Guyana Times Daily

thursday, april 17, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

Govt deeply disturbed at budget amendments –

will

be guided by Constitution, court ruling

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

Minutes after the National Assembly approved the amended 2014 National Budget to the tune of 182.5 billion, the Government of Guyana flayed the Opposition over its move to disapprove $37 billion.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had originally presented a $220 billion budget; the largest in the country’s history.

“I am really at a loss for words, deeply disturbed and disappointed by what transpired tonight,” were the words of the Finance Minister as he addressed the press during a live broadcast from the Parliament.

He said the Opposition has displayed its worst level of irresponsibility, contending that during the consideration of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project and by extension the Finance Ministry’s Budget Estimates, the Government adequately answered the plethora of questions by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

“We said we will show every document. We have answered every question thus far and you cannot say you want more information when there are no unanswered questions.”

Notwithstanding Government’s willingness to open the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project to full scrutiny, the Opposition parties used their one-seat majority to vote against monies for the project. The Opposition said it will await the commitment from international investors and financial institutions before it supports

the project at the level of the National Assembly.

“Now we are the applicant here and the beneficiary. By what stretch of imagination a international financial institution would approve funding for a project where the national jurisdiction has not approved our share of funding for the project, by what stretch of imagination?” the Minister asked.

He said the demands by the Opposition defy logic and reasoning. According to him, one could only conclude that the motive of the Opposition is to sabotage, derail and stymie the project.

Way forward

“That is my humblest assessment. This is part of an Opposition agenda to stymie development, retard projects in our country, to bring the people of our country to their knees so as to exact a political opportunity from those circumstances.”

Asked what would be the way forward given the huge reduction of the esti-

mates, Dr Singh said the Donald Ramotar administration would be guided by the relevant Constitutional Articles and the ruling of acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, in addition to the advice of Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

“We are convinced that over the course of the past two years, there were certain constitutional options that were available to us and we used those options.”

He argued that no court ruling, legal interpretation

and restoration of funds can repair the damage of the adverse signal that has been sent.

Echoing similar sentiments, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said it was “obvious” that the Opposition had its own agenda, which was fixed on launching attacks on components of the budget.

“This is what you can describe as premeditated attacks on the budget,” Rohee told the press. He explained that the Opposition had identified its targets, but said the underlying motive of the Opposition did not incorporate the interest of the Guyanese people.

Healing

“Clearly this is not progress, it is a backward step,” he lamented, adding that the APNU and AFC are making life difficult for the masses.

Expressing confidence in President Ramotar, he said the administration will “find a way around this,” noting “this would heal”. According to Rohee, the struggle will continue.

Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Texeira said the Opposition has once

again demonstrated its “anti-people and anti-development” faces.

“The cut on the Office of the President of over $5 billion is unheard of us. To reduce the budget by more than two-thirds of the sitting President duly elected, democratically elected in our nation… it is absolutely vicious and dangerous.”

According to the Presidential Advisor, Wednesday’s unfolding was simply the icing on the cake, pointing to the $1 billion dis-

approved for Amerindian development and the disapproval of funding for the Transport Sector, including interior airstrips and other areas disapproved.

“There is $450 million that was there for the student loans for the University of Guyana. That’s gone. So when people say we are not giving the University of Guyana enough money, please remember who cut it.” This, she contented is a “total onslaught on the Guyanese people”.

Man accused of assaulting mother, child’s mother remanded

Thirty-two-yearold Leon Hope, of 126 Thomas Street, Kitty, appeared before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with two counts of unlawful assault.

The first charge stated that on March 30, Hope dealt

his mother, Debbie Hope, several cuffs, slaps and kicks, while the second charge stated that he did the same to his child’s mother, Kimberly Hellingsworth on April 14.

The defendant, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail, citing the

nature of the offence as well as the fact that the Guyana Police Force is on a no-tolerance campaign for domestic violence and the defendant assaulted his own mother.

The two Virtual Complainants (VCs) also told the court that Hope has a violent nature and often threatens their lives.

Magistrate Mc Lennan then advised the defendant’s mother to get a protection order against him. Hope was remanded to prison. He will make his next appearance on May 19, before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Budget down to $182B

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

The National Assembly Wednesday evening approved a $182.5 billion budget for this year after disapproving over $37 billion of it. Government has since said that it will be guided by the Constitution and two previous rulings by the High Court as it seeks to carry out its mandate.

The final blow dealt to the estimates presented by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh back on March 24 was the disapproval of a $22.2 billion allocated under line item Policy and Administration of the Finance Ministry’s budget. The line item had contained monies for the controversial Amaila Falls Project.

At the end of the last item up for consideration, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh was asked how he intends to approach the situation. Dr Singh then informed the Committee of Supply that he has approved of the budget as amended. Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman then put

the motion to the National Assembly for it to approve the sum as amended and it was carried.

The Finance Minister then presented the Appropriation Bill 2014, Bill Number Six of 2014, to the House for it to be read for the first time. He subsequently moved for the Bill to be read a second and third time and for it to be passed as amended. After the Bill was read for the last time, as constitutionally required, the National Assembly passed the amended $182.5 billion budget.

Amendments

The Speaker then informed the House that the combined parliamentary Opposition refused to give its approval to five agencies, causing the amendments to be made to the tune of $37,461,340,000.

This cover funds for the Health Ministry, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, the Public Works and Transport Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Office of the President.

The amendments were made in accordance with the final ruling of the acting

Chief Justice Ian Chang in January last on the 2012 budget cuts case. The acting Chief Justice stated that the cuts made by the Opposition in the 2012 and 2013 budgets are unlawful since the National Assembly does not possess the power to cut the National Budget presented by the Finance Minister. He noted that they can only approve or disapprove of the budget in its entirety or sections within.

Respects ruling

However, at the beginning of the consideration of the estimates last Wednesday, Trotman had said that while he respects the ruling of the acting Chief Justice, he maintained that the House can cut the budget. “Despite the views and opinions of the High Court, the decision does not, and indeed cannot, do harm to the National Assembly’s procedures for treating with the Estimates of Expenditure,” Trotman had stated.

The combined Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) made their first

move on the budget with its disapproval for the Specialty Hospital Project presented under the Health Ministry. Some $109 million allocated for the Capital Expenditures of the line item Regional and Clinical Services was voted down.

A few hours later, $1.5 billion for the Amerindian Affairs Ministry was also disapproved. The Opposition said the funds were being used for political purposes. The Opposition then disapproved of $6.7 billion allocated to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project under the Public Works and Communications Ministry’s budget. The monies disapproved were presented under the Capital Expenditure, the transport line item which contained other works. Meanwhile, the Office of the President was also not spared with over $5 billion voted down by the combined Opposition. This included funds for the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA).

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

NGSA 2014

Yesterday, 15,000 plus 11- and 12-year-old children began that Guyanese rite of passage called the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), which will end today. It used to be called the “Common Entrance” – originating, like most of our educational precepts, from England – in 1903 as a mechanism to filter some from the lower classes into the elite “Public” School system. In typical British inverse snobbism, these were actually private schools: represented in Guyana by Queen’s College and Bishops’ High School.

The exam was actually introduced into then British Guiana in the 1950s: before that students such as Cheddi Jagan (1935-1938) had to pay for their tuition at Queen’s. The curriculum and teaching methodology were openly elitist and the rest of the secondary schools were in a decidedly inferior position as far as the allocation of resources was concerned.

Not surprisingly practically all “Guyana Scholars” originated from Queen’s College and later Bishops’. The other high schools were considered suitable for producing haulers of water and the hewers of wood.

The English abandoned the Common Entrance in 2003 and we, in full independent, post-colonial mode, followed suit. Thirty-seven years after independence, we were informed by our Ministry of Education that we were going to level out the disparities between the “elite schools”, all in Georgetown, and the others, primarily rural secondary schools.

We did not need an “examination” or “test” to separate the chaff from the wheat, so to speak, to ensure that the wheat ended up only in the Georgetown schools.

In fact, in a revolutionary statement, it was contended that the unnecessary “test” was too traumatic an imposition placed on the students and might have been part of the old British elitist strategy. The “test” would have rewarded those who were more attuned to the mores and manners of the middle class.

Henceforth, we would now have an “assessment” and, in point of fact, three “assessments”. In addition to the one that would replace the “Common Entrance”, there were now going to be one at the end of Grade Two and another at the end of Grade Four.

But today, a full decade later, there has obviously been a slip between the cup (of education delivery) and the lip of the eager, budding high school aspirants. There is probably not a single member of the 15,000 plus cohort writing the NGSA today, who doesn’t believe he or she is vying for spots at the “premier schools” in Georgetown.

The Ministry of Education, in the person of the Chief Education Officer with a letter to the press, would persuade us that the recent topping at the CSEC exams two years in a row by two Essequibo schools means that we have now reached parity in the delivery of the curriculum across all the secondary schools in the country. But as the old colonial adage reminds us: “one swallow does not make a summer”.

What the Essequibo experience does teach is that parity is possible, but the Ministry must have a programme in place and, more importantly, must ensure that the programme is executed so that the goal of parity becomes a reality. The experience of the parallel-tracked “assessment” innovation is instructive.

It was stated that the “pressure” would be off the young charges in the Ministry’s care. But the pressure has only tripled, since the final score achieved from the summation of the individual scores still determine entry to the “premier” schools.

The “assessments” were also supposed to guide teachers in the classes or schools into which the students would have graduated, as to their strengths and weaknesses, that would then be considered in the pedagogical regime. As we have pointed out repeatedly, this has never occurred.

But we wish the NGSA students well in their endeavours, even as we know that the “bottom” 95 per cent will have to, by and large, fend for themselves.

Dr Jeffrey’s columns do not conform to the basic tenets of rigorous analysis

Dear Editor, Dr Henry Jeffrey in his column has arrogated to himself the role of an “authority” on almost every issue under the sun.

Having served in leadership positions, both under the PNC and the PPP/C administrations, he feels seemingly positioned to pontificate on governance issues on a comparative basis. But as an academic, his only concern should be to analyse situations objectively and scientifically.

His columns seem not to conform to the basic tenets of rigorous analysis. His most recent analysis of the situation as it relates to the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) Bill is indicative of such flaws, if not biased analysis.

Take for example the position he took in a recent column, in which he accused the PPP/C of not being serious in terms of passing the necessary amendments to the said Bill, with particular reference to the period when the PPP/C had enjoyed a majority of the seats in Parliament.

What Dr Jeffrey did not mention in his column is that there is a fundamental and qualitative difference between what obtained under the PPP/C and the former PNC ad-

ministrations in relation to governance and in matters of Law and jurisprudence.

The first has to do with the fact that under the PNC, Parliament was not a representative and hence truly deliberative body in which the true preferences of the population were reflected and codified into the Laws of Guyana.

Parliament for all practical purposes under the PNC was nothing short of a façade in which laws were imposed on the people without any meaningful checks and balances.

In those days, the committee system was not institutionalised as is the case today. There were no Select Committees to try and iron differences prior to the full sitting of Parliament as obtained today.

It was the ‘PNC way or the highway’ insofar as the Opposition parties were concerned, even though the PNC was a de facto minority Government.

The second point to note is that the PPP/C never had any intention whatsoever to use its majority status to railroad legislation, even though as Dr Jeffrey himself posited, that given its majoritarian status in previous Parliaments, it could have easily done so.

The AMLCFT legislation was much too important with far reaching consequences for the coun-

try and people to play politics with, and for it to be hastily treated and rushed through Parliament.

Maybe, on hindsight, it was perhaps the better thing to do given the intransigence and the antinational stance now being taken by the combined political Opposition where they are now prepared to sacrifice the national good on the altar of narrow partisan interest.

Sadly, while the Opposition parties are fiddling, narco-traffickers and money launderers are having, as it were, a field day, and the blame is put on the PPP/C Government.

Dr Jeffrey went on to draw a parallel between the PNC and the PPP/C by making the spurious point that both parties at varying periods entered into ‘deals’ in order to promote their respective partisan political agendas. He gave as an example the support given to the Burnham regime in the mid 1970s on the issue of nationalisation of the sugar industry by the PPP to get the regime to put mechanisms to allow for union recognition of GAWU.

There are two fundamental points that needed clarification and further elaboration. The first, as Dr Jeffrey ought to know as a former ideologue of the PNC, is that the PPP has consistently taken a

principled position when it comes to the issue of nationalisation of the commanding heights of the economy. As such, there was no need for any political horse trading on this matter insofar as the PPP was concerned.

The second point has to do with the fact that GAWU at the time of nationalisation was the largest sugar union with overwhelming support from field and factory workers. The issues of union recognition were a non-issue which was bound to happen with the passage of time and therefore was never the subject of any horse trading.

And, if only for the records, the PPP had never advocated nor supported the deliberate burning of sugar canes to hurt the economy during the Burnham regime being peddled by the PNC, even though it was in support of legitimate industrial action by sugar workers in an effect to address grievances. The PPP/C administration has nothing to gain from the non-passage of AMLCFT legislation. To suggest otherwise, as Dr Jeffrey sought to do in his column, is not only intellectually deficient, but wholly incorrect.

Sincerely, Narindra Persaud

You can send your letters with pictures to:

The hypocrisy of Freddie

Dear Editor, If you live in New York, and you wake up one morning to find snow on the ground, it wasn’t dumped there by a few trucks as a friend mockingly suggested a few weeks ago. Instead, the science of assumptions and deductions would dictate that although you did not see nor hear the snow fall, it must have snowed overnight.

Freddie Kissoon’s column of April 15, commented on the Education Minister’s refusal to apologise to the then APNU Parliamentarian Jaipaul Sharma for a comment that was directed to his father, CN Sharma.

This Minister has no need to “bend and shape public opinion in her favour” on any matter. Her impeccable record, fighting for the rights of women and children, is well documented and something she can truly be proud of.

On April 16, 2010, a local newspaper carried a story about the Proprietor of the CNS TV Channel 6, Chandra Narine Sharma, being questioned by Police ranks at Eve Leary, after he was invited there following reports by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Child Care and Protection Department of multiple rapes committed on four underage sisters.

Following a bout of questioning, he was taken to the Brickdam Police Station lockups where he collapsed and was subsequently hospitalised at

the Georgetown Public Hospital, the article said.

“Earlier in the day, formal reports were lodged against Sharma at the Brickdam Police Station and Eve Leary Headquarters after the reports had been made to the Child Care and Protection Agency.

“That arm of the Human Services and Social Security Ministry commenced investigations of its own and unsuccessfully sought to remove two young girls (ages five and nine) from their home facilitated by Sharma adjacent to his business place, located at Robb and Wellington Streets, Georgetown. Sharma at the time retained the services of Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes.

“The action comes in wake of revelations that a 13-year-old girl in a sworn affidavit signed by Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits Lachman Narine, dated April 12, 2010, recounted a most harrowing tale of repeated rape and sexual molestation of four sisters over several years,” the article continued.

Is Freddie questioning the accuracy of this article? This case may yet be tried to determine CN Sharma’s guilt or innocence.

Freddie Kissoon has his own agenda, and that is, to use his columns to discredit the PPP/C Administration, even if he has to shamelessly lie and libel himself to satisfy the political base

of the Opposition.

I often ask myself, “How can anyone hate so much?”

Where was Kissoon’s outrage when the monsters who murdered 11 innocent villagers of Lusignan, including five children, walked free? Why is he silent on these murders?

Or is it because the victims were all Guyanese of Indian descent? We all know how he feels about this sector of the population. Where was Kissoon’s outrage when the joint Opposition voted to deny our native Guyanese the $1.1 billion budgeted for Amerindian development?

Kissoon cited public outrage against Minister Manickchand in the pages of Stabroek News, but that’s nothing new. Stabroek News is not objective about this administration, and is considered the mouth-piece of the Opposition.

Those persons who criticise the Education Minister for not stooping to Opposition demands and pressure for her to apologise to Sharma are the very same ones that would have sided with Pontius Pilate if Jesus was a Minister in this Government.

Freddie Kissoon has no shame. At least under the PPP/C Administration, he’s prosperous enough to be living in a big mansion in an affluent neighbourhood, and could now easily afford to buy any book he wishes to read.

Sincerely,

Harry Gill

Thieves being caught, thanks to media

Dear Editor,

We live in a society where every day we hear, see or even witness heinous crime being committed, and because we feel that we would endanger our lives, we leave it as it is, without reporting it to the police, and the culprits continue to do what they do to others!

However, a few months ago, the media reported a story about a notorious gang of thieves, known as the “Salt Fish Gang”, in Annandale, East Coast

Demerara.

The gang members have conducted many robberies in Annandale, as well as surrounding communities, but were up to that time not apprehended because the victims were scared of them.

But when the gang’s robbery spree became too much for them to bear, they decided to alert others about them through the means of the media.

The news has inspired others to assist the relevant authorities to catch

these members who are a nuisance to society and, to date, the police have arrested several of the gang members, who in the past thought they were above the law.

Thanks to the media, the victims have spoken out and the dedicated officers out there who serve and protect us have done a wonderful job.

A proud citizen from Annandale (Name withheld by request)

or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Inept politicians (Part one)

Dear Editor,

It is after much consideration and deliberation that I have decided to participate in this public forum of opinionated expression. This action now to be undertaken stems from the combined Opposition’s proposed nonapproval of the Amerindian Development Fund.

I would first like to say that it is my belief that both Granger and Bulkan, who headed the press conference on this matter, can be forgiven, for they certainly “knew not what they did” – the reason being, the now much publicised opinion, that they are newcomers to the political arena, and unsuitable for the said positions.

Mr Sydney Allicock is, however, another matter, as I believe we can both be called stalwarts of this arena, since we have both been involved in the struggle for Amerindian development, while learning and suffering some indignities along the journey.

Sydney became a respected leader and was highly regarded by both the former Minister of Amerindian Affairs and the President, who assisted unstintingly in his development endeavours, and is the primary reason that he was courted/enticed by APNU, to assist in what has now become most glaringly apparent since the presentation of the last two national budgets. And that is to return the Amerindian People to “hand to mouth” existence.

After becoming aware of

some of the utterances delivered by Sydney in both the previous and current budget debates, I have come to the only conclusion possible, and that is he has suffered from some form of memory loss.

He should do the honourable thing and resign from his position, as was done by his other comrades, thereby retaining some amount of dignity and pride that were bestowed upon him, for his previous achievements.

Another reason I looked at, derived from his own utterances emanating from the current debate, where he lamented the present condition of the trail to Lethem, which he now realises has “holes within holes”.

Sydney would have recalled the involvement of the Amerindian Peoples Association in travelling all the way to Norway to inform the European Union that the money they had allocated for the upgrading of the trail to a road would not be beneficial to the Amerindian people, as they claimed they were not consulted.

Thus, the funds were withdrawn, and to date the Government of the day still has this Important Development that will certainly contribute to the development of our region and the people on their agenda, and as we all know is vigorously pursuing the funding for same.

My final reason for Sydney’s condition is, in my opinion, the stress and degradation he suffered at the

hands or mouth of his Chief Whip Comrade Ally, when she publically berated and “hollered” at him to remove himself from the interview he was engaged in with the media.

I have not the vaguest idea of Amna’s contribution to her profession as a teacher, but her public degradation of such an esteemed Amerindian leader certainly gives her no acclaim, but instead demonstrates her unsuitability for this modern political era of free thinking, as she seems mind locked in the days of the “Plantation Hope era”.

As I mentioned previously Sydney and myself suffered some indignities in our earlier struggles, and Sydney himself once remarked that we should not endure such and should leave, but we persevered and continued the struggle.

However, this latest degradation, bestowed upon Sydney by his Chief Whip, certainly goes beyond acceptable, as I am positive that his beloved parents never treated him this way, nor would they expect him to accept this public humiliation without saying “enough is enough” and doing the honourable thing: resign and return to the People, and continue the struggle for Amerindian development with dignity.

With thanks and best regards John A Fredericks Region Nine

Page Foundation

Disrespectful children and teens

By Kim ABrAhAm And mArney StudAKer-Cordner

Achild’s disrespectful behaviour can be a parent’s greatest “button-pusher”. A dad recently shared his frustration about his 14-year-old daughter’s disrespect: “I told her she couldn’t go to a party until her room was picked up – it’s an absolute mess – and she just exploded. She yelled, told me she hated me and slammed her door. I was so angry and shocked; I told her she was never going to another party until she turned 18!” This dad isn’t alone. Ask any parent and they’re likely to have at least a few instances in which their child was disrespectful, rude or inconsiderate – even outright defiant. Sometimes disrespect comes along with adolescence; other times a child may show disrespectful behaviour from an early age. Either way, it’s a behaviour that can push any parent’s emotional buttons!

“As hard as it is, remember: your child’s behaviour is a reflection of him – not you.”

The nature of disrespect

As adults, we expect our children will respect us: our feelings, our home, our au-

thority. And society expects children to be respectful. The phrase, “Children are to be seen, not heard,” comes from a long-held belief that children should be compliant, quiet, and do as their

said ‘No.’ I want to figure out if there’s any possible way I can change her mind, because I really want to go. So I question, I argue, I do anything I can think of as a way of getting her to say ‘Yes.’

parents say. Yet anyone who’s been around a child for more than an hour knows this often isn’t the case. So how can we reconcile our expectation of respect with our child’s need to test limits as they assert their independence? Just how far is too far?

There are several reasons a child may behave in a way that is “disrespectful”. First, he may not realise the behaviour is disrespectful. For example, questioning a parent’s decision may strike adults as rude, but to a child, it may simply be a way of getting his needs met: I want to go to my friend’s house. My mom

That child is acting in the moment, focusing on getting what he wants, not really paying attention to the fact that his behaviour is actually backfiring and digging him a bigger hole. Children also have difficulty asserting or expressing themselves appropriately when feeling angry or frustrated. Adrenaline kicks in and eyes start rolling, voices raise, feet get stomped and doors get slammed. Ever find yourself saying, “Stop it right now, before you make things even worse for yourself!”?

Some children have difficulty managing the stress

and emotions they experience when faced with a limit or being told “no,” and just can’t keep themselves from crossing the line. Add in adolescence and hormones and you’ve got the potential for emotions and irritability to escalate quickly.

Finally, in today’s world of television sitcom families, gone are the Beaver Cleaver families. Children see disrespect and “talking back” modelled for them in the media all the time. In fact, most television shows send the message that the children are usually smarter than the parents!

A final note

Sometimes, particularly with children who are oppositional or defiant, disrespect can escalate into a pattern of verbal abuse or more serious rule-breaking. Yes, breaking things in your home or destroying property, staying out past curfew or not following the house rules is disrespectful. But those things are also part of a more serious pattern of conduct and behavioural issues. Even though a child’s disrespect can be a frustrating problem, often what we see as problems are also opportunities to teach our children about values and life skills. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

Responding to disrespect

Most parents face mild to moderate disrespectful behaviour from their children from time to time. But what’s an effective way to respond?

Decide which behaviours need to be addressed. Most children have engaged in mildly disrespectful behaviours, such as rolling their eyes at a parent, at least a few times in life. Sometimes it’s as they’re walking away; sometimes they do it before they realise, “Oops, Mom’s still standing in front of me!” This is an example of a behaviour that you may choose to “let go,” and instead focus on larger issues of disrespect (such as yelling, swearing, slamming doors, screaming “I hate you,” depending on your child’s age.) Who hasn’t heard Mom say, “If you keep making that face, it’ll freeze that way!” Sometimes it’s hard for a teen to hide their discontent – and honestly, isn’t it that way for all of us?

On the other hand, if your daughter rolls her eyes at you every time you turn around, you may decide that enough is enough and this behaviour warrants a conversation. As a parent, it’s a judgment call, but most parents agree there are times when you’ll want to “pick your battles”.

Don’t take responsibility for your child’s disrespect. One of the reasons a rude child is so upsetting to us is that we often feel it’s a reflection of our parenting.

“What kind of parent will other people think I am if my child is acting this way?”

Define for your child what disrespect is. Talk to your child about which behaviour is respectful and which isn’t. We often expect our children to know things without spelling them out. Children who are younger tend to think in terms that are “concrete”. You have to actually tell them “When you yell at me, it’s disrespectful.” Don’t assume that just because your child has reached adolescence, he has insight into how his behaviour comes off to other people. Sometimes it’s even hard for us – as parents – to pin down. There are times it may be a tone of voice or just the way something was said that sounded like it had “attitude”. Again, decide if those are things that can be let go from time to time or if it’s frequent enough that it’s a pattern that needs to be addressed.

Also, let your child know which behaviours will result in potential consequences: “The next time you yell at me, there will be no friends over for the weekend,” or whatever your consequence may be. Remember to keep consequences realistic and short term when the issue is only mild to moderate disrespect. You want the “punishment to fit the crime,” so to speak. And what you’re really doing is showing your child that when she treats others disrespectfully, she’s not likely to get many nice things done for her in return. Give your child alternative problem-solving skills. If your child is handling her frustration or anger in a way that is disrespectful or unacceptable, talk with her about different ways she can express herself appropriately. You can actually role-play different situations with your child. Have her play the parent and you play her. Give her the words she can use to let you know she’s disappointed or unhappy. Because in life, she’s going to have to express being unhappy or frustrated – not just to you, but to others such as friends, teachers and eventually a boss or spouse. It can be valuable to ask yourself, “How am I teaching my child to treat others? Am I modelling for her how to treat others respectfully?” Positive reinforcement. Recognise times your child behaves in a respectful way toward you or others and make sure he knows you’re aware of it: “You know, I really enjoyed talking to you this way today. I hope we can have more conversations like this.” Even if he was only respectful for a moment, notice and acknowledge it. You want to reinforce the behaviour you want to see more often. Focusing only on behaviour you don’t want to see won’t accomplish your parenting goal: to teach your child to behave in a respectful manner toward you and others. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

Judiciary granted financial autonomy

Government on Tuesday granted full financial independence to the Judiciary as it had agreed with the Opposition last week.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh’s had made the decision after A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) had proposed a motion to delay the consideration of the 2014 budgetary estimates until the agencies specified under the Third Section of the Constitution were given their financial independence. Only when these agencies control their own finances, APNU MP Carl Greenidge had said, will they be able to dispense their responsibilities effectively.

In an effort to avoid the postponement of the consideration of the estimates, the Finance Minister had promised: “I will be moving at the appropriate time in the Committee of Supply a motion in relation to the estimates of the expenditure of the Judiciary to bring those estimates in line with agreed to “insulate” the judiciary from financial control of the executive by setting aside a lump sum money for it to spend as it sees fit in keeping with rules of accountability.”

Allocation

When the Legal Affairs Ministry’s budget came up for consideration on Tuesday true to his promise the minister moved a motion to have all the line items under Agency 55, the Supreme Court, to be reduced and placed under a lump sum allocation to the said agency but under a different line item.

The line items being removed are Supreme Court of Judicature and Magistracy, and they account for $862.663 million, the financial needs of the last eight months of the year.

Dr Singh explained that this change is in keeping with discussions held last week between the parties for Government to put the Supreme Court of Judicature in alignment with those entities that are listed budget agencies.

Greenidge had argued that entities tasked with protecting rights, which include: the Women and Gender Equality Commission;

Human Rights Commission; Ethnic Relations Commission; Indigenous Peoples Commission; Auditor General's Office and the Judiciary, all receive lump sum allocations from Government and are listed as budget agencies with the exception of the judiciary. After Dr Singh’s motion was passed Greenidge noted that there are other dimensions of the Judiciary’s independence that need to be achieved. “That is one step, in what is probably a multi-step process,” he noted. Trotman commended the parties for cooperating to arrive at such consensus , noting that anything can be resolved even if it entails heated discussion as long as the involved parties put their minds to it.

Approval

The Committee of Supply then went on to approve the $1.4 billion for the Supreme Court. During this process, Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall disclosed that there are several persons acting in their positions within the Judiciary; however, he could only identify the acting Chief Justice and acting Chancellor of the Judiciary.

He was asked to list the number of judges currently within the system and to say whether provisions were made for those who are to be appointed soon, to meet the quota after President Ramotar increased the complement of Puisne Judges to 20.

He responded negatively to the latter enquiry and in response to the first request, indicated that there are presently 11 Puisne Judges, in addition to the acting Chief Justice and acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Appeal Court judge who recently resigned. The Legal Affairs Minister further revealed that the complement of magistrates has not been met; however, there are several applications pending.

Nandlall was also asked about construction and rehabilitation works on

Magistrate’s Court buildings. He noted that the courts were being upgraded.

Some $288.401 million was cleared for the Legal Affairs Ministry, after Minister Nandlall faced a barrage of questions from the combined parliamentary Opposition. He was questioned about employees’ salaries and asked to account for increased allowances, which he justified. The Minister explained that there is ongoing training within the Ministry for personnel to monitor the online Official Gazette.

Nandlall was also grilled extensively on scholarships by APNU Parliamentarian James Bond who pointed out that in several line items funds allocated for meals and refreshments were several times those allocated for scholarships.

The Minister also justified this, pointing out that his Ministry does not award scholarships, which are centralised under the Public Services Ministry.

Bond then asked the Minister if he intends to inject more money into food than scholarships to which the Minister maintained that his Ministry does not grant scholarships.

APNU Shadow Finance Minister Greenidge then asked the Legal Affairs Minister to explain the 40 per cent increase in salary allocations when only one staffer has been added to the agency.

Nandlall noted that the increase was because of a

shortfall in the salary of a senior staff, which amounted to some $530,000 along with the appointment of two con-

tracted employees.

During the questionand-answer segment on the Attorney General’s Office, Nandlall disclosed that there are four contracted employees there, inclusive of three State Counsels who are being paid collectively $217,000 per month and a secretary $54,934.

He further noted that there are a total of 11 State Counsels in the AG’s Office while the Drafting Department has five. The Legal Affairs Minister said this difference is as a result of difficulty in recruiting State Counsels with the current salary being paid.

APNU Member of Parliament Basil Williams then questioned the Minister about the functions of the

State Solicitor, who Nandlall said is being paid $1.1 million for assuming three roles – State Solicitor, Public Trustee, and Official Receiver.

Focus was then shifted to the public prosecutions agency for which $111.655 million was approved. The Minister was questioned mostly about the staff complement for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers.

He disclosed that there are three State Counsels, the Deputy DPP, Assistant DPP, (DPP) along with three additional State Counsels who are on contract. The Minister also highlighted some of the training and seminars held as well in justifying the monies spent on such activities.

$671M cleared for new scholarships, stipends

The Committee of Supply of the National Assembly late Tuesday night cleared $829.8 million for the Public Service Ministry.

Under the grand sum, $818.169 million will go towards Public Service Management, which included provisions for scholarships locally and internationally.

Public Service Minister Jennifer Westford said $671.4 million will be used to provide new scholarships and sustain students who have already received scholarships through the payment of stipends.

Currently, 224 students are on scholarship programmes in Cuba, Canada, U.S.A., Russia, China, United Kingdom, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago and Mexico.

Another batch of 220 has been sponsored to attend the University of Guyana.

The Minister announced that six post-graduate students have been given scholarships for 2014 in the fields of gynaecology, psychiatry, dermatology, pathology and general surgery.

to attend the University of Guyana, with 25 recipients being teachers.

One hundred and forty scholarships will be issued this year for students

“We also will be offering 30 scholarships to the Guyana School of Agriculture, 10 scholarships to the Carnegie School of Home Economics and we also, based on ne-

cessity, we give scholarships to other training such as computer training, as the need arises,” she told the Committee of Supply.

Unlike some Ministers, Westford was not grilled with questions. She was asked just a few and responded.

Eyew tness

Misdirection...

...on AG’s salary?

As they promised, the Opposition parties continue to behave like they’re filming a tropical version of the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”. But somewhere along the line, they seem to have forgotten that like in all movies, all they’re doing is “make believe”. Nothing changes in the end. The chopped-off hands of the actors remain at the end of their arms; the spilled guts are so much spaghetti and the sauce for the latter does come in useful as “blood”.

Fact of the matter is that at the end of the day, the Opposition parties can’t really “chop” anything. They can plead. They can suggest. They can threaten. They just cannot cut the estimates. So it really doesn’t matter that they’re jumping up and down like a “fowlcock” on steroids – nothing will change. It all depends on which way the Government wants to return the items that would be “not approved” by the Opposition. “Supplementaries” and such like.

But suckered in by an “insider Internet news” site that’s sprung up like a jumbie umbrella, (they grow on dung), the editors of this newspaper headlined the AG’s and a Presidential Advisor’s salaries. This, of course, wasn’t any real news – just the jealousy of a rival. As a matter of fact, just last month, an ex-AG, Bernard De Santos, commenting on the (vexed) matter of the possible nexus between the qualifications of magistrates and their pay, reminded all and sundry of the origins of the super-salary of our AGs.

And this is where the irony of the PNC-dominated APNU castigating the AG’s salary’s gets so rich: it was Burnham who set up this salary. While not quite in the “As I lay dying” mode described by Faulkner, Burnham was approaching the end of his days and did a nasty thing to the profession of law – which he claimed to love.

The man took Keith Massiah – Chancellor of the Judiciary and the highest judicial official in the land –and decided to make him his Attorney General. Now we know – because the Opposition has been screaming long and loud enough about every AG the present Government’s appointed – the AG’s the legal hound of the Government. He HAS to be partisan. But what was Massiah to do against the wishes of a petulant and vindictive dictator?

He demanded that the AG’s salary be equivalent to his much more stellar Chancellor’s remuneration. Burnham, of course, could do as he wanted. And the next day Massiah was AG with a salary that was put into law.

And this was what APNU wanted to “cut”? Can’t be done...because of Burnham!!! But imagine the treachery of the “insider”!!! What strange bedfellows does ambition make!

...on democracy

Last week, a PNC councillor from Region Nine complained that he was organising a “workshop on democracy”, but the big bad PPP didn’t want to attend. They spoiled things, because they told their people to do the same. But we’re a bit confused, why should the PPP and their supporters attend a workshop conducted by their political opponents?

And more to the point, why would APNU expect that the PPP would show up at their workshop? But hold it!!! Maybe it wasn’t an APNU workshop? Could it be those fellows from the IRI who’re doing much to teach us benighted natives about the real meaning of “democracy”? After all, USAID pocketed a cool US$7 million in funding for this sacrifice and we guess they have to spend that dough. Thing is, how come they’re working through an Opposition official to spread the good word on democracy? But we’re assured that all is kosher: Amit Shah, the head of USAID that’s doling out the funding, said apropos another (secret) project to spread democracy (in Cuba): “the operation isn’t covert...it’s just discreet”.

...on inner-city youths

The police want to institute change in Albouystown. Too much crime emanating from there. But shouldn’t the police lead by example? Let’s stop those traffic shakedowns!

Women’s rights groups

picket Parliament

The Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO), along with several other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), on Wednesday staged a protest outside Parliament calling for greater protection for Guyanese women.

A short distance away from the Parliament Building, members of One Billion Rising, Red Thread, the Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness and Women Across Differences groups peacefully protested, calling on the National Assembly to advance the interests of women, particularly those who are victims of abuse and human trafficking. According to them, more can be done for the girls and women of Guyana.

GWMO President Simona Broomes told reporters that the 2014 National Budget fell short in addressing key issues affecting Guyanese women. According to Broomes, the Government of Guyana, through the Human Services Ministry, has done nothing to truly curb Trafficking In Persons (TIP) in the country, contending that no system has been put in place to meet the needs of TIP victims. Alluding to the Indian national who was rescued by GWMO on Regent Street, Georgetown in December 2013, Broomes said accommodation was only provided for him, because he was a foreigner. The 23-year-old man was reportedly offered a ticket to travel home and petty cash by his traffick-

er, an offer he was willing to take given the poor systems in place in Guyana, she argued.

“I don’t know about any survivor that we have rescued that the Ministry has really supported,” she said.

She further stated that it was a crying shame that young girls and women have to revert to prostitution, because there was no proper system in place for TIP victims and persons who suffer at the hands of abusers.

The GWMO President lashed out at the Human Services Minister Jenifer Webster who recently told the National Assembly during the budget debate that human trafficking is not a major problem in Guyana. Broomes said despite the

numbers, once human trafficking exists in Guyana, it is a problem.

“This is the message that the Minister is sending to the Guyanese people; Trafficking In Persons is not a problem. Policeman, don’t fight up, Trafficking In Persons is not a problem; Court, don’t fight up, Trafficking In Persons is not a problem. Traffickers continue to traffic.”

Nevertheless, GWMO stands willing to work with the Human Services Ministry, the Guyana Police Force and other interest groups to combat TIP.

Meanwhile, other persons who participated in the picketing exercise called on women to speak out against abuse, rape and murder, thereby breaking the silence.

During the 2014 Budget debate, the Human Services Minister told the House that the fight continues against human trafficking. According to Webster, repeated assessments have revealed a low prevalence of TIP in the country. However, considering the potential impact of the crime on the safety of Guyanese, the Government, through the Ministerial Task Force, will continue to work with its partners to develop strategies and programmes aimed at combating the scourge.

TIP cases are investigated by the Guyana Police Force, with all matters reviewed by the Police Commissioner or an authorised officer. For the year 2013, there were 20 alleged victims, nine reports, and six cases which were brought before the courts. One case was dismissed. The three convictions gained in 2013 pertain to charges laid in 2012. With respect to the three cases in 2013 which were not brought before the courts, no charge was instituted based upon the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Amid allegations that the Human Services Ministry has failed on numerous occasions to offer support or work along with the GWMO, Webster said her Ministry has never rejected any alleged TIP victim but has rendered support in the form of financial aid, the provision of housing, food and clothing, together with training opportunities and job placement.

Not Neil Kumar

The Guyana Times Newspaper under the headline “AG earns over $1.5M…Teixeira $1M – salaries of other officials axed from OP budget” incorrectly stated that the Presidential Advisor on Sport was Neil Kumar and he is earning $721,000 monthly.

What it should have read is “Presidential Advisor on Sport Clive Lloyd is being paid $721,000 monthly”. Guyana Times apologises to Mr Neil Kumar, the Director of Sport, for any inconvenience caused.

Additionally in that said article, it was incorrectly stated that the disapproval of the $5.1 billion for the Office of the President during Tuesday’s consideration of the budget included the salaries of top Government officials.

The salaries of the Presidential Advisor on Governance, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, the Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment, the Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, the Presidential Advisor on Sport, the Divisional Head, the Senior Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet, Coordinator of Public Information, and Administrator and Advisor on Sustainable Development were approved under the programme head “Presidential Advisory”. Therefore, these salaries would not be affected due to disapproval made under the Office of the President Current and Capital Expenditure. Guyana Times again apologises for any inconvenience caused.

GuySuCo should pay NAACIE workers – Dr Gopaul

Afew days after Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) workers downed tools demanding that the company pay monies awarded to workers following a 2013 tribunal, Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul is calling on the corporation to honour its obligation.

He said there should be no reason why the corporation should not pay the National Association of Agricultural and Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) workers.

Dr Gopaul told Guyana Times that his Ministry had met with both parties, and while the Ministry cannot command GuySuCo to pay the monies, it had suggested that the sugar company considers meeting the demands of the union.

However, the Labour Minister maintained that his Ministry cannot make “pronouncement” on the issue between the two bodies, but can offer suggestions, and that is what it has done.

Dr Gopaul also explained that the decision was arrived at after carefully examining the outcome of the tribunal.

Meanwhile, NAACIE General Secretary Kenneth Joseph on Wednesday told Guyana Times that although another date has not been set by the union for the workers to continue industrial action; it plans to down tools again in the near future.

Joseph posited that the sugar workers will protest when it will most likely affect the production of sugar.

GuySuCo employees represented by NAACIE last Wednesday downed tools, protesting unpaid salaries.

The union in a release had said workers were protesting the non-payment of

salaries that were supposed to be paid to 137 workers, in a move to have irregularities in the salary structure rectified.

“The issue has been the result of a very long battle by NAACIE to cause the anomalies that was created by the across the board payment made to all workers, regardless of their responsibilities to work, their productivity and importance of their jobs to the corporation,” the release said.

Unofficial

However, just a few hours after the strike actions ensued, GuySuCo's Human Resources Director Jairam Petam had issued a release stating that the strike actions were unofficial, and in violation of existing grievance procedures.

While he maintained that the operations of the sugar company were not significantly compromised as a result of the industrial action, Petam posited that at the Blairmont Estate where 39 staff members had downed tools, the payroll for that estate had been affected by the actions.

It explained that the tribunal made its award, after

presentations by the union and GuySuCo, April last. Subsequently, the award which was within the terms of reference, rectified the anomalies the union had objected to.

However, the union had sought further adjustment to the award, not in keeping with the terms of reference.

The sugar company had posited that this was the reason it failed to meet the terms recommended by the union, since it would breach the terms of the tribunal.

Late last month, sugar workers on the Blairmont Estate in Berbice resumed work after protesting GuySuCo’s non-payment of rates from the 2013 arbitration award, but had promised to continue their industrial action if their monies were not paid.

Speaking to media operatives, Joseph on that occasion had said: “They (GuySuCo) have violated that agreement and even though the workers have returned to work, we will continue to take industrial actions until the money is paid in full.”

He added: “They are aware that they are indebted to the workers and we have no intention of negotiating with them because it is about paying workers their money.”

A big, old rat deh in GT, and it ain’t a woman

GT de garbage town ain’t get that name by accident. It ain’t happen overnight either. One problem cause another one. A pile a garbage build up to another one. One plastic bag lead to another one. One block up drain lead to another one.

One bruk down garbage truck end up bein two bruk down garbage truck till dem run outta garbage truck. One councillor thief money and it end up bein more than half a dem thief money. One pavement vendor end up bein de whole pavement full up wid street vendors.

One Treasurer come after another, but all a dem thief whah ever dem see in de Treasury. One Engineer come after another and none a dem see that de S*ity Council buildin fallin down. It tek a man from Grenada to tell dem. One Town Clerk come after another till at last dem find a Sober woman.

But de one and only who come, stay and never allow any body fuh come after he is de Mayor-fuh-Life. Green Ham believe he born to be Mayor and that he gon dead as a Mayor. De Mayor-fuh-Life never wanna see another Mayor. Green Ham used to tink he born to be de PM fuh this country and that he gon dead as de Prezzi fuh this country. But that turn out to be none of de above, although he still holdin on like how de Mook does hold on to he pumpkin Adumb.

Now de Mayor-fuh-Life turn round and cuss down de Sober woman and call she a rat. But Green Ham fuhget that he can’t live wid out de rat. He dead in he boots, as old people seh. Now he beggin fuh de same rat.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But talkin bout rat, that is a creature whah doe live in garbage. And since Green Ham turn Mayor-fuh-Life, garbage tek over GT. So de biggest rat in town musbe de Mayor-fuh-Life. Talk bout puttin yuh kaka pun some body in fronta dem face!

Charges being finalised for kidnap/murder suspects

Newly-appointed Crime Chief Leslie James on Wednesday told Guyana Times that the Guyana Police Force are finalising the necessary documentations for charges to be instituted against at least six persons for the kidnap/murder of Foulis businessman, Rajendra Singh.

James in a telephone conversation further stated that the files were with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) up to late Wednesday afternoon, and is anticipating that the suspects will make their first court appearance today at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

This publication was told that the Guyana Police Force would have made an application to the High Court for an extension of detention of the main suspects, which was granted.

The extension period ends today, which means that the Force will have no legal grounds to keep the suspects in custody; hence, charges will have to be instituted.

However, initial reports suggested that the

men would have made their court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday, which saw media operatives lining the steps of the institution, but after a five-hour wait, they left with disappointment on their faces.

Subsequently, three men confessed to the kidnap and murder. They have since revealed the identities of their accomplices to the police who have launched a manhunt to apprehend them.

This publication was told that one of the two masterminds behind the kidnapping and killing was apprehended, while the other is on the run. To date, it is not confirmed if the second person was arrested.

It is believed that two main masterminds would have orchestrated the entire incident, and in turn would have contracted three other men to execute the plan.

The kidnapping reportedly stemmed from the sale of several of the businessman’s properties, which led to greed for money. It is believed that the men were business associates and would frequent Singh’s house, thus, they were well

aware of his business deals. In an attempt to extort money from the businessman, the kidnappers’ plan failed.

On the night in question, their main target was reportedly Singh’s teenage son whom they thought was in the car with him. The officer also stated that after they entered the car, the businessman would have seen their faces; hence, they were left with no alternative but to take him along.

They also confessed to making contact with Singh’s wife, demanding $50 million for his safe return as they believe he had the money at home. After they realised the police had gotten involved in the matter, they reportedly lowered the ransom to $25 million.

After three days and their demands were not met, the suspects reportedly shot the businessman twice to the head aback the La Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown.

The police have not yet established whether or not the man was killed at another location and then dumped at the La Repentir cemetery.

More aid for Police Albouystown Project

The local business community continues to pour in support for the Police Impact Albouystown Project, with a stream of donations on Wednesday.

During Wednesday morning, presentations were done in the Commissioner’s Conference Room at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. The donations comprise 10,000 pounds of rice from Tecnomills Guyana Inc by Manager Asif Akbar; $200,000 worth of beauty products from businessman Shahab Hack; and 50 garbage bins from Michael Sandy of Sandy’s Funeral Home.

The businessmen lauded the initiative by the Guyana Police Force which they noted was timely and will assist in building a police-community relationship. They saw it as a win-win situation for all involved.

Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud thanked the busi-

nessmen for their meaningful support of the project.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken who also said he hoped that the donations made would serve to encourage other members of the business community to come forward.

Earlier this week, Dean Hassan and investors of Tesouro Resources donated $1 million to the project, which was launched last Friday.

Engaging residents In making the presentation, which was done in the presence of senior officers of the Force’s management team, Hassan said the company was pleased to be of support to the Police Force in the initiative and other similar projects.

Project Impact Albouystown is a collaborative effort by the Heavenly Light Full Gospel Fellowship, Masjid-an-

Najm, and the Social Centre of Albouystown, along with the Force.

Speaking at the launch last week, Persaud said the Force’s main focus is on engaging the residents to deter crime and disorder, and

more importantly, rooting out criminal elements in the community.

He said domestic and gender-based violence will be a priority and the Force will adopt a multi-agency approach to address the is-

sue. Persaud said the Force has realised that youths are not gainfully occupied, and there are lots of school drop-outs and a high number of teenage pregnancies.

“Another front that will be targeted is vocational training, speakers before me spoke about persons who drop out of school and are liming by the street corners. We will be primarily supporting activities of the Christian and Islamic organisations that are resident in Albouystown.”

He further stated that there are already a number of programmes in vocational skills training geared to equip youths with marketable skills.

In addition, Persaud told the gathering that the Police Force is in discussion with the Prison Director to have access to all prisoners who are residents of Albouystown, with the aim of reintegrating them into the community.

He also stated that the Police Force’s projects are designed to benefit all underprivileged communities. Albouystown is affected by high levels of criminal activities, drugs, and violence.

Two men jailed for Tain 2013 ‘mistaken identity’ murder

Two men were on Wednesday sentenced to 20 years each for the murder of Marlon Andrew Ramcharran on June 3, 2013 at Tain, Corentyne.

The duo received the sentence after a mixed Berbice jury found them guilty of killing Ramcharran. The jury arrived at its verdict after being guided by Justice Diana Insanally at the end of the two-month trial of Joshua Persaud, also called “Sunny Boy” or “Bun Boy”, and Raphael Rene Morrison, also called “Red Head”.

The State’s case was led by Attorney Renita Singh while Attorney Mursalene Bacchus appeared for the accused. During the trial, which commenced on

February 21, the prosecution had called several witnesses, including two eyewitnesses: Nicholas Beharry and Rakesh Jaikarran.

The State’s case was that on June 3, 2013 Morrison of Auchlyne and Persaud of Bloomfield, while armed with cutlasses and pieces of wood, murdered Ramcharran of Tain New Housing Scheme.

During his testimony, Beharry told the court that he knew the deceased, his neighbour, for approximately two years. He said on the night in question, they were all at the “Dusk Till Dawn” Bar and a fight broke out among Persaud, Morrison and some men. Also, Ramcharran and Morrison had an argument.

“Me, Marlon and Ajay left to

Morrison

go home. However, Marlon, who was ahead, was later overheard shouting, “You chopping the wrong person!’” Beharry said as he drew closer with his friend Rakesh, he asked the two murder ac-

Persaud

cused, “Why you chopping my friend?”, but instead of responding, the men, both armed, ran at him and Ajay, who fled in different directions. After approximately 15 minutes, Beharry said, he

returned to the area, Block Four Tain Village, to find Ramcharran injured and on the ground with blood covering his body. “I shouted for the neighbours, but no one responded.”

During the trial, the court was taken to the scene of the crime, so that the jury could get a firsthand look.

In closing its case, the defence focused on the lighting conditions at the scene and argued that they were poor and the witnesses could not have identified the persons carrying out the attack.

Singh, in closing the prosecution’s case, said one of the two accused claimed that he had a piece of wood when he related to the court what transpired. The Prosecutor

said two of the police witnesses who testified claimed that there was sufficient lighting on the street at the time. She argued that when police arrested one of the accused and told him of the offence, he said he was sorry. Singh recalled that another police witness noted that during the confrontation with the accused and the witness, one of them said that he had a piece of wood.

This, she said, is evidence that the accused was at the scene of the crime. The murder weapon was later found at the home of one of the accused.

A post-mortem report revealed that Ramcharran bled to death after receiving the chops.

thursday, april 17, 2014

Monies approved for PM's Office, Parliament, GDF

Monies allocated to the Office of the Prime Minister, Parliament Office, and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were approved by the Committee of Supply on Tuesday evening as the consideration of the budget estimates continued in the National Assembly.

These agencies were represented by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who answered queries from the combined parliamentary Opposition about some of the agencies.

The allocations for the Office of Prime Minister was approved in the sum of $4.6 billion and was cleared without any queries by the combined Opposition, who hours earlier voted down monies for the Office of the President (OP), because it included funds for the Government Information Agency (GINA) and the National Communications Network (NCN). Funds for the GDF were also cleared to the tune of $7.9 billion with the Opposition asking no questions.

However, the Office of the Ombudsman came under brief

scrutiny when its $35.015 million allocation was up for consideration. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Parliamentarian Basil Williams questioned the use of some $11.5 million allocated to the recently-appointed Ombudsman.

Prime Minister Hinds explained that the monies are being used to cover legal and consultation fees, website fees, and investigations. Hinds noted that a large portion of the money goes towards the investigative work

done by independent bodies.

APNU Shadow Finance

Minister Carl Greenidge enquired of the Prime Minister how much money was requested by the Ombudsman’s Office, since the amount being sought was rather “stingy”. In response, Prime Minister Hinds said what is being sought is what was asked for.

Some $19.218 million allocated to the Public Service Appellate Tribunal was subsequently cleared after Hinds answered que-

ries regarding the staffing of the agency. Williams asked how many persons were functional in the office to which the Prime Minister said only the Chairman is a fulltime employee. The APNU Parliamentarian further asked when the agency will be constituted, and Hinds said there have been consultations between President Donald Ramotar and Opposition Leader David Granger. However, the Opposition Leader informed the House that no such consultations were done.

Williams further enquired why the effort to fully constitute the Tribunal was not made over the years, but Hinds noted that the search for suitable candidates has been largely unsuccessful.

The sum of $1.4 billion for the Parliament Office was approved by the Committee of Supply after Prime Minister Hinds answered questions posed by APNU Parliamentarian Volda Lawrence regarding the adequacy of monies allocated to Parliament and staff payments.

Cooperation agreement signed between FFTP and UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Food For The Poor (Guyana) Incorporated (FFTP) recently signed a cooperation agreement whereby schoolchildren in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine will benefit significantly from FFTP’s assistance whenever essential items are available.

In a simple ceremony in the boardroom of the FFTP Festival City, Georgetown headquarters, on April 8, Learning and Development Officer Audrey M Rodrigues signed the agreement on behalf of UNICEF, while FFTP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kent Vincent signed on behalf of the nongovernmental organisation.

tored.

As a part of the agreement, the Education Ministry, which also signed the agreement later, will be responsible for uplifting and transporting equipment and materials into the various regions identified.

In his remarks, CEO Vincent expressed satisfaction with the signing of the agreement as Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine are difficult areas to be reached by the FFTP.

In brief remarks, Rodrigues said she was glad to ink the cooperation agreement between the FFTP and UNICEF. She noted that with the technical expertise of UNICEF

and the resources of FFTP, the children of Guyana will be served in a structured way. She concluded by saying that the use of items and any collaborative projects will be properly moni-

He said with the help of the Ministry and UNICEF, the children in these areas will be well served. In concluding, Vincent said he expected great things this year and in the years to come, out of this collaborative effort.

“A rodent cannot issue fuel,” Sooba says – as imbroglio at City Hall continues

The animosity between acting Town Clerk of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Carol Sooba, and City Mayor Hamilton Green has descended to new levels, with Sooba telling reporters that Green called her a rodent.

Sooba made the revelation following a press conference on Tuesday at City Hall. She said unless the Mayor apologises for the remark, she will not issue him money to purchase fuel for his vehicle.

“Unless the mayor comes to my office and apologises, I will not be issuing any diesel. Rodents cannot issue diesel!”

She related that on Saturday, April 12, the Mayor issued her a memo informing that he required fuel for his vehicle. However, he addressed her as “Carol Sooba, caretaker of the Office of Town Clerk” and “de facto Town Clerk”.

Subsequently on

Monday, at a statutory meeting held for the councillors and administration, the Mayor addressed her as a rodent.

Sooba said it was gross disrespect on the Mayor’s part and “if the Mayor is serious about his fuel, he will have to apologise and as long as I remain a rodent in his eyes, I will not be issuing any diesel to him,” the acting Town Clerk maintained.

Seven homeless after Good Hope fire

Awoman and her six children are now homeless after a fire destroyed the one-bedroom house they called home at Lot 3 Phase Two, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, around 21:00h on Tuesday.

Yamkumeram Bissoon, the mother of six and owner of the home, told Guyana Times that she was not at home but was nearby at the time of the fire.

She had reportedly left her 15-year-old son, the eldest of the six, to take care of the home and his siblings.

“I was over at my friend taking a shower when I hear the house on fire. I left and I come, and I ask my big son what happen. He seh he light a candle and

come out to urine and when he go fuh go in back he see the fire in the house. After that, they run out from the house and before we know it, the house turn to ashes,” the woman said.

Bissoon stated that even though her house was not large, she lost hundreds of thousands of dollars as it was well-furnished with a sofa set, gas stove, and refrigerator, among other household items and appliances.

Bissoon, who was stabbed about the body a few months ago by her husband, who is now in jail, had her power supply disconnected approximately two weeks ago by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc, this publication was told.

Linden radio station struggling to pay licence fee

Proprietor of the Linden radio Station

Haslyn Graham is experiencing great difficulty in paying his annual broadcasting licence fee of $2.5 million to the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA).

Since the radio station commenced operation in October 2013 in Linden, Region 10, it has not paid any fees to the authority.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Graham said he is “feverishly” trying to rake in revenues to pay the fee of $2.5 million for 2013, before pursuing renewal fees for 2014.

Economic landscape

While declining to disclose the amount of monies garnered thus far, Graham explained that the economic landscape of Linden has made the situation more challenging.

Revenues garnered by the radio station are being used to facilitate the payment of the broadcasting licence fee. GNBA has been reportedly informed of the challenges being experienced by the Radio Station and a grace period sought.

However, Graham dispelled reports which have indicated that the radio station will be shut down in a week’s time over non-payment of the broadcasting li-

cence fees.

In a Stabroek News report dated Sunday, April 13 under the caption “Region 10’s lone private radio station to be pulled off air”, it was reported that the radio station received a letter stating that it will be shutdown in week’s time over non-payment of broadcasting licence fees.

The report was based on the utterances of Region 10 Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon.

It also contended that because of the threat issued, “programmes that are not in sync with certain authorities will not be aired”.

Pulled off air

He complained that the Region 10, Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) weekly programme was also pulled off air although “the region has been up to date in its payment to the radio station”.

But the proprietor of the Radio Station rubbished the Stabroek News article, contending that the information presented is false. Much to his disappointment, he said the Region 10 Chairman has misled region and by extension the entire country into believing that the Radio Station would be shutdown.

“We never received a letter stating that the radio station would be shutdown in a week’s time or over the payment of $5 million,” an outraged Graham told this publication. He reiterated that the radio station is “feverously” working to accumulate the monies due.

Claims that the RDC's weekly programme was pulled off air because the content was not in sync with certain authorities were rebuffed by Graham, who explained that the RDC programme was put on hold due to non-payment.

Although Solomon informed the RDC that pay-

Body found in cow pasture at New Road backdam

The decomposed body of an unidentified man was discovered on Wednesday at New Road Backdam on the Essequibo Coast.

The gruesome discovery was made by a farmer who was gathering manure in the cow pasture at the back of New Road Village.

The farmer while gathering the manure saw a huge flock of carrion crows munching on a carcass.

ments were up to date, Graham argued that the region owes the station in excess of $300,000.

“They have an outstanding balance and we have been trying several months now to get them to pay, but our efforts have been unsuccessful. Over $300,000 is owed to us by the region,” he complained, adding that “all outstanding payments for last year, I have received none,” Graham added.

Questioned why Solomon would want to mislead the nation into believing that the Linden radio station would be pulled off air, the proprietor said: “It beats me. I have no idea. The whole article caught me by surprise because when I read it, I became totally disappointed in the Regional Chairman.”

Upon reading the article last Sunday, Graham reportedly contacted the Regional Chairman requiring whether he had read the

article. “He said no, so I said you (Sharma) should read it and then we will have a conversation.” Several attempts were subsequently made by Graham to contact Solomon, but all proved futile.

Significant damage

According to the proprietor of the radio station, the article has caused significant damage to his integrity and that of the station.

“This article is really going to put a lot of pressure on us because our sponsorship and support from other business community is in jeopardy… and the credibility of the owner of the radio station is what is at stake.”

He further stated that popular businesses that have been loyal to the station in the past are now withholding their monies, noting that the station would now have to rebuild the confidence of its sponsors.

“We are improving; we are trying to do things different but issues like these slow things up.” While Graham will not ask for an apology for the inconvenience caused, he said Solomon should be guided by his conscience. Attempts to contact the Regional Chairman proved futile.

Meanwhile, GNBA Chairperson Bibi Shadick

said while legal actions will be taken against the radio station for operating without a licence, a letter has not been issued as yet. In her pursuit to set the record straight, Shadick said GNBA never issued a letter indicating that the radio station would be shutdown because of its failure to pay the broadcasting license fees.

Upon investigation, he realised the carcass was the swollen, decaying body of a man. He was shocked and dumbfounded at the discovery. He then raised an alarm and residents quickly gathered at the scene. The police were then summoned. They are presently investigating the gruesome discovery.

Residents suspect that the body is that of a villager from Charity Housing Scheme.

Regional Venezuela rejects amnesty for jailed protest leaders

The Venezuelan Government has dismissed calls by the

Opposition for an amnesty for jailed protest leaders. Government and

Opposition representatives met for a second time on Tuesday to try to put an

end to two months of antigovernment protests.

Following the meeting, Ramon Aveledo of the Opposition MUD coalition said his proposal for an amnesty law had been rejected.

More than 40 people have died in recent protestrelated violence. Hundreds of people have been de-

tained since the protests began in early February.

The majority have since been released, but a number of high-profile Opposition politicians are still in detention.

Among those still in jail are Popular Will party leader Leopoldo Lopez, who has been charged with inciting violence, and the

mayors of the cities of San Cristobal and San Diego, Daniel Ceballos and Enzo Scarano.

Aveledo said the Opposition would now “seek other ways” to address the problem of “political prisoners”.

Vice President Jorge Arreaza said progress had been made in the fourhour-long talks. He said both sides had agreed to respect the Constitution and condemned any use of violence.

The Vice President said the parties had decided to widen a Truth Commission investigating allegations of excessive use of force by both the security forces and protesters.

Aveledo welcomed the move, saying the Commission would now have “wider representation, with personalities of national life, known personalities that are trustworthy to everyone”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Brazil sends troops to Bahia state after police strike

Brazil has sent thousands of federal troops to maintain order in the north-eastern state of Bahia after police there went on strike over pay.

Shops and supermarkets in the state capital, Salvador, have been looted and public transport was severely reduced following attacks on some buses.

The Brazilian city is due to host six matches during this year’s football World Cup, which begins in June.

Another strike in 2012

led to a spike in murders and other violent crimes.

Back then, more than 130 people were killed and 12 officers were arrested, including the leader of the current labour dispute, Marco Prisco. He was accused of inciting acts of vandalism by his colleagues, but later released.

The 2012 strike lasted 12 days, and troops were also sent to the streets of Salvador, Brazil’s third most populous city.

The police started their latest protest on Tuesday

night after failing to reach an agreement with the Government in a dispute over higher pay and better conditions.

“If they meet our demands, the strike will end today,” announced Prisco. The Government said it was doing everything possible to meet the strikers’ demands. “Our intention is to talk. Firstly, we are concerned about the safety of the population,” Bahia’s Secretary of Public Safety, Mauricio Barbosa, was quoted as saying by the G1 news portal. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Prison alert in TT

The Prison Officers Association was Wednesday night bracing for a spate of riots at Golden Grove, Arouca, after a routine search at the Remand Yard resulted in the seizure of 36 cellphones and an undisclosed quantity of marijuana.

The contraband was found in the knapsack of a prisoner who was returning to the facility after attending a court hearing at the Princes Town Magistrates Court on Monday. In a telephone interview with the TT Guardian, the Association’s General Secretary, Gerard Gordon, said the seized items would

have been extremely valuable to its intended receiver. “What is the backlash … Who is going to pay for this?” Gordon questioned.

He added that if the expected repercussions come, his colleagues would be like sitting ducks both inside and outside the prison walls. He recalled the shooting death of Prison Officer Andy Rogers in November last year, which triggered a series of protests by the prison officers.

This action had forced the Government to commission a nine-member committee, headed by Professor Ramesh

Deosaran. The Committee was mandated by the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to look into the conditions at the prisons and submit a report.

Gordon said some of the blame for the situation must rest on the police at the Princes Town Magistrates Court. The prisoner was returning to Remand Yard after a court matter there and should have been properly searched before entering the transport vehicle to Arouca. He said for this to have occurred, there must have been some sort of collusion. (Excerpt from TT Guardian)

Ukraine struggles to bring east under control

Pro-Russian armed rebels have dampened Ukraine’s hopes of re-establishing the interim Government’s control over the country’s east just before planned four-way talks on the country’s crisis.

The talks in Geneva, Switzerland, are being held weeks after a proEuropean Union uprising toppled President Viktor Yanukovich.

Separatists seized on Wednesday Ukrainian armoured vehicles along with their crews and hoisted Russian flags over them, humiliating the Government in Kiev less than 48 hours after Ukrainian special forces and paratroopers launched an “anti-terrorist operation”.

The incident happened as the convoy entered the eastern city of Kramatorsk, on its way to crack down on pro-Russian rebels in neighbouring Slovyansk.

Russian media reported that the crew of the convoy switched sides, but Ukraine’s Defence Ministry denied the report on defections.

A journalist of the Associated Press news agency overheard a Ukrainian soldier suggesting that the troops were forced at gunpoint to hand over the vehicles.

seized on Wednesday Ukrainian armoured vehicles along with their crews and hoisted Russian flags over them Ukraine,” Yatsenyuk told a Cabinet meeting.

In the eastern regional capital of Donetsk, armed militias seized the Mayor’s office, demanding that the Ukrainian Government hold a vote on giving the east more autonomy.

“We have come into this building so that Kiev accepts our demands, the demands of the ordinary people of Donbass [Donetsk region], to adopt a law on local referendums,” Alexander Zakharchenko, a militia member, said.

In Kiev, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukraine’s interim Prime Minister, accused Russia of orchestrating the unrest.

“Russia has got a new export now, apart from oil and gas: Russia is now exporting terrorism to

Search resumes for hundreds missing in South Korean ferry disaster

South Korean coastguards and navy divers resumed their search on Thursday for nearly 280 people still missing after a ferry capsized in what could be the country’s worst maritime disaster in more than 20 years.

They will also be seeking answers to many unanswered questions surrounding Wednesday’s accident, notably what caused the Sewol vessel to list and then flip over entirely, leaving only a small section of its hull above water.

Rescue efforts on Thursday could be hampered by difficult weather conditions, however, amid forecasts of rain, strong winds and fog.

Of 462 passengers on board the ferry when it set sail from the port of Incheon late on Tuesday, 179 have been rescued and six people are known to have died.

Nearly 340 of the passengers were teenagers and teachers from the same school near the capital Seoul on a field trip to Jeju Island, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of the Korean peninsula.

Parents of missing children faced an agonising wait for news as they gathered in Jindo, a town close to where the ferry capsized.

“My tears have dried up,” said one mother, who did not give her name. “I am holding on to hope. I hope the Government does everything to bring these kids back to their mothers.”

At the dockside in Jindo, women sat and stared out at the black, calm sea before them, quietly sobbing.

It was not immediately clear why the Sewol ferry capsized in apparently calm waters off South Korea’s southwest coast. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Obama looks to salvage Asia “pivot” as allies fret about China

When a Philippine Government ship evaded a Chinese blockade in disputed waters of the South China Sea last month, a U.S. Navy plane swooped in to witness the dramatic encounter.

The flyover was a vivid illustration of the expanding significance of one of Asia’s most strategic regions and underscored a message that senior U.S. officials say President Barack Obama will make in Asia next week: The “pivot” of U.S. military and diplomatic assets toward the AsiaPacific region is real.

“Russia must withdraw its sabotage groups, condemn terrorists and liberate all administrative buildings.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Washington’s Asian allies, however, appear unconvinced.

During Obama’s fournation tour of Asia that begins on April 23, his tough-

est challenge will be to reassure sceptical leaders that the United States intends to be more than just a casual observer and instead is genuinely committed to countering an increasingly assertive China in the region.

Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula – and perceptions of limited U.S. options to get Moscow to back down –has heightened unease in Japan, the Philippines and elsewhere about whether Beijing might feel emboldened to use force to pursue its territorial claims in the East and South China Seas.

There is also suspicion among some Asian allies that if they come under threat from China, the United States – despite

treaty obligations to come to their aid – might craft a response aimed more at controlling damage to its own vital relationship with China, the world’s secondbiggest economic power.

For Obama, the tricky part of the trip, which will include stops in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines, will be deciding how to set limits on China in a way that soothes U.S. allies in Asia but avoids stoking tensions with Beijing.

“Obama’s upcoming visit will be the most critical test of this administration’s Asia policy,” said Richard Jacobson, a Manila-based analyst with TD International, a business risk and strategic consulting firm. (Excerpt from Reuters)

thursday, april 17, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

Tense first day as NGSA commences

– students express confidence

BY GOMATIE GANGADIN

The atmosphere was tense at most examination centres as the annual National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) commenced on Wednesday.

The examination will continue today, at a majority of the primary schools and centres across the country. It was reported that approximately 15,500 candidates were registered to write the examination.

Guyana Times visited several of the examination centres where the students seemed to be well prepared and ready for the task at hand.

The students would have written English Language and Science Paper one and two on Wednesday and will sit Mathematics and Social Studies paper one and two today.

Guyana Times spoke to several of the students who stated that thus far, the ex-

impressionable young man stated.

Echoing his sentiments was Cynthia DaSilva, a pupil of the St Agnes Primary School. She noted that English Language would have posed slight difficulties for her, but was not too hard to handle.

The young lady also expressed her desire to gain a place at the prestigious Queen’s College, noting that she had studied for countless hours and is working for that desire to be fulfilled.

should not be forced to fulfil the dreams of their parents. Let them write their exams with a free mind, not a heavy heart. And secondly, accept the results. Everyone cannot go to Queen’s College or Bishops’ or the other top schools, so once they give their best, be proud and accept it. They can still become something in life regardless what school they get. I intend to continue working with my child regardless what school he gets,” the man advised.

aminations will be disqualified.

The students sitting the national Grade Six Assessment would have also written the National Grade Two Assessment in 2010 and the National Grade Four Assessment in 2012.

ams were quite easy with very few complications as the content of the papers was covered in their respective schools.

Isaiah Woodroffe, a Grade Six pupil from the St Margaret’s Primary School, who spoke to this publication, stated that the examinations were similar to those which the school had set in the past.

Slight difficulties

“Well the exam was really good. I have been studying since last year so I was well prepared. I was a bit nervous at first, but I prayed and my mom encouraged me to remain focus and pretend like it’s a normal exam and I made it through. I think I worked for Queen’s College so I’m expecting that,” the

Former headmaster of the Buxton Primary School, George Gomes, is calling on parents to let the children do what has to be done and not to put too much pressure on the children as they might not perform to the best of their ability.

“You know around this time, parents put pressure on their children. They want them to get this school and that school. Yes, as a parent, you want your children to have the best, to give of their best, but at the same time, every child has their own potential and they

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

Education Minister Priya Manickchand is advising that all cellular phones and other electronic devices will be disallowed in the exam. The Ministry is therefore asking that all candidates leave such devices at home as any candidate found with such devices during the ex-

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

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

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

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

Local editorial board for Caribbean Press – Dr Anthony

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has disclosed that a local editorial board will be established for the Caribbean Press to oversee the work of local writers.

Dr Anthony, who was on Wednesday bombarded with a series of questions on his Ministry during the consideration of the estimates, said the press continues to do well despite limitations.

Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) Moses Nagamootoo said while the press has done some remarkable work, there has been much controversy surrounding its governing board.

Nagamootoo questioned the Minister on whether monies have been allocated this year for the establishment of the board, to which the Minister responded in the negative.

But, he said the current management of the press is doing remarkably well under the leadership of Professor David Dabydeen, and has since completed 74 books.

Dr Anthony noted that in the face of the controversies surrounding the press, it has still managed to attract a number of international writers and editors, who volunteered to edit works presented to the press.

However, the Minister pointed out that most of these people want to move on with their lives; hence, the Ministry’s move to establish a local editorial board.

The Minister said the Ministry is open to anyone who wishes to volunteer their services to the press.

Meanwhile, the Minister was extensively grilled by the combined parliamentary Opposition on the Sports and Arts Fund.

Approved

Some $2.4 billion was allocated to the Ministry, which was eventually approved.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Christopher Jones questioned the Minister on what projects will be utilised under the fund.

Dr Anthony said the money was used to complete the 1823 Monument, to fund the contingent going to the InterGuiana Festival, to produce six short films on Chinese, to appoint two Cuban swimming and a boxing coach and do upgrading works on the National Cultural Centre (NCC). Two new air conditioners were purchased for the building.

Jones noted a significant increase in this year’s budget compared to last year, which the Minister explained is as a result of the Ministry embarking on several projects.

These include employing an additional Cuban swimming coach, along with a boxing and an athletic coach upon the completion of the synthetic track and funding for the National Drama Festival, which has grown significantly over the years.

The Minister was then asked to give a detailed list of the monies being injected into these areas, which he did. Jones then enquired from the Minister, who would usually allocate the funds to these projects and agencies,

to which he said the Directors of Sport and Culture.

Dr Anthony was subsequently asked by APNU’s Joseph Harmon, whether he can consider having an independent person or body allocating the funds. Minister Anthony indicated that he has no difficulty in expanding the committee to include independent persons.

Dr Anthony during his answers to queries, disclosed that his Ministry does not engage in any advertisements, but proposals are presented to the fund’s committee, which will then consider them and allocate the funds.

He noted that anyone with a project can write to the committee and the Ministry will work with proposals submitted from the various art sectors.

Committee of Supply Chairman and Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman then enquired from the Minister how the public knows about the fund if there is no advertisement, particularly, persons in the hinterland.

The Minister disclosed that this year they will embark on widespread advertisements to alert the public that funds are available.

Anthony told the House that the fund is audited by the Auditor General; hence, there is no discrepancy in the current management of the committee.

AFC MP Trevor Williams asked the Minister whether there is a policy document to guide how the funds should be disbursed and in what quantity, to which the Minister responded in the affirmative.

Day care death: Baby died from bronchitis – autopsy

An autopsy performed on the body of fourmonth-old Phillip Pratt who died at the Mothers’ Union Day Care on Tuesday revealed that he died due to complications from bronchitis.

The post-mortem was performed by Dr Nehaul Singh on Wednesday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary and witnessed by the baby’s family members.

An aunt of the dead child, Debbie, told Guyana Times that the autopsy report on the cause of death has brought some relief to the family, since they thought something had gone amiss at the day care centre.

She explained that during the post-mortem examination it was recognised that the child’s lungs were “hard”. Bronchitis is a respiratory disease in which the mucus membrane in the lungs’ bronchial passages becomes inflamed. As the irritated membrane swells and grows thicker, it narrows or shuts off the tiny airways in the lungs, resulting in coughing spells that may be accompanied by phlegm and breathlessness.

The child, who had been at the day care for about six weeks, had been experiencing what the mother thought was the common cold during the week, Guyana Times was informed.

The Mothers’ Union Day Care, which accepts chil-

dren from the age of three months, is a popular day care. In a release issued by family members, they stated “categorically that, the Mothers’ Union Day Care facility is NOT at fault, nor, is in no manner responsible for baby Phillip’s death…. the Mothers’ Union Day Care facility pursued its normal procedures by contacting the infant child’s mother. We are in no way dissatisfied with the procedures followed by the day care.

“We take this opportunity to, once again, thank the administration and the caregivers at the Mothers’ Union Day Care facility for rendering quality service and their assistance following baby Phillips’ demise.”

The family said they also thank all who have sympathised and are commiser-

ating with them in their bereavement.

Pratt, of Lot 631 South Sophia, Georgetown, took his last breath at the day care on Robb Street after he was seen frothing from his mouth and bleeding from his nostrils. It was reported that after a staffer of the institution realised that something was amiss, she telephoned the child’s mother, Philion Winter-Archer who was at her place of employment, the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The administrator also contacted the police who, along with the devastated mother, took the child to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Little Phillip Pratt is expected to be laid to rest in the new week.

NA man shot dead in land row

An Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam man was shot dead Wednesday evening during an altercation with a businessman over an old land claim grievance.

Dead is Errol Lindon, 50, of Mia Mia Dam, Angoy’s Avenue. He was shot around 20:45h and succumbed to his injuries while being treated at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Lindon sustained around three shots about his body,

sources told Guyana Times Details are sketchy, but reports say the incident stemmed from a land dispute.

According to police sources, the overseas-based Guyanese businessman of a popular shopping mall, allegedly shot Lindon in the vicinity of the Angoy’s Avenue after an alteration regarding land.

According to information received, the vehicle of the businessman, who was also

a former Guyana volleyball stalwart, was later set on fire by residents of Angoy’s Avenue.

Hospital sources have confirmed that Lindon was admitted to the hospital in an unconscious state and lost quite a lot of blood. Doctors did their utmost to revive him, but he succumbed to his injuries at 21:00h.

Meantime, the businessman is in police custody assisting with investigations.

An Albouystown resident was on Wednesday fined $205,400 and sentenced to three years in prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan charged with trafficking narcotics.

Jason Helligar, 33, of 298 Independence Boulevard, was found, on Monday, April

14, in possession of 171 grams of cannabis, valued $68,400, which he intended to traffic, the court was told.

The defendant, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the offence.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question, at 17:55h, a police patrol in Albouystown observed the man, who had a black haversack, acting suspiciously.

Customs Officer refused bail for cocaine in mail bag

The Customs Officer who was allegedly caught on camera packing cocaine into a mail bag at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport last week, was on Wednesday remanded to prison when he appeared before City Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan.

Clive David, 28, of 22 Princes Street, Lodge, pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. He allegedly committed the crime some time between April 9 and 11.

Police said that David was allegedly in possession of 647 grams of cocaine at the time.

His lawyer, Lancelot Ferreira, in a passionate plea for bail, told the court that David was given the

mail by a friend to post and he left the envelopes on his desk at Timehri.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones countered by saying that the defendant had signed a confession statement, allegedly admitting that he knew the drug was in the envelopes.

The individual whom David alleged gave him the drug to post allegedly promised him US$1000 to put the five sealed envelopes into the mail bag destined for the John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

According to the prosecutor, that individual, when contacted by investigators, denied having done so.

However, the defence counsel said the person was never contacted pending investigation. The Prosecutor

said police are still conducting investigations.

David is to make his next court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on May 19.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has since sacked David, who was attached to the Customs Department of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC).

Revenue Authority Head, Khurshid Sattaur told Guyana Times that the agency’s policy is that any serious offence on or off the job that attracts the attention of the police renders the culpable party subject to summary dismissal.

Man accused of beating woman on vagina after being denied sex

Alabourer who allegedly assaulted and threatened to kill a woman after she refused to have sexual intercourse with him was on Wednesday remanded by Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Shawn Peters, 35, of 183 Callendar Street, Albouystown, pleaded not guilty to the charges of unlawful assault and threat-

ening behaviour.

It is alleged that on April 13, Peters unlawfully assaulted the woman with whom he shares a relationship and threatened to kill her at her residence.

Details of the matter are that on the day in question, the defendant went to the virtual complainant’s (VC) home and demanded sex.

The VC informed him that she was having her menstrual cycle and he got angry. Peters then dealt

the VC several blows to her vagina with an iron and threatened to kill her.

Peters was unrepresented and State Prosecutor Deniro Jones requested that bail be denied, based on the seriousness of the offence. He was remanded until May 20.

The defendant will make his next court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The patrol stopped and carried out a search on the defendant’s person and belongings.

The search uncovered seeds and stems, suspected to be marijuana, wrapped in silver foil in a black plastic bag. It was reported that seeds and stems were also found in one of the man’s pants pockets. Helligar was subsequently arrested.

SUDOKU

You’ll make an impression with your public speaking skills. An offer of a leadership position is likely to come your way. You will be successful if you make a move that sets an example.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Be sure to keep your thoughts to yourself at work. Wait for a more favourable time to make any requests of your superiors – right now, just stick to doing your work quietly and well.

Children in your life will be quite observant today. Take time out to listen to what they’re saying. The approach you take will influence a project’s outcome. A creative outlet will do you good.

Enlist friends and family to help with home improvements. Renovations will turn out to be more expensive than anticipated, but you will be pleased with the results.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Be open to new situations. Joining a social group will introduce you to new and interesting people. Have some fun, let loose and enjoy life. Work shouldn’t be your only outlet.

(March 21-April 19)

Others will seek your help today. Take the time to listen to their problems, even if you can’t provide a solution. Your support alone will build strong alliances.

(April 20-May 20)

You will be able to perform at an amazing level today. Your value will be noticed if you mix work with pleasure. Take advantage of any social invitations you receive.

(May 21June 20)

Share your goals with your superiors. Be specific. If they don’t know what you want, you won’t get the opportunities to advance that you are looking for.

Someone from your past will make an unexpected return. Don’t let stressful situations eat away at your health. Relax, even if a personal encounter is less than perfect. Take care when travelling.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You can’t buy love. Your budget will suffer if you purchase expensive gifts. Concentrate on earning money rather than spending it unwisely, and offer support, not cash, to others.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Refrain from bringing work problems home with you. Let traffic delays, work issues, or other minor irritations slide. Your health and family relationships are more important.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Don’t deceive yourself. Make commitments for the right reasons. Don’t sign on for something that you don’t believe in just to follow the crowd or gain acceptance.

Baird on cusp of history at upcoming Carifta Games

By Treiston Joseph

The 2014 junior Carifta games set for Martinique this Easter weekend will give US- based Guyanese Kadecia Baird yet another shot at history when she competes in both the 200 and 400 metres female under-20 events.

The 19 year old has already done her fair share of history -making by becoming Guyana’s first medalist at the World Junior championships in 2012 with silver, while becoming Guyana’s youngest Central America and Caribbean (CAC) championships gold medalist in 2013.

In addition, Baird is the first and only athlete thus far in Guyana’s history to have “medalled” at the Carifta Games, CAC championships and the World Junior Championships, a feat that speaks volumes of her aptitude.

Baird, who captured bronze at last year’s junior Carifta Games in the under-20 female 400 metres in what can be said to be a subpar performance by her standards, will have a chance to become Guyana’s first sprint gold medalist at the junior games, a feat that by all means is within her grasp, especially since transitioning to college life.

So how does the 19 year old feel heading into the event? “I’m actually really excited, it’s my second time attending Carifta and I just want to go out and have fun,” Baird told Guyana Times Sport in an exclusive interview.

Talking about her training, Baird spoke of what she expects to accomplish along with her preparation for the event.

“I always want to do my best and to make sure that I’m proud of my work at all times, I’m in better shape than I was last year around this time, just working on executing my race the right way and will see what happens

“My training has been nothing different than[sic] preparation for my college races. My focus right now is staying hydrated, eating healthy and getting my mind ready,” Baird mentioned.

Baird, who attends the University of Nebraska, related what a gold medal win would mean to her: “Gold would mean a lot, it would just add to my medal collection and as my high school coach Shaun Dietz said: ‘I don’t have a taste in my kind of medal yet’,” Baird mentioned.

With Baird making the transition from high school (Medgar Evers High) to college, the talented athlete revealed that part of her race she has been working mostly on: “I’ve been working mostly on the first part of my race because that’s the weakest and it’s getting better,” she assured.

Further, Baird opened up on college life and how it has impacted her career and her approach to athletics.

“Well it’s so much different here (University of Nebraska), college has made me mature a whole lot, it made me see things from a different point of view and has thought me that you have to get the job done under any circumstance and that’s what I’ve been working on,” Baird

shared during the interview.

However, with the Carifta Games approaching and the World junior silver medalist gearing up for a history- making event, Baird was conservative as to how fast she wants to run over the 400 metres, but hinted her intention of running fast.

“Its hot weather and I’m in pretty good shape, I’m not going to say times, I’m just going to run but I’m hoping for a personal best”. Baird has a personal best of 51.04s when she took silver at the World Junior Championships.

The CAC gold medalist who is known for her 400 metres running, also explained her love and expectation for the 200 metres, an event she will be running at the Games.

“I love the 200 metres, I enjoy running that race but obviously the 400 metres is my best but I’m excited to run the 200 also and I’m hoping to get a personal best in that too,” Baird stated.

Meanwhile, as she prepares to make her own bit of history, she related her thoughts on being Guyana’s potential, first sprinting gold medalist.

“I’m taking it step by step to get the job done, as I said I’m working on doing my best and my best has yet to be shown, so let’s see how it goes…,” Baird stated.

Baird will be heading out to the Carifta Games today where history awaits the pegs of her running shoes.

Coach Shaun Dietz talks about Brenessa Thompson

By Treiston Joseph

As US-based

Guyanese Brenessa Thompson prepares to represent Guyana for the first time in her fledgling career at the junior Carifta Games in Martinique this weekend, coach of the budding athlete Shaun Dietz talked with Guyana Times Sport on the athlete’s potential in an exclusive interview.

Thompson, who will be representing Guyana in the female under-20 100 and 200 metres is seen as having a great shot of making the final at the games, according to Dietz.

“She is rounding into shape and I believe she will be in the finals of the 100 metres… 200 metres not so sure,” Dietz told Guyana Times Sport. Thompson, the daughter of former na-

tional sprinter Brenon Thompson, ran one of the

fastest indoors 55 metres race during her indoor season.

Preparation for the 17 year old has been progressing, as Dietz highlighted one of the main focuses for

Thompson to achieve at the meet.

“Training is going well… the weather is getting better here in New York and she will make an attempt to qualify for World Juniors at this meet,” Dietz stated.

Dietz ,who coached USbased Guyanese Kadecia Baird to a World Junior Championship silver medal, noted some similarities with the two athletes, while pointing out what has made them different to coach.

“Brenessa is not a great starter, but she has great pick-up speed, Kadecia was a very poor starter but has great pick-up speed and finishing kick.

“Kadecia did a lot of ply metrics in her training at this point, Brenessa didn’t because she hurt her

calf muscle earlier in the season; but Brenessa did more weight training overall than Kadecia,” Dietz revealed.

Dietz in his assessment of Thompson believes she will be a very competitive athlete but sees her as possibly having success at the Carifta Games.

“She can run low 11s eventually but this games is a start… she is not in her best of shapes but I’m not going to rule out her having her best performances, since she will be competing against some great experienced athletes,” Dietz mentioned.

Meanwhile, Thompson will be heading out to the Carifta Games this morning as she aims to make her mark while debuting for Guyana.

Kolkata open with thumping victory

On a green Abu Dhabi pitch that had plenty of bounce, Kolkata cruised to a big win over defending champions Mumbai in the opening game of the season. The biggest difference was the impact made by the teams’ overseas players: Lasith Malinga was the only one who delivered for Mumbai, but for Kolkata Jacques Kallis set up the innings with a 72, Morne Morkel squeezed the chase with a burst of 2-0-2-0 at the start of the innings, and Sunil Narine scalped four as he became the quickest bowler to 50 wickets in the tournament.

Kolkata, on choosing to bat, began poorly with their captain Gautam Gambhir scratching around for a eight-ball duck that was ended by a pinpoint Malinga yorker. Manish Pandey, whose most famous feat remains his breakthrough century in the 2009 season, grabbed his chance at No. 3, and put on a 131-run stand with Kallis.

It was slow going early on, with only four fours and a six in the first 10 overs.

Sunil Narine

Kallis has regularly faced questions over the pacing of his innings in Twenty20s, and when he was 34 off 31 in the 14th over, the murmurs were at their loudest, especially as Kolkata had a bunch of hitters waiting for their chance. On the next

delivery, Malinga put down a sitter off Kallis at short fine leg. It prompted a series of big hits from Kallis. He ransacked 37 off his next 13 deliveries, including two sixes and a four off a Pragyan Ojha over.

Pandey, who hasn’t quite

India court asks cricket board to probe IPL betting

India’s Supreme Court has asked the cricket board to investigate the role of a top cricket official and 12 others in spot-fixing and illegal betting in the Indian Premier League.

N Srinivasan recently stood down temporarily as chief of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following a Supreme Court ruling.

He owns a team in the IPL, the world’s richest cricket tournament.

He is regarded as the world’s most powerful cricket administrator.

He was elected chairman of cricket’s world governing body, the International Cricket Council, in February and is due to take up the role in July.

Last month, former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar was in-

French

stalled as the interim head of the cricket board.

The Supreme Court said on Wednesday that the BCCI should appoint a panel to investigate the charges against Mr Srinivasan and 12 others, including some players.

“Having come to know the nature of allegations, we cannot close our eyes,” the court said.

The court said when the allegations of corruption in IPL “were brought to his [Mr Srinivasan’s] notice... he did not take any action. That means he was aware about the allegations and did not take it seriously”.

The seventh edition of the 20-over tournament, which features eight teams, begins on Wednesday and runs until 1 June.

The last season of the IPL was dogged by allega-

tions of spot-fixing and betting.

Spot-fixing involves players bowling wides and noballs at certain times arranged beforehand with bookmakers.

Mr Srinivasan had “stepped aside” from his post as BCCI president in June last year after his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan was arrested over allegations of betting.

Mr Meiyappan was later freed on bail, and Mr Srinivasan returned as the head of the cricket board before he was asked to leave his post. Both men deny any wrongdoing.

The IPL is considered to be the world’s showcase for Twenty20 cricket. Top Indian and international players take part, contributing to what is the world’s richest cricket tournament. (BBC Sport)

Open prize money gets three-million euro boost

The French Open prize money pool has risen to 25 million euros ($34.54 million) after the country’s tennis federation announced a three million euro increase to overall winnings on Tuesday.

The FFT added that the men’s and women’s champions would benefit from a 10 percent rise in earnings, each banking 1.65 million euros for winning the singles titles in Paris.

“This noticeable progres-

lived up to the Twenty20 reputation earned by that out-of-the-blue knock, also quickened his pace after getting to his half-century, even slugging a Malinga slower ball for six. After a couple of seasons in which he has struggled to hold down a spot in the XI, this innings should give him a bit of a run in the side. After his dismissal, Malinga struck twice in his final over, before Suryakumar Yadav played a couple of innovative strokes to lift Kolkata to 163.

The last time Morkel played an official T20, he was taken for 50 runs in three overs. He was up against Michael Hussey, the highest run-getter of the previous season. Morkel exploited the bounce in the pitch to drain away any momentum the chase could gather, and Hussey had one of his worst outings as he pottered around for 13-ball 3 before falling to Narine.

Ambati Rayudu and Rohit Sharma, two of the stalwarts of Mumbai over the years, tried to up the scoring but against an attack that didn’t give away

much on a surface where the ball wasn’t quite coming on, the asking rate kept on increasing. They put on 61 off 45 deliveries, but when Rohit perished to a tumbling Kallis catch off Morkel in the 16th over, the game was virtually over.

Mumbai needed 63 off 28, but their big-hitting allrounders, Kieron Pollard and Corey Anderson, had a horrid time against the guile of Narine, who ended with figures of 4 for 20 to ensure a resounding win for Kolkata.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Kolkata T20 innings (20 overs maximum)

G Gambhir* b Malinga 0

JH Kallis c Anderson b Malinga 72

MK Pandey b Malinga 64

RV Uthappa† c Sharma b Khan 1

YK Pathan not out 4

Shakib Al Hasan c Sharma b Malinga 1

SA Yadav not out 13

Extras: (lb 4, w 4) 8

Total: (5 wickets; 20 overs) 163

Did not bat: PP Chawla, R Vinay

Kumar, SP Narine, M Morkel

Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Gambhir, 1.4 ov), 2-135 (Pandey, 16.6 ov), 3-144 (Uthappa, 17.6 ov), 4-145 (Kallis, 18.2 ov), 5-149 (Shakib Al Hasan, 18.6 ov)

Bowling: Z Khan 4-0-231, SL Malinga 4-0-23-4, CJ Anderson 3-0-33-0, PP Ojha 4-0-36-0, Harbhajan Singh 3-025-0, KA Pollard 2-0-19-0

Mumbai T20 innings (target: 164 runs from 20 overs)

MEK Hussey b Narine 3 AP Tare c & b Shakib Al Hasan 24 AT Rayudu st †Uthappa b Narine 48 RG Sharma* c Kallis b Morkel 27 KA Pollard not out 6 CJ Anderson b Narine

sion of the Roland Garros prize money is part of the four-year plan for the 201316 period,” tournament director and FFT general director Gilbert Ysern said in a statement.

Last year, Wimbledon had a total prize pool of 22.56 million euros, while the U.S. Open had a $33.6 million purse. This year’s Australian Open prize money pool was $33 million.

(Reuters)

Phelps’s return greeted with shrugs by fellow Olympians

The news that Michael Phelps was returning to the pool with an eye toward possibly participating at the 2016 Summer Olympics was greeted with a big yawn by fellow swimmers.

While Phelps’s un-retirement did indeed create a flurry of excitement in social media, those who know him best were not shocked by Monday’s announcement.

“I wasn’t surprised,” 17-year-old Olympic champion Katie Ledecky told Reuters in a telephone call after a workout at her swim club in Bethesda, Maryland.

“The swimming world has known for a while that he’s been training the past year so it wasn’t too big of a surprise. I’m definitely excited that he’s going to swimming in Mesa.”

Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all-time

with a total of 22 medals, has not competed since the 2012 London Games. The Baltimore native will headline an April 24-26 meet in Mesa, Arizona, with fellow Olympians Ledecky and Ryan Lochte.

The 28-year-old, 18-time gold medalist returned to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency registry over nine months ago and has been subject to out-of-competition testing.

Dara Torres, a winner of 12 Olympic medals, said she knew all along that Phelps would return to the pool.

“I just kind of giggled when I heard the news,” she told Reuters on Tuesday via telephone from her Boston home. “I knew it. I just knew that was going to happen.” Phelps is entered in the 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly and the 50m butterfly at the Mesa event, the fourth stop of USA Swimming’s

2013-14 Arena Grand Prix Series.

Torres, who won her medals over five Olympics and missed out on a ticket to the 2012 London Games by nine one-hundreths of a second in the U.S. trials, is convinced Phelps misses competing.

“I have never seen anyone as competitive as me except for Michael Phelps,” said the 47-year-old Torres. “I am so competitive it’s ridiculous. You have someone like Michael and now he’s in the real life. He’s playing golf, he’s doing things here and there.

“But it’s not the same as something you’ve been doing your whole life. For me personally, I missed the sport. I love the sport. But most of all I missed competing.

“If you’re a very competitive person, it’s very tough to let that go.” (Reuters)

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Junior Carifta team wings out to Carifta Games, expected to do well

By Treiston Joseph

The junior Carifta team is set to represent Guyana at the 2014 edition of the junior Carifta Games in Martinique, as the team will depart this morning for the games.

At a press conference held by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) headquarters, president of the AAG,Aubrey Hutson said he expects great things from the nine-member squad.

“This team is leaving with a lot of expectations and I have assurance from them that they will go out and do their best and once these guys along with the girls go out and perform, I believe everybody will return with weights around their necks,” Hutson stated.

Coach of the team Sham Johnny lauded the AAG for the selection of field events for the first time, while noting that he expects the team to produce results.

“The selection of a field -event athlete on the team shows the direction of the AAG, because I think those athletes have been neglected… this squad is well prepared and I think will have some good production.

“Everybody is capable in

the special own event[sic] and I think everybody will represent themselves well and the times will be appreciated; but mentally they need to put in a bit more,” Johnny told media representatives present.

Further, Johnny noted that the overall preparation is not where it should be, but believes all of the athletes can respond to the challenge.

Meanwhile, the athletes present at the press conference were all grateful for the opportunity to represent Guyana and assured the public that they will put in their best efforts to make the Land of Many Waters proud.

The team will wing out this morning at 06:00h and is expected to return to Guyana on April 22 around 14:00h.

Headlining the local side of the team will be defending CARIFTA under-18 1500 metres champion Cassie George, who won gold last year. The talented distance athlete will be defending her 1500 metres title while making a switch to the 3000 metres.

CARIFTA 400 metres bronze medalist Jason Yaw will also be the next local headliner, as he will attempt to top his bronze medal performance from one year ago.

Avon Samuels will also look to improve on her performances from last year in the under-18 200 and 400 metres.

Making their debut at the event will be talented sprinter Jevina Sampson in the 200 and 400 metres under-18, Natricia Hooper, triple jump, Kevin Abbensetts 100 and 200 metres under-20 and Kade Pearce, male under-20 high and triple jumps.

The US-based athletes will be headed by World Junior silver medalist and CAC gold medalist Kadecia Baird, who will look to better her bronze medal performance in the girls’ under-20 400 metres from one year ago. Baird will also feature in the girls’ under-20 200 metres.

Making her debut for Guyana as a US- based athlete will be Brenessa Thompson, who has one of the fastest junior indoor 60 metres times in the US at the moment. Thompson will be competing in the girls’ 100 and 200 metres.

The team’s coach will be Running Brave Athletics cocoach Sham Johnny, who will be assisted by Shaun Dietz, Glenton Pantlitz, and Matthew Martin. The manager of the team will be Mayfield Taylor-Trim.

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DeRoop mulls contempt of court proceedings against PMTC

– after non-registration of Score’s Even

Dennis DeRoop Cecil Kennard Vic Oudit

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Following the non-reg-

istration of Score’s

Even for this Sunday’s Guyana Cup Fever, owner and trainer of the animal Dennis DeRoop is mulling contempt of court proceedings against the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) executives.

The animal was denied entry for the race because,according to the organizers, the event is not for ‘A’ Class animals. This publication was advised,however, that with the event being a feature or open race,animals of all classes are eligible to participate.

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

To this end, DeRoop’s Attorney Adrian Anamayah

revealed to this publication on Wednesday that the PMTC executives are demonstrating clearly that they have no regard for court orders and for the laws of Guyana.

“Clearly, they are forcing contempt of court proceedings to be filed against them. Their disregard for law and order by itself disqualified them from running the race meet,” Anamayah pointed out.

Injunction

DeRoop secured a High Court injunction on Tuesday from Judge Sandra Kurtzious in the Berbice High Court, instructing the executives of the Port Mourant Turf Club to register Score’s Even to participate in the meeting.

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

Both Ramnauth and Jagdeo received the injunction and are now seeking legal advice on the way forward.

Ramnauth told Guyana Times Sport on Wednesday that the club will stick to its original programme and will not allow Score’s Even to participate in Sunday’s race meet.

“As I mentioned on Tuesday to you, Score’s Even will not participate, the meet does not provide for ‘A’ Class animals. The feature race is for animals classified ‘C’ and Lower, so Score’s Even does not fall into that category, so the club will stick to its original programme. We will not change the programme to accommodate any horse,” Ramnauth said.

When contacted on Wednesday former president of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority, Cecil Kennard, and Kennard’s successor Vic Oudit, both declined to comment on the issue.

The Guyana Cup Fever is the brainchild of Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, and is the largest horse-racing event since its inaugural meet six years ago. It is held in collaboration with the PMTC.

WICB Grassroots helping St Kitts cricket

The West Indies Cricket Board’s Grassroots Programme has brought major improvements to the game in St Kitts, according to Leeward Islands Territorial Development Officer Junie Mitcham.

Speaking with SKNVibes on Wednesday (Apr. 16), Mitcham explained that since its inception four years ago, the Grassroots Programme has raised the game of cricket in St. Kitts at the junior level, adding that players have moved on from the programme to represent their homeland, the Leeward Islands and West Indies at major competitions.

He said that since the programme began they have fostered the development of in excess of 50 young aspiring cricketers who are still in the ranks of the Grassroots Programme.

Alinsworth is Stray Catchers King Domino champion

The Georgetown Stray Catchers Unit held its annual King Domino competition last Sunday at the Paradise Sports Club meeting venue on the East Coast of Demerara, with Clauduin Alinsworth being crowned the new champion.

Alinsworth emerged winner from a group of eight competitors, which also included 2013 champion Ulric Edwards, who was knocked out during the early stages of the tournament.

During the final round of rivalry, Alinsworth was up against Motilall Ram and Aubrey Burrowes in a threeway battle.

Alinsworth marked the maximum 18 games to cop the title, while Ram ended with 15 and Burrowes 13.

For his victory, Alinsworth was presented with a beautiful trophy sponsored by Nalico/Nafico, whose representative Benson Gomes said the company was pleased to be asso-

ciated with the competition.

Speaking on behalf of the Home Affairs Ministry, to which the Stray Catchers Units are attached, Ovid Glasgow reflected that the tournament was keenly contested with each of the eight players doing his utmost to be the champion of the day.

Alinsworth was presented with the trophy during a simple ceremony at the Home Affairs Ministry’s office on Brickdam on Wednesday afternoon.

James Lewis’ farewell tapeball

tourney set for Sunday

“To name a few, you have Jeremiah Lewis who represented Leewards in the Under-19 and also being in the reserve for the West Indies Under-19, and you also have two of his brothers…You also have Xavier Saunders.”

Mitcham noted that the programme is currently in “three clusters that are being run in Sandy Point, Basseterre and St. Paul’s”.

He stressed that the programme has developed all aspects of the game locally, moreover in the age-group level.

“Presently, they have the Leeward Islands Under-15 Tournament being played in St. Kitts and Nevis and 90 percent of the participants, not only from St. Kitts but throughout the other terri-

“The Grassroots Programme is presently geared towards assisting and developing the players who have not been involved in the game, but have an interest level in it. It is also to attract new players and broaden the scope of people who are interested in cricket.

tories, have come from the Grassroots Programme. So, it is playing a pivotal role in the further development of cricket throughout the Leeward Islands and by extension the West Indies” Mitcham explained.

He added that the Grassroots Programme seeks also to enhance the club structure, which is currently weak in St. Kitts and the wider Caribbean territories.

“Presently, you don’t really have an organised club structure in the territories and so it is not benefitting the clubs as it ought to, because there is no real structure in place to assist the players when they leave the Grassroots Programme.”

Mitcham was adamant that the local administrations in the individual territories need “to play a more pivotal role in assisting the programme, because we don’t know how long it is going to be around”. (Windiescricket)

After serving in the public service for a whopping 34 years, sport enthusiast James Lewis will be honoured on Sunday when the Home Affairs Ministry stages an Inter-ministry 10/10 knockout tapeball competition on the National Cultural Centre tarmac.

Lewis, who will officially proceed on retirement on April 30, said a highly competitive day of cricket is anticipated among the eight ministry teams confirmed to do battle from 10:00h.

The ministries set to vie for supremacy are Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Sport, Legal Affairs, Health, Finance, Public Service and Housing and Water.

“The teams are pumped up and ready to go at each other, so we expect some keenly contested matches,” Lewis promised.

The long-serving public servant was on hand on Wednesday afternoon to collect the winner’s trophy from Ovid Glasgow of the Home Affairs Ministry, which has

agreed to sponsor the firstplace prize.

Lewis thanked Minister Clement Rohee and his ministry for being part of the activity, noting that the Public Service and Local Government ministries have also promised to assist by providing additional trophies and medals.

“I want to take this opportunity to encourage persons to come out and witness an exciting day of cricket and have a fun time with the family,” Lewis said.

RHTY&SC, BCB launch historic scrabble tournament

Two of Berbice and Guyana’s leading sport organisations, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), have joined hands to host an historic scrabble tournament for secondary schools in Region Six.

The tournament, the first of its kind to be organised in Berbice on a major scale, would be sponsored by Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited and has received the blessings of the Ministry of Education Region Six department.

Administrative Officer

of the BCB, Alisa Moonsee, stated that 17 schools in Berbice would take part in the tournament, which would be held in three categories. The three categories would be for junior students, ages 12-14, senior students 15-18 years and teachers.

The winner of each of the three categories would receive cash prizes along with trophies. The main aims of the tournament, according to Moonsee, are to promote the importance of education to youths, to assist students to improve their literary skills and to assist students in formulating words.

The scrabble tourna-

ment will start after a special training programme is organised to train one teacher from each school, who in turn will train students to play scrabble. Each school will also be provided with scrabble sets.

Chairman of the BCB’s 75th anniversary committee and Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, hailed the hosting of the scrabble tournament as historic and urged the participating schools to make sure that the game is promoted at all other schools.

First Vice-president Anil Beharry noted that while cricket remains the main ob-

jective of the BCB, it was delighted to play a part in the development of youths in their educational pursuits.

Region Six Education Officer for secondary schools, Selestina La Rose, praised both the RHTY&SC and the BCB for promoting scrabble in the schools. The formulation of words, La Rose stated, is very important in the education sector and she expressed the hope that the tournament would become an annual one.

Branch Manager of Republic Bank, New Amsterdam branch, Randolph Sears, expressed pleasure that the bank was approached to sponsor the event.

Nadal recovers from shaky start to go

through

Claycourt machine

Rafael Nadal recovered from a stuttering start to beat Russian qualifier Teymuraz Gabashvili 6-4 6-1 and reach the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday.

The world number one, whose eight-year reign in the principality ended last year, conceded an early break but eventually proved too much to handle for Gabashvili on centre court.

Nadal, who is on a 29-match winning streak on clay, fell 2-0 behind but the Spaniard leveled in the sixth game by breaking to love.

The contest effectively

ended there as Gabashvili failed to keep pace with the powerful left-hander.

Eight-times French Open champion Nadal, who has a 49-2 record in Monte Carlo after losing to Serb Novak Djokovic in last year's final, next faces Andreas Seppi of Italy.

"I think I started little bit slower. But is true that he was playing very, very aggressive, hitting very strong, with no mistakes," Nadal said.

"Always the first match, the thing that you want at the beginning is get in rhythm, play some long points, find the feelings."

Earlier, former world number one Roger Federer barely broke sweat as he breezed into the third round with a 6-1 6-2 thrashing of Czech Radek Stepanek.

The Swiss, who has a record 17 grand slam titles, will face another Czech, Lukas Rosol, after dismissing the experienced Stepanek in less than an hour on the Monte Carlo Country Club's clay.

Fourth-seeded Federer, back in the principality for the first time since 2011, saved two break points and claimed his opponent's serve four times in a quick master class.

"I had a good start to both sets, then I was solid on my own service games. The next thing you know, you're in the lead and you can hit freely," said Federer.

"It was clearly a good match to start my claycourt campaign."

Earlier, eighth seed Milos Raonic of Canada was made to work to overcome South Korea's Lu Yen-hsun 6-7(4) 6-2 6-1.

Swiss third seed and Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka produced an awe-inspiring display in a 6-0 6-2 drubbing of Croatian Marin Cilic. (Reuters)

CONCACAF blocks Warner from selling Centre of Excellence

The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) is seeking compensation from former football executive Austin ‘Jack’ Warner for the Centre of Excellence in Trinidad, which he claims to own.

CONCACAF has filed three documents in the Trinidad and Tobago High Court challenging Warner’s rights to ownership of the Centre which also comprises a Stadium and a swimming pool.

Media reports from Trinidad suggest that Warner is reported to be seeking a purchaser for the Centre of Excellence on the international market.

CONCACAF is attempting to block Warner from mortgaging, leasing or selling the Centre of Excellence and is seeking a judgment for repayment of the funds advanced to Warner for the property. Warner has claimed the land on which the Centre of Excellence stands was a gift from former FIFA president Joao Havelange. Legal documents claimed that CONCACAF made a financial contribution of US$16 million towards the purchase of the property and construction of the Centre of Excellence. (Jamaica

West Indies allrounders to battle on June 14

The Second Annual Caribbean Singlewicket Cricket Tournament will be held June 14 at UWI SPEC in St Augustine , Trinidad, organisers have announced.

Promoters Glory Entertainment Television said the format of this year’s competition will be unchanged from the previous edition with 12 specially invited all-rounders from across the region competing against each other.

Last year’s winner Dwayne Smith confirmed that he will be coming back to defend his title.

Smith defeated Guyana’s Christopher Barnwell in last year’s final in a tournament that also featured Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo, Kevon Cooper, Lendl Simmons and Jason Holder.

The final list of invitees will be announced at the tournament launch early next month. (Jamaica Observer)