chance, it was deliberate, decisive action by this administration to allow for equal ac-

cess and equal opportunities.

Section 54 of the Procurement Act of 2003 provides for a review by Cabinet. Cabinet at Section 54 (2) in conducting a review may object (withhold its NoObjection) to the award of the procurement contract only if it determines that the procuring entity failed to comply with the applicable procurement procedures.

Section 54 (3) states “if Cabinet objects to an award, the matter shall be referred to the procurement entity for further review”.

The AFC’s proposal that Cabinet should object to the PPC, cannot stand since the PPC is not a procurement entity and does not award contracts. The Constitution does not allow the PPC to award contracts or to take the contract from one contractor and give it to another. The nation must not be misled, the procurement process is” rulesbased”.

Sincerely, Bishop Juan Edghill Minister within the Ministry of Finance

No myth can stop black self-sufficiency

Dear Editor, Dr David Hinds is committed to finding a resolution by race alone, considering his claims that “in our multi-ethnic society with its inevitable competition for resources and the insecurities that flow from that competition, it is a mistake to ignore inter-ethnic dynamics” as advocated in a letter to SN of 3-18-14.

“Our national quest for social, economic and political justice is situated in this basic challenge” he says. How accurately does this reflect the teachings of Dr Hind’s village sage mentor, Mr Eusi Kwayana, in vivid contrast with the life of Dr Walter Rodney who subsumed race to class? Did Dr Rodney died so all would become fully emancipated to now find Guyanese in even greater tragedy with his WPA legacy now completely hijacked and crushed within PNC/APNU?

Dr Hinds explains that “in the process of “competition” (my highlight), narratives of defence and offence are constructed by groups and form the basis for the power relationships….. What of-

ten emerges is the myth of innate ethnic inferiority or superiority, which depending on the balance of power, becomes social truisms that directs action by and towards ethnic groups”. Is he referring to UWI’s Dr Kean Gibson’s scurrilous attack targeting Indians by proxy of Hindus, or former Chief Magistrate Juliet Allen-Holder’s advocacy that all Indo-Guyanese be deported from Guyana, both remarkably, without “equality “of pushback response? There is absolutely no similar evidence which can match the truisms of the May 26, 1964 Wismar massacre or the Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins atrocities at Lusignan, Bartica and Lindo Creek. The PNC selected May 26 as Guyana’s independence in 1966 for what purpose?

It would be most refreshing to witness considerably more which debunks “One such myth in Guyana (as) the inferior instincts for commerce and less than sterling contributions of African Guyanese to the evolution of the Guyanese economy” considering black Guyanese have

contributed significantly to Guyana’s progress. If they are myths, shouldn’t there be enough intelligent resolve to completely dump them and move on? Who keeps black Guyanese stuck in the past can only be their outdated leadership, but its repercussions affect all Guyanese.

Nearly two centuries after emancipation, what makes black Americans so better off than in the Caribbean or in Guyana? The PNC inherited an excellent economy from the PPP in 1964. Why and who was responsible for Guyana’s decline for 28 years has always been obvious as they resurface again in today’s APNU. If “it is a mistake to ignore inter-ethnic dynamics”, black magnificence cannot any time become nullified by any vagaries of balance of power relationships; the colonial British, American foreign policy and PNC governments policies never historically favoured the allegedly “pagan” Indo Guyanese. When all others failed, they were the last chosen to do Guyana good and only became targeted for their success. Which ethnic group

can ever claim ownership of success?

For anyone to claim, much less believes, that African Guyanese contributions are less than magnificent is most deplorable. Under duress, they laboured to build our country’s basic foundations. Their descendants still actively guard our porous borders from tomorrow’s invaders and much more. The overzealous biased GHRA has even credited slaves for carving Guyana out of the Atlantic Ocean which would have made the Amerindian presence an afterevent. As an Afrocentric advocate only preoccupied with his race segmentation mission, Dr Hinds questions “If we accept that all is not well economically with African Guyanese, what should or can be done to repair the situation?”

Persistence in power-sharing demands based on race rather than federalism re-

quires urgent clarification concomitant with the exclusive ownership, advocacy and defence of kith and kin certain to exacerbate more crushing Cabinet gridlock.

In the meantime, it would indeed be refreshingly educational to know what are the underlying basis and remedies, considering Dr Hinds himself now acknowledges that Guyanese have “heard that African Guyanese cannot do business or that the emancipated Africans abandoned the sugar industry in the wake of emancipation or that widespread poverty in the African Guyanese community is a result of laziness and preference for shallow materialism”. Dismissal alone is not invalidation to let the light shine all around. Who can easily forget, noting that Dr Hinds can still remember to point out that “One prominent political leader (it was

Dr Cheddi Jagan who) asserted some two decades ago that African Guyanese were at the bottom of the economic ladder”. Not easily forgotten are the accompanying bigoted attacks on Dr Jagan because he bewailed the plight of AfroGuyanese; he was denounced as a racist and condemned. Absolutely no Afro-Guyanese organisation stepped up to validate his sincere concerns, but now, maybe, it catalyses Dr Hinds’ inspiration in following Cuffy, the monumental rebel.

Can no other Guyanese give inspiration so that “In this regard economic equality and justice must become more than mere rhetoric; they must be a living reality”, for black Guyanese to achieve economic emancipation as we are told by Dr Hinds?

Yours truly, Sultan Mohamed

Page Foundation

Parenting For Success

Our and affect children

- ChildLinK’s vision is a Guyanese society where every child enjoys the right to a childhood in a safe and caring family, free from poverty, violence, and exploitation

Ten-year-old Stacy lives in an urban community with her father and step-mother; 15-year-old brother, David; 14-year-old sister, Mona and five year-old Mariah. Mariah is the daughter of Stacy’s step-mother.

Stacy’s biological mother lives in a small one-bedroom apartment in a rural community not too far from where she lives. On weekends, Stacy, David and Mona would visit their mother to spend time with her.

relationship between her mother and father as an abusive relationship, where there are always quarrels, cursing, and name-calling. The relationship between her father and step-mother, however, was a healthy and respectable relationship. Additionally, Stacy’s stepmother, the sole provider in the home, used to take good care of the family, providing meals and the other household requirements. Everything was going well until quite suddenly, Stacy’s step-mother took ill and was no longer able to work and provide for the family. Stacy said she noticed her father’s attitude change towards the

family, because he now had to seek employment in order to support the family.

Things took a turn for the worse when the children’s step-mother passed away a few months after taking ill. This tragic loss further worsened their father’s attitude towards Stacy and her siblings; he started cursing, beating and threatening them almost every day. Stacy’s school performance dropped rapidly and she became withdrawn and isolated. After noticing Stacy’s change in behaviour, a

cerned about these changes in Stacy and demanded that something be done to help the child and her siblings.

As a result of this report, the counsellor contacted Stacy and started regular counselling session to aid in assessing whether there were some things affecting her situation. During one of their sessions, Stacy asked the counsellor to explain what the word “retarded” meant. The counsellor shared the meaning, and asked her why she needed to know what this

teacher reported her concerns to a ChildLinK counsellor at the school. The teacher had become con-

word meant. Stacy confided that her father had called her “retarded” that morning as she was leaving for

school. Shocked by this, the counsellor engaged Stacy in a discussion to further investigate what was happening in her home environment. It became clear that ever since Stacy’s stepmother died, her father has been verbally, physically, and emotionally abusing Stacy and her siblings. According to Stacy, the only one who escaped these torments was Mariah, the child with his late wife. For some reason he showed more love and attention to Mariah and not Stacy and her brother and sister who shared the same mother. Stacy tearfully described the destruction of her home life, sharing on some days they would get locked out of the house and not given any food to eat.

Conversation between Stacy and the counsellor

Counsellor: “Have you ever told Mommy about what is going on at home?”

Stacy: “Yes, but when Mommy tried to speak to Daddy about it, Daddy curse Mommy out and threaten to kill her. So Mommy is afraid of him too.”

Counsellor: “How are you feeling about this situ-

ation at home, Stacy?”

Stacy: “I feel unloved, scared and worried all the time when he is around. ‘Cause he get vex for everything. Even my brother and sister frighten him now.”

Counsellor: “Can you explain a bit more about these three feelings you shared – unloved, scared and worried.”

Stacy: “I feel unloved because Daddy treats us like we are not his children. He is always cursing and beating us for nothing at all… I feel scared because Daddy is always threatening to burn down the house with us inside. And I feel worried because for the past

two weeks, Mona has been coming home late from school. She always has lots of money to buy fancy stuff. Yesterday, I saw her talking to a man in a black car.”

After hearing Stacy’s concerns, the counsellor made immediate contact with the relevant authorities to report the matter. As a result, an investigation was conducted and the father was deemed unfit to adequately care for his three children. Stacy and her siblings were placed in the care of their biological mother. Support has been give to the mother to adjust and cope with the three children. She also received support to parent her teenage daughter who was looking for love and attention from men. Stacy is still attending sessions at her school to help her replace all the negative words and images that her father has left with her with positive ones. Additionally, the children’s mother has since received support from close friends and the community in order to care for her children. Today Stacy, Mona and David are in a safer and stable home environment where they are being cared for and loved by their mother.

Child protection is everyone’s business. Do not hesitate to report child abuse, you could be saving a life. Children deserve to grow in a safe environment free from abuse. If you know a child who is being abused, please make urgent contact with the Child Care and Protection Agency on telephone numbers 227-4082 or 2270976. Please contact us on telephone number 231-7174 or at programmes.childlink@networksgy.com for any support you may need on parenting and any other challenges that you may be experiencing with your children.

Probe deepens into re-migrant vehicle scam

– police called in as Audit Office widens probe

By Bhisham mohamed

Prominent businessmen have been linked to the multimillion-dollar fraud regarding the illegal granting of vehicle concession under the remigrant scheme.

The Audit Office, which is spearheading the probe, has since called in the police as the investigation widens.

Back in February, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced that it had launched an investigation into suspected irregular and illegal transactions concerning vehicle concessions to remigrants. The GRA said then that the probe was prompted by intelligence it received. In making the announcement, GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur said, “Recently, it was reported to management that persons allegedly posing as remigrants are benefiting others who are supposedly financing highly illegal schemes to grant themselves with the concessions

for various classes of luxury vehicles.”

He said it would appear from recent revelations that attempts were being made by disgraced elements, officers who would have been disciplined and taxpayers who would have been placed before the courts, to resort to undermining the efforts made by management to address various areas of weakness in administrative controls and to exploit such weaknesses.

Prosecution

When contacted on Sunday, Auditor General Deodat Sharma told Guyana Times that his office was spearheading the investigation and while he cannot divulge any information, the Guyana Police Force is also involved. He explained that if he commented on the findings thus far, it would compromise the investigation and possibly indirectly alert defaulters. He said that once the investigation is completely, the findings will be made public and more so, the defaulters will be penalised.

GRA Commissioner General Sattaur said after the scam was detected, the AG’s Office was consulted, and has since taken over the investigation. To date, he said he has not received any information regarding the matter. This publication understands that several prominent businessmen were named in the scam and will, at some point in time, be questioned.

Over the past three years, the GRA said it has prosecut-

Budget promises...

Nevertheless, the GCCI President is expecting the Finance Minister to present a budget that would increase consumers’ disposable income through the reduction of Income Tax and corporation taxes. According to him, these taxes are still high when compared with countries in and outside the region.

In 2013, Income Tax was reduced from 33 1/3 per cent to 30 per cent in keeping with Section 36 of the Income Tax Act; however, the GCCI is pushing for a further reduction. “Besides taxes, we are looking for allocations that go towards upgrading Guyana’s infrastructure around the country… we are talking about all the infrastructure sea, land, airports, bridges, roads, access to the interior location,” Urling said.

Last week, Minister Singh had said the budget is designed to accelerate economic growth and social development, noting that emphasis was placed on macroeconomic stability through the continued creation of investment opportunities. Considering the ongoing rift between the Opposition and Government in the National Assembly, the Minister opined that the 2014

Budget presents another opportunity for the PPP/C, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the Alliance For Change (AFC) to work together in the interest of the people of Guyana. He said the parliamentary Opposition should embrace the opportunity to work together with the Government to ensure smooth passage of

ed many remigrants for not honouring their obligations under the scheme and have detained their vehicles while awaiting the outcome of the court matters.

The revenue body said it was now considering prosecuting such offences under Section 218 of the Customs Act, which provides for both the offender and those found in collusion to face a penalty of three times the value of the item and years in prison if found guilty.

The remigrant scheme of the Government of Guyana is administered by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in conjunction with the GRA. The Ministry is responsible for determining and granting remigration status, while the GRA administers the tax exemptions. Under the remigrant scheme, a Guyanese who is 18 years and above, who has been residing legally overseas for a minimum of five consecutive years and is now returning to Guyana,

the budget in the upcoming weeks.

In 2013, a whopping $208.8 billion National Budget was presented to the 65-seat legislature under the theme “Overcoming challenges together: Accelerating gains for Guyana”. The combined Opposition later had reduced it by a massive $31 billion. Similar cuts were made

can benefit. Also, Guyanese student/graduates who attended or are attending a training institution and residing overseas for a minimum of four years and arenow returning to Guyana, can also benefit.

Applications must be submitted in person to the remigration officer, Foreign Affairs Ministry, South Road, Georgetown, within the first three months of resettlement in order to establish remigrant status.

Regarding documentation, the applicant is required to submit his/her current passport which must be at least five years old. If the passport is less than five years old, then the previous passport must be submitted. In the case of students, evidence from the university, college or educational institution confirming the duration of the course of study or time spent at the institution must be submitted.

In addition, documentary evidence of how the potential remigrant intends to earn a livelihood in Guyana to reestablish permanent stay – a statutory declaration which must be prepared by a Justice of Peace or Commissioner of Oats to Affidavits in Guyana – must be presented.

This must include the items for which exemptions are sought – for personal and domestic use – which are not for sale or exchange, and whether the remigrant has previously or never enjoyed tax exemptions. (bishamm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

to the budget in 2012 which Government had challenged in the High Court. Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang recently ruled that the National Assembly cannot cut the budget, only approve or disapprove it. But the Opposition parties have pledged to axe the budget for a third time, claiming that they were not fully consulted.

Soldier drowns at New River … after boat capsizes

Less than a week after a soldier plunged to his death at a resort on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, another met his demise on Saturday evening after the boat in which he was in capsized at New River Area, Corentyne, Berbice.

Dead in 24-yearold Dellon Nero of Lot 1036 Cummings Park, South Cummings Lodge, Georgetown. According to information received, Nero and another rank were in a boat and as they were manoeuvreing on the water top, the boat capsized.

In an effort to save himself, the other rank swam to shore, leaving Nero who cannot swim behind. Nero’s body was subsequently recovered on Sunday morning and transported to the Lyken’s Funeral Home.

In a release, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) said a team of investigators, including police and soldiers were dispatched to the area.

Wept

At the home of the young man, his mother June Sancho sat in a chair in the verandah and wept for her only son who she said was stationed at Camp Stephenson, Timehri, but was transferred about a month ago to the New River Area.

She confirmed that her son was not a good swimmer, but has been a soldier for the past seven years. The grieving mother added the she was at home on Saturday evening when she received a call from her sister, informing her of the tragedy.

The mother explained that her sister was contacted by the GDF and told of the incident. The woman said that her son was always willing to explore and would take up any challenge thrown at him.

Sancho said based on information gathered, her son was in a boat with a colleague when the boat capsized and he went down into the water while the other guy went to shore.

She said after the inci-

dent, the other soldiers at the camp were contacted and a search and rescue team was launched, but due to the darkness, the search was abandoned.

She said it was until Sunday morning when the team went back that they found the body a short distance from where the boat capsized, which meant that he was trying to swim to shore, but could not make it. The rank, who was with Nero at the time of the incident, was interrogated by the team of investigators. Nero leaves to mourn his mother and one sister. A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on the body today.

Last Monday, Wayne Paul, 22, a GDF Coast Guard met his demise after he reportedly drowned at a creek along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

According to information received, Paul was in the company of his colleagues when he reported jumped from the bridge into the water. Paul, who was described as a good swimmer, might have hit his head but despite his colleagues saw him floating, they thought he was fooling around. It was after a few minutes that they realised that something was amiss and his friends went to check on him.

The young man was pulled from the water in an unconscious state, but died on his way to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

Anamayah Hospital sues AFC member, DTV for $100M

The Anamayah Memorial Hospital, Belvidere, Corentyne, Berbice, has sued Alliance For Change (AFC) member Donna Mathoo and DTV Channel 8, for libel.

The lawsuit, filed by Anamayah Memorial Hospital and part owner Dr Ryan Naiken Anamayah, has named Mathoo and DTV Channel 8 owner Tony Rambarran as the first and second named defendants.

In the court document seen by Guyana Times, the privately-owned medical institution is claiming damages in excess of $100,000,000 for statements, which it said were false, malicious and reckless by the AFC member “in an attempt to ruin the institution”.

The statements were reportedly made by Mathoo on a paid televised programme titled “Alliance on the Move” on DTV Channel 8, during which she claimed that expired drugs were seized from the medical institution.

In a statement to the media, the Anamayah Memorial Hospital said

that Mathoo’s statements were an unwarranted attack on the “good name” of the institution.

The medical institution has assured its patients and the public that it has always acted in full compliance with the laws as it relates to the disposal of expired pharmaceuticals.

“At no time has any expired drugs been dispensed or administered to any pa-

tient,” the hospital maintained. It also noted that complaints were also made to Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and member Moses Nagamootoo, informing them about the reckless conduct of their party member.

According to the court document, the statements made by the AFC activist were meant to insinuate

“that the plaintiffs would intentionally dispense and/ or administer expired pharmaceuticals to patients; that the plaintiffs should not be trusted and persons should not go to the hospital for medical treatment; that it was unsafe and dangerous for persons to seek medical attention at the plaintiffs, and that the plaintiffs were guilty of criminal negligence and deliberately endangered the lives of their patients”.

The Anamayah Memorial Hospital, in the legal documents filed, said the statements by Mathoo has injured its credit and reputation, causing it to suffered considerable distress, public embarrassment, and loss of business and it was brought into ridicule, odium and contempt.

In addition to asking for $100 million, the medical institution is also requesting that an injunction be granted to restrain the defendants from further publishing or broadcasting any similar libel involving the plaintiffs.

Eyew tness The Jagdeo Straw-man

...in Opposition’s straw poll

The Opposition’re scared sh*tless that President Ramotar’s going to call snap elections. They were exposed by this newspaper when their own straw poll showed they’d be consigned back to the political wilderness. The spunk they picked up when they seized control of the National Assembly with a one-seat majority, is gone for channa. So what’d they do? What they’re always good at – used their friends in the media to spin the information.

What that information conclusively demonstrated was President Ramotar’s support hasn’t only remained solid but has actually bucked the usual incumbent’s softening of support and actually came out stronger than in the last elections. This must’ve shocked them since the President still has three more years to buttress his support. Or go to the polls immediately. Deathly afraid of this possibility, they created a straw man of their own artifice.

“The Straw Man fallacy’s committed when a person simply ignores a person’s actual position and substitutes a distorted, exaggerated or misrepresented version of that position”. At no time or place has Jagdeo ever said or even hinted that he’s interested in a “third term”. Wasn’t this the same nonsense the Opposition kept the nation distracted with during 2005? It was the APNU and AFC that placed the man’s name on their straw poll – which, according to the cited expert – was to test whether Ramotar’s support was ephemeral. It wasn’t... and this is what the Opposition want to hide.

The Opposition poll did show that Jagdeo remains popular with the majority of the people. That’s normal with most presidents after they’ve left the hot seat and the folks out there have a wider perspective to evaluate their records. Then, of course, there was the meanspirited attack by the Opposition MuckrakerKN that actually prayed for the man to die. People had to be disgusted by that reprehensible gutter behaviour.

How many times must Jagdeo say he won’t run again? One would’ve thought that the proof of the assertion was in its execution. Didn’t Jagdeo step down and step aside for the man who’s now President?

The Jagdeo bashers – who’re dying to rip him down because they dared not give him lip when he was in office – would now like to pit him against President Ramotar. It’s the old divide-and-conquer tactic that the Opposition learnt so well from the British.

The fellas in the PPP have to not fall prey to the misdirection thrown out by the PNC spin doctors.

...and APNU-AFC coalition

What everyone seems to have missed is that the leaked Opposition poll proves conclusively that the AFC and APNU are going into a pre-election coalition. For them to have collaborated on a poll that has Granger as the APNU candidate and not Greenidge means that these wankers have cut a deal with the wily army man for the elections ahead. After their negotiations with Granger ended with Trotman in the Speaker’s chair, it’s clear the two factions are comfortable in bed with each other. Notice the shift on AML/CFT?

Greenidge is more of a hardliner on AFC’s leadership pretensions – especially those of Ramjattan and Nagamootoo. But this means that Roopnaraine’s also out as the “Indian” face at the top of the APNU coalition. The last elections showed that the WPA’s support is down to about four or five old men – hardly deserving of the positions they’ve been bequeathed. So now the battle between Nagamootoo and Ramjattan begins.

And it’s not going to be fought over how many “large bottles” they can put away – considerable as that number might be. It’s going to be nasty!!!

...and the Budget

While Jagdeo might be off the scene in the presidential sweepstakes, we would hope he doesn’t forget he’s still a member of the PPP/C Ex-Co. So as to lend a hand to counter the Opposition’s blitzkrieg on today’s Budget.

Hardt commits U.S. support for Caribbean security

… says CBSI reaping success in drug fight

United States Ambassador to Guyana

D Brent Hardt has said that while the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) programme has yielded overwhelming successes since its implementation in 2010, Washington will continue to work with the Caribbean region as there is much more work to be done.

Ambassador Hardt was at the time speaking at the handing over ceremony of three vessels to the Coast Guard on Friday last. He stated that the handing over was also a part of the CBSI programme which seeks to combat the drug trade and other transnational crimes that threaten regional security.

The CBSI programme was announced by U.S. President Barack Obama at the 2009 Summit of the Americas. It was then launched the following year in Washington with Caribbean Countries.

According to the U.S. Ambassador, some four years into the partnership, the U.S. still remains committed to working with Guyana and re-

gional partners to expand their efforts.

“Our countries are bound together in this effort by our common geography, our close economic links and the close ties and travel among our citizens. These factors make it essential for us to work together if we are to be successful in achieving the security, safety, prosperity and opportunity our citizens seek and demand,” the Ambassador said.

Hardt noted that over the years, three main objectives were identified through the CBSI programme, that is, to reduce illicit trafficking of counter-narcotics and illegal weapons, to advance public security and safety and to promote social justice. He added that in order to achieve these goals, regular and multilayered consultations and collaborations were held.

Shared responsibility

At the recent dialogue held in Washington, DC in December, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns had observed that “the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, which is based on shared responsibility, mutual respect, and shared approaches to common challenges, offers a vivid example of the benefit such partnership can yield”.

The U.S. Ambassador continued that participants nevertheless recognised the need for much more work to be done despite the many accomplishments of the first three years of the CBSI programme.

“We want the citizens of Guyana to see the benefits of improved security and social justice in a personal way: in their neighbourhoods, in their

schools, along their rivers and shorelines, and in the marketplace. To achieve this, we need to forge a relatable long-term partnership to build capacities by providing adequate training, equipment and other resources to meet the threats,” Hardt pointed out.

On this note, he disclosed that the U.S. has proved its commitment through a wide range of CBSI projects to directly support Guyana. He highlight the fact that the U.S. donated US$1.7 million to the United Nations through the UN Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNRILEC) to assist with the disposal of obsolete weapons, ammunitions and explosives in the Caribbean. Guyana also benefited from this programme with the presentation of the destruction equipment by UNLIREC.

Tracking weapons

Another initiative the Caribbean continues to reap benefits from is the Regional Integrated Ballistics Information Network (RIBIN). This is a U.S.-funded programme that involves the development of a network of ballistics identification instructions within the Caribbean to allow law enforcement agencies to track the movements of weapons from country to country. This was done taking into consideration the previous CBSI contribution of a firearms marking equipment.

“Together with the E-trace Network, which allows Guyanese law enforcement officials to gather relevant information through firearms serial numbers including the

BoI recommended for control tower fiasco

ABoard of Inquiry

(BoI) is expected to be established to further investigate the Timehri Control Tower fiasco where an Air Traffic Controller walked out of the facility while a Caribbean Airlines (CAL) flight was midair, a well placed source disclosed.

The source said the first report that was done and submitted to subject Minister Robeson Benn did not have any recommendation, thus it was sent back to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), resulting in another being prepared but this time with the recommendation of establishing a BoI.

The Minister has since instructed the GCAA to treat the recommendations with urgency, and as such, a BoI is expected to be set-up during this week and will be tasked with recommending the penalty for the persons involved.

The source said the three staff members are still inter-

dicted from duty and will remain so until the completion of the investigations.

The official stated that the harshest penalty the traffic controller who walked

out of the Control Tower can face is dismissal while the lightest can be a suspension.

The BoI will make the final decision, he added.

name of the owner or purchaser, types of crime committed with the weapon, these tracking systems will enhance regional capacity to share information and collaborate to reduce the threat of gun violence and crime, while helping solve outstanding cases,” the U.S. Ambassador explained.

Ambassador Hardt further mentioned other CBSI projects from which Guyana, and the Caribbean at large, has benefited from. These include the recent integrated biometrics fingerprint system that was given to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to digitalise Guyana’s fingerprint records system and introduce multilateral information sharing within Caricom and the U.S. law enforcement agencies. This, according Hardt, has already facilitated cross-border law enforcement cooperation and contributed to numerous arrests.

In addition, CBSI in collaboration with local authorities have seen success stories in various sectors, including narcotics trade and trafficking. Hardt disclosed that in 2013, the discovery of some 360 kilograms of cocaine was attributed to implementation of a port security scanning initiative designed in partnership with the UN Office of Drug Control Policy.

The Ambassador revealed that there have been various drug interdiction training sessions conducted for ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the GPF. This, he noted, contributed to the rising levels of drug interdictions in the past year.

He disclosed that in 2014, the CBSI work plan entails deepened collaborative work to support law enforcement professionalisation, improve counter-narcotics control capabilities, bolster the rule law and anti-corruption efforts, enhance border and port security, and strengthened correctional systems.

Women’s Commission hails Backer as human rights champion

Former Deputy Speaker

Deborah Jan Backer has been hailed as a champion for human rights by the Women and Gender Equality Commission.

The commission said Backer played a critical role in promoting the rights of women while serving the people of Guyana.

“Ms Backer demonstrated the role that women can play in national politics, by standing up for the advancement of women and their key responsibility in decision-making at the highest levels in our society.”

In a release, the Commission also extended sincere condolences to the family, members of Parliament (MPs), members of the legal fraternity and the supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), on the passing of Backer.

Backer died on Friday at the Davis Memorial Hospital, a short distance away from her Meadow Brook residence, Georgetown. “May her soul rest in peace and her memory be an inspiration to all. We salute the memory of Ms Deborah Backer, Attorney-at-Law, Member of Parliament and mem-

ber of APNU,” the Women and Gender Equality Commission said. The Commission is just one of the many organisations and entities that have hailed Backer as an outstanding Guyanese. Since her sudden passing, tributes and condolences have been pouring. Backer, a well-known Attorney, obtained her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago after achieving a Bachelor of Law (Hons) at the University of the West Indies in 1981.

Backer’s political life in the National Assembly started in 1997 as a People’s National Congress (PNC) MP. She served from 19972001 and from 2001-2006, before she was appointed again in 2011 as an APNU MP. She resigned from her post as MP and Deputy Speaker in February 2014 after months battling with an illness. Prior to serving in the National Assembly, she served as a Councillor in the Georgetown City Council in 1994. She was a serving member of important organisations such as the Lions Club International and the Women’s Millennium Caucus.

Lumumba honours Buxton Steel Pan champs

ublic Service Minister

PJennifer Westford told Buxton residents that they have a lot to be proud of when former Buxton resident Odinga Lumumba on Sunday hosted an event to honour the Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra for winning this year’s Panorama Competition.

“Residents, you have a lot to be proud of in this community. Look at these youths in this steel pan orchestra. They are so talented, dedicated and committed,” she told a gathering at the Tipperary Hall, praising their achievement at the Culture, Youth and Sport competition.

Positive

light

With awe and delight on her face, the Minister stated that she was happy to have been afforded the chance to be part of the presentation. She urged the youths to continue to put Buxton in the positive light, not only recreationally but also academically.

“Couple years from now, Buxton children must be in the headline for all the good things; CSEC and CAPE results; as Guyanese scholars and as politicians and members of the Government,” she encouraged.

In order to ensure the group’s talent is showcased and appreciated, Westford

stated that from now on, her Ministry will be utilising the group at all of their functions and she will be holding talks with the Culture Ministry to see what can be done to showcase the group on a national level.

“We want this group to make it to CARIFESTA and for them to bring the trophy home so we will be working to make that a reality,” she said.

In addition, Westford on behalf of Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, donated four additional pans to the

group. She stated that Dr Singh had seen the group perform previously and was very much impressed to the point where he decided that he would make a personal contribution to the group’s development.

Chairing the event, Lumumba, who is also Presidential Advisor on Empowerment, told the gathering that the donation of the steel pans was made in 2010 by former president, Bharrat Jagdeo.

He noted that the then President had at that time

seen the need for positive recreational activities to keep youths occupied in the community. For years, Buxton was seen as a feared, criminal haven and with the perception; many had chosen to neglect the youths and the village out of fear.

However, with the donation from the former President, changes began in the community with the young abandoning their negative pursuits and taking up the task of learning to play the steel pan while pursuing an education. Lumumba noted that the Government through the Culture Ministry had given a trainer from the Military Band to the group so that they can be guided to become one of the best. Despite being in existence for just over three years, the group which consists of young children between the ages of eight to 15, managed to cop the top spot in this year’s National Steel Pan competition.

Worthy replacement

Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra Coordinator Ronald Younge expressed his elation on the growth of the group. “When we gave them these sticks to play the pan, we just didn’t give them an opportunity to participate in a positive recreational activity. We replaced guns and weapons with these sticks and that is what we should all be proud of,” he remarked.

In making the statement, Younge and his young charges made a donation of eight sticks to the St Joseph’s High School with the aim of revamping the school’s steel orchestra.

Despite being in existence for just over three years, the Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra which consists of young children between the ages of eight to 15, managed to cop the top spot in this year’s National Steel Pan Competition.

Nuff people friken de Jagdeo poll

De Jagdeos deh in de news every day. One Jagdeo just get free. And somebody goin to trial fuh another Jagdeo who dead. But a next Jagdeo not only deh in de news, he deh pun certain people heart, mind and soul. And now that dem hear bout Jagdeo poll, it tekkin a heavy toll. Jagdeo done show de whole a Guyana two times that he got de biggest poll.

Fuh some reason, certain people friken Jagdeo a long time. Is now people realise that is de poll. So as soon as one Boss Man hear bout de Jagdeo poll, he call he slave and tell he bout de poll. Now both a dem ain’t believe that Jagdeo had sucha big poll, so dem beg Rum Jhaat and Hard Mouth to see de Jagdeo poll. Rum Jhaat bluff and seh he never see Jagdeo poll. But whah really happen is that when he see de Jagdeo poll, he tell people he wish he fuh that kinda poll. Was since at Freedom House he used to beg fuh a big poll. But when Rum Jhaat realise that dem kinda poll like Jagdeo poll don’t come easy, he run fuh a next poll. Now he nearly drop dead in fronta Jagdeo poll. Even Bis Ram come de other day and show dem he poll. Bis Ram tell dem no body in de Pee-Hen-See gotta good poll. Since Burnt Ham time dem used to thief Jagan poll. But dem didn’t like Bis Ram poll, so dem doubt that de man even had a poll. But Bis Ram behave like a Big Ram and go till to TT wid he poll. As fuh Hard Mouth, he never even had a poll. So when Hard Mouth see de Jagdeo poll, he behave like never see come to see. In de end, de poll was too hard fuh he to tek. So he bluff like Rum Jhaat and seh he never see de Jagdeo poll.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And although Jagdeo seh he ain’t givin no more poll, nuff people still friken de Jagdeo poll.

BoI recommended...

Nevertheless, this publication understands that on the night of the incident, the Air Traffic Controller who abandoned his post telephoned his supervisor, informing him that he was not well and noted his reluctance to work beyond his time.

From all indications, the supervisor did not pay any heed to the young man who has been employed with the organisation for the past six years, but at the same time, he had a human obligation.

Unnecessary

Another source explained that the incident could have been avoided only if the staff had stayed on for another 15 minutes since the next schedule flight was expected at 05:30h that morning.

“He could have stayed on and after landing the plane leave… between that period, to the next scheduled flight, there would have been a replacement.”

He said it boils down to indiscipline behaviour and recalled a similar instance

whereby an Air Traffic Controller left the Control Tower to walk around with his girlfriend while an aircraft was midair.

Due to public service regulations, he was immediately transferred from the Control Tower to another department within the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

An investigation was immediately launched into the recent walkout, resulting in three persons been relieved of their duties in order for an investigation to begin.

The GCAA in a release the following day stated that the in-bound Caribbean Airlines flight to the CJIA was in contact with the Area Control Centre, which provided a replacement Air Traffic Controller to ensure the safe landing of the aircraft.

Following the incident, a senior official at the facility said the young man went to work on time and was supposed to be relieved from his post at midnight, but his replacement did not report for duty.

Times Notebook

The Rodney CoI – why are some people determined to create barriers?

Dr Walter Rodney was a great Guyanese intellectual, a historian of unequalled reputation. He was a freedom fighter. He was martyred by being murdered. Most Guyanese believe he was murdered by an administration that was intolerant of people who disagreed with it and which was increasingly brutal in clamping down on freedom and the fundamental rights of people.

We must complete the records by putting the facts together so that all Guyanese now and in the future will know what happened. The work of the Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) is important and will provide answers that will allow Guyana to move on from a sordid act from our past.

Times Notebook commends President Donald Ramotar for his fortitude in pursuing an answer. Other efforts were made in the past and these efforts were frustrated by some stakeholders for reasons known only to them. The Rodney family was in Guyana many years ago and President Jagdeo and the family agreed to appoint a CoI.

It is unfortunate to hear that some people will not cooperate with the CoI. David Granger and the A Partnership for National

Unity/People’s National Congress (APNU/PNC) will not cooperate with the CoI. Why would he not want the truth to be revealed? At the time of Rodney’s murder, Forbes Burnham had become increasingly dictatorial as head of the country and in the commanding heights of the army was a man named Granger.

At the time of the murder, most Guyanese believed that the murder was a script

written by the Burnham-led Government. An army man, Gregory Smith, was hidden away in French Guiana soon after the murder and, unfortunately, is now dead.

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Rodney’s party, has vowed no cooperation with the CoI. Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, a friend and confidant of Rodney and coleader of the WPA, has joined both his party and the PNC in saying that they will not coop-

erate with the CoI.

This is strange since Dr Roopnaraine was one of the leaders after the murder, who screamed to heaven the names of people who were involved in the brutish attack on one of our distinguished freedom fighters.

We watch with amazement Dr Roopnaraine sitting next to Granger and we do marvel that these are strange bedfellows. Rodney must be cringing in dismay in his

place in heaven as he watches these two men and ask, like Caesar so many centuries ago when he was murdered, ‘you too, Rupert’?

Dr Roopnaraine and APNU and other PNC leaders have taken a position that they are not in agreement with the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the CoI. We are at a loss at exactly what these people and these parties are opposed to. Is this another ploy to avert the results of the CoI?

When the Jagdeo Government wanted to appoint a CoI, the Rodney family appointed Dr Roopnaraine as their representative to consult with Government on the makeup of the CoI. The Government’s effort to appoint the CoI then was frustrated because of non-cooperation from the various parties.

Worrying trend

APNU says it is opposed to the CoI because of the appointment of Senior Counsel from Trinidad and Tobago, Seenauth Jairam. Why are they opposed to Jairam? They claim he has worked with the Government in the past, but they did not say also that his brother was a Minister in the PNC Government.

Could it be that he is of East Indian descent? If this

is the case, it is reprehensible because not only are they disrespecting the qualifications and experience of Jairam, but they are disrespecting the qualifications of the other members of the CoI by saying they are qualified because they might be of African descent. The members of the CoI were appointed for their qualifications and experience and their colour or ethnicity are of no consequence. There is a worrying trend in Guyana. The Opposition keeps harping that CoIs must be made up only of international professionals. We reject the notion that Guyanese are not capable of serving professionally and effectively on any CoIs.

Times Notebook is of the view that we ought to select CoIs based on competencies and not on political affiliations or ethnicity. We are comforted by the fact that the Rodney CoI membership is one that is based on competency and experience, people with distinguished careers. We are comforted that the family of Dr Rodney finds comfort in the CoI and we say let the CoI do their work and let the chips fall where they might.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times.notebook@gmail.com

Money woes halt Bollywood concert tour

After two unforgettable shows on West Coast Demerara and at the Guyana National Stadium over the weekend, Berbicians were totally disappointed after the “Bollywood Live with the Stars” Concert was cancelled due to circumstances beyond the artistes’ control.

Guyana Times understands that moments after the show at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday evening, the promoter was unable to pay outstanding fees to the artistes, dance troupes, and even the

emcee of the programme.

It was then that it was discovered that over $6 million was missing without a trace. In light of the development, the promoter called in the police which led to several persons being arrested.

The situation got worse when Anil Bheem from the Bheemerz Band also asked for his payment, but was also told about the unfortunate situation.

Guyana Times was told that earlier on Saturday evening, Bheem was promised half of his payment before

going on stage and the other half after he performed, but this was not done. However, after some persuasion, Bheem and his band agreed to perform and were promised soon after which they will get their full payment.

To add to the confusion, a security personnel who worked at the stadium, went to the promoter Christine Persaud after the show and also demanded his money and after being told there was no money, he verbally abused her.

Guyana Times lat-

er learnt that the four international stars Purvi, Arjune, Abha and Radhika checked out of the Princess International Hotel after the promoters stopped their room service.

They are currently at a private residence waiting to return home. The emcee,

Joel Ganshaam, who was not even paid a cent, also walked out of the show and refused to persuade the stars to perform in Berbice.

To date, this newspaper was reliably informed that the stars were not paid in full. The Ishara Dance Troupe would have collected a small portion of their monies to offset their expenses, but the full payment for their performances has not been met.

While information reaching this newspaper is sketchy, the promoters could not be contacted for a comment.

Govt launches $500M Land Reclamation Project

Natural Resources and Environment

Minister Robert Persaud has announced a $500 million Land Reclamation Project that his Ministry will undertake to clean up the many minedout areas in the hinterland.

This project will see focus being placed on reclaiming forested land and engaging in reforestation activities in areas that are affected as a result of mining and timber extraction. Speaking at a forum last week, Minister Persaud said the initiative is a demonstration of the country’s commitment to sustainable forestry management, while maintaining its outstanding track record in this regard.

He assured that the Government will not shirk from its commitments and responsibilities at the global and national levels.

As such, it has been putting in place the necessary policies and legislation to ensure sound and strict forest management.

Sustainable utilisation

“Guyana recommits itself to the principles of sustainable utilisation of these very important forest resources for socio-economic and other development, ensuring that this is done in keeping with environmental best practices,” the Minister said.

Guyana and many other like-minded developing countries have made considerable advances in addressing Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) and climate change challenges that were discussed at the highest international forums since 2007.

Minister Persaud lamented that, regrettably, there is still no commitment, financial or otherwise, from the international community to provide the necessary

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry last Thursday held an evening of storytelling at the Umana Yana, where literary fanatics were treated to local and regional storytelling in observance of World Story-telling Day 2014. The event was held under the theme “Dragons and Monsters”.

Many of the Guyanese storytellers recited Guyanese stories about Anansi, the Ole Higue, the Water Mama and Balgobin, while other storytellers recited stories from their respective countries.

The local storytellers included Professor Al Creighton, Jessica Callendar, Ivor Thom, Petamber Persaud, Michael Khan called “Ole Man

framework to transform the ideas discussed and agreed on since 2007 on a global scale.

Despite this, Guyana continues to advance on several innovative fronts, promoting its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) to show the world how low deforestation and climate resilient development can be achieved without slowing economic growth.

Replanting

Meanwhile, the Head of the Policy and Coordination Planning Unit at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, Veetal Rajkumar, said the Land Reclamation Committee was established under the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). From the time of its establishment in 2013 to present, the Committee has been able to access the mined-out pits in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni )and has been conducting studies and surveys in the most recent minedout areas while replanting trees and other protective vegetation in the old minedout areas.

The exercise, which is

primarily carried out by the GGMC, had recently focused on replanting some 10 hectares of mined-out white sand covered land in Mahdia, Region Eight with the Acacia mangium, a multi-purpose plant that facilitates soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in the soil.

The plant, Rajkumar said, is also suitable for intercropping with fruits and vegetables, including pineapple and plantain. The plants are grown in a nursery, which is the first of its kind located in Mahdia. In ensuring the replanting exercise becomes a success, the GGMC held a series of workshops over the months to ensure that the miners understand their duties and responsibilities in the process.

Rajkumar told Guyana Times that Mahdia Secondary School has been brought on board with the GGMC to assist in the replanting exercise, since it was described as advantageous to have the school included, as youths leaving school will have knowledge about the activity and can secure employment in the mining sector in the future.

Replanting efforts are

Papee”, Petra Langevine, and students from the National Drama School, National Dance School and the University of Guyana. Their overseas counterparts included Deputy

Head of the Russian Embassy in Guyana, Petr Sizov; Liliana Manoo and Aewha Accra from the Venezuelan Embassy; Alejamdro Martinez from the Mexican Embassy;

also currently ongoing at Isseneru, Noitgedacht, Aranka, and Arakaka in Region Eight, while plans are in train to soon commence planting in Region Seven. In relation to the exercise at Noitgedacht, it was reported that the GGMC has been utilising the mined-out land for three purposes.

These are the planting of Acacia mangium and cultivating crops between the Acacia mangium; utilising the old mining pits as fish ponds for sport fishing, and the construction of a recreational facility for the benefit of the youths in the area.

But while the emphasis has been placed on the GGMC, a source stated that the initiative is not solely facilitated by the organisation, but the miners are compelled by Ministry regulations to assist in the replanting efforts before they can be allowed to move on to other locations. The organisation will continue its efforts to ensure that miners observe the mining regulations in replanting old mined-out areas, since it is not only environmentally friendly, but it also allows future generations to use the lands.

representatives from the Confucius Institute at the University of Guyana and the Embassy of the Federation of Brazil.

The Culture Ministry facilitates storytellers to observe this event, which has, over the years, promoted and preserved the oral art of storytelling, while highlighting the country’s history, legends and myths to the younger generation.

Caribbean Chief Justices participate in workshop on drug treatment courts

The Organisation of American States (OAS), in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Drug Treatment Court Professionals (CADTCP), held this week in Vancouver, Canada, a Drug Treatment Court (DTC) Exchange and On-Site Study Programme.

The workshop targeted four Caribbean countries, namely Jamaica, Belize, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Each country participating in the event sent a team made up of Judges, Magistrates, Prosecutors, Defence Attorneys, Probation Officers, and treatment providers, as well as Chief Magistrates and Chief Justices. The workshop was intended to put ideas and theory into practice for Caribbean countries that are exploring new ways to deal with drug-dependent offenders. All participants in the workshop took part in DTC simulation sessions.

Chief Justice Marston Gibson of Barbados underscored the positive impact of attending in person to a DTC simulation session, “because it leads towards thinking of problem-solving modality in all of the courts, not just the drug courts”. “It leads to seeing courts as a place for resolutions, not just decisions,” he added.

For his part, Belizean

Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin observed that the experience “will serve to inform the imminent launch of a pilot DTC programme”.

Chief Justice Benjamin asserted that “the sharing of experiences from other Caribbean countries has been invaluable”.

The workshop was or-

ganised by the CADTCP, through its National Problem Solving Court Institute (NPSCI), and by the OAS, through the Drug Treatment Courts Programme for the Americas, an initiative coordinated by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) of the OAS.

Authorities present during the event included the Chief Justices of Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago; the Attorney General of Barbados; and the four Chief Magistrates from all four Caribbean countries. In addition, each country attended with the participation of their DTC teams (Judges, Magistrates, Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys, probation officers, and treatment providers.)

Three of the participating countries have already launched DTC pilots thanks to OAS support with Canada’s contributions: Trinidad and Tobago has one court running; Jamaica currently has three in operation; and Barbados just launched its first. Trinidad and Tobago will launch its first Juvenile Court and second Adult Court before the summer. Finally, Belize is in its exploration phase. This activity was made possible thanks to the financial support and leadership of the Government of Canada. The OAS Drug Treatment Court Programme for the Americas is an initiative that responds to the OAS Hemispheric Drug Strategy, Estrategia Hemisférica sobre Drogas de la OEA, which calls for countries to explore alternatives to incarceration for drug-dependent offenders.

On World Storytelling Day, as many people as possible tell and listen to stories in as many languages and at as many places as possible, during the same day and night. Participants tell each other about their events in order to share stories and inspiration, to learn from each other and create international contacts.

The significance of the event lies in the fact that it is the first global celebration of storytelling of its kind, and has been important in forging links between storytellers often working far apart from each other. It has also been significant in drawing public and media attention to storytelling as an art form, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Indian soap stars deliver dynamic performance

Despite some last minute hiccups with promoters, the four headlining acts of the “Bollywood Live with the Stars” took to the stage of the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday evening and delivered one of the most dynamic performances Guyanese have ever witnessed.

Purvi, Arjune, Abha and Radhika from the inception had one mission and that was to entertain their fans to the fullest and with such a performance that was seen by thousands, their mission was accomplished.

This, however, could not have been possible without one of the most versatile television personalities, Joel Ganshaam and the Ishara Dancers, who without a doubt, had key roles to play to make the event a success.

Before a huge audience, the first star to make her appearance on stage was Radika from the popular ZeeTV show, Choti Bahu, but before doing so, some local models displayed a collection of Indian wear that

was designed by the talented actress.

As she made her way on stage, the crowd erupted after which she and Ganshaam had a little interaction followed by a superb dance performance which captivated the crowd. Decked in a simple, yet gorgeous sari, she displayed her curves as the crowd screamed her name.

Upon leaving the stage, she promised to be back as she made way for Abha from the Indian soap, Yahaaan_ Main_Ghar_Ghar_Kheli

She performed to perfection as she was accompanied by the Ishara Dancers.

Her colourful outfit complemented her elegant smiles as she manoeuvre on stage with her excellent dance moves. Dancing to a number of Bollywood hits, she engaged the audience fully which even led to a marriage proposal. A brave young man from the audience made his way on stage, knelt before her and proposed to the beautiful, Abha, who was left speechless for a while but before she responded, he left the stage.

The crowd went into a frenzy when she dished out a popular Kanchan tune Lego Meh Nah Raja as a surprise treat to her fans.

The versatile actress took the national stadium by storm as she sang with smiles on her face. She had also asked a few persons from the VVIP section to accompany her on stage and dance to the tune. Even the emcee of the evening, Joel Ganshaam was stunned as she belted out the tune.

However, the evening belonged to Purvi and Arjune from the current and most watched ZeeTV show Pavitra Rishta. Accompanied by the Ishara Dancers, Purvi was welcomed on stage by loud roars and screams from her fans.

Fantastic evening

Her performance was taken to another level as Joel Ganshaam, decked in all glitters, was determined to take her away from Arjune. The theatrical presentation added some laughter and humour to an already fantastic evening.

Ganshaam decided that Arjune will have to challenge him if he wanted to keep Purvi and the love story unfolded as the night progressed.

Purvi concurred that she will stay in Guyana and marry Joel, but she had to have a last dance with Arjune before the evening was out, which did not make him too happy.

She gracefully took to the stage and performed a number of dance items to the satisfaction of the audience. As she departed the stage, Arjune made his way and then there was a back and forth between him and Joel.

It was indeed a dynamic performance that had the crowd well engaged and rolling with laughter. Nevertheless, Arjune performed a few well choreographed and energetic dances, forcing almost every female in the VVIP section to snap a photo of him as he moved on stage, accompanied by the Ishara Dancers.

Those who were far away were heard screaming his name as he made his way to the stage. After a breathtaking performance, he left the stage and as was promised

earlier, Radhika and Abha returned to do their final dance pieces for the night and they did so together.

The two beautiful women practically outdid themselves to the satisfaction of the audience. Their performance was followed by the one that everyone was waiting to see, a combination of Purvi and Arjune.

The Bollywood actress made her way one stage and was followed by Arjune to thunderous whistles and screams from the audience. It was a magical moment as he kissed her on her fore-

head and tenderly rubbed his arms on her cheeks and arms.

It was as if the crowd was looking at an Indian movie on the big screen. Their performance together was definitely the highlight of the evening as he lifted her several times in the air in the most romantic way possible.

To add to the evening, Joel took centre stage in a vicious way as his so-called love story with Purvi continued, forcing Arjune to challenge him in a dance off to the tune “Young Baca

Bana”, but he was not too keen, however, when the music started to play, Purvi did not waste any time to get her grove on.

She was reminded by Arjune that her fans are accustomed to an innocent Purvi and not the other way around, with a serious face but with all giggles.

Late start

Meanwhile, the show started a little behind the scheduled time with Seeta Panday performing several hits of yesteryear, but more importantly, a bhagan to open the night’s proceedings. Then there was adorable six-year-old, Deon Persaud, as he performed two dance items at intervals. He stole the audience’s hearts with his fabulous moves, particularly Gangnam style.

Anil Bheem and the Bheemerz Band took to stage just after midnight and dished out several Indian hits in their 40-minute performance. The guitarist also showed off his dance moves to add to the excitement. At the end of the night, persons were given their money’s worth as the show was a memorable one.

Venezuela investigates “60 cases of human rights abuse”

Venezuela’s Attorney General, Luiza Ortega Diaz, says 60 cases of alleged human rights abuses during recent street protests are being investigated.

At least 15 officials had been imprisoned in connection with the violence, Ortega said. She said the unrest had killed 31 people, including six security agents, and left more than 450 injured.

Venezuela accuses “right-wing fascists” of plotting a coup behind the unrest, which started in midFebruary.

President Nicolas Maduro says the United States was orchestrating the demonstrations, but the

U.S. says it is being used as a scapegoat for Venezuela’s internal problems.

Ortega also said there was a “systematic and planned international attack” against Venezuela, and that it was using human rights as an issue. But she added that no Government official would be excused for their wrongdoing.

“Yes, there has been police excess, we won’t deny it and the attorney general’s office is investigating it,” Ortega told local broadcaster Televen.

She said that out of the 461 people injured in the protests, 318 were civilians and 143 were Government officials.

The street protests

started in mid-February with disgruntled students, but quickly became a neardaily feature in opposition strongholds around Caracas and in other cities of Venezuela.

The authorities have reported another three deaths in protests this weekend.

The Governor of the western state of Merida, Alexis Ramirez, said a man was shot in his shoulder during clashes between security forces and protesters there and later died in a hospital on Saturday.

Two other men were reportedly shot dead in the cities of Valencia and San Cristobal. Also on Saturday, supporters and opponents of President Maduro staged

rival rallies in the capital, Caracas.

Last week, two Opposition Mayors were arrested for allegedly inciting the unrest. The Opposition says the Government is violently repressing the protests and trying to silence the Administration’s critics.

President Maduro has blamed the violence on “fascist groups”, accusing them of planning a coup against his Government.

He says he has repeatedly invited them to the presidential palace for talks, but that they have refused to attend. Opposition Leader Henrique Capriles said he had accepted the invitation but had yet to meet Maduro.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

UWI doctors get bad rap from medical students

A2012 University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Quality Assurance Report has highlighted lack of proper training for UWI medical undergraduates, as well as faculty teachers not taking a genuine interest in shaping the students’ development. The issue is of interest since the death of Simeon, son of Quelly Ann Cottle and Emil Millington, on March 1, at the Mt Hope Maternity Hospital, led to the suspension of Dr Javed

Chinnia.

The internal document compiled by the university’s Quality Assurance Unit outlined a host of problems undergraduate students at the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FOMS) and the Department of Clinical Medical Science (DCMS) face at the hands of consultants and lecturers, while being trained at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. Some consultants at Mt Hope Maternity

Hospital fall within the remit of UWI, while others fall under the regional health authority.

A copy of the report showed a need for the restructuring of the system as well as a need for adequate clinical training for undergraduate medical students. It spoke about the uneven undergraduate clinical teaching experience across the different sites with much of the teaching conducted by house offic-

ers and interns, who themselves were not supervised in their teaching by registrars or consultants.

“While examining clinical facilities they experienced a situation where three undergraduate students were teaching each other, at the bedside, of clinical history, taking a physical examination on an inpatient ward (not in CTU)—in the absence of any physician,” the report stated.

(Excerpt from TT Guardian)

17 people still missing in Barbados

Close to 25 people went missing in Barbados between October 19 last year and March 15 this year.

Police could not give an update on all the cases, but NATION records indicate that 17 of those people appear to be still on the missing list.

That list showed that 15 teenagers, ranging in age from 14 to 19 years, disappeared and three who were 70 and over were also numbered amongst the missing; Leroy Forde, 83, and 70 year-old Mildred Wilkinson have since been found dead.

Last week, 23-year-

old Onicka Gulliver’s decomposing body was discovered in Vaucluse, St Thomas, and someone was charged in connection with her death.

There was some good news in that missing bunch, however. Three women and one male were found alive.

Public Relations Officer of the Royal Barbados Police Force Inspector David Welch told the SUNDAY?SUN on Thursday that there were systems in place that were working in the search for missing people and determining their whereabouts. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaica not seriously ready to fight corruption – Bishop Gregory

Anglican Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, the Right Reverend Dr Howard Gregory, has suggested that Jamaica is still not ready to deal with the issue of corruption “in an open, mature, and responsible manner, regardless of the persons who are allegedly involved”.

Speaking at a plenary round table entitled, “The Role of the Church in Preserving Ethics, Trust and Morality”, at a Caribbean conference hosted by the University College of the Cayman Islands in this financially wealthy British territory on Friday, Bishop Gregory said that Jamaica needed to get serious about keeping the scourge in check, otherwise, the nation will suffer even more serious consequences.

“Transparency International has produced figures indicating the eco-

nomic and social cost to nations across the world as a result of corruption. It is worthy of note that Jamaica was ranked at number 83 in 2012 by that institution. In a country like Jamaica in which the major expenditures within the economy come from government contracts, it is therefore, vital that the anti-corruption agenda takes centre stage,” the bishop argued.

“Many Jamaicans make corruption a partisan political issue, which one party and its followers use to gain political mileage over against the other. Indeed, in what is of the nature of an oxymoron, it often becomes a kind of comic circus of a tragic nature… But corruption is not just about politicians and public servants. …Corruption is something which involves members of the society at every level.” (Excerpt from

)

Chileans rally to demand promised reforms

Tens of thousands of protesters have marched in Chile to press Michelle Bachelet to follow through on ambitious reforms she pledged before assuming the presidency less than two weeks ago.

The protest on Saturday in central Santiago, dubbed “the march of all marches”, was the first of Bachelet’s new term and the biggest political demonstration since huge student protests in 2011.

Organisers said at least 100,000 people were present, even without core groups of student protesters active in the past. Those activists said they would not take part because they were working with Bachelet on education reforms soon be sent to Congress.

The march underscored lingering frustrations in Chile, which has one of the region’s widest inequality gaps. It also raised expectations following four years

of rule by the unpopular Sebastian Pinera.

Protesters said the march was a warning sign they would not go easy on Bachelet.

“This is not a protest against Bachelet or for her, it’s just an alert for the political class so they know people have demands,” said Oscar Rementeria, a spokesman for gay rights group, Movilh.

The 40 activist groups that helped fill the streets supported causes ranging from environmental protection to gay and indigenous rights.

Protesters also called for a new Constitution to replace the one in place since Augusto Pinochet’s 17-year-old dictatorship. Bachelet has backed a new Constitution.

Bachelet has said she wants to address social inequality by overhauling education and healthcare, funded by tax reforms. (Al Jazeera)

Turkey shoots down Syrian fighter jet

Turkey’s air force has shot down a Syrian aircraft for violating Turkish airspace, an action that Syria denounced as “unprecedented and unjustifiable”.

The incident happened on Sunday, with the plane crashing near the Syrian town of Kasab on the Turkish border after it was targeted by F-16s.

The Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, praised the Turkish military.

During an election rally in the north-west of Turkey, Erdogan said: “A Syrian plane violated our airspace. Our F-16s took off and hit this plane. Why? Because if you violate my airspace, our slap after this will be hard.

“I congratulate the Chief of General Staff, the armed forces and those honourable pilots... I congratulate our air forces,” he told supporters.

The Syrian state news agency SANA reported the Foreign Ministry as protesting against Turkish “interference” in the province of Latakia, which has witnessed heavy fighting in recent days.

In a statement, Syria’s Foreign Ministry said Turkey’s “flagrant ag-

gression against Syrian sovereignty in the Kasab border region over the past two days proves its implication in the events in Syria”.

The Latakia province includes President Bashar al-Assad’s family village of Qardaha.

Malaysia flight MH370: New data “shows possible debris”

New data from a French satellite shows potential debris from Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in the southern Indian Ocean, France’s Foreign Ministry says.

Radar echoes had picked up several objects about 2300km (1430 miles) from Perth, a statement added.

It is the third possible sighting in the area off western Australia that has become the focus of the search effort.

Flight MH370 disappeared on March 8 while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with 239 people on board. Malaysian officials believe the plane was deliberately taken off course.

countries on the northern corridor have reported any radar contact, and the satellite images of possible debris in the south Indian Ocean have concentrated the search there.

On Sunday, a statement published on the Malaysian Ministry of Transport’s Facebook page said: “This morning, Malaysia received new satellite images from the French authorities showing potential objects in the vicinity of the southern corridor.

“Malaysia immediately relayed these images to the Australian rescue coordination centre.”

Deadly Ebola virus reaches Guinea capital Conakry – UN

An outbreak of the Ebola virus – which has already killed 59 people in Guinea – has reached the capital Conakry, the United Nations’s children agency has warned.

UNICEF said the haemorrhagic fever had spread quickly from southern Guinea, hundreds of kilometres away. Scores of cases have been recorded since the outbreak began last month.

There is no known cure or vaccine. It is spread by close personal contact with people who are infected and kills between 25 per cent and 90 per cent of victims. Symptoms include internal and external bleeding, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

“At least 59 out of 80 who contracted Ebola across the West African country have died so far,” said a UNICEF statement quoted by the AFP news agency.

Over the past few days, the deadly haemorrhagic

According to AFP news agency, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based anti-Assad monitoring group, said the plane had been striking areas in Latakia in pursuit of rebels trying to gain control of a border post.

G7

WSyria and Turkey have been at odds over the civil war, with cross-border fire and the deployment of missiles exacerbating tensions between the two countries.

Based on information received from a satellite, the search has been in two distinct corridors – one stretching to the north-west of the last known location in the Malacca Straits and one to the south-west.

However, none of the

An unnamed Malaysian official told the Associated Press that the new satellite image was taken on Friday, and that one of the potential objects was estimated to be about the same size as one spotted by a Chinese satellite that appeared to be 22 metres (72 feet) by 13 metres (43 feet). (Excerpt from BBC News)

to meet as Russia tightens grip on Crimea

orld leaders are to meet for a G7 summit to discuss a response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, after NATO’s top military commander warned Russian troops in the region posed a wider threat to other post-Soviet states.

Today’s talks in the Netherlands, on the sidelines of a nuclear security summit, will not involve Russia, which had been part of the group since 1998.

the supreme allied commander in Europe, said.

“There is absolutely sufficient force postured on the eastern border of Ukraine to run to Transnistria if the decision was made to do that and that is very worrisome.”

The EU and the U.S. have imposed a number of visa bans and asset freezes on some members of the inner circle of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and are considering further measures.

fever has quickly spread from the communities of Macenta, Gueckedou, and Kissidougou to the capital Conakry.”

Conakry is a sprawling port city, where up to two million people currently live.

The UNICEF statement also said that at least three victims of the virus were children.

Outbreaks of Ebola occur primarily in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests, the World Health Organisation says. Analysts suggest it has never been recorded in Guinea before.

Recent years have seen outbreaks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We got the first results from Lyon yesterday which informed us of the presence of the Ebola virus as the cause of this outbreak,”

Guinean Health Ministry official Sakoba Keita told AFP on Saturday. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States will discuss the crisis as Russian troops continue to tighten their grip on Crimea by taking over a total of 189 sites

occupied by the Ukraine military.

NATO’s top military commander said on Sunday that Russia had amassed a force on Ukraine’s eastern border large enough to pose

Indian farmers driven to suicide as hail ruins crops

Unseasonal rains and hailstorms this month have damaged the winter-sown crops of millions of Indian farmers, but Rekha Garole lost more than others.

Her 42-year-old husband Santuka killed himself this month after hail devastated the wheat and chickpea crops that they had been counting on to repay a bank loan of 90,000 rupees (US$1500).

“He committed suicide to escape his debt burden,” says Rekha, who met nearly a dozen political leaders in a week at her mud house in the Nanded district of western Maharashtra state, but has yet to receive any financial aid.

Santuka, like other farmers in his village of Golegaon, prayed last year for bounti-

ful rains to end two years of drought in the region.

Ample rainfall did come, but at the wrong time. In September, cloudbursts damaged soybean and sorghum crops that were ready to be harvested, forcing farmers like Santuka into debts that they could not pay due to the latest crop damage.

Millions of small Indian farmers are struggling to survive as erratic weather hits their only source of income. They are seeking Government help to stay afloat until the next harvest, but bureaucrats are moving slowly to record crop losses.

Anger is mounting among affected farmers tired of hearing empty promises. Many have given up hope. (Excerpt from Reuters)

a threat to other post-Soviet republics.

“The force that is at the Ukrainian border now to the east is very, very sizeable and very, very ready,” General Philip Breedlove,

The German Finance Minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble, said on Sunday that the EU was united in its readiness to impose economic sanctions should the crisis escalate. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Taiwan students storm Government headquarters

Taiwanese police have clashed with hundreds of students who had occupied Government headquarters to protest at a trade deal with China.

Police used water cannon and dragged out students one-by-one, clearing the building by dawn today. The students had used a vehicle to knock down barbed wire gates outside the offices in central Taipei. The students say the Government is jeopardising Taiwan’s independence by pursuing closer ties with China.

The BBC’s Cindy Sui in Taipei says the students wants more scrutiny over all future dealings with China, including any trade agreements.

They also want the cur-

rent deal scrapped. The governing Kuomintang party says it is determined to ratify the deal with Beijing, which it says will boost the economy and create jobs.

China formally regards Taiwan as a part of its territory, despite the island governing itself for six decades.

Other protesting students have been occupying the Parliament chamber since Tuesday. On Friday, thousands of people rallied to support those students who had been occupying Parliament. Police tried to dislodge the students on Wednesday but failed to breach barricades made using furniture. The opposition Democratic Progressive Party has backed the protests. (BBC News)

Africa

Following on the achievement of its successful export growth programme, Export Max, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) is now inviting production and service companies to participate in the second staging of the customised developmental programme.

Titled ‘Export Max II’ the programme is designed to assist companies that are already exporting or which are export-ready to increase their export sales by the application of a number of capacity building initiatives. Applications

North America

to the programme officially started on Sunday, March 16. Unlike its predecessor, which ran from 2011 to 2013, Export Max II is a three-year initiative that will provide in-depth capacity building and market penetration support to 20 local companies.

Speaking at the awards ceremony for Export Max I JAMPRO President Diane Edwards, assured the audience, saying, “We are mindful of the fact that sustained success in the export business is a marathon, not a sprint. Development takes time. It

JPMorgan Chase and

Co’s Chief Executive for China investment banking Fang Fang has decided to leave the U.S. bank after more than a decade amid a probe of its Asian hiring practices, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

An internal announcement about Fang’s departure could come as early as today, the financial daily reported, citing people familiar with the situation it did not identify. Fang recently told the

bank he wanted to retire, the Journal cited one of the people as saying. The newspaper added that it was not known why Fang wanted to step down now.

U.S. authorities have been investigating whether JPMorgan violated bribery laws by improperly hiring the relatives of well-connected Chinese officials.

JPMorgan has provided U.S. prosecutors with emails from Fang, who is also the bank’s Vice Chairman of in-

requires patience, support and partnership. This is what JAMPRO wants to be for local export producers through Export Max II – a reliable business partner.”

The programme is open to exporting and export-ready firms which satisfy the eligibility criteria and operate within the priority sectors targeted under Jamaica’s National Export Strategy (NES) – agro-processing, manufacturing, creative industries and services (professional services and education). (Caribbean News Now)

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has reassured her Guinean counterpart, President Alpha Condé that the Liberian Government will adhere to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries for the export of Guinean iron ore through Liberia’s port. “Our commitment is firm,” she said. Last year, the governments of Liberia and Guinea signed a MoU that will allow the export of iron ore pro-

Asia Europe

vestment banking in Asia, discussing the hiring of China Everbright Group Chairman Tang Shuangning’s son, the Journal reported.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecutors from the Justice Department are examining whether the son’s employment helped JPMorgan win assignments from Everbright, it added. Representatives for JPMorgan and China Everbright did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reuters)

UK hotels and shops saw income from Russians fall 17 per cent in February compared with a year ago as visitor numbers fell back amid political unrest in Ukraine.

It said the unrest exacerbated the effects of a weakening economy, leaving Russians disinclined to travel. The findings come from tax-free shopping specialists, Global Blue, which processes the vast majority of

tax-free spending by overseas visitors.

Russians are among the top five biggest-spending tourists in the UK. Global Blue, which processes 80 per cent of all taxfree shopping in the UK, said they spend an average of almost £700 per transaction.

Non-EU nationals can shop “tax-free” by claiming back the VAT – worth 20 per cent – on spending above £30 at shops and hotels, basically by filling in

a form.

The fall in numbers saw Russians slip from the thirdbiggest spending nation in the country to fourth place, overtaken by Nigerian nationals.

Global Blue says this fall in numbers, if the political and economic uncertainty continues, could have a serious impact on certain shops and hotels, particularly at the luxury end of the market, which is preferred by Russian visitors. (BBC News)

Credit warning signs are flashing for heavily indebted Chinese semiconductor, software and commodities firms as the Government cautiously steps aside to let market forces play a bigger role in deciding winners and losers.

China’s first-ever domestic bond default this month – a missed interest payment from Shanghai Chaori Solar Energy Science and Technology Co – shattered the belief that Beijing would always bail out struggling

Middle East

The world’s largest cruise line company on Sunday announced plans to return to the Gulf in winter 2015-16 after pulling out of the region last year.

Royal Caribbean International said it will operate 16 roundtrip sailings from December 2015 through to March 2016. The company’s Splendour of the Seas ship is scheduled to dock in Dubai followed by calls to Muscat and Khasab,

duced at its Nimba project in Guinea through Liberia’s seaport in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. West Africa Exploration SA (WAE) is expected to undertake the project.

According to an Executive Mansion release, the Liberian leader made the remarks when a visiting 12-member high-level Guinean delegation paid her a courtesy call at her Foreign Ministry office on March 20.

The Guinean delega-

tion was in Liberia to make a formal presentation to the Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee (IMCC) on how WAE expects to proceed with the project. During the meeting, President Sirleaf expressed her delight at the visit of the Guinean delegation to embark on the technical details of the process. She encouraged them to develop a work plan and a roadmap that is time bound. (allAfrica)

companies.

“The Chaori default goes to show the Government will begin to let the market decide the fate of weak borrowers,” said Standard & Poor’s analyst Christopher Lee in Hong Kong.

Lee said defaults would be “incremental but controlled” with sectors including shipbuilding, metals and mining, and materials among those showing the highest risk as China’s economic growth slows and banks tighten lending.

Chinese companies owe just over US$1 trillion in domestic bonds, of which 15.8 per cent is coming due this year, Thomson Reuters data showed.

While companies contacted by Reuters were confident they could obtain credit, Chinese rating agencies have stepped up the pace of downgrades. There were 77 companies downgraded in 2013, more than triple the previous year’s tally, according to ratings agency China Chengxin. (Reuters)

as well as Abu Dhabi.

In a statement, Helen Beck, the company’s Regional Director, said: “Following on from positive and collaborative discussions with our key partners in the region, we are pleased to announce our return to cruising in the Arabian Gulf... I’m sure the season will be very successful.”

The company said Splendour of the Seas will add more than 32,000 guests

Investors' guide

in her first four-month season to the region’s growing cruise sector, with sales starting on April 10. Hamad M Bin Mejren, Executive Director of business tourism for the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Royal Caribbean International back to the Gulf with Dubai as its home port for the 2015-16 season.” (Arabianbusiness)

Global economy week ahead – Fed guessing game intensifies while West isolates Russia

The guessing game over U.S. interest rates is likely to intensify this week after new Fed Chair Janet Yellen raised the prospect of a hike early next year, while Russia’s annexation of Crimea will keep investors focused on its next move.

In a week heavy with diplomacy – U.S. President Barack Obama will meet Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping today in The Hague – markets will seek clarity from the U.S. Federal Reserve on its monetary policy and from Russia over its intentions in Ukraine.

While the U.S. data calendar is relatively light, Yellen

has got investors talking by suggesting interest rates could start rising next spring, compared with most economists’ expectations for the second half of 2015.

The question is whether the host of Fed policymakers due to speak this week, including the Fed’s Chicago President Charles Evans, will try to distance themselves from Yellen.

“We have to consider the possibility of the first rate hike coming in April 2015,” said James Knightley at ING in London. “Market pricing is still favouring the third quarter of 2015, but a decent rise

Business concept – Litigation

in employment and business activity may see this change,” he said.

Last week the Fed, in its first policy-setting meeting under Yellen, said it would factor in a wide range of economic measures as it judged the correct timing for raising rates.

Investors are wondering how much of the slowdown in the U.S. economy this winter was due to bad weather. Data this week may not clear up that uncertainty because home sales, goods orders and consumption data will be from February, rather than March.

(Reuters)

Ultimate legal method for settling controversies or disputes between and among persons, organisations, and the State. In litigation process, a case (called suit or lawsuit) is brought before a court of law suitably empowered (having the jurisdiction) to hear the case, by the parties involved (the litigants) for resolution (the judgment).

Ramotar takes AML fight to State House Fun Day

President Donald Ramotar has urged all Guyanese to raise their voices in condemnation of the Opposition’s stony position on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) (AML/CFT) Bill, which has been in the limelight for some time now.

He made the call while addressing citizens on the lawns of State-House on Sunday, where hundreds had gathered to pay homage to the “father of the nation”,

the late Dr Cheddi Berret Jagan and his wife Janet Jagan.

President Ramotar told the gathering that the combined Opposition continues to stifle the legacy of the late leader, while at the same time suppressing the progress of the Government.

“This Bill will be important to fight drug traffickers and to fight money launderers and those who shout about drug traffickers, but

by their action, they are objectively helping the criminal elements in our society. That is why we need all of you to make your voices heard to ensure that Guyana does not feel the consequences of being blacklisted by the international community.”

Ramotar said the former President would have been gravely upset had he been alive today to witness the atrocities carried out by

in the social education, health, and infrastructural sectors, since according to him; Guyana will be able to move forward if the needs of the population are addressed. He pointed out the investments made in the Amaila Falls Project, which he reminded, would provide cheap energy to all Guyana; but has been throttled upon by the Opposition. Government’s plan to invest in a modern airport

leaders, claiming to have the country’s interest at heart. He said the Government continues to struggle to uphold the statues of the great leader.

Loyal

“We in the PPP government have been very loyal to the vision of Cheddi Jagan, trying to make life for ordinary people much better,” he said to loud applause.

He said the Government had seen it rather necessary to make huge investments

was also shattered by the Opposition’s non-support.

Also speaking at the Fun Day was People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee. He expressed similar sentiments as the President, encouraging all, especially supporters of the PPP, to work towards realising the dreams of the party’s founder.

“We who are here to continue the duty, our task is to continue building Guyana, making it a nation in which

provision is made for every single Guyanese.”

The Fun Day drew persons from every corner of Guyana, with families bonding and sharing in the exciting moments. Thrilling performances of Indian dancers saw both the young and old moving their bodies in unison. The chutney singers also had the audience going.

Dr Cheddi Berret Jagan was born on March 22, 1918 in Port Mourant, Corentyne, a rural village in Berbice. He was the eldest of 11 children born to parents who came from India to British

Guiana as indentured labourers. Dr Jagan was first elected Chief Minister in 1953 and later Premier of British Guiana from 1961 to 1964, prior to independence. He later served as President of Guyana from 1992 to 1997. On February 15, 1997, Dr Jagan suffered a heart attack and was taken to Georgetown Hospital before being flown to the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC, later that day. He underwent heart surgery there and died on March 6, 1997.

One in five TB victims unaware of disease

... Guyana says big strides being made

The Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) said one in five people infected with tuberculosis (TB) in the Americas, including the Caribbean, remains unaware of the disease.

PAHO said this is due to “failure to access health services or because they are not properly diagnosed”. In 2012, PAHO said regional countries reported 220,000 cases of TB, and an estimated 19,000 people died from the disease. But it said an additional 60,000 people are believed to have TB, who have not yet been diagnosed.

“This situation not only endangers their lives, it also facilitates further transmission of TB, producing more disease and generating socioeconomic costs for individuals, families and communities,” PAHO warned.

Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsarran in his World TB Day message, said Guyana has aggressively joined the fight against the disease,

and as a result of its commitment and proactive approaches, citizens in all 10 regions can access TB care and treatment through the 18 TB health facilities and many outreaches.

No complacency

Ramsaran added that the staff members at the Ministry’s National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) have worked tirelessly to ensure that infected persons are given optimum treatment and care. He disclosed that the diligent work of the NTP has resulted in the reduction of TB cases over the years with the incidence rate in 2012 being 92 per 100,000 of the population when compared to 78 per 100,000 of the population in 2013.

“While our improving TB statistics are encouraging, the Ministry of Health wishes to urge and encourage all Guyanese to support the efforts of the NTP towards further reducing the incidence

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran

of the disease,” the Minister stated. He pointed out that one of the most strategic mechanisms to combat TB is educating people about the disease.

The Health Minister explained that the Ministry

in collaboration with the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) is embarking on the development of a TB StepDown Care facility located in the West Demerara Regional Hospital compound. Dr Ramsaran disclosed that the facility has a capacity for 20 beds, along with two isolation rooms, which will be used for inpatient management mainly for TB patients who are infectious, homeless or who have complications.

This facility, the Minister noted, was designed to address the ventilation issue to avoid the transmission of TB bacteria, as such, strict infection control standards were adhered to.

“While the aim of the Ministry of Health is to provide the very best health care services to those infected/affected by TB, it is even more beneficial to implement preventative measures where diseases such as TB are concerned. To this end, persons with compromised immune systems, as

well as migrant populations and substance abusers who are at higher risk of getting TB are constantly targeted to educate them about this disease and to inform them about and encourage them to access health care services as early as possible,” the Minister said.

Dr Ramsaran highlighted that Guyana will continue its rigorous battle against the disease which threatens the health of its people; however, he noted that this cannot be done without the support of citizens.

Fortunate

“I urge you on the occasion of this year’s observation of World TB Day under the theme ‘Reach The 3 Million. Find, Treat, Cure TB’ to spend a few moments reflecting on how fortunate you are if you are personally free of this dreaded disease. And to spare a thought for those of our fellow citizens who are not so fortunate to reflect on the great but oft

– PAHO

times unrecognised services our TB health workers are providing on a daily basis,” the Minister said. He further complimented the TB staff for their excellent work while urging others to join the Ministry in its struggle to rid the country of this disease.

“The fight against TB is everybody’s business! The Ministry of Health cannot do it alone! This is also your fight,” the Minister stated. TB is a disease often caused by bacteria which affects various parts of the body, including the lungs. Its most common symptom is persistent coughs which usually last for two to three weeks. Infected persons are urged to seek medical treatment for this disease since it can easily transmit germs into the air, through coughs, sneezes or spits, and infect others. The treatment lasts for some six months.

In Guyana, the Health Ministry provides medication free of charge to patients.

SUDOKU

You need to be proactive to exploit an opportunity that comes your way. Stress your qualifications and achievements, and you will make a good impression.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Don’t sit at home feeling lonely. Congeniality will be instrumental in helping you make new friends. Consider reconnecting with someone you can share fond memories with.

Advancement or a change in career could be coming your way. Your peers are very impressed with your accomplishments, and new employment opportunities will soon open up.

Show your competitive side to come out on top of any challenge you face. Break away from your routine and try an unconventional project to highlight your creative talents.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

It’s time to make a clean sweep. Put your affairs in order and donate or dispose of unwanted objects. Refresh your environment, and your mind will feel refreshed as well.

(March 21-April 19)

Take a look at the bigger picture. You can broaden your horizons by getting involved in new interests. Staying well-informed will give you a better understanding of different people and cultures.

(April 20-May 20)

You will be approached by someone wanting details of your investment dealings. Don’t gamble. Ignore promises of instant financial rewards, and keep your money matters private.

(May 21June 20)

You may have a false impression of the circumstances surrounding you. Get all the facts before you make any accusations or declarations, or you could damage your reputation.

There is some conflict going on around you. Zero in on your own objectives, or you may be caught up in the middle of an unpleasant emotional situation.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Set your sights on a particular goal. You have all of the talent necessary to succeed, but you may have to resort to some unorthodox methods to get what you want.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Even though you work hard, you may fall short of your objectives. To speed up your progress, develop a different method to achieve your goals.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Rather than depress yourself by reliving past problems, set your sights on the future. Decide what is needed in order to enjoy life to the fullest, and go for it.

Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

Shalom Driving School. Lot 2 Croal Street. Call 227-3835, 227-3869, 622-8162 and enjoy 20% discount

Practical electronic course beginning April 7. Abdul Electronic; Phone 226-6551/225-0391

Music is fun! Register now and learn to play the Keyboard, Guitar, Drums and do Voice Training. Call Foundation 7 on 225-1151, 617-4200.

Agricultural tractors and machinery; single and 4-wheel drive: Massey Ferguson, Ford, John Deere, New Holland and Fiat. Also available spares parts for these machines. Phone: 619-4483, 601-7883, 2266325

Spare parts for 1-2-3-4 and 6 cylinder diesel engines for Lister, Pieter, Kobota, Perkins, Veutz, Fiat, John Deer, Case IH, Cummings, Bedford and Leyland Daf. Also all middles of diesel generators: super silence and open air from 3KVA- 600KVA. Contact Rams Auto Spares on telephone 226-6325, 227-1454, 6194483 and 685-3568

Chinese-made gas stoves. Call 2315866, 231-5857

Cheap earth delivered to spot on ECD and EBD. Call 627-9977 &6980182

Clean garden earth and builders waste; our services also includes Bobcat rental, excavating, clearing and leveling. Call 616-0617 or 6633285

One Honda 450 ATV. Call: 626-3817

Sawmill complex designed to produce thousands of BM for export and local market, built on 25 acres of land. Phone: 684-5868.

Healthworld Holistic Centre offers clinical psychotherapy for suicidal thoughts, attempted suicides, depression, stress, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, homicidal thoughts, hallucinations, loneliness, conflicts, anger management, relationship & sexual problems, paranoia and much more. Call +592-621-0552 and make that appointment now before it’s too late. 12:00PM – 6:00PM. Mondays - Fridays. Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

Herstelling - $3.2M (110x60ft), Parfaite Harmonie (with foundation 20x30ft) $1.5M, Parfaite Harmonie$1.4M, Schoonord - $2M. Call: 6757292

Prescription Plus Pharmacy located at Lot E5 Hadfield Street, W/ville between Louisa Row and Winter place. Opening Monday to Saturdays 07:00- 20:00h; Sunday & Holidays 08:30-13:00h. Pharmacist always available. Phone: 227-2973

Property for sale at 48 Light Street, Alberttown (between third and fourth streets) Contact Ram on telephone: 619-4483 685-3568 and 226-6325.

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

J Eastman & Associates. Taxation (VAT, income & Property), Cash Flow Projections, Business Development Plan, Personal Financial Adviser, Accounting & Consultancy. 190 Church Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana (two buildings east of Austin’s Book Store. Phone: 223-2105, 662-7467

Suriname Astrology Palmist and Djuka Healing, the most powerful spiritualist in the world, are you suffering from the following problems (any religion) love, marriage, family, health business, husband and wife relationship, property, court, children, promotion, visa, pregnancy, education, depression, job, sexual, jealousy, enemy, money, drinking?

Also you can have all evil forces destroyed such as black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, obeyah etc and give powerful protection. We also do upliftment for clearing of land, dredging operations strictly in the interior. For private and confidential service call 674-2112.

Get your home or business spiritually clean to enhance good luck and prosperity. Telephone: 687-5653

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 592-690-1824 from 10:0016:00h Email:anew-life@live.com

Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to businesses. Call: 612-6417, 220-0708, 687-5653.

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; HONDA CRV RD4; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TONS DUMP TRUCK; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PREORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

4x4 Nissan Titan fully powered Immaculate condition $3.5M. No reasonable offer refused. 622-7740

Full & part time security guards. To arrange an interview, call 231-5866, 231-5857

Australia v Pakistan, World T20, Group 2, Mirpur

Pakistan hold on in high-voltage game

If ever proof was needed that Pakistan are world cricket’s most mercurial side, take this match as exhibit A. Bilawal Bhatti’s first over cost 30 runs, Pakistan dropped two catches in three balls, they conceded an 18-ball half-century to Glenn Maxwell and in their own innings stumbled to 25 for 2 in their fifth over. Oh, and they won. Comfortably, in the end. So relaxed was Mohammad Hafeez by the end that he trusted Bhatti with the final over, with Australia needing 23. They managed six.

This really was a split personality of a game. The fielding from both sides was poor, as was some of the bowling. But the striking from Umar Akmal and Maxwell was breathtaking, and a couple of wonderful overs from two of Pakistan’s spinners, Zulfiqar Babar and Saeed Ajmal, meant more than Bhatti’s dirty 30-run over. Perhaps the most important feature of the match was the lopsided nature of Australia’s scorecard; nobody but Maxwell and Aaron Finch reached double figures.

And yet while they were at the crease together, Australia rocketed into favouritism. Chasing 192, they had come together at 8 for 2 at the end of the first over, after Babar’s quicker ball rattled David Warner’s stumps and his turner caught the edge of Shane Watson’s bat on the way through to Kamran Akmal. But from there, Maxwell and Finch

lifted Australia to 126 for 2 in the 12th over, a position from which they could have and should have won.

Had Maxwell stayed there they would have. As he struck six after six with conventional strokeplay, it was hard to work out why he had tried to reversesweep Hafeez from the first ball of his innings. Nerves, perhaps. But when he stood still and played the ball on its merits, he was almost impossible to stop. He clubbed Hafeez over midwicket and square leg for two sixes in an over and struck another as Shahid Afridi leaked 15 in his first over.

Afridi seemed Scroogelike compared to Bhatti, who was thumped for two consecutive sixes that brought Maxwell his halfcentury, the equal fastest in a T20 international by an Australia player. The record

was set by David Warner, who struck an 18-ball fifty against West Indies in 200910 at the SCG, where the Arizona Diamondbacks and the LA Dodgers are playing Major League Baseball this week. Some of Maxwell’s strikes belonged there. He was put down on 70 by Ajmal in the deep - two balls earlier Kamran had failed to glove Finch’s edge behind off Ajmal’s doosra - but on 74 Maxwell fell when he picked out deep midwicket off the bowling of Afridi. And magically, the runs dried up. The rest of the Australians struggled to force the pace against Pakistan’s spin; George Bailey was bowled by Afridi for 4 off nine balls and after Brad Hodge was well caught in the deep by Ajmal off Umar Gul, Ajmal got rid of the other main danger, Finch. Australia needed 31 off the final three overs when Ajmal was given his last over, and it was a brilliant one. Finch, settled but still a little scratchy, was bowled by an Ajmal straight ball for 65 off 54 balls, and the over brought one run and one wicket. And, more or less, one Pakistan victory. Because 30 off two overs was too much for Australia’s lower order; Gul and Bhatti picked up wickets and there was a run out, and Australia were bowled out from the last ball for 175.

Pakistan 191 for 5 (Umar Akmal 94) beat Australia 175 (Maxwell 74, Finch 65) by 16 runs (Cricinfo)

South Africa openers set up thumping win

South Africa Women’s openers Dane van Niekerk and Lizelle

lET

One furnished house in immaculate condition at Lamaha Gardens suitable for residence and office. US$2,500 (AC, hot & cold, parking etc). One modern 3 bedroom apartment at Campbellville US$1,300 (AC, hot & cold, parking etc). One bond 135,000square foot at Beterverwagting, ECD US$10,000. Call 219-4535 or 661-7169

Lee shared an unbroken 163-run opening stand, setting Pakistan Women a target that eventually proved well out of their reach.

Pakistan Women failed to strike even once after putting South Africa in to bat as Lee and van Niekerk put behind a quiet opening to push up the scoring rate in the

second half of the innings. Lee was unbeaten on 67 off 55 balls with eight fours and a six, while her partner van Niekerk ended on 90 off 66 balls with 13 fours and a six.

In reply, a 48-run partnership for the third wicket between Nain Abidi and Nida Dar rallied Pakistan’s innings after two early setbacks. Both batsmen were dismissed in successive overs, however, and their

wickets allowed South Africa to stifle the scoring, effectively denying Pakistan any impetus. Marizanne Kapp took 3 for 16 and was well aided by fellow fast bowler Shabnim Ismail (2-20) and legspinner Suné Luus (2-18).

South Africa Women 163 for 0 (van Niekerk 90*, Lee 67*) beat Pakistan Women 119 for 9 (Dar 32, Abidi 28, Kapp 3-16) by 44 runs (Cricinfo)

All-round Browne stars in narrow NZ Women win

Australia Women suffered a spate of runouts as New Zealand Women held their nerve to wrap up a seven-run win in Sylhet. Chasing 129, Australia needed 51 from 41 balls, with six wickets in hand, when Ellyse Perry was run out for 14. Australia lost Jess Jonassen in the next over, before Alex Blackwell, who had kept them in the hunt with an innings of 31,

was run out with 24 required from 17 balls. The chase disintegrated after that, with three more wickets falling in the last two overs, including one more run-out.

New Zealand had dented Australia’s chase early on, with Holly Huddleston striking twice in her first two overs to leave them 14 for 3. Blackwell then joined Alyssa Healy in a 45-run fourth-wicket stand, be-

fore Healy was lbw to medium-pacer Suzie Bates for a run-a-ball 41. Blackwell and Perry then added 20, before run-outs derailed Australia’s hopes. New Zealand Women 128 for 8 (Perkins 31, Browne 29, Jonassen 2-22, Coyte 2-8) beat Australia Women 121 (Healy 41, Blackwell 31, Huddleston 2-23) by 7 runs (Cricinfo)

Windies go under in low-scoring opener

Title-holders West Indies were beaten by seven wickets by India in their opening match of the ICC World T20 tournament on Sunday.

Sent in at Shere Bangla National Stadium, West Indies struggled to find momentum after finding their power-hitters shackled by India’s accurate seam and spin attack, and had to settle for 129-7.

Opener Chris Gayle battled to a top score of 34 from 33 balls while Lendl Simmons chipped in with 27 from 22 balls but were the only two batsmen to get past 20.

Left-arm spinner Ravi Jadeja picked up three for 48 and Man-of-the-Match leg-spinner Amit Mishra claimed three for 18, to derail the West Indies innings.

In reply, India paced their innings and reached their target off 19.4 overs, with a century-stand between Rohit Sharma (62 not out) and Virat Kohli (54).

West Indies were given early hope of a come-frombehind win when leg-spinner Samuel Badree knocked over Shikhar Dhawan in the

first over without scoring, with just one on the board.

But Rohit and Kohli combined in a 106-run, second wicket stand to erase any chance of a surprise India defeat.

The loss leaves West Indies needing crucial victories against Bangladesh on Tuesday and Australia next Friday, in order to re-ignite their campaign.

The tone of the Windies innings was set by India’s new ball pair of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami who found generous movement under the lights, tied down openers Gayle and Dwayne Smith, and allowed just 18 runs off the first five overs.

Gayle and Smith, though, put on 38 off 47 balls but mostly played and missed. Smith, especially, never came to terms with either seam or spin, and his two swept boundaries off offspinner Ravi Ashwin were the only highlight of his painful 11 off 29 balls, before he chipped a tame return catch to the same bowler to end his misery.

Gayle, dropped before he had scored by Ashwin at

Sammy – We did not respond well enough

West Indies lost their opening match of the ICC World T20 by seven wickets to India at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium on Sunday night.

The defending champions got off to a slow start with the bat and eventually mustered 129-7 off their 20 overs. The topsore was 34 from Chris Gayle while Lendl Simmons made 27. India replied with 130-3 off 19.4 overs, as the Windies bowlers took the game into the final over.

After the match skipper Darren Sammy said his side did not respond well enough to the Indian bowling attack but promised a much better showing when they face Bangladesh at the same venue on Tuesday night.

“We just didn’t respond well enough to their spinners – round one goes to India. I have a strong feeling that we will meet again, so we are looking forward to that. They used the conditions quite well. It’s a fact that we just didn’t bat well. We didn’t bat well and we still got to 130,” Sammy said.

“We will take heart from that but we never kicked off in the innings. Simmons played some good blows in the late overs but apart from that we never really got those big overs we required...we didn’t get that big moment and we were always behind the eight-ball.

“It is no need for us to panic. We have three more first round games to go in the tournament against Bangladesh, Australia and

slip and then again on 19 by Yuvraj Singh at mid-wicket off a skyer, rode his luck to smash two leg-side sixes and a four but never looked settled.

Mishra, introduced after six overs, made life even more difficult for West Indies, drying up the scoring and leaving the Caribbean side languishing at 46 for one, at the half-way point.

Desperation led to Gayle’s demise as Marlon Samuels stroked Mishra to point and set off for an impossible run, leaving Mohammed Shami to formalise the outcome with an easy throw to wicketkeeper MS Dhoni, with Gayle well short of his ground.

Going nowhere at 62 for two at the end of the 13th over, things grew worse when three wickets tumbled for 12 runs in the space of ten balls. A strangely outof-sorts Samuels charged Mishra, missed and was neatly stumped for 18 off 22 balls and Dwayne Bravo departed first ball, playing around a googly and falling lbw.

Captain Darren Sammy averted the hat-trick, slamming two fours in scoring

Pakistan and we back ourselves to win all three and reach the semi-finals. We are here to defend our title and we will give our all.”

Sammy added: “In the bowling department, though we didn’t bowl as well as we could be we took it down to the end. We tried to take it down to as late as possible –to try and take the game as deep as possible into the last overs. Net run-rate normally comes into play in these tournaments. They getting the runs with two balls to spare, it is a plus for us.

“In the next match we have to bring our A game against the home side. We still believe we will be a force in this tournament so we will aim to come back hard against the Bangladeshis.”

West Indies will have a full training session on Monday afternoon at the Dhaka nets. Tuesday’s match against Bangladesh will start at 7:30 pm (9:30 am Eastern Caribbean Time/8:30 am Jamaica Time).(WICB release)

11 while adding a precious 23 for the fifth wicket with Simmons.

The partnership looked promising before Sammy too perished, holing out on the ropes at long-off off Jadeja with the Windies still short of a hundred at 97 for five in the 18thover.

Simmons was given a life when he was caught in the deep off a Jadeja no-ball in the 18th over, and Andre Russell (7) deposited the resulting free hit over wide long on for six.

However, Russell was tied down in the penultimate over bowled by Mishra that cost just two runs, and was then taken at deep midwicket off the first ball of the final over bowled by Jadeja, attempting to clear the ropes.

Simmons promptly whacked successive sixes down the ground off the next two balls before skying to point, and Sunil Narine belted his first delivery over mid-wicket for another maximum, as West Indies frenetically gathered 21 from the final over – the most productive of the innings.

When Dhawan played

back and unluckily adjudged lbw to Badree, the Windies scented a comeback but Rohit and Kohli played superbly to end the game as a contest.

Rohit spanked five fours and two sixes off 55 balls while Kohli stroked five fours and a six off 41 balls, to put India within sight of victory.

There was therefore little rejoicing when Kohli missed a heave and was bowled by Russell in the 15th over and India got 20 runs from the next 24 balls, to enter the final over requiring a single run.

SCOREBOARD

West Indies

D Smith c & b Ashwin 11

C Gayle run out (Dhoni/ Mohammed Shami) 34

M Samuels st Dhoni b Mishra 18

L Simmons c Dhawan b Jadeja 27

Dwayne Bravo LBW Mishra 0

D Sammy* c Sharma b Jadeja 11

A Russell c Kohli b Jadeja 7

S Narine not out 7

D Ramdin+ not out 0

Total: (7 wickets, 20 Overs) 129

Extras: (lb 1, w 12, nb 1) 14

Did not Bat: S Badree, K Santokie.

Fall of Wickets: 1-38 (Smith, 7.5 ov), 2-62 (Gayle, 12.6 ov), 3-74 (Samuels, 14.3 ov), 4-74 (Bravo, 14.4 ov), 5-97 (Sammy, 17.3 ov), 6-108 (Russell, 19.1 ov), 7-121 (Simmons, 19.4 ov).

India Bowling: B Kumar 3-03-0, Mohammed Shami 3-0-

27-0, R Ashwin 4-0-24-1, A Mishra 4-0-18-2, S Raina 2-08-0, R Jadeja 4-0-48-3.

India (Target; 130) R Sharma not out 62 S Dhawan LBW Badree 0 V Kohli b Russell 54 Yuvraj

T&T roll over tamely as Barbados win big

Barbados crushed arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago by an innings and 60 runs inside three days, to make a bold statement in the Regional Four-Day Championship here Sunday.

Spinners Ashley Nurse and Sulieman Benn shared eight wickets as T&T, resuming the day on 44 without loss in their second innings following on, were bundled out for 199, 40 minutes before tea on the penultimate day of their fourth round match at Kensington Oval.

Nurse claimed four for

64 and Benn, four for 66, as T&T lost ten wickets for 155 runs in just under two sessions, to surrender meekly.

Evin Lewis converted his overnight unbeaten 37 into a top score of 61 while captain Rayad Emrit got 30, Adrian Barath 26 and wicketkeeper Steven Katwaroo, 25, but the first innings deficit of 359 proved too daunting.

Champion batsman Darren Bravo failed for the second time in the game, following up his first innings for with just 19.

The victory, set up by a first innings total of 479

Broad fined for umpire criticism

England captain Stuart Broad has been fined 15% of his match fee for comments following his team’s rain-affected defeat against New Zealand.

England lost on the Duckworth-Lewis method and Broad questioned the timing of the umpires’ decision to take the teams off the field. He pleaded guilty to a Level One charge of publicly criticising match officials.

Lightning was seen above the ground in Chittagong before five overs of the New Zealand innings had been completed - the amount required to constitute a match - but Aleem Dar and Paul Reiffel elected to keep the players on until the arrival of rain, which came after 5.2 overs, a decision that Broad described as “decidedly average”.

It has also emerged that

the ECB has urged the ICC to revise its regulations and ensure that players are taken off at the first sign of lightning in future. Decisions on when to suspend play due to adverse weather are currently in the hands of the umpires but Giles Clarke, the ECB chairman, has asked ICC chief

executive, David Richards, to institute a rethink.

“We have been having discussions of a very serious nature,” Clarke told the Daily Mail. “These were extraordinary circumstances, and the umpires were in a tricky position. But if that had been a golf tournament, everyone would have been

off.

“I completely see Stuart Broad’s point. The safety of both the players and the crowd should be paramount if there’s an electrical storm. If it happens again, they’re almost certainly going to have to go straight off.”

Broad’s comments were, according to match referee Javagal Srinath, in breach of section 2.1.7 of the code of conduct for players. “Umpires are the final judges of the fitness of the ground, weather or light for play,” Srinath said. “Weather decisions are the most difficult to make, but the umpires make the best decision possible, taking all factors into account.

“Such public criticism is not good for the spirit of the game. Mutual respect between players, match officials and administrators is paramount to the game of cricket.”

(Cricinfo)

Deos win Sanjay’s Jewellery golf tourney

Played under a new format on Saturday, the Sanjay’s Jewellerysponsored pair golf tournament attracted some 44 golfers with the Deos taking top honours at the Lusignan Golf Course.

The two-person partner tournament, which combined scores using 3/4 of the handicap, saw a very competitive showing from all the pairs. Club Captain Chatterpaul Deo and Joanne Deo (a father-and-daughter team) won the closely fought tournament with a combined score of 144, followed by the pair of Haresh Tiwari and Ravi Persaud, who scored 145. Third place went to the Cummings brothers, Roy and Andre. Closest to the pin went to Alfred Mentore and best gross was taken by M. Diddanauth.

Sanjay Persaud of Sanjay’s Jewellery said he

Meusa, Ali dominate Courts-ECI Engineering Chess blitz tournament

National Senior Chess Champion Wendell Meusa continued his dominant performance on the local chess scene as he played undefeated in the Courts- ECI Engineering one-day blitz tournament on the Main Street avenue last Saturday. Meusa, who is known for strong performances in the longer version, demonstrated the same high level of play as he earned nine points from his allotted nine games. Anthony Drayton, who suffered his lone loss to Meusa, had to settle for the second position, while Carlos Petterson took third. The top five points standing read Wendell Meusa nine; Anthony Drayton eight; Carlos Petterson six,whileArnold Phang and Leslie Campbell end on four points apiece.

The junior category was dominated by Saeed Ali, who collected six points. Davion Mars took the second position, while Christian

top performers pose with

Shivrattan took third. During the presentation, newly elected president of the

Guyana Chess Federation, Irshad Mohamed, expressed his gratitude to Courts

Guyana Limited and ECI Engineering for their contributions to the tournament.

BEI Surprise BHS In Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy opener

Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) boys won the opening game of the Berbice leg of the Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy when they registered a 2-0 win over Berbice High School (BHS) at the All Saints Ground on Princess Elizabeth Road in New Amsterdam on Saturday.

The two second-half goals shocked the pre-match favourites who were having difficulty making accurate passes.

BEI were awarded a free kick about 30 feet from the centre line on the 49th minute. The shot was taken by Glenroy Henry and went over a defence wall that was set up by BHS and sailed over the head of goal-keeper Kelon Castello who had advanced in anticipation of

the ball rebounding off one of the players.

Ten minutes later a penalty was awarded to BEI after one of the players stretched his hand out and touched the ball in the 20-yard box.

The shot was taken by Dwayne Allen and was sent straight at the goalkeeper who knocked it back out. Allen then made him pay for his error.

Earlier, both teams found it difficult to keep the ball on the ground thereby making it almost impossible for players to fully utilize passes to them.

In the dying stages of the game, BHI, desperate for a comeback goal, made several attempts at scoring, but goalkeeper Gerald Foort produced some excellent saves much to the delight of the small Saturday mid-morning crowd.

The competition continues on Tuesday when New Amsterdam Multilateral (NAMS) take on Canje Secondary at the Esplanade Ground. Kick-off time is 15:30 hrs.

BEI, BHS, NAMS, Canje Secondary, Vryman’s Erven Secondary (VESS) and Tutorial Academy (TASS) will be vying for the right to represent Berbice in the national finals of the Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy.

The finals will be played between the winners of the two Georgetown zones, West Demerara, Linden and Berbice.

Meanwhile, the girls will be in action on April 29th when TASS take on NAMS. BEI and BHS girls will also be competing for the right to represent Berbice in the finals.

was very happy with the tournament and the format in which it was played and also said it was very good to see the father/daughter team emerging victorious. The company also confirmed their commitment for future tournaments, one as early as October this year.

Second vice-president of the Lusignan Golf Club, David Mohamad, also confirmed that continuous improvements are being done on the course and to the club house. Also, weekly tournaments for the next six weeks are in place and there may even be a double-header in the weeks ahead.

He also took the opportunity to thank Sanjay’s Jewellery for its long -term partnership with the Lusignan Golf Club and wished the company the very best.

Shillingford sets up intriguing last day

Shane Shillingford produced a sensational second innings bowling spell to give the Windward Islands hope of pulling off an outright victory over leaders, Jamaica.

Shiillingford, returning from suspension, having corrected his action picked up seven wickets in the second innings of the game and finished his overall bowling performance with ten wickets.

Jamaica started the day on 26/0 and Shillingford got two early wickets for the visitors, removing both openers. Nkrumah Bonner and Jermaine Blackwood repaired the early damage with an 80run partnership that helped steady the Jamaican innings. However, Shillingford would return to break the partnership and also send both batsmen back to the pavilion in a short space of time.

It soon became 122/4 with the Jamaicans in a deficit of 22 runs. But just when things were looking up for the Windwards, wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh came to Jamaica’s rescue.

The out-of-favour West

Indies wicket-keeper hit an unbeaten 89 to keep Jamaica in the game. Captain, Tamar Lambert, also provided good support, stroking a patient 67. However, when the Jamaica captain was out, wickets began following around Baugh, who continued steadily. He faced 141 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes.

In building crucial partnerships with the lower order, Baugh managed to take the Jamaicans to 275 before he ran out of partners. Shillingford had nabbed away at the hosts until he finished with 7-116. Devon Smith also chipped in with 2-33. It meant the Windwards needed 254 runs for victory once Jamaica’s deficit of 22 runs were deducted. Openers Devon Smith and Tyrone Theophile both saw out the last nine overs of the day. Both batsmen are unbeaten on 15 each.

Day 4 starts at 11am Eastern Caribbean Time (10am Jamaica Time) tomorrow, with the Windwards needing a further 223 runs to win.

Pressure mounts on Gov’t, combined Opposition to resolve cricket impasse

– passage of Cricket Administration Bill is the only way out

By Rajiv Bisnauth

In a time of deep crisis within our local cricket arena, a crisis that seriously impacts the management of local cricket, pressure has now mounted on the government and combined opposition to resolve the predicament that bedevils the local game .

This passionate call was made during the Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB) seventh annual awards and presentation ceremony held on Saturday evening at the St. Francis Training Centre, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice.

“Cricket has suffered for too long and it’s time we sort it out once and for all. Cricket has nothing to do with government, but the government has a lot to do with cricket, so the government must sort this predicament out,” cricket icon Basil Butcher said during his brief remarks.

Butcher stated that cricket is more than just a game for people in Berbice, Guyana and the Caribbean. “It is part of our culture, our pride and our tradition,” he stated, adding that cricket brings us together and transcends race and religion.

“It is rather paradoxical that a game that gives us so much pleasure, fun and joy could also cause so much rancour, hatred and animosity,” the former West Indies batsman stressed.

Support

While, Butcher called on the government to get its act together, East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) president Bissoondyal Singh made a strong appeal to the combined opposition to support the Cricket Administration Bill, since the passage of the bill he said, will serve in the interest of the professional management of the game at all levels.

“The bill is extremely important since it will bring an end to the rigged elections, lack of accountability, the mismanagement, the confusion and the chaos. The bill therefore will set the ‘pitch’ for the success of our cricket,” Singh outlined.

Singh, who was vicepresident of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) under the presidency of Chetram Singh, stated that cricket in Guyana over the past four years has been in the most disastrous state in the history of the game nationally.

“What is astonishing is that monies were sent by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to Guyana specifically for cricket development and none has reached the treasuries of the productive sectors of Guyana’s cricket – the Georgetown Cricket Association, the East Coast Cricket Board and the BCB”.

“Therefore, one must ask the question, what is happening with the $US 100,000 of Guy$21,000,000 that the WICB is sending

yearly to Guyana specifically for cricket development?”

Priority

Meanwhile, during his feature address, Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali mentioned that since cricket is such an integral part of Guyanese culture, the government stands ready to work in whatever way that will ensure cricket does not suffer.

“We the government

vestment not only at the local level, but at the regional level then we can use Berbice cricket as the catalyst through which we create a new market into Suriname for cricket.”

“I think the Berbice administrators should look at this, to develop their strategic plans and goals around this geographic asset they have,” Ali concluded.

Parliamentarian and

goals set out by the BCB. Foster, who is serving his last term in office, also congratulated all the awardees and implored that school should be a priority.

“Take your school seriously, since there is a life beyond cricket,” Foster said.

Also making brief remarks was Human Resource Manager of the Albion Estate, Vemen Walter, who echoed the view that the

Other Awards

While Permaul and Campbell received the Berbice Male and Female Cricketer of the Year awards –Under-15 Cricketer of the Year (Adrian Sukhwa); Under-17 Cricketer of the Year (Brandon Prasad); Under-19 Cricketer of the Year (Gudakesh Motie); Disciplined Female Player (Tremayne Smartt);

believe that the priority should be cricket, it should be no individual, it should be no grouping, it should be cricket and we need everyone who have cricket at their heart to allow the selfish desires, to allow individualistic desires to be removed and let the collective good of cricket be heartened through which we look to revive the cricketing aspects of sport in Guyana.”

Potential

Minister Ali, while congratulating the Berbice Cricket Board for the excellent work they have been doing over the years, stated that Berbice has the greatest potential for Guyana and West Indies cricket in terms of earning revenue and expanding the cricketing base for Guyana and the West Indies.

“You are the closest and most direct link to Suriname; cricket is now developing in that country, if we can invest correctly in Berbice cricket and this in-

NCN Berbice executive Fizul Jafferally congratulated the BCB for the manner in which it manages the affairs of cricket in Berbice.

He noted that as a result of the way Berbice cricket is managed, the board is in a position to produce more cricketers at the highest level.

He stated that the government acknowledged the importance of the game in the Ancient County, and to this end, some $60 million was spent to rehabilitate 30 grounds last year in Berbice.

Jafferally also expressed his dissatisfaction with the way local cricket is being managed.

Meanwhile, President of the BCB, Keith Foster in his brief remarks said despite the lack of financial assistance from the Guyana Cricket Board for the past four years, the BCB has striven.

He praised his executive and urged them to continue the good work to achieve the

BCB has been doing an outstanding job in promoting the game not only in Berbice, but countrywide.

He called on the awardees to use the award as a means of inspiration and at the same time urged the administrators to continue promoting the game.

Awardees

The impressive ceremony showed a reflection of Berbice’s cricket on and off the field.

Over 30 awards were presented to outstanding cricketers, administrators and donors who performed exceptionally during the past year to help keep Berbice cricket on the heights it has reached to make the county proud.

Saturday’s ceremony saw West Indies left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul and West Indies Women all-rounder Shemaine Campbell copping the male and female cricketers-ofthe-year awards, respectively.

Most Disciplined Player (Sharaz Ramcharran); Best Domestic Coach (Winston Smith); Inter County Coach (Hubern Evans); Umpire of the Year (Moses Ramlall); Most Promising Player (Balchand Baldeo);Most Improved Player (Askay Homraj); West Berbice Junior Cricketer of the Year (Derick Narine Jnr); New Amsterdam/Canje Junior Cricketer of the Year (Shimron Hetmyer); Lower Corentyne Junior Cricketer of the Year (Gudakesh Motie); and Upper Corentyne Junior Cricketer of the Year (Dion Esau). Albion Cricket Club won the Club-of-the-Year award, while special awards went to Imran Mokan for his elevation to the West Indies regional panel and the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association for their remarkable stewardship of cricket in the Upper Corentyne area. Hilbert Foster gave a review of the board’s 2013 activities.

Godfrey Pollydore wins Cheddi Jagan Memorial three-leg cycle race

– race attracted hundreds along Essequibo roadway

By Indrawattie Natram

Hundreds of persons gathered throughout the one-lane road on the Essequibo Coast to witness the conclusion of the Dr Cheddi Jagan Memorial three-leg cycle road race. The race has been in progress for the past three Sundays, in memory of the late father of the nation and President of Guyana.

Godfrey Pollydore emerged as winner of the third stage as he rode brilliantly in the early morning weather conditions at the 10th annual Cheddi Jagan Memorial cycle race held on the Essequibo Coast on Sunday. Alonzo Greaves came in second while Raynauth Jeffery was third.

Godfrey Pollydore powers ahead of Alonzo Greaves to take the flag for the win.

IAN Jackson copped first in the Veterans’ category and Wazim Hasnoo was second. Naomi Singh grabbed first in the female race.

In the senior category, Akeem Arthur copped first, while Michael Anthony placed second, junior Mountain Bike Ozia Macully first and Lennon Dick second.

The 50-mile race commenced at 09:00hrs sharp at Supenaam with the cyclists wheeling off with moderate speed. At the start, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud thanked the cyclists for joining the competition. Persaud said that the event is much anticipated on the Essequibo Coast and many persons usually flock the roadway to see the cyclists as they pedal their way to the finish line. The chairman said that he was happy for the event in the region and noted that this is the 10th year that the event has come to the Essequibo Coast.

The race was spon-

sored by El Dorado Trading and Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services.

The competition was done in five categories: seniors, juniors, veterans, mountain bikers and females.

The juniors and seniors wheeled off from Supenaam at 09:00hrs for the 50-mile journey that took off from Charity before returning to Anna Regina for the finish, while the mountain bikers, veterans and females moved off from Anna Regina after the juniors and seniors had passed through Anna Regina and travelled to Charity before returning to the place of origin for the finish.

The top six finishers (seniors or juniors) received prizes as well as the top three juniors, top three veterans, top three mountain bikers and top three females.

The defending champion of the Essequibo leg is Paul DeNobrega, who returned a time of two hours 17 minutes 59 seconds last year.

Raul Leal won the junior category last year, while Kennard Lovell was the winner of the veterans’ category; Julio Melville won the mountain bike category and Hazina Bharrat the female category.

When the first leg of this year’s race was staged in the West Demerara area on March 2, Michael Anthony won while the second leg which was staged in Berbice was won by Alanzo Greaves.

Attending Sunday’s activity were Director of Sport Neil Kumar; Organiser Hassan Mohammed; Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Ali Baksh; Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud;Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo; and executive member of the PPP and Advisor to the President

Sampson, Yaw and Abbensetts capture sprint doubles – George takes distance double

By Treiston Joseph

JNavin Chandarpa,l amongst other regional officials.

At the presentation ceremony held at the Essequibo Freedom House in Anna Regina,Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud first thanked the organizing committee, while showering praises on the cyclists, reminding them that they were all winners in their own right. Persaud said cycling is new in Region Two and always captures the attention.

Director of Sport Neil Kumar said the race marks the third league of the Cheddi Jagan race nationally. Kumar pointed out that despite the many challenges and hiccups, the racers did well.

Advisor to the President,Navin Chandarpal said the racers have broken another new ground given all of the challenges. He said the race was intended to highlight the life, work and struggles of the late leader Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

Organizer Hassan Mohamed,said that the race was primarily in honour of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, President of Guyana,and reminded the sports fraternity that the late leader lived a humane life.

He urged sports enthusiasts to recognise the contributions of their leaders and to be responsible, while promoting sports in a positive way.

Jagan he said had a passion for sports.

Pollydore concluded that he felt great to have emerged first in the final of the competition. He said that the race was very challenging, but he held on and was determined to the end.

The winners received cash incentives and trophies at a special presentation ceremony held at the Region Two Freedom House.

evina Sampson exploded off the turn onto the straight to take the lead in the final 50 metres to win the girls’ under-18 200 metres when the final day of the CARIFTA trials was held on Sunday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

Sampson, who won the 400 metres on Saturday captured the 200 metres in 25.3s to win the event ahead of Avon Samuels who clocked 25.80s. Natricia Hooper was third in 26.00s, while CARIFTA 200 metres bronze medalist Tirana Mitchell, who is still recovering from a quad injury placed fourth in 26.30s after her 100 metres win on Saturday.

CARIFTA 400 metres bronze medalist Jason Yaw wasted no time in asserting

day in 21.5s. Kareem Purch was second in 22.40s while Shaquille Smartt was third in 22.60s.

CARIFTA gold medalist Cassey George is switching things up, capturing a distance double in the girls’ 3000 metres clocking 10:44.50s.

George is known for her

The girls’ under-18 800 metres was won by Kezra Murray in 2:26.20s, while Cassie Kirton of Linden was second in 2:26.30s in a close finish.

Shaunsel Adams won the girls’ under-20 800 metres clocking a time of 2:42.20s while Sasha James was second in 2:56.90s.

himself on the turn to win the boys’ under-18 200 metres in 21.80s after winning the 400 metres on Saturday.

Dequan Vancooten was second in 22.20s, while Linton Mentis was third in 22.70s. Arinze Chance who was a favourite in the event pulled his hamstring on the turn during the fast-paced race.

The boys’ under-20 200 metres was won by Kevin Abbensetts who ran one of the best turns of the day, leading the event from start to finish to clock the fastest 200 metres time of the

exquisite 800 and 1500 metres running, but chose to go with the 1500 and 3000 metres instead of running the shorter 800 metres.

Andrea Foster was a distant second in 11:22.60s while Shontel Hinds was third in 11:37.80s.

Linden’s Shannon Griffith got some revenge after her close 100 metres loss on Saturday by winning the girls’ under-20 200 metres. Griffith clocked 26.00s to win the event while Shoquan Daniels was second in 26.20s and Shomane Daniels third in 26.80s.

The girls’ under-18 triple jump under-18 was won by Natricia Hooper in 11.32 metres, while the boys’ version was won by Joel Thom in 12.67s.

The boys’ under-20 high jump was won by Jabary Joseph with a height of 1.87 metres, wihile the 5000 metres for boys was won by Grivon Grant in 17:37.10s. Carl McKenzie was second in 18:08.80s. Clarence Green threw away the boys’ under-20 discus for a throwing double with a throw of 27.49 metres to win the event.

Godfrey Pollydore wins Cheddi Jagan Memorial three-leg cycle race

Godfrey Pollydore powers ahead of Alonzo Greaves to claim the flag for the win – race attracted hundreds along Essequibo roadway

Windies go under in low-scoring opener

Run out! Chris Gayle made 34 off 33 balls but the rest of the West Indies batsmen struggled as India strolled to a seven-wicket win in the World T20 in Mirpu

Title-holders West Indies were beaten by seven wickets by India in their opening match of the ICC World T20 tour-

nament on sunday. sent in at shere Bangla national stadium, West Indies struggled to find momentum after finding their

power-hitters shackled by India’s accurate seam and spin attack, and had to settle for 129-7.

See full Story on page 20

Sampson, Yaw and Abbensetts capture sprint doubles

– George takes distance double

By Treiston Joseph

Jevina sampson exploded off the turn onto the straight to take the lead in the final 50 metres to win the girls’ under-18 200 metres when the final day of the CarIFTa trials was held on sunday at the Police sports Club ground, eve leary.

sampson, who won the 400 metres on saturday

captured the 200 metres in 25.3s to win the event ahead of avon samuels who clocked 25.80s. natricia Hooper was third in 26.00s, while CarIFTa 200 metres bronze medalist Tirana Mitchell, who is still recovering from a quad injury placed fourth in 26.30s after her 100 metres win on saturday.