Guyana Times Daily

King barred from acting as Town Clerk

Security guard killed in road accident

GRA issues new rules for registering seven-seater vehicles 86 roads repaired under CRIP – Ali

Local Muslim group condemns kidnapping of Nigerian girls

thursday, may 15, 2014|

Bar Association urges review of jury system

– says public distrust in Police part of problem

Before policymakers decide whether or not to abolish the jury system here or make any “radical” reforms, there must be an assessment by external professionals, Guyana Bar Association (GBA) President Ronald Burch-Smith said.

Earlier this year, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said society has lost confidence in the jury system and in 2014, the Government would be taking steps to reform it. In making the comments during his parliamentary debate contribution, Nandlall pointed out that in so doing, the Government will be looking to review the criteria that have to be satisfied for persons to be appointed jurors.

“Both of these qualifications in today’s society are archaic and irrelevant; in the process, the unanimity verdict in relation to capital offences and majority verdict in relation to non-capital offences of the jury which currently obtain will also be reviewed,” Nandlall said.

The changes will include a review of the current jury pool with the objective of expanding it. Presently, the pool from which a person is chosen to be a juror is somewhat limited. This pool has been traditionally confined to a very few entities.

Extensive review

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, had even gone further, calling for the system to be abolished. While pointing out that trial by a jury of peers is neither a constitutional nor fundamental human right, Ramkarran said several countries have taken proactive steps to abolish the use of such systems successfully. Further justifying his call, Ramkarran referred to the recent meagre conviction rate for High Court cases and the growing

intricacy of crimes that juries have to decide upon.

But Burch-Smith prefers an assessment of the system to determine whether it makes sense revamping it.

“Criminologists and jurists who have had experience” need to be sourced to conduct an extensive review and assessment of the jury system and the other systems directly linked before there are moves to reform or obliterate the system,” the GBA Head said.

He opined that from the perspective of a legal practitioner or someone who is directly linked to the system, “I do not think that any of us is competent or qualified enough to say that wherein lies the problem. The system is a fundamental part of jurisprudence,” Burch-Smith said, explaining that there are several other factors that contribute to the decline in convictions in the courts over the years.

He said those factors are mainly directly linked to the criminal investigative processes. Burch-Smith related that these factors include the lack of public trust in the Guyana Police Force to carry out its mandate, inadequate resources for investigators and prosecutors, and whether investigators were adequately equipped to carry out their mandate.

As it relates to the issue of

public trust and the Guyana Police Force, Burch-Smith pointed out that while the public has long since lacked confidence in the Police Force, the Police Prosecutors are “grossly overwhelmed” and this has an adverse effect on their ability to deliver in the courtroom. In some occasions, he explained, because there is an established distrust for the Police Force, the jurors may not trust the evidence provided.

“Perhaps we have reached the stage we are at, because the public doesn’t trust the Police,” the GBA President said.

He said too that consideration also has to be given to whether the jurors were provided with adequate evidence when the case was presented to them. He noted that on many occasions where the public or other persons would have thought that there was adequate evidence or that the “evidence was fairly strong” for a conviction, the jury had arrived at a different verdict or no verdict at all. Pointing to the steps taken by the South African Government to abolish their jury system, BurchSmith questioned “do we know enough about why South Africa abolished their jury system” that policymakers have to resort to the same measures in Guyana?

86 roads repaired under CRIP – Ali

Residents of Port Mourant, Region Six, have expressed satisfaction with the quality of roads which were rehabilitated under the Community Road Improvement Programme (CRIP) for which $327 million was invested.

The 39 roads within the community were done to the tune of $7 million. The works include the construction of culverts and the rehabilitation of the Port Mourant/ John Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) building. Capacity building was also covered under the project, which saw NDC staff undergoing training in

will be repairing another 10 roads in Region Six later this year in Anchorville, Grassfield, Micobie and Number 64 village. Ali said once the contracts have been awarded, the Ministry will sign onto them and work will commence in the aforementioned areas.

CIIP

On the issue of infrastructure, Minister Ali said the Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CIIP), which is also geared to generate employment is another initiative which was created based on the success of the CRIP project. CIIP will see the maintenance of

sustain these projects? But “I want to say that one of the benefits of this project was to create the economic opportunities for the community and the NDC”.

Regional Chairman David Armogan said over the years, the residents had been clamouring for more roads. For many years, he said, those roads were in a deplorable state, but today they are comparable with any other road across Guyana. Armogan stated that he was satisfied with the quality of work that was done, while expressing gratitude to the Government for meeting the demands of the Region Six residents.

different areas to strengthen their capability and promote their institutional selfsufficiency.

This Government of Guyana US$18.7 million project is supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and caters for the rehabilitation of more than 200 community roads; the rehabilitation of NDC buildings; the training of staff; the development of a maintenance manual; the cleaning, reshaping and realigning of existing roadways and drains; and the construction of new drains.

In remarks at a simple commissioning ceremony, Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali stated that community development is very important to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration. The Minister also announced that under the CRIP Project, the Government of Guyana

community centres, cemeteries, drains, canals, and schools. This is very much needed in communities.

He continued by saying that the Government understands the needs of the people, and there are things that Government still needs to do right, highlighting that there are many areas that still need improving. “I can assure you that in the PPP/C Government, there is the commitment to make sure that the works are done,” Ali said.

“We are not shy to ask for your forgiveness in areas that we might have fallen short in, but we ask you, the residents, to continue to work with us and continue to support us in bringing development to your communities,” the Housing Minister stated.

However, the Minister stated that the question then becomes, how do we

Some of the roads rehabilitated include Ankerville Cross Road Number One to Four, Comprehensive Secondary School Street, Cheddi Jagan Street and Avenue, Dutch Man Street, Clement Plus Street, Bisnaught Street, Kala Street, Robin Street, Babu John Main Access Road, Dispensary Street, Marshall Street, Train Line Street, Sunny Bickram Street, Second Cross Street and Spready Cross Street. Earlier this month, 32 roads were commissioned in UnityVereeniging, Mahaica and 15 in Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

The CRIP project is aimed at improving the livelihoods of residents living in Regions Three, Four, and Six in selected communities by improving access to housing, education, health and other social infrastructure.

Cops accused of killing man outside fish shop freed

City Magistrate Ann McLennan last week set free two policemen who were charged with the killing of Dameon Belgrave outside of the White Castle Fish Shop back in 2012, prompting the Alliance For Change (AFC) to call for an independent investigation to determine why the case collapsed.

Belgrave’s parents told Guyana Times that they were told during the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) that the policeman who had actually fired the shot was not charged and subsequent checks at his house for him proved futile.

Belgrave was hanging out with friends at the fish shop when a Police patrol tailing a car, fired shots, hitting him. Belgrave was taken to Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Sheldon Williams and Errol Williams were subsequently charged with manslaughter. McLennan had upheld nocase submissions presented by the policemen’s lawyers George Thomas and Patrice Henry.

Belgrave, who was 23 at the time of his death, lived at Middle Street, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. He sustained one gunshot wound under his left arm in the region of his heart.

Mother of the slain man, Donna Sulker in tears told media operatives that the Guyana Police Force has been playing games with her emotions since the death of her son more than two years ago. According to the woman, her son was shot dead on his birthday on October 5, 2012 by members of a Police patrol in front of the White Castle Fish Shop.

Sulker related that since the beginning of the court proceedings, she had realised that justice will not be served since the Police

Force was also investigating the matter.

“During the Preliminary Inquiry, the prosecutor came and told me that the guys were the wrong guys and that the man who did the shooting wasn’t charged. He said ranks from the Brickdam Police Station were going to go to his home and arrest him. One time they go and he wasn’t at home and they never went back. That alone told me that justice will not be served. Then they changed the state prosecutor. That was another indication,” the woman related.

Bluff She disclosed that even though former Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell had visited her home and promised her justice, she now realised that it was just a matter of saving face.

“It was just a bluff, a big bluff,” the woman said

with tears rolling down her cheek.

Even though the case has been dismissed from the courts, the woman is still pleading for justice to be served, noting that her child’s life was snuffed out by power drunk policemen.

Meanwhile, AFC Member of Parliament (MP) Cathy Hughes lambasted the Police Force for its handling of the case. The comments which were made at the party’s press conference at the Side Walk Café, come at a time when the Force has been under pressure for alleged human rights abuses and its failure to successfully prosecute several highprofile murder cases.

Hughes told media operatives that for far too long, the Guyana Police Force has been abusing its powers, which has been vested in it and in the process has been driving fear in the lives of all citizens. She raised questions as to how long the

lawlessness will continue, while noting that the time has come for all Guyanese to raise their voices and stand up for their rights.

“The media and the people of Guyana are the ones who need to demand that this stop, this cannot happen all the time. Where do we stop? At what point do we in Guyana decide that this is totally unacceptable? The list of complaints against the Police Force for using unnecessary force is fastly growing and the Home Affairs Minister is clearly unable to rein the ‘rogue’ officers who seem intent on behaving as villains with a badge. How many more people will we add to the list? Young people continue to die or are being maimed by the very people who have sworn an oath to protect us,” Hughes lamented.

Alex Griffith Making reference to the shooting in the mouth of 15-year-old Alex Griffith, coupled with the dismissal of the case against the two former policemen for the shooting to death of Belgrave, Hughes related that the Guyana Police Force has indeed sunk to the lowest of the low while opining that the Guyanese population has already lost confidence in the system.

“How can the GPF ever hope to win the confidence of Guyanaese when such acts of extra judicial shootings and killings continue to go unpunished.

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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

Kidnappings in Nigeria

The shocking and brutal kidnapping of the more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls on April 15 by a known militant group is grabbing headlines around the world. Influential figures and other activists have stepped up their call for every effort to be made for the girls to be found and the perpetrators be brought to justice as quickly as possible.

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan, whose Government is currently hosting the World Economic Forum in Abuja, has insisted that the kidnapping by Boko Haram, a militant Islamism group operating there, will mark the “beginning of the end of terror” in that country. Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the group’s main faction, has threatened to sell the schoolgirls as slaves or brides.

For nearly five years, Boko Haram has been waging a violent insurgency in north-east Nigeria. The fighting has killed more than 4000 people, displaced 500,000 more, and destroyed hundreds of schools and homes.

Nigeria, an oil-rich country in West Africa, gained independence from the British in 1960. Under colonial rule, development was centred primarily in Nigeria’s south. The legacy of neglect in the north continues to affect lives today. Government services like electricity, roads, security, water, health, and education are absent for many. Persistent Government corruption, Police impunity, and regional conflicts continue to undermine reform efforts. In these circumstances, Boko Haram (roughly meaning “Western education is forbidden”) thrives.

Exploiting a political and security void, some Boko Haram members have dispersed to neighbouring Niger and Cameroon, where authorities are also poorly equipped to fight the radical armed group, which feeds off grievances in neighbouring countries.

A recent incident where the girls were kidnapped has once again brought the group under the microscope. It is horrifying that hundreds of girls, their parents and their relatives are living each passing moment in escalating fear – with no idea whether they’ll ever see each other again. But perhaps the most awful part of the story is that Boko Haram stands against a better future for ordinary Nigerians, especially women and girls.

Weighing in on the recent events in Nigeria, Melinda Gates of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had this to say: “It’s difficult to pinpoint the worst aspect of this atrocity. And it’s pitiful that this is nothing new. Treating women as spoils or weapons of war has been a common practice for thousands of years. Boko Haram has sought to justify its actions as consistent with Islamic teachings, and this is an insult.”

Many influential voices in the Muslim world have rebuked the group’s actions. To cite just one example, Sheik Ahmed el-Tayeb of the Cairo-based Al-Azhar, one of Sunni Islam’s most prestigious theological institutions, said the kidnappings “completely contradict Islam and its principles of tolerance.”

This militant group is committed to the idea that women are the property of husbands and mere instruments of reproduction. It is particularly opposed to the idea that girls ought to be educated, which is why they target schools.

When girls are educated and free to pursue their passions, they contribute more to a thriving society. Melinda Gates reminds us that there are countless examples of places around the world where women and girls are gaining power and autonomy, where the future looks brighter because women and girls are slowly wiping away the old gender norms.

More persons are calling for women and girls to be empowered where they could be educated and live freely without the fear of being attacked because of their decision to work or earn their own money, so that they could develop themselves and their communities. Boko Haram is trying to suppress and deny women the opportunity to better themselves and to achieve their full potential; this is clearly not what Islam preaches.

It is very encouraging to see the massive outpouring of support, both from within and outside of Nigeria, for the girls to be found and returned home safely. While the international community has promised assistance in this regard, the world is watching to see how the Nigerian authorities will confront this crisis.

India’s mammoth voting exercise

Dear Editor, Kudos to India’s Election Commissioners for overseeing India’s mammoth voting exercise that was completed on Monday – five weeks of polling in nine phases (different voting dates) to choose 543 members of Parliament (too small for such a large population).

Some 515 million people cast ballots on electronic voting machines out of a total of 815 million eligible voters. It was the pride of a nation that it was able to undertake such a huge exercise without major hiccups (although there were some problems with the EVMs and names accidentally deleted, etc).

This is not bad considering that in Guyana, we have faced numerous challenges to organise an election of half a million voters, and in America, there have also been serious challenges with voting exercises.

Monday’s vote took place for 18 seats in Uttar Pradesh and six in Bihar, in electoral districts where most Guyanese trace their roots. I visited some of those districts annually over the last several years as part of my studies on indentured immigration and am familiar with their voting patterns.

As in Guyana, many of these districts face ethnic issues (caste, language, religion, etc) that divide the electorate influencing how they vote. In this election, the di-

visions were narrowed by the charismatic presence of Narendra Modi-ji, the Prime Ministerial candidate of the Opposition BJP.

Unlike in previous elections where the electorate was sharply divided by ethnic factors, in this election, Modi-ji overcame those barriers with his party, because of him, attracting support from all caste, language, and religious groups. He even attracted support in different regions that are known to support only regional parties and Modi is from the Northern state of Gujarat.

In addition, he is from a lower caste. The seat that interests people the most is Varanasi from where Modi-ji contested. It is a tough seat that hangs in the balance. If Modi loses, it would be untenable for him to accept the Prime Ministerial position even though India’s constitution permits such an appointment. It is a closely fought race.

The anti-corruption crusader, Arvind Kejriwal, who made it his mission to defeat Modi, challenged Modi to contest from Varanasi. Modi accepted the challenge. Kejriwal, who was Chief Minister of far away Delhi, encamped in Varanasi for five weeks to build support to defeat Modi. He pulled huge crowds daily in his campaign stops.

Modi visited the temple city only three times. During

the campaign. Kejriwal ridiculed Modi for spending only two hours in Varanasi in each trip whereas he has been living in the constituency for five weeks. Modi pulled hundreds of cheering supporters in each trip.

Modi’s opponents are confident of defeating him with one opponent claiming he had all the Muslim votes (30 per cent of the electorate) that would help him win. But Muslims are divided in how they vote as indeed are the voters from the various castes. Modi attracts support from across the castes and religious groups.

Many Muslims I spoke with said they are voting for Modi; the moderates want Modi as their PM and he should get about a fifth of their support. That will take him past a majority of the votes cast. Based on my informal polling, Modi will prevail.

Many Guyanese (including myself) trace their roots in the nearby Azamgarh and Ghazipur constituencies. BJP won Azamgarh last election as well as in a few previous elections whereas an independent won Ghazipur last few times.

Azamgarh’s BJP incumbent candidate, Ramakant Yadav is in a tough fight against Mulayam Singh Yadav, leader of SP, the ruling party in the state. Modi did not campaign in the district for Ramakant or in Ghazipur but the Modi wave

could help Ramakant. It is unlikely that Mulayam will go down especially that Muslims are voting en bloc for him and they make up almost 30 per cent of the electorate. Mulayam also contested another seat that he would win; he did not want to take a chance in only one seat and suffer a defeat. In Ghazipur, BJP has a tough fight with another party BSP having the edge.

In several other constituencies in UP and Bihar from where Guyanese have roots, BJP has the edge and will win a majority of seats in both states and its allies will win several seats in Tamil Nadu (Chennai or Madras) from where some Guyanese also trace their roots.

India’s vote was the largest voting exercise in the history of the world. People now wait with bated breath for the result that pitted the ruling Congress led alliance (UPA) against the challengers BJP led alliance (NDA). All exit polls point to a NDA victory. My informal surveys (published in several commentaries) – pre-election as well as post voting – also pointed to a BJP led victory. But Congress dismissed the findings of the polls saying it is confident that it will form the Government or provide support from outside to a loose alliance of regional parties in order to deny the BJP another shot at the helm.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

The ‘desk attitude’ of most Anna Regina policemen

Dear Editor, I write about the failure of some Police Officers at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast to act professionally and institute charges against a certain person who claims to have power and connections with top-ranking officers in the Guyana Police Force and politicians.

It has been more than

10 times that I had cause to report incidents of blatant obstruction of my business and now feel compelled to report this matter to the press, before I am made to endure an even more harmful fate, since no action is being taken against the perpetrators. Although one Commander has apparently been doing his job; at times, there seems to be no action taken when you lodge complaints to the policeman on duty. For this reason, I do not believe that I can rely on some policemen to protect my business. A previous matter of this same nature has triggered numerous responses in the media, and while it had abated in court for the past years, it has

seemingly arisen again. On Wednesday, I had to telephone a Commander at his residence after the policemen on duty failed to act once again on my complaints.

Policemen who expressly demonstrate partisanship is a worrying symptom in any penal system.

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A tribute to the memory of a special mother

Dear Editor, Former President of Guyana, Janet Jagan, Mother of the Nation, on the occasion of Mother’s Day 2014 and the fifth anniversary of her passing.

The political awareness, especially among women, that began in the decade of the 1940s was essentially catalysed by the Jagan-led agitation against exploitation of the labour force. But today, the focus is on a special mother who led this nation during times of travail.

Mrs Janet Jagan cofounded the Political Affairs Committee in 1946. This was the predecessor of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). During that year also, she and Winifred Gaskin formed the Women’s Political and Economic Organisation (WPEO).

In 1947, she joined the British Guiana Clerks’ Association and became its Assistant Secretary, and her mobilisation of women against oppression gathered impetus from thereon.

Born Janet Rosenberg on October 20, 1920, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, Janet Jagan breathed her last in her adoptive homeland on March 28, 2009. She married Cheddi Jagan on August 5, 1943 against much family turmoil on both sides, and their union produced two children: Joey and Nadira.

Like the biblical Ruth, Janet Jagan came to British Guiana in December 1943, making her husband’s homeland her own, and worked for 10 years as a Dental Nurse in Dr Jagan’s clinic. She almost immediately became involved in the labour struggle, and was a member of the colony’s first-ever union, the British Guiana Labour Union. She worked with labour hero, Hubert

Former President of Guyana, Janet Jagan

Nathaniel Critchlow, to organise domestics.

Her love affair with journalism began with the PAC Bulletin, of which she was Editor. In 1947, she contested the general elections under limited franchise in Central Georgetown, but lost.

One of the founders of the PPP, Janet was elected the party’s General Secretary and held that post between 1950 and 1970. Since then, she was a Member of the Central Committee and the Executive Committee of the PPP. She has also served as International Secretary and Executive Secretary.

She was appointed the first Editor of Thunder, the PPP’s official organ, and was the first woman elected to the Georgetown City Council. In 1953, she co-founded the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), and continued to hold the post of President of this premier women’s association until her death.

That year also, she was one of three women to enter the House of Assembly as a representative of the Essequibo constituency. In 1953, she was the first woman to become Deputy Speaker of the Legislature,

but in 1954, following the suspension of the Constitution and the ouster of the PPP Government by the British colonialists, she was jailed for six months and restricted, after release, to the city of Georgetown. She had to report to the Police weekly.

During the period 19571961, Janet Jagan was returned by the constituency of Essequibo to the Legislature, and was appointed as Minister of Labour, Health and Housing, in which capacity she made dynamic and transformational changes to those sectors. On the death of the Minister of Home Affairs, Claude Christian, she became Minister of Home Affairs and a member of the Senate in 1963, but resigned as Minister in protest over the murderous incidents in Wismar.

She was Editor of the Mirror Newspaper from 1973 to 1997. After the PPP ended a boycott of Parliament in protest of the rigging of the elections in 1973, she returned to the House as an Opposition MP. She served in the House continuously, and was returned in 1980, 1985 and 1992. In April 1997, she was acclaimed the longest serving member of Parliament.

After Guyana’s first free and fair elections in postindependence Guyana in October 1992, she was designated First Lady of the Republic. She continued her work as Editor of Mirror.

Mrs Jagan served a threemonth stint as Ambassador to the United Nations when Guyana’s Permanent Representative, Dr Rudy Insanally, was elected President of the General Assembly. She was subsequently appointed Chairperson of the Committee of Management of Castellani House, home of the National Art

The ‘desk attitude’ of most Anna...

They are symbols of law which inspire confidence and trust in all but the citizens in the jurisdiction they serve. Worst yet, some of them threaten the principles under which they have sworn allegiance to protect and serve the interests of civilians without fear or favour.

Gallery Collection; and Chairperson of National Commission on the Rights of the Child from 1992 to 1997.

On a historic day, March 17, 1997, Mrs Jagan was sworn in as Guyana’s first woman Prime Minister and First Vice President. She again created history on December 19, 1997 when she was sworn in as the first woman President of the Republic of Guyana and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. She resigned on August 8, 1999 due to ill health.

In March 2009, Mrs Jagan indefatigably poured her energy into the establishment of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre. Simultaneous to the multiplicity of activities, she also authored several publications, including works on the history of the PPP and Rigged Elections in Guyana; and five children’s story books, among them “When Grandpa Cheddi was a Boy”, “Children’s Stories of Guyana’s Freedom Struggles”, and “Alligator Ferry Service”.

Mrs Jagan became the recipient of Guyana’s highest honour – Order of Excellence (OE) and a Woman of Achievement award from the University of Guyana. In 1997, she was awarded the Gandhi Gold Medal for Peace, Democracy and Women’s Rights by UNESCO.

Mrs Jagan is one of the greatest daughters the United States of America has ever produced but that she became such an indomitable freedom fighter and national leader is a matter of pride for Guyana, and today, she is rightfully called the Matriarch of Guyana.

Submitted by, Mani Singh

from page 4

Others have questioned the identity of this writer

Dear Editor,

A search on Google will show that person or persons writing under the name M Maxwell write letters regularly in the Kaieteur News.

Other letter writers and columnists have questioned the identity of this writer as he/she is unknown in Guyana. Given the political and regularly biased views expressed by the ghosts behind the Maxwell pen, many have concluded this is one of the propaganda operations.

Maxwell Incorporated recently chose to weigh in on the letters written by frustrated Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) Director, Professor Suresh Narine. One would label the comments obtuse and ignore them, but for the known mischief that is the intent.

Narine lamented the rush by some to criticise his access to funding in Guyana as privileged. He highlighted access to relatively much higher levels of funding in Canada, without similar criticism.

Maxwell Inc, having verified the truth of Narine’s statement, proceeds to suggest that Narine should procure similar levels of funding for the IAST.

But wait, isn’t this what Narine is doing? Advocating for the continued funding of his agency? Or does Maxwell Inc think Narine is a magician, who can wave some wand and the Canadians, or the Martians from outer space

would descend and fund Guyana’s research and development?

It seems the “ghosts of backward thinking” employed by Maxwell Inc are still advocating that we in Guyana are entitled to have our bills paid by someone else: shine up the begging bowl!

Narine’s success in funding, I suspect, has something to do with the fact that both Government and Opposition in Canada understand the importance of research and development to economic health.

Clearly by Maxwell Inc’s own admission, the Professor is employed by a reputable academic institution, which can attract such funding because of its infrastructure and academic reputation.

Narine, by all accounts, has performed a herculean task, together with the staff at the institute, in restoring the IAST to one of the premiere such institutions in the Caribbean and South America.

I hope we don’t lose the Professor to other pursuits, should his efforts continue to be frustrated by lack of budget. Not to mention ad hominen attacks from propaganda outfits.

Clearly an individual who seems to be so sought after, and who Maxwell Inc asserts is “immensely qualified”, will not stick around and be abused for his efforts.

Sincerely, Anil

Sawh

There are only a few good Police Officers at this station who will arrive promptly and investigate and act on complaints. A case in point is that these workers and drivers of this store overtly defy Police presence and orders to move their trucks laden with weight from on my newly built concrete culverts and residence.

They will swear profanely at all the officers and challenge them to move the trucks.

If progress is to be made in the Guyana Police Force and the Anna Regina Police Station, the ‘desk attitude’ of most of these policemen will certainly have to change.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

Page Foundation

Facing judgment: How to handle the most challenging parenting issues (Part Two)

Facing judgment, shame and blame from others: If you have a child who acts out and engages in other challenging behaviours – tantrums, yelling, disobeying you or being annoying and obnoxious – you’ve probably gotten “the look” from friends and strangers alike. You know the one – it says, “What’s wrong with you? Why aren’t you doing something about your child’s behaviour?!” It can make you feel like a terrible mom or dad, even if you know you’re doing everything you can to raise your child the best you know how. And the truth is, others will probably judge you – it’s human nature. If you’re in this situation, it’s natural to worry about your child disappointing you or embarrassing you, and also worry about how others will react to your child’s misbehaviour and blame you.

But when your child is acting out and you’re feeling judged by others, stop and say to yourself, “I can’t read other people’s minds.” If you try to imagine what others are thinking, 95 per cent of the time you’re going to read something negative there.

That’s because whenever we’re negative, we interpret other people’s perceptions of us as negative, too. And in these situations we don’t read people’s minds in search of hope. We read them in search of criticism –especially when something is going wrong. So when you feel yourself trying to guess what your neigh-

bour, your mother-in-law or your friends are thinking, just tell yourself, “I’m not a mind-reader; I don’t know what they’re thinking.” Stop the tape that’s playing in your head and move on. This is also part of the process of learning how to engage in “positive self-talk”, or talking to yourself in a way that promotes calmness and hope, rather than panic.

“I Hate You, Mom!”

One of the hardest things parents face is when their child is mean, rude, or disrespectful. Your child may have always been this way, or the change in their personality might have seemingly happened overnight – perhaps when they hit the pre-teen years. Your 10-year-old loves being with you, but the next thing you know, she’s screaming “I hate you,” calling you names, and refusing to go anywhere with you.

The words “I hate you” can have the power to reduce any parent to tears or anger – it can make you feel like you’ve failed and wonder where you went wrong.

Children know that saying these words can paralyse a parent during a fight, which is why they use this tactic to get what they want. As hard as it is, try not to personalise your child’s behaviour.

When you personalise things, it makes it very hard to be objective about how to respond to your child in the moment. A good thing to do when this happens is stop, breathe, and instead of a

knee-jerk reaction, respond with (for example), “We’re not talking about that right now. We’re talking about the fact that you need to do your homework.”

You can also ask yourself, “What does my child really need from me right now?” It might be some space, or it might be for you to follow through on a consequence you issued. But remember, try not to take these words from your child personally.

Letting go: During your child’s pre-adolescence and adolescence, you are constantly confronted with letting go, especially if your child seems to need to learn things the hard way. A natural part of adolescence is risk taking – which often results in breaking rules and inappropriate behaviour.

It becomes extremely important as a parent to be able to disconnect from your own emotional response to this misbehaviour (feeling guilty, embarrassed, ashamed, or simply disappointed).

As parents, when our children get older, we need to pull back and become coaches and teachers, still loving our children as people, but giving them space to learn.

As painful as it is to accept sometimes, our children are born to move away from us. There is a sense of grief that goes along with this; I’ve experienced it myself. It’s important to remember that this work of caring for our children

while they are constantly separating from us and becoming individuals can be stressful and demanding.

A “Good Enough” parent

You can’t protect your children from everything bad that might happen to them, or from the poor choices they may make, but you can help them learn from the bad situations they get themselves into. Your child will likely not thank you now for letting her struggle on her own and suffer through a consequence, but she may surprise you when she’s an adult by telling you that your coaching, teaching or limit-setting made a positive difference in her life.

One final word: It’s difficult for parents to figure out what is right; and the truth is, there really isn’t a “right” answer all the time. It’s important to accept that there are choices to make, and that choices often come with anxiety. Remember that you are doing the best you can and making the best choices possible.

More important than trying to be a perfect parent is to be a “good enough” parent , who takes care of their child and tries their best. Hard situations are part of life – situations from which we can learn and grow. And as parents, we can support our children through the difficult times.

This doesn’t stop at adolescence because we will be parents forever – our role just continues to change over time. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

More expert parenting tips

By Amy morin

Ten parenting experts from around the globe offer their single most important piece of parenting advice:

Do not lecture (speak in short sentences) since no one listens to long speeches, especially preschoolers. Try to put demands in the positive. For example, say ‘walk’ instead of ‘don’t run’. Children in the latter will hear ‘run’, and you are not telling them what they should do – they don’t know what to do and need to learn.

Try saying something like, "That sounds really frustrating,’ or ‘I can see why you’re mad’, the next time your child is expressing an emotion. Your child will, almost certainly react differently once they feel heard and understood.

For instance, will you really enforce a ‘no television for a month’ rule? If not, children will catch on very quickly that you don’t follow through with your discipline and you’ll lose credibility quickly.

Be an example. To discipline means to help your children practise positive activities so they become habits. To do this you must exemplify positive habits in all that you do. Walk the walk.

Be careful about making idle threats when disciplining your children. Don’t say it if you know you can’t follow through with it.

The relationship between you and your child is central to your child’s well-being. It is the premise for healthy human development and all future relationships. If there are behavioural issues, deepen the relationship with your child by focusing on bonding and attachment first and foremost. This is particularly important if you are parenting foster and adopted children. It is easy to get caught up in trying to ‘fix’ certain behaviours. Focusing on the relationship will help produce longer lasting change. Stop the yelling. You yell, you lose –there is no power in yelling. Consequences have to hurt. Unless there is some pain associated – children won’t change.

Keep in mind that discipline is focused on teaching your child skills that will help them when they are adults. Punishment, on the other hand, focuses on power and control and is a poor teacher. Ask yourself ‘Who owns the problem?’ If your child is late for school because she didn’t get up on time, the child owns the problem. If you own it –by nagging, yelling, making excuses to the teacher – then your child will not learn to take responsibility. Consequences (which logically relate to the behaviour; positive ones for good behaviour and negative ones for unacceptable behaviour) work much better than punishments, which can often be unrelated to the behaviour and punitive. With consequences, children experience a direct cause and effect, not random responses to their behaviour.

“Use a positive reward system at home: a coin system with a way to earn coins that lead to watching TV at night or playing video games or shopping at your treasure chest. It works better than always grounding and yelling. Create an emotional climate in your home in which you’d like to live, and your children will like it too. You’ll have fewer discipline problems, and, when something does arise, it can be treated as a rare problem to address, rather than as a catastrophe, or an indication of horrible ill intent or bad character. For example, if a teen stays out later than agreed upon, it’s more helpful to ask what happened, and how it can be avoided in the future, rather than immediately meting out harsh punishment. (about.com)

WHO report:

Average Guyanese drinks two gallons of pure alcohol per year

On average, Guyanese consumed more than eight litres (17.5 grams daily) of pure alcohol in 2010 compared to the global figure of 6.2 litres (13.5 grams daily), the World Health Organisation (WHO) said in a new report launched earlier this week. That is, alcohol consumption in Guyana in 2010 was equal to 8.1 litres of pure alcohol consumed per person aged 15 years or older (15+). However, the average drinker in Guyana consumed more than 3.5 gallons (13.7 litres or 29.76 grams daily.

A one-seventh of this consumption (14 per cent) was unrecorded, ie, homemade alcohol, illegally produced or sold outside normal Government controls. Of total recorded alcohol consumed, 77 per cent was consumed in the form of spirits, while 23 per cent was beer, less than one per cent wine, and less than one per cent other.

Some 40.5 per cent of the population aged 15+ had not drunk alcohol in 2010, while 11.5 per cent of the males and 28.8 per cent of females in this age group were lifetime abstainers. About 15.2 per cent of male drinkers (10 per cent of the population aged 15+) engage in heavy episodic drinking, that is, consumed at least 60 grams of pure alcohol at least once per month.

No policy

Alcohol use disorder and alcohol dependence: the former is a pattern of alcohol use causes mental or physical damage to health, while alcohol dependence (alcoholism or alcohol dependence syndrome) is a cluster of behavioural, cognitive and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated alcohol use, including a strong desire to drink. According to WHO, 8.6 per cent of males and 5.9 per cent of all Guyanese aged 15 and older are classified as having alcohol use disorder, with 3.9 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively classified as alcoholics. Regarding policies and

interventions, the WHO said Guyana has no written policy adopted or revised or an Action Plan pertaining to the fight against alcoholism. The body also observed that there were no legally binding regulations on alcohol advertising and product placement, as well as no legal regulations on alcohol sponsorship sales. There are national legal minimum age limits for purchase of alcohol; however, these are laxly enforced.

Meanwhile, the WHO report stated that worldwide, 3.3 million deaths in 2012 were due to harmful use of alcohol. Alcohol consumption can not only lead to dependence but also increases people’s risk of developing more than 200 diseases, including liver cirrhosis and some cancers. In addition, harmful drinking can lead to violence and injuries. The report also finds that harmful use of alcohol makes people more susceptible to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. The “Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2014” provides country profiles for alcohol consumption in the 194 WHO Member States, the impact on public health, and policy responses.

Report highlights

“More needs to be done to protect populations from the negative health consequences of alcohol consumption,” says Dr Oleg Chestnov, WHO Assistant Director General for NonCommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. “The report clearly shows that there is no room for complacency when it comes to reducing the harmful use of alcohol.”

Some countries are already strengthening measures to protect people. These include increasing taxes on alcohol, limiting the availability of alcohol by raising the age limit, and regulating the marketing of alcoholic beverages.

The report also highlights the need for action by countries including: national leadership to devel-

op policies to reduce harmful use of alcohol (66 WHO Member States had written national alcohol policies in 2012); national awarenessraising activities (nearly 140 countries reported at least one such activity in the past three years); health services to deliver prevention and treatment services, in particular increasing prevention, treatment and care for patients and their families, and supporting initiatives for screening and brief interventions.

In addition, the report shows the need for communities to be engaged in reducing harmful use of alcohol.

On average, every person in the world aged 15 years or older drinks 6.2 litres of pure alcohol per year. But as less than half the population (38.3 per cent) actually drinks alcohol, this means that those who do drink consume on average 17 litres of pure alcohol annually. The report also points to the fact that a higher percentage of deaths among men than among women are from alcohol-related causes – 7.6 per cent of men’s deaths and four per cent of women’s deaths – though there is evidence that women may be more vulnerable to some alcoholrelated health conditions compared to men. In addition, the authors note that there is concern over the steady increase in alcohol use among women.

Episodic drinking

“We found that worldwide about 16 per cent of drinkers engage in heavy episodic drinking – often referred to as ‘binge-drinking’ – which is the most harmful to health,” explains Dr Shekhar Saxena, Director for Mental Health and Substance Abuse at WHO. “Lower-income groups are more affected by the social and health consequences of alcohol. They often lack quality health-care and are less protected by functional family or community networks.”

Globally, Europe is the region with the highest consumption of alcohol per capita, with some of its countries having particularly high consumption rates. Trend analysis shows that the consumption level has been stable over the last five years in the region, as well as in Africa and the Americas, though increases have been reported in the SouthEast Asia and the Western Pacific regions.

Security guard killed in road accident

Asecurity guard attached to the Professional Guard Service (PGS) was on Wednesday morning killed by a minibus while he attempted to cross a road at Haslington, East Coast Demerara.

Moments after leaving his home for work, 68-yearold Vernon Gordon, of Lot 76 North Haslington, was struck down by the minibus and later succumbed to his injuries. According to information received, Gordon was attempting to cross the Public Road to board a minibus when he was struck down. Gordon was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Reports stated that there were no visible injuries about the man’s body except for a scratch on his head, but relatives later confirmed that he sustained severe internal injuries.

Denise Williams, an eyewitness, told Guyana Times that she was going out on her normal morning exercise when the accident occurred. She recalled the man stopping a minibus and

was about to cross the road to board same when he was struck down. The vehicle involved, she alleged, was speeding and only managed to stop some distance away, but returned to the scene.

The woman added that she went to the man’s rescue and realised that he was slipping in and out of consciousness.

The minibus picked up the injured man and whisked him off to the city. By 09:00h, she received a message that Gordon had died. She recalled seeing the man every morning as she went on her morning run.

Jamal Woodman, one of the dead man’s sons, explained that his father woke him up when he was leaving for work and asked him to lock the door. He said he went back to bed after locking the door, but a few minutes later, he heard his aunt calling out to him to open the door. She then related that his father was struck down.

He and other relatives rushed to the scene, but his father had already been taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital. After some time elapsed, they received word

that his father did not make it.

The dead man's wife, Desiree Spencer-Gordon, who was in a state of shock, recalled her husband telling her that he was leaving, and soon after, she got the dreaded news. The grieving woman stated that when she arrived at the scene, her husband had already been taken to the hospital; hence, she went there and saw him lying on a stretcher with a bruise to his head.

The widow added that her husband was the main breadwinner in the house, but more so, he was her life. They have been married for the past 16 years and their union brought forth three children. She described him as a quiet person who took his work seriously. The former military officer has been working at the PGS for the past 27 years and at the time of his demise, he was attached to Republic Bank, Camp Street. He leaves to mourn his wife and 11 children.

The driver of the minibus was taken into Police custody to assist with investigations.

Man charged for stabbing son-in-law

Aman accused of assaulting his ‘errant’ son-in-law appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine Beharry.

The charge stated that on May 11, Rajkumar Katwaru, of Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, had a misunderstanding with his son-inlaw Mohammed Tej, after which he stabbed the Virtual Complainant (VC).

The defendant who works

as a security guard pleaded guilty and told the court that his daughter who is married to the complainant was residing with him and his wife at the said time, since she was facing difficulties in her marriage with the VC. He stated that on the day in question, the VC approached his home while under the influence of alcohol and threatened his wife that he would kill her and her family.

The defendant is to return to court for probation on May 28.

Teen gets community service for stealing from mother

A19-year-old of Durban Street was sentenced to 40 hours of community service after he pleaded guilty to a charge of simple larceny when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Kevon Best on Tuesday.

Samuel Archer was convicted of stealing one speaker valued $45,000, property of his mother, Wanda Rowe. The Virtual Complainant stated that she was at work when she received a phone call concerning her son. Upon arriving home, she realised that the article was

missing and filed a complaint; subsequently, an investigation was carried out and the defendant was told of the charge and arrested. Archer, who is a mason by profession, told the court that it was his first conviction and asked for leniency. The defendant’s mother also asked the Magistrate for leniency or a warning to be given, since it was her son.

The 40 hours of community service must be completed on or before July 31, 2014; if they are not completed at the given time, a custodial sentence will be imposed.

Taxi driver remanded on possession of narcotics charge

Thirty-four-year-old

Taxi Driver Leron Harris was remanded to prison until today after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine Beharry on Wednesday May 14, charged with possession of narcotics.

The charge stated that on Tuesday, May 13, at

Albouystown, Police who were patrolling the area stopped the defendant, of 156 Cooper and Sussex Streets, Georgetown, while he was in his taxi, with the intention of searching the vehicle.

However, before they could begin the search, the accused threw a plastic bag out the window. The bag was retrieved and

was found to be filled with cannabis amounting to 6.5 grams.

The defendant pleaded not guilty. He was represented by Attorney Natasha Vieira who told the court that her client was mistreated by Police officers and had not consumed any food for 24 hours since ranks would not allow the accused to see his family.

The Chief Magistrate ordered an investigation to be carried out into the complaint made by the accused concerning the way he was treated.

When refused bail, the man expressed his dissatisfaction at the ruling, angrily shouting that he was innocent and was being set up, as several officers tried to restrain him.

“

Eyew tness

Fifth columnists...

...labour

Fifth columnists” are locals who undermine their own nation in support of an attack or threat from outside. In other words, they’re betrayers of their own people. Some do it for “principles”, most do it for money or power. Recently, the Guyana Government had to demand the US halt its LEAD project in this country – which was ostensibly designed to “extend democracy”.

The programme was funded by USAID and executed by the IRI. Even though the Government, being diplomatic, hasn’t said so openly, it objected to LEAD because under cover of identical projects, the two US organisations had been involved in stirring up domestic agitation in a number of countries that resulted in regime change. Haiti, Egypt and Honduras come to mind.

After refusing to acknowledge Guyana’s sovereign right to determine how foreign Governments operate inside Guyana, the US finally placed the programme on “hold” while they have discussions with the Government on the way forward.

Not entirely coincidentally, however, we have news of two embassy workers travelling “1500 kilometres” in the interior to check on how some past USAID projects fared. It wasn’t mentioned if they managed to do all this checking up without teaching the Indigenous peoples about “democracy”.

But back on the coast, there has been a most alarming development from the TUC – led, of course, by Lincoln “the Loud” Lewis. The TUC and Lewis have hit a patchy period with the subvention to their gravy train CLC up in the air. What to do? Well there’s always money to be made or collected by becoming fifth columnists. In fact, the TUC is well versed in securing funds via this route. Back in the 1960s, it was through the TUC that the Americans first started their attack to depose the PPP Government. Remember the 80-day, Public Service strike which the TUC supported? The well-documented, now declassified US files, gives us chapter and verse on the betrayal of the nation by the TUC. Many of them were ferried off to Washington to be “trained” by AFILD and remained on their payroll for years.

So with LEAD being scrutinised, up comes Lincoln the Loud who screams: “this nation is called on not to despair but to organise and agitate.... GTUC opines that the PPP may have won the battle but the war is far from over.... The war belongs to the people and the people will have to fight”.

You notice the image of war and battles explicitly invoked? This is the language in which these people were trained to subvert governments from within. Beware the rains of May!!!

...in fourth estate

The press is called the “fourth estate” because it keeps the other three “estates” – the citizenry – informed so they can make “informed” decisions. But there’s always been those who’ve used their power to mislead the people to push their own warped agendas – invariably, as with most fifth columnists, for power or pelf.

The MuckrakerKN’s high on this list. One reason for their documented tattling to foreign interests and placing their interests above Guyana’s has been the need for its owner Mook Lall to have his revoked visa reinstated. Recently, in the “Dem Boys Seh” column concocted by the Mook and his loyal house slave, they dared anyone to point to “one thing Jagdeo did for Guyana”.

Well, for one, under Jagdeo’s watch, they were allowed to get their claws on Guyana Stores. Oops! That wasn’t for Guyana – but for the Mook and his best friend Tony. They said Burnham’s debt albatross, which Jagdeo removed from Guyana’s neck, was something any “junkie could do”.

So how come, Jamaica, Barbados, St Kitts and the rest of the islands are drowning in debt? They have no junkies?

...against development

The East Coast road project’s dragged on for years. Dozens of contractors have fallen by the wayside. But when only Chinese contractors made the latest bid, the Muckraker headline sensationally implies wrongdoing!

Rice exports so far valued US$43M – GRDB

By Jomo Paul

Guyana

Rice Development Board General Manager

Jagnarine Singh said the entity exported some 93,000 tonnes of rice valued at US$43 million towards the end of April, to countries across the globe inclusive of Venezuela.

Jagnarine told Guyana Times in an exclusive interview on Wednesday that the Board has been overseeing the export of rice to several destinations.

In providing more details, he said the European Union would have imported in excess of 10,000 tonnes of rice and paddy; Jamaica, 4000 tonnes; Trinidad, 3000 tonnes; Portugal, 6400 tonnes; and Venezuela, which is one of Guyana’s most important rice markets, received 18,000 tonnes of paddy and approximately 6000 tonnes of premium rice.

Strategically timed

The GRDB General Manager added that presently another vessel is being loaded with another 6000 tonnes of paddy for Venezuela and is set to depart on May 25.

He pointed out that the export of rice to Venezuela will be strategically timed

up to October to not only allow for better flow but also reduced shipment costs.

Further, Singh highlighted that the Board and the Agriculture Ministry is continuing their market drive, since research at the GRDB Rice Research Stations across the country has aided in the rice production process, increasing yields significantly. “Every small market counts,” he said as he explained the need for the continuation of the market drive.

Still on the issue of research, Singh pointed out that the GRDB through, its research stations, have been able to develop more than 13 new varieties of hybrid rice crops, with the 14th on the cards.

He explained that of the 13 varieties developed, the most “prolific” was the GRDB 10, which yields highly favourable quantities of grain on its panicles.

He maintained that at the GRDB, large sums of monies have been spent on furthering staff education, and the varieties and the successes of the rice sector can be attributed to them.

“What we would have done at the Research Stations is train them... we have a very robust training, we spend money to send them to Guyana

Man to go on trial for allegedly killing reputed wife

Twenty-five-year-old

Kevin Verwayne will go on trial from Friday for the alleged murder of his reputed wife some three years ago.

Verwayne of Depot Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, is indicted with the murder of 20-year-old Farida Ramdeen called Susie Ramdeen between March 3 and 6, 2011, at Houston, Greater Georgetown.

On Wednesday, a 12-member mixed jury was empanelled before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court. The jury consisted of nine woman and three men.

The State’s case is being led by Senior State Counsel Judith GildharieMursalin in association with State Counsel Mark Conway. The State is claiming that Verwayne told his reputed wife they are going to visit an aunt; however, on the way, he stopped at Houston Estate Backdam where he stabbed and drown the woman.

He then covered her body with some bushes and left, but returned days after with the Police to point out where he hid the body.

The accused is being represented by Attorney Melville Duke, who was appointed by the State to represent the man, as such, the Attorney requested for some time to review the file before the trial commences.

On Friday, the trial will begin with an opening state-

School of Agriculture and the University of Guyana and these places, and this is the reward for their work, this is the outcome of the investment that we made in them,” said Singh.

Capacity building Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has also showered the research staffers with praise while announcing that Guyana had topped its rice production target for the first crop.

Dr Ramsammy said the achievements of the rice sector are possible, since science and technology were very evident in the local industry. He said the availability of technology must be used to transform the entire agricultural sector of Guyana and the region. In 1990, the Minister recalled, the yield per hectare was between one and a half to two tonnes. He said there has been significant improvement over the years, with the yield per hectare now being be -

tween five and half and six tonnes. According to him, science was responsible for that success.

Guyana once again created history on Saturday when in excess 300,000 tonnes of rice were harvested during the first crop for

the first time.

According to Minister Ramsammy, it was a first within the Caribbean in any single crop and was reason for celebration.

“ Indeed, going back 15 years ago, any claim that any country would have the

capaci ty to produce 300,000 tonnes of rice in a year would have been treated as a Utopian dream,” the Minister said.

Dr Ramsammy said doubts were rampant just over 10 years ago, when a target of 500,000 tonnes per year by 2020 was set. According to Dr Ramsammy, the country was able to surpass that target last year, when some 535,000 tonnes of rice produced more than five years ahead of schedule.

“Six hundred thousand tonnes, which was thought to be an impossibility, now that we have achieved 300,000 tonnes in the first crop and still some more time to go, 600,000 tonnes in 2014 is a real possibility.”

He said he is confident that by the end of this year, he would be able to make the announcement that Guyana was able to achieve its 600,000 tonne target.

ment by the prosecution followed by witnesses called by the State. There are some seven witnesses to be called by the State.

According to reports surrounding the incident, Ramdeen shared an abusive relationship with the accused and they were living in Pouderoyen. He was working as a garbage collector and was reportedly a drug addict.

Verwayne had left with his reputed wife on March 3 under the pretext that he was taking her by an aunt in Georgetown to stay, but he stopped short along the way.

After committing the act, the accused reportedly confided in his cousin; however, no one believed him, so he took them to the scene where he identified the spot to relatives.

He was then taken to the Police station where he allegedly confessed to the killing. The then 22-year-old claimed that he was drunk and also high on drugs.

Ramdeen’s body was found with several marks of violence. Her face bore black and blue marks while her left hand had stab wounds.

Relatives concluded that since she was a left hander, she was probably blocking stabs thrown by the accused.

Verwayne had also confessed to “ducking” the woman three times under water until she was unconscious after which he covered her body with bushes under the water.

King barred from acting as Town Clerk

... High Court quashes decisions taken at Extraordinary meeting

Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang on Wednesday granted several interim orders, one of which quashed the decision by Mayor Hamilton Green to swear in Royston King as Town Clerk and also nullified several decisions the Council had taken at an extraordinary meeting held earlier this month.

Justice Chang’s orders have effectively shackled the Council, which has been on a warpath against Government-appointed acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba.

The application for the orders was filed on Tuesday by Sooba through her lawyer, Roysdale Forde. The first order is an Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari directed to Green, quashing his decision to swear King into the Office of Town Clerk of the City of

Georgetown, unless cause is shown on the ground and for the reason that the said decision is unlawful, ultra vires, irrational, unreasonable, wholly in excess of jurisdiction, unreasonable, null, void and of no legal effect.

A second order quashed the decision of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Georgetown established by the Georgetown Town Council Ordinance of 1860 and continued by the Georgetown Town Council Ordinance of 1918 and further continued by the Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap 28:01 as set out in a letter dated May 7, under the hand of Green to decide that Sooba, the acting Town Clerk should with immediate effect, no longer perform the functions of Town Clerk unless cause is shown on the ground and for the reason that the said decision as set out in a letter dated May 7, is unlawful, ultra vires, irrational, unreasonable, wholly in excess of jurisdiction, unreasonable, null, void and of no legal effect.

The third order quashed the decision by the Council to install King as acting Town Clerk to appoint and install King as the officer to perform the duties of Town Clerk Chang also ordered the

quashing of the decision taken at the Extra Ordinary Statutory Meeting held on May 8, to send Sooba on Administrative Leave unless cause is shown on the ground and for the reason that the said decision is unlawful, ultra vires, irrational, unreasonable, wholly in excess of jurisdiction, unreasonable, null, void and of no legal effect.

Another order was granted prohibiting Green and the M&CC from acting on the decision taken at their Extra Ordinary Statutory Meeting held on May 8, or any other decision whatsoever and whenever to send acting Town Clerk Sooba on Administrative Leave.

Further, another order from Chang prohibits the M&CC from acting on the

decision to decide or any other decision whatsoever and whenever that Sooba should with immediate effect no longer perform the functions of Town Clerk.

Besides, Justice Chang also issued an order prohibiting the M&CC from acting on the decision taken at the Extraordinary Statutory Meeting or any other decision whatsoever and whenever to appoint and install King as the officer to perform the duties of Town Clerk.

The final order is an Order or Rule Nisi of Quo Warranto directed to the Office of Town Clerk, a Public Office established by the Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap 28:01, restraining and/ or prohibiting King from usurping the Office of Town Clerk of the City of Georgetown and/ or from entering upon the said Office and /or discharging or further discharging any of the powers, functions and duties of the aforesaid Office of Town Clerk of the City of Georgetown without lawful authority whatsoever, appointment and/ or in furtherance of the elections and/ or appointment by Green and the Councillors of the City of Georgetown. The matter has been adjourned to May 22 at 13:00h before Justice Chang.

Amerindians are treated equally – Sukhai tells UN forum

merindian Affairs

AMinister Pauline Sukhai on Tuesday told attendees at the 13th Session of the United Nationals Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues that Amerindians in Guyana are treated equally, fairly and just as any other ethnic race in the country through the implementation of proper governance systems.

The Minister noted that the Government continues to effect and uphold compliance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) which places priority on Indigenous peoples rights and development.

She related that this was evident since the Government had embarked on the achievement of these goals even prior to the implementation of the UNDRIP in 2007. Sukhai stated that those plans which the Government had made and put in place has since given rise to availability of several opportuni-

ties for the Amerindian population.

Evidence of this is the enactment of the Amerindian Act, Number Six of 2006, which provides for the recognition, and protection of the collective rights of Amerindians, the granting of land to Amerindians, and the promotion of good gov-

ernance within Amerindian villages and communities.

“Constitutional, sectoral, legal measures are in place to promote equity for advancing the rights of Amerindian peoples. The bold commitment by the Government of Guyana to address the legitimate needs, challenges and rights of Amerindians,

fully conscious that Guyana is a land of six peoples, and mindful that the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Guyanese should be upheld and respected. Notwithstanding, special measures to enforce and safeguard the rights of the Amerindian peoples are in place to address the remaining gaps and challenges which Amerindians face in this current period,” Sukhai told the gathering.

Self-determination

Presenting on the practice of good governance as it relates to the Amerindian people, Sukhai made special reference to Part 111 of the Amerindian Act, which outlines the principles of good governance and self-determination at the local village level, noting that these are indeed a testimony to the Government’s commitment in ensuring the indigenous people are rightly guided and are provided with equal opportunities as everyone else..

Two man fightin over one woman

Man does fight among dem selves and woman does fight among dem selves. Then sometimes man does fight over woman and woman does fight over man. Man does also fight woman fuh man and woman does fight man fuh woman.

De other day, one man choose to use a cutlass pun both de man and de woman. Then not too long ago, another man decide to use he bare hands pun a woman and then he use a rope pun he self. Now a student in Essequibo do de same. That ain’t de example that young people suppose to follow.

But then young people does only grow up to be like big people who dem see and hear bout every day. If big people not behavin like big people, then no body can’t blame young people. Well, right now Guyana seein and readin bout two big man who behavin wuss than any young man.

One man who does sell pun de pave in Regent Street seh dem is not big man any more; he seh dem is big, old man. De man was so vex that he put down he lunch bowl and seh people like he is pave man, but dem two people, and he point to a big, old wood building in de street, is like cave man.

He seh de problem is that dem two big, old man been fightin over one woman in GT fuh de longest while. De problem is none a dem ain’t gettin thru to get whah dem want. At this rate, it gon be safe to conclude that dem two got woman problems.

And de main problem among all de woman problems whah dem got is that dem just can’t handle a strong woman who can stand up fuh she self. Now it look like some how de woman find out that dem two can’t stand up, and that is why she had to stand up fuh de GT people.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Now, even de court find out that one a dem can’t stand up.

Cops accused of killing...

Who shoots a 15-year-old in the mouth or is allowed to get away from killing someone who was out celebrating his birthday?” she asked.

She noted that it was utter nonsense and a great travesty that the two suspects who were arrested, charged and placed before the courts on the count of manslaughter are now roaming free after the case was dismissed last Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Hughes questioned the credibility of the system which was in place for the prosecution of the two since she noted that is absurd that a Police Force, which conducted its own ballistictests and had its own ballistic reports of a matter involving its own ranks, could place the ‘wrong’ suspects before the court.

“This is a great travesty. The systems that should

work are not working and we as Guyanese should demand that they work. We are working with systems which are not delivering justice to the people,” the AFC MP told media operatives.

“How is it that a Force who was in possession of its own ballistic report did not prosecute the officer who was responsible? How can the Guyana Police Force subject the family of the victim to a prosecution which they knew were bound to fail?” she questioned. According to reports, the case was dismissed after the prosecution gave evidence that the bullet did not come from the guns of either of the two suspects Sheldon Williams and Errol Williams, but from that of another policeman who was also on the patrol.

GRA issues new rules for registering seven-seater vehicles

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced new rules for the registration of seven-seater vehicles coming on the heels of reports that Police on the West Coast of Demerara were detaining hire car drivers who use such vehicles.

Refuting claims that it erred somewhere in registering these vehicles as seven-seaters, the GRA said it followed the established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) when registering these motor vehicles, which require, among other things, that reference must be made to the motor vehicle information stated on the Certificate of Registration or Title received from the country of origin which includes the seating capacity.

According to the revenue body, only recently, the Traffic Headquarters of the Guyana Police Force informed the GRA that motor cars with a seating capacity of more than five seats may not be in conformity with Guyana’s Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02, especially those used for hire car

New

purposes. As a consequence, motor cars with seating capacity of more than five persons should be certified by the Traffic Headquarters of the Guyana Police Force before being registered by the GRA.

Certification

The GRA said in keeping with the decision, moves to certify vehicles with more than five seats to be used for hire have commenced.

ETI student hangs self at Anna Regina Backdam

A17-year-old student of the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) was discovered hanging from a tree on Tuesday by his grandparents with whom he resided. The body of Mahindra Narine was discovered around 15:30h. According to information received, Narine’s grandmother Shanta and grandfather Tony had gone to the backdam to check on him when they made the gruesome

discovery. The grandparents had gotten worried when the teenager had not returned home from the backdam after some time had passed, so they had decided to go look for him.

Upon investigation, they saw him hanging from a mango tree.

Shanta said she was unsure why the teen would want to take his own life. The grandmother said he was in jolly spirits earlier in the day before he left for the backdam.

Robbery under arms case dismissed

Two men walked out of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts as free men on Wednesday after the case of robbery under arms against them was dismissed.

Calvin Harris and Kevin Pollard were found not guilty of armed robbery when they appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

It was alleged that on December 7, 2013 at South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, being armed with a gun, they robbed Rosita Kalcherry of the sum of $620,000 in local curren-

cy plus US$50, amounting to $630,000, property of Vilbert Pooran.

The duo pleaded not guilty when the case was previously called before the court in December of last year when witnesses failed to show up. The four witnesses failed to show up for the last trial as well, and as such, the case was dismissed after the Magistrate ruled that sufficient evidence was not produced by the prosecution. The duo was represented by Attorneys Natasha Vieira and Melville Duke.

Letters to persons registering such motor cars will be issued by the GRA to have their seating capacity certified by Traffic Headquarters before these vehicles can be registered.

Also, in cases of motor cars with seating capacity in excess of five seats being registered, the GRA would issue similar letters to owners to have the seating capacity certified by Traffic Headquarters.

According to the GRA when the

seating capacity is certified by the Traffic Department, the GRA will effect any change needed to the Certificate of Registration.

With regard to vehicles already registered with more than five seats including the Toyota Spacio, Toyota Ipsum and Toyota Sienta, the GRA said, these vehicles will also be subjected to certification of their seating capacity.

Vehicle owners can have their vehicle examined by the Police Certifying Office within their district and this certification must have the final approval by the Traffic Headquarters of the Police Force before submission to the GRA Head Office on Camp Street for the amendment to be made on the original certificate of registration. Any amendments made to the certificate of registration will incur a cost of $500. The GRA will continue to work in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force to ensure that the process of registering vehicles for private and hire car use is expedited seamlessly.

ILO to publish new report on the profits of forced labour

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is to launch a new report “Profits and Poverty: The Economics of Forced Labour” next Tuesday.

The study investigates the underlying factors that drive forced labour, of which a major component is illegal profits. Figures will include a breakdown of profits by area of forced labour and by region.

The report will also provide updates to data included in the 2009 Cost of Coercion Report, as well as the global estimate of persons in forced labour.

thursday, may 15, 2014

Marking of NGSA scripts completed

– results expected on June 27

The Education Ministry has announced that the marking of all National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) scripts has been completed and the results are currently being processed.

The Ministry in a Facebook post said it is hoping to release the results by June 27.

Last year, for the first time, the results were released earlier than usual, as was promised by subject Minister Priya Manickchand.

“With a view of streamlining the efficient delivery of results, this year the students, parents, and school administrations knew the date by which results would be out before the commencement of the NGSA.

“This is the second consecutive year that the Ministry will be releasing the NGSA results promptly as indicated, through the continued enhancement of the overall quality management processes of the examination, the Ministry said.

The NGSA was held on

April 16 and 17 at centres across Guyana.

Last year, a male student of Graham’s Hall Primary and another of Mae’s School tied for the top position at the examinations.

Ramesh Ghir of Mae’s and Michael Bhopaul of Graham’s Hall Primary each scored 547 marks, Education Minister had announced in the National Assembly.

The rest of the top 10 performers scored marks ranging from to 541 to 546. The highest possible mark

at the examinations was 563. Though a complete analysis of the results was not disclosed, an elated Manickchand said that out of the 17,138 candidates who sat the NGSA, 32 of them were placed in the top 10. The Ministry will be hoping that students perform better this year.

Meanwhile, the Ministry is also informing parents of Grade Two children that the National Grade Two Assessment commences on June 9 and concludes on June 20.

“Parents are urged to note that this assessment is conducted in two parts –oral and written – and are asked to ensure that they help in the preparation of their children for this very important assessment.

“Parents of Grade Four children are also being reminded of that the National Grade Four Assessment will take place on Wednesday, June 18 and Thursday, June 19, 2014. The National Grade Nine Assessment will commence on Tuesday, June 17 and conclude on Thursday, June 20, 2014,” the Ministry concluded.

New GPL substation soon for Mahaicony

Residents of Columbia, Mahaicony and neighbouring communities will soon benefit from an improved quality of electricity supply as the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) will be commissioning a new substation in the community.

On Tuesday, GPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bharat Dindyal and a team held a meeting at the Fairfield Community centre with residents of Columbia where the benefits of the new substation were highlighted.

The CEO told the residents that the company was pleased to make such an investment and called on them to play their part in making the investment work.

According to Dindyal, this investment was long in the making and the company was eager to link the Berbice and Georgetown power supply system.

“After 30 years of waiting, we can now say we are commissioning a facility which would transform the quality and reliability of power that we will offer.”

Dindyal thanked the residents for being tolerable with the power company as he noted that over the years they have been experiencing issues such as low voltage and constant power outages.

He, however, noted that with the commissioning of the new substation, West Berbice communities will have a two-way supply of electricity in the event of one

shutting down.

“West Berbice can have power from East Berbice or Georgetown, and so in the past when you would have been subjected to problems from Onverwagt, and supply being interrupted, with this new substation, you can get power from Demerara.”

The CEO added that residents would now benefit from better output from their electrical appliances without fear of them being at risk, as a result of low or high voltage.

Dindyal explained that the electricity supply which will be coming into the communities will be carefully monitored at all times by the new control centre in Sophia.

“After 30 years, we can say we are about to deliver, and we hope you are grateful and we hope you work with us so that this investment bears fruit.”

Dindyal also spoke on the issue of electricity theft, which has been affecting the power company greatly. He told the residents that a study was recently conducted and the findings were astonishing as in some communities, 63 per cent of the power supplied is unaccounted for. Hence, the CEO noted that more emphasis would be placed on loss reduction and to combat electricity theft using state-of-the-art mechanism.

Columbia is one of seven new substations; the remaining six are located in South Backlands, New Sophia (Liliendaal); Good Hope; Vreed-enHoop; Edinburgh; and Golden Grove.

These fall under the US$42.8 million Infrastructure Development Project (IDP) that also caters for the upgrade of three existing substations and expansion at Onverwagt, Sophia, and Canefield, approximately 96 kilometres of 69 KV overhead transmission lines, and the construction of a fibre-optic network, linking all the substations to a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system at Sophia.

This investment in the people of Guyana is expected to propel the electricity sector as it will improve the quality of service, provide greater operational flexibility, and reduce technical losses.

Some Region Two farmers still owed for paddy sold last crop

– Opposition councillors disagree on taking millers to court

Some Essequibo farmers have not yet been paid by millers for paddy sold last crop, Alliance For Change (AFC) Region Two Councillor Naithram disclosed. The issue was raised during the Regional Democratic Council statutory meeting for the month of May in the boardroom of the Council in Anna Regina on Tuesday.

The Rice Factories Act says millers must complete payments to farmers within 42 days of receipt of paddy. Naithram, a farmer representative, noted that it has been 60 days since the farmers sold their paddy and there is no word on payments or any money coming forward.

The AFC Councillor asserted that millers were rip-

ping off farmers, but said he disagreed with the idea of taking them to court to force them to honour their obligations to farmers.

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud, however, told the councillors that farmers have an arrangement and responsibility to take defaulting millers to court with the assistance of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). Persaud said the Government of Guyana, through the Agriculture Ministry, provided more than $400 million to assist farmers when they were facing difficulties. He explained that farmers should receive payments within two weeks, since the shipment of rice to Venezuela has begun.

A Partnership for

National Unity (APNU) Region Two Councillor Wazir Latiff supported the Chairman, stating that farmers have the right to carry millers to court, once payments are late. Latiff noted that he, along with other farmers, took a miller to whom he sold paddy last crop to court. He said the GRDB facilitated the process and the miller subsequently paid every farmer he owed.

Other councillors questioned why farmers have to take millers to court to get their payments when the GRDB has put systems in place to help them. AFC Councillor Naithram then stood up and said that the APNU Councillor just wanted media coverage.

Equal gender participation under CSME must be ensured – LaRocque

The ability of men and women to participate equally and equitably in all aspects of life under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) must be ensured.

Those were the sentiments expressed by Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on Wednesday as he addressed the opening ceremony for the 26th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) held at the Caricom Headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana.

The two-day meeting of COHSOD brings together ministers with responsibility for labour, gender and social development from across the region as well as representatives of regional institutions, and regional labour and private sector bodies.

The Council will place their attention firmly on issues related to labour and gender as they seek to establish and outline regional positions in preparation for the Third Global Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in September, the International Labour Conference in June and the negotiations related to the

development of the Post2015 Global Development Agenda. The meeting is being held in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), UN Women, and the Caribbean Development Bank

“The recommendations of this meeting, based on the study on the Gender Impact of the CSME, undertaken under the Canadianfunded Caricom Trade and Competitiveness Project will be crucial to advancing gender equality in this regard,” noted the Secretary General.

Speaking to the issue of youth development, Ambassador LaRocque encouraged the delegates to

recognise an imperative to engage youth in ways that will utilise their creativity to contribute to their own development and prospects of employment.

The Secretary General noted that there have been numerous opportunities provided for youth within the Information Communication Technologies (ICT) Sector. He said ICT was opening up new vistas and the Community needs to be well placed to fulfil the potential it offers for employment and entrepreneurship.

“Your agenda reflects the importance of ICT in helping to achieve a key social and economic goal – decent work,” Ambassador LaRocque said. He further stated that decent work is an important focus for the Council, given its central role in alleviating poverty.

He also urged delegates to ensure that human capacity development within Caricom is relevant to societal needs in the context of the draft strategic plan.

He said the strategic plan was in the process of being finalised to be presented to the Conference of Heads of Government at its 35th Meeting in July.

Local Muslim group condemns kidnapping of Nigerian girls

By Alexis Rodney

As international organisations continue their protests against the kidnapping of more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls on April 14, last, the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) has registered its ire over the situation and has maintained that the Islam is not against the education of females.

The organisation is also of the firm belief that the actions taken by the Boko Haram Group; the self-acclaimed Islamic militant organisation, to prevent female students from accessing this basic human right is nothing more than “barbaric”.

Assistant leader of the Guyana Islamic Trust, Sheikh Abdool Aleem Rahim said the organisation is very much concerned about the actions of the group and has emphatically suggested that its members could not truly be part of the religion.

“We condemn their actions in the strongest of terms, especially the kidnapping of hundreds of schoolgirls in the name of preventing them from being exposed to Western education,” Rahim said in an exclusive interview with this publication on Wednesday.

On that note, he said men and women are equal. He

pointed out that knowledgeseeking is not just a right, but an obligation placed on every Muslim believer by the Prophet Mohammed. Rahim said everyone who desires to further their education, be it male or female, are free to do so. He boasted that the religion is rich with the contributions of scholarly women, noting that if what the Boko Haram group is doing was an accepted practice, then those women would not have had the opportunity to play any leading roles within the faith. He cited the contributions of several women including I’sha, wife of the Prophet Mohammed, among others who have made contribu-

tions to the religion.

“All of these are testimony to the place and status of women and the education of women in Islam. So there is no denying of Muslim women of those rights.”

Anti-Islam

During the interview, Rahim revealed some of the teachings and practices of the Muslim faith. According to him, the decision by members of the Boko Haram group in no way upholds those teachings. Rahim said part of the Muslim belief requires that members live harmoniously.

Any action taken by any organisation based on violence and oppression is viewed as “unacceptable by all means possible”.

“We do not view this group called Boko Haram as a Muslim group. We believe this to be something inapplicable and they should be separated from Islam completely. We do not accept any of their actions which they claim to do in the name of Islam. They have distorted the teachings of Islam and they basically defile the pristine purity of Islam through their claims that what they are doing is justifiable in the name of Islam.”

Meanwhile, the women’s arm of the organisation, the National Islamic Sister’s

Association said it joins with all other concerned organisations around the world, in condemning the kidnapping of the schoolgirls in Nigeria. It has also made a stern call for the girls to be released.

Just over a month ago, on April 14, militants kidnapped more than 200 girls from a school in Chibok, located in the remote north-east region of Nigeria. Hundreds of armed militants in pickup trucks and on motorcycles arrived, and herded the girls into them, while setting fire to a room in the school before driving into the forest. About 50 girls were able to escape. The kidnapping sparked an international outcry, causing pro-

tests in the US and across the world and drew help from the US as well as other countries.

Extremist group

Boko Haram is an Islamist extremist group that has reportedly killed thousands of people in a series of violent attacks in recent years. The group was named a foreign terrorist organisation by the State Department last November. Its membership ranges “from the hundreds to a few thousand”, the State Department said in its annual terrorism report last year. The group gets most of its funding from bank robberies and criminal activities like extortion or demanding ransoms after kid-

nappings. On Wednesday, Reuters reported that Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has rejected the idea of a swap of Boko Haram prisoners for the schoolgirls, Britain’s Minister for Africa said after talks with him in Abuja on Wednesday.

“He made it very clear that there would be no negotiations with Boko Haram that involved a swap of abducted schoolgirls for prisoners,” Mark Simmonds told a news conference.

The Islamist group, which is holding more than 200 girls, posted a video on Monday offering to release them in exchange for prisoners held by the Government.

Boko Haram militants, who are fighting for an Islamist state, stormed a secondary school in the northeastern village of Chibok on April 14 and seized 276 girls who were taking exams. Some have managed to escape, but about 200 remain missing. The abductions have triggered a worldwide social media campaign under the Twitter hashtag #BringBackOurGirls, and prompted the US, Britain, France and Israel to offer help or send experts to Nigeria. Britain offered further help to Nigeria including a surveillance plane and the offer was accepted, Simmonds said.

Lawyers’ body nudges Govt to hire Court Reporters

...says recording system is old technology

By Jomo PAul

The Guyana Bar Association (GBA) is urging the Government to hire Court Reporters, while cautioning that they should not become too heady with the recently installed recording system, which it said is not as efficient as it should be.

With the recent passage of the Recording of Court Proceedings Bill 2014 being deemed as a leap forward in the delivery of justice, GBA President Ronald BurchSmith said the Government should take steps to hire Court Reporters since the added task of having the presiding Judge still being required to listen to the recording is time consuming

and greatly delays the delivery of justice.

“Judges aren’t hired for handwriting, Judges were hired because they can hear evidence, understand evidence and guide the conduct of the trial, not to make notes,” said BurchSmith.

He said even though the hiring of Court Reporters would be somewhat pricy, Burch-Smith related that it is a small price for the Government to pay to aid in their bid to develop the judicial system of Guyana, adding that court reporting is just one of the varying ideas available for the Government to employ and would be “worth their while”.

He pointed out that similar systems have been put

in place in other Caribbean countries and it is time that Guyana follows suit, noting that “all courts for trials, particularly criminal courts, should have full-time court reporting”.

The GBA head also highlighted that presently Judges spend “two to three hours” of their time in the court rooms taking notes and if this changes, then it would definitely lead to a radical decrease in the amount of time that it takes for Judges to deliver decisions.

“It’s an easy business decision, get the Judges to spend more time judging,” said the Attorney. Further, he noted that the recording systems presently being implemented by the Government is “ancient

technology”.

He added that modern court reporting will be able to provide real time written records of the courts’ proceedings, but the recording system must not be ignored because it can be used to settle any conflicts with the written recording as the need arises.

Provision

Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said the current system in place will make provision for Court Reporters. While noting that the system is currently in use at the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, Nandlall pointed out that the Government is currently seeking persons to man those systems when the project expands.

He said once the systems are fully implemented, Guyana will be on par with other judiciaries around the globe in the court recording era. The Recording of Court Proceedings Bill 2014 defined the path for the electronic verbatim recording of proceedings, moving away from an archaic tradition of manual note-taking which takes up time in the courts.

In presenting the Bill for a second reading, Nandlall told the House that the Bill has been long overdue since other Caribbean countries have since amended their laws, paving the way for such developments.

“We have heard for a very long time lamentations expressed about the delay which affects our system and the consequen-

tial injustice, which flows from the administration of the criminal justice system, as well as the civil aspect of our justice system,” Nandlall said He said the Bill was brought to the House with a view of bringing expediency and efficiency to the justice system, in terms of accelerating the rate at which cases are disposed of.

Three courts were chosen mainly because they were the only courts that had air conditioning units which was required for the effective functioning of the recording systems. The systems are presently at work in the Chief Justice’s Court, the Commercial Court and the Court of Appeal.

Regional

Baby dies after being left in car in TT

A17-month-old baby boy is believed to have suffocated to death after his relative forgot him in his locked car for over eight hours on Tuesday. The child was identified as Joshua Cudjoe. The man, 53, who is an electrician employed with Petrotrin, was in Police custody last night assisting investigators who

were trying to piece together the events that led up to the tragic incident.

Employees of Petrotrin, Penal, where the man is employed, were first alerted that something was wrong when they heard him screaming loudly, “Oh God, oh God”, shortly after 16:00h on Tuesday in the Petrotrin car park. When they ran to

Colombian rebels say “stable and lasting peace” is possible

The chances for a “stable and lasting peace” have never been better, Colombian rebels said before peace talks on Wednesday in the latest sign that President Juan Manuel Santos could receive a boost from the negotiations ahead of the May 25 election.

Santos, engaged in a tightening re-election campaign, might benefit from any breakthrough between now and the first round of presidential elections, in which his leading rival has threatened to break off peace talks.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian Government have held talks in Havana over the last year and a half, seeking to end 50 years of conflict.

“There are possibilities for a stable and lasting peace in Colombia like never before, but obviously there have to be mutual concessions,” Rodrigo Granda, a member of the FARC negotiating team, told reporters in Havana.

“Whoever breaks this peace process in Havana, no matter who the President is, will have to pay a very high political price, an enormous one,” Granda said just before sitting down with the Government.

The two sides are working a partial accord on eradicating illegal drug crops, which would be the third of five major agreements that would then be revisited in a sixth and final phase of a comprehensive agreement. (Excerpt from Reuters)

see what was going on, they found the man in tears, having discovered the baby boy dead in the back seat of his car. The Police and an ambulance were called in. However, when medical officials checked the baby he was unresponsive. Medical worker later pronounced him dead at the scene.

According to the Police reports, the man picked up the child on his way to work just before 07:00h and was supposed to drop the child off at the babysitter. The man reportedly strapped the child in a car seat in the back seat and set off before going on to work. Police believe the child fell asleep in the back seat and the man forgot to drop him at the babysitter, and instead went straight to work where he locked up his vehicle and headed to the worksite. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Mexico sets security plan for violent Tamaulipas state

The Government of Mexico has pledged to deploy more security forces and boost intelligence in Tamaulipas, one of the country’s most dangerous states.

Mexican Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio admitted that the Government had not done enough to deal with insecurity in the north-east-

Washington attests to Haiti’s efforts to fight corruption and hold elections

The US Administration has confirmed current efforts by the Haitian Government to organise free and fair legislative elections, to fight corruption and to implement financial transparency and accountability requirements for the Caribbean country’s Government institutions, US officials say.

According to a communiqué released on Monday by the US Embassy in Haiti, the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, has notified the US Congress that Haiti is taking steps to hold free and fair elections and to prosecute Government functionaries involved with corruption, among other initiatives.

“I hereby certify that Haiti is taking steps to hold free and fair parliamentary

Class tensions surface in Brazil's presidential campaign

Acontroversial new campaign ad has made class divisions a key theme in Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s battle for re-election in October.

The combative video, released online by Rousseff’s Workers’ Party this week, suggests a deeply polarised campaign ahead in which the incumbent will try to shift attention away from Brazil’s current economic malaise and focus instead on how life improved for the poor over the last decade.

The ad shows a rural family happily driving in a truck loaded with goods. Then they pass a dust-covered, downtrodden version of themselves from the past, walking along the side of the road and carrying heavy boxes.

“We can’t let ghosts from the past come back and take away

everything we achieved,” a narrator says. The ad is designed to appeal to the some 40 million Brazilians who have been lifted from poverty under 12 years of leftist Workers’ Party rule. Many acquired trucks, washing machines and other big-ticket consumer goods for the first time. Despite that progress, Brazil still has one of the world’s biggest gaps between rich and poor, and class divisions remain a fact of politics and daily life. The ad drew an immediate rebuke from Rousseff’s leading rival in the election, Senator Aecio Neves of the centrist Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), who accused the ruling party of “scaring and threatening people in order to try to stay in power.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

elections and to seat a new Haitian Parliament,” wrote Kerry to Congress.

“The Government of Haiti is respecting the independence of the judiciary; and the Government of Haiti is combating corruption and improving governance, including passage of the anticorruption law to enable prosecution of corrupt officials,” wrote Kerry.

The US Secretary of State also explained that “the Haitian Government was implementing financial transparency and accountability requirements for Government institutions.”

The certification, published in the Federal Register, was required by Congress from the Obama administration as a prerequisite to any allocation of US funds to Haiti. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

ern state.

But he promised that a “new phase” against powerful drug cartels would restore peace there. Last week, Mexican intelligence chief Salvador Haro Munoz was killed there.

His car was ambushed by armed men in the state capital, Ciudad Victoria. Osorio announced that the

state would be divided into four regions, each with an army or navy officer in charge of implementing the Government’s security plan.

“We will strengthen surveillance at ports, airports, customs and border crossings, as well as the major land routes,” he told a news conference.

Osorio said security forces would “patrol 24 hours, every day of the week, in main urban areas”, and would conduct reviews of local police forces to eradicate corruption.

He also admitted that, despite some “significant” Government successes against the cartels, “these are not enough”. On Sunday, security officials said one of the founders of the Zetas cartel, Galindo Mellado Cruz, was killed in a gun battle in Tamaulipas. (Excerpt from BBC News)

St Lucia’s Police Commissioner wants closure to probe of extra judicial killings

Police Commissioner Vernon Francois says while he welcomed the probe into alleged extra-judicial killings by the members of the Royal St Lucia Police Force he is also hoping it will bring “a degree of closure” to the situation.

The probe was conducted by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force under the auspices of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS).The probe was initiated after the United States announced that it was cutting back aid to the Police here and the Kenny Anthony administration had said the assistance

from Washington would remain suspended until the inquiry was held.

The Jamaican investigators were conducting the independent probe into 12 alleged extra-judicial killings dating back to 2010, during which period there were claims that local officers had a “Hit List” of criminals who were being targeted. Five of the killings occurred during one incident.

“I was hoping that this process would have been completed by now because obviously it’s a cloud over the department and we need to move forward,” Francois said, adding that the original time frame for the investigation had been February this year. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Guatemala eyes alternative crop subsidies to dampen poppy allure

Guatemala is considering subsidising alternative crops for poppy farmers in order to curb the production of narcotics and raise funds for social programmes, a senior Government official said.

The Government could offer seeds for potatoes, corn and peas to farmers who grow poppies in northwestern Guatemala along the border with Mexico, where powerful drug cartels buy the plants and convert them into heroin, said Eunice Mendizabal, Anti-Narcotics Deputy Minister.

The Central American nation, with tight budget constraints, spends close to US$2 million annually eliminating poppy plants. It is struggling to contain cartels that use the isthmus as a transit point to ship drugs to the United States.

“Every time we perform an operation to eradicate poppies, that area becomes more conflictive,” Mendizabal told Reuters at a conference to discuss alternatives to the drug war.

“The idea is to bring together all the commissions (studying drug alternatives) and see if we can subsidise alternative crops,” said Mendizabal, who added that the Government has studied subsidy programmes in other countries.

Guatemalan President Otto Perez said in April that the Government could present a plan at the end of 2014 to legalise and tax the production of marijuana and of poppies for medicinal use in order to wrest control of the country from organised crime and fund social spending. (Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

Around the world

Modi says India and Pakistan should be allies in war on poverty

India and Pakistan should be allies in the war on poverty, says Narendra Modi, the candidate expected to become India's next Prime Minister.

Modi has offered a new era of economic cooperation with Pakistan, if it stops terrorist attacks on India from its territory.

In an interview with The Times of India, the Bharatiya Janata Party Leader and Chief Minister of Gujarat said both countries faced a common enemy in widespread poverty which they could tackle together if a new trust could be established.

If he becomes Prime Minister when the results of the biggest election in history are announced on Friday, he is ready to write a "new chapter" in relations between the nuclear neighbours if Islamabad can first demonstrate its commitment to peace by stopping terrorist attacks being launched from its soil.

His comments will be welcomed in Pakistan, where senior officials last month told The Telegraph they would like Modi to become Prime Minister because they believe only an Indian Government under a strong leader will

be able to reopen talks and make progress towards normalising relations.

India and Pakistan have fought four wars since their independence from Britain and partition from one another in 1947. Relations had been improving until the 2008 Mumbai attacks when Lashkar e Taiba terrorists sailed to India's commercial capital by sea from Karachi and massacred more than 160 people in a three-day rampage. Dr Manmohan Singh, the Indian Prime

Minister, accused elements within Pakistan's security apparatus of supporting the attacks, which brought the enemies close to a fifth war.

Since then moves to reopen talks have made little progress, while an upsurge in attacks by Pakistani militants across the Line of Control which separates the two countries' armed forces in Kashmir in the last 18 months have further damaged their prospects. Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan's Prime Minister, voiced his frustration at the lack of progress last autumn and officials said they had abandoned hope of talks until a new government emerges from the Indian election.

Its officials expect Modi to win the election and are planning to announce Most Favoured Nation trading status for India shortly after the new Prime Minister is elected, to hasten new negotiations.

In his interview with The Times of India on Tuesday, Modi said the two countries have much to gain from cooperation if they can re-establish trust.

"Our country continues to face the onslaught of terrorism emanating out of the soil of Pakistan," he said. (Excerpt from AP)

Nigerian villagers kill Boko Haram fighters

Villagers in an area of Nigeria where Boko Haram operates have killed and detained scores of fighters who were suspected of planning a fresh attack, the residents and a security official said.

Locals in Nigeria’s northern states have been forming vigilante groups in various areas to resist the armed group which has held more than 270 schoolgirls captive since last month.

In Kalabalge, a village about 250 kilometres from the Borno state capital of Maiduguri, residents said they were taking matters into their own hands because the Nigerian military was perceived as not doing enough to stem Boko Haram attacks.

On Tuesday morning, after learning about an impending attack by fighters, locals ambushed two trucks with gunmen, according to local officials.

At least 41 fighters were killed in the attack, officials,

who spoke to Al Jazeera on conditions of anonymity, said

The AP news agency was told that at least 10 armed men were detained. It was not immediately clear where the detainees were being held.

Kalabalge trader Ajid Musa said that after residents organised the vigilante group, “it is impossible” for fighters to successfully stage attacks there.

“That is why most attacks by the Boko Haram on our village continued [to] fail because they cannot come in here and start shooting and killing people,” he said.

Borno is where more than 300 girls were abducted last month and one of three Nigerian states where President Goodluck Jonathan has imposed a state of emergency, giving the military special powers to fight self-declared jihadist groups, whose stronghold is in northeast Nigeria. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Fury over worst Turkish mine disaster Factories burnt in Vietnam-China row

Anger has erupted against the Turkish Government after a deadly coal mine disaster in the western town of Soma.

People in Soma hurled abuse as they surrounded Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s car during his visit to the scene of the tragedy, and protesters clashed with Police in Istanbul and Ankara.

An explosion on Tuesday caused the pit to collapse, killing at least 274. The lat-

est rise in the death toll means it is the worst such incident in the country’s history.

Rescuers are still hunting desperately for scores of miners who are missing feared dead, but Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said the mine was still on fire hampering their efforts.

Nearly 450 workers have been rescued, according to the mine operator, though Government officials gave a lower figure of 363.

However, no survivors have been found since dawn on Wednesday and more than 100 are still thought to be unaccounted for.

Eighty of those rescued have been treated for injuries, none of which were described as serious.

Local media reports said protesters in Soma kicked Erdogan’s car and called for his resignation after he gave a news conference on the disaster.

He was booed as he emerged from his car. Some arrests were made amid the scuffles and pictures showed the Prime Minister, surrounded by bodyguards, seeking refuge in a shop. Protesters also attacked the town’s ruling AK party offices.

Meanwhile Police in the capital, Ankara, fired tear gas and water cannon at about 800 protesters who tried to march from a university to the Energy Ministry.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Ukraine holds talks to end crisis, rebels not invited

Ukraine’s interim leaders on Wednesday pushed a plan to allow the regions a greater say over their affairs, but the exclusion of separatists from roundtable talks cast doubt over whether the move could defuse the crisis. The talks brought together politicians and civil groups in an effort to quell a pro-Russian rebellion in the industrialised Donbass region of eastern Ukraine, which has triggered fears of a break-up of the former Soviet Republic. They came at a tense moment for Kiev. On Tuesday, seven soldiers were killed

in an ambush near the city of Kramatorsk, the deadliest attack on security forces since they were sent to tackle the uprising in the east in April.

Voters in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk backed self-rule in two referendums held on Sunday despite protestations from Kiev, which sees Russia’s hand behind the rebellion and denounced the votes as illegal.

After the voting, rebel leaders in Donetsk and Luhansk called for their regions to become part of Russia although this call has not been taken up by Moscow.

When the round table talks opened in the Parliament building in Kiev, the country’s main leaders sharply attacked Russia, with acting President Oleksander Turchinov accusing Moscow of launching “systematic action to destabilise eastern and southern regions of Ukraine” to produce an “explosive situation”.

And, in comments angled at the separatist rebels who were excluded from the talks, Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk said: “We will conduct a dialogue with all those who do not shoot and do not kill citizens.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

At least 15 foreignowned factories have been set on fire amid anti-China protests at industrial parks in southern Vietnam.

Hundreds more were attacked by some of the 20,000 workers who protesting in the streets of Binh Duong province.

They are protesting after China moved a drilling rig into waters also claimed by Vietnam earlier this month.

No casualties have been reported, but officials said at least 200 people had been arrested over the violence.

In response to the protests, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Vietnam was the “provocateur”, and that Beijing had expressed concern to Hanoi.

Taiwan summoned the Vietnamese envoy to Taipei after reports that many Taiwanese firms were targeted having been mistaken by rioters for Chinese factories.

Nationalist sentiment of this intensity has not been seen in Vietnam for many years.

Tuesday’s protests in Binh Duong confirmed the Government’s worst fear, that nationalism could easily get out of hand, posing a great risk not only to the business environment but also to domestic political stability.

The Vietnamese authorities were quick to condemn the anti-China violence and arrested some people they called “agitators”.

But critics say that other contributing factors such as social discontent and limited labour rights cannot be overlooked. Singaporean and Japanese plants were also targeted. An employee of a Singaporean company told the BBC they saw four burnt buildings on Wednesday morning, and another eight –including one belonging to a Taiwan-founded shoe firm –with shattered windows and smashed front gates. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Several dead in attack on Afghan Police base

An attack on a Police base in Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province has left several Taliban fighters and policemen dead, officials say.

The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the attack on the border Police post in Spin Boldak, a town in Kandahar Province.

Police officials told Al Jazeera that five Taliban fighters wearing suicide vests attacked the Police compound, leaving three Police dead and five more wounded.

Two of the attackers blew themselves up and the

remaining three were killed by Police forces. Spin Boldak is near the Chaman border crossing with Pakistan.

The Taliban also claimed responsibility for an attack in Kabul on Wednesday in which a magnetic bomb was attached to the army vehicle and exploded, killing a soldier and wounding a woman and a child.

A woman was killed and a child wounded in a further attack on Wednesday when a rocket was fired into a residential neighbourhood in eastern Ghazni province. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Each spring brings an

escalation in fighting in Afghanistan with the end of snowy winter weather, which hampers movement. The melting of the snows opens up mountain passes allowing anti-government fighters to move in from neighbouring Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Independent Election Commission said it would announce final results of the first round of presidential voting on Thursday.

Preliminary results released on April 26 point to a runoff between the top two candidates, Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai. (Al Jazeera)

thursday, may 15, 2014

Llewellyn John urges M&CC to await court decision

By Jomo Paul

Former Local Government Minister and City Councillor Llewellyn John said the conflicting parties at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) should down their weapons and await the ruling of the Appeal Court.

He said there was no need for the constant fighting. Speaking to Guyana Times in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, the former Local Government Minister under the People’s National Congress (PNC) administration said: “If the Judge has made a decision and seeing that the Court of Appeal has been entertaining the matter and is to give a decision... I think we ought to await the decision of the Judge in that regard.”

John, himself a lawyer, maintained that the decision made by the acting Chief Justice Ian Chang is valid until such time that the Court of Appeal pronounces on the matter.

When questioned on whether there should be any sanctions imposed on Royston King or any other member of the Council, John pointed out that the Local Government and Municipalities Act does not provide for such sanctions against either party.

However, he added, that while the laws may not make provisions, the imposition of sanctions on King or any other member of the Council in the ongoing feud, is left up to the courts.

He said the court will have to rule on whether any action taken outside of the law while awaiting the results of the appeal was “justifiable”.

He said too that it is within the powers of the Local Government Minister to ap-

point the Town Clerk since the position is above the legal pay grade for Council appointments of officers.

He explained that according to Chapter 28:01 of the Laws of Guyana, the Minister must approve all appointment of City Council officers whose salaries are above the stipulated pay grade, pointing out that not only is the Town Clerk position way above that limit, but so are the salaries of several other senior officers inclusive of the Treasurer.

Misinterpretation

Asked whether he believes that King’s appointment as Town Clerk is legal, he posited that the present state of affairs at the City Council may be because of a misinterpretation of the laws by either of the parties.

“It is not a question of illegality and legality, I drafted the Municipal and District Councils Act; it is a question of interpretation,” by the two conflicting parties, said John.

On Monday, the daily power struggle boiled over at the cash-strapped municipality with King occupy-

ing the seat that is designated for the Town Clerk and Sooba cancelling the statutory meeting, which nevertheless continued in her absence on King’s instruction.

During the ruckus, ranks of the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Police Force were summoned to conduct investigations and searches after it was reported that several explosive devices had been placed in the meeting chambers and other parts of the historic structure. The threats were received by Sooba who has since expressed fear for her life and those of her relatives.

Immediately after receiving the telephone calls, Sooba and her officers exited the building while Mayor Hamilton Green and his Councillors continued their statutory meeting, ignoring the threats.

The Councillors were overheard saying that if indeed a bomb was in the building, they were prepared to die for their country, while Mayor Hamilton Green stated that he has been in the system much too long and the threat was a politically-motivated game.

“This is an old political gimmick. They are forgetting that I have been in this political system far too long to believe these things anymore,” Green said.

Soon after arriving, the firemen and Police officers sought to rid the area of all civilians and cordoned off the buildings after which their tracking dogs were sourced and taken into the enclosed areas to search for the alleged bombs.

After almost two hours of standing out in the hot sun and the building thoroughly searched, the Guyana Fire Service declared that the threat was void as no bomb had been found.

Lucozade launches “Drive Your Dream” Promotion

In 2013, Lucozade customers won several cash prizes during a promotion for the energy drink, but this year, they will have an opportunity to win a brand new Mazda Axela in the Lucozade “Drive Your Dream” Promotion.

The promotion was launched on Wednesday at the local head office of regional conglomerate ANSA McAL, followed by a road show along the East Coast of Demerara. The “Drive Your Dream” Promotion will see customers winning 23 fabulous prizes, including the 2006 motor car.

In the previous year’s competition, there were 17 winners, with three persons carting off the grand prizes of US$3000, US$2500, and US$1000. There were also two weekly drawings of US$500 each.

This year, according to the company’s Public Relations Officer,

competition will be implemented countrywide with several weekly drawings that will see persons winning fantastic prizes. Lucozade Brand Representative Sean Abel recalled that last year’s competition saw monetary prizes, but this year, the company has increased the stakes. One person will walk away with a 40-inch television and two persons will win Lucozade hampers, each week during the seven-week promotion. He reiterated that the promotion was a way of thanking customers for their continued support.

Abel added that there are over 50 participating supermarkets countrywide. Customers can participate by submitting four caps from any 300ml

Darshanie Yusuf, there are more reasons to drink Lucozade. She said the promotion is a way of giving back to customers who have made Lucozade a household name. By drinking the energy drink, which comes in several flavours, customers are not only energised but receive the opportunity of a lifetime.

She explained that the

Lucozade bottle, along with their names and address. The draw will be done in various counties, with the aim of giving all customers a chance to win. Abel urged customers to be part of the promotion and make their dreams come true. The promotion started on May 1 and will conclude on July 31.

National Awardee Basil Rodrigues laid to rest

Guyana on Wednesday bid farewell to Basil Cuthbert Rodrigues, beginning with a tribute programme and viewing followed by a short service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Brickdam.

Rodrigues' body was then flown home to Moruca, Region One for the funeral service.

In recognition of his work in the Rupununi, Rodrigues was awarded a Medal of Service (MS) twice; in 1989 and 1994, by the Government of Guyana for his dedication towards the development of education, culture and community work.

He was also awarded the Arrow of Achievement (AA) in 1998 for his teaching and musical endeavours.

Delivering the eulogy, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

focused on the National Awardee’s life and contribution to the nation. Basil Rodrigues died just one month short of his 82nd birthday on May 9 after contributing more than 40 years to teaching and dedicating even more to his music.

An inspiration Minister Rodrigues traced his life from Santa Rosa to Waini where he attained his schooling from the Roman Catholic nuns and began his musical life. At age eight, in 1952, Rodrigues began his life as a teacher in the Rupununi.

During this time, he married Delores, and together they parented four children, two sons – Wally, who is a malarial microscopist at Aishalton; Curtis (attacked and killed by a tiger in the Marudi Mountains), and two daughters, Beverly

and Kay.

As a teacher, Rodrigues used both music and sport to help build the students’

confidence and was so successful that his school Shea Primary had the best drama and cricket clubs for

years. Although he was a school teacher, he was also given and accepted roles as counsellor and community leader.

In 1992, with the intention of retiring, Rodrigues was nevertheless invited to rejoin the teaching service and taught in the local Santa Rosa Primary School.

In 2003, Rodrigues also received the Wordsworth McAndrew Award for his outstanding contribution in culture and in 2013; he was honoured by the Amerindian Affairs Ministry for long and dedicated service. He was also honoured by Pope John Paul II for his work in the Church in Guyana’s hinterland.

A series of tributes also lauded Rodrigues’ work and life over the years. Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony expressed sadness on behalf of himself and the staff of the

Ministry at the passing of a teacher, village icon and cultural promoter. He expressed condolences to the Rodrigues’ family and relatives and Arawak residents of Santa Rosa, Region One.

The Minister also lauded the work by Rodrigues in the preservation and promotion of the Arawak culture through songs, poems, plays and dances. He urged persons to learn more about the late Rodrigues through his book entitled Uncle Basil – An Arawak Biography, which is available at the Walter Roth Museum.

Other persons paying tribute included Dawn Stoll, a former member of Uncle Basil’s music group; two former teachers, Michael Abraham and Stephen Gonsalves; his youngest brother John; and Father Terrence Montrose of the Roman Catholic Church.

Insel Air talks up service as launch date nears

‒ gives away free flights as part of introduction

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

At a reception held to educate passengers more on Insel Air, three persons were the lucky recipients of free round trip flights to three different destinations as the airline continues to market its services before commencing operations here.

The reception was held at the Roraima Duke Lodge on Wednesday evening to allow the Chief Executive Officer of Insel Air, Fredericks Noboer, and his marketing team to meet with stakeholders in the travel industry.

Nuboer said he is enthusiastic about commencing operations here and thanked Roraima Airways, who has been a strategic partner in the airline coming here.

He noted that Insel Air will be bring pre-clearance in Aruba for those travelling to the US and opening a variety of airline options to choose from that are operating out of Aruba going to Toronto and Europe, among several other destinations.

“This is the opportunity in connecting Guyana with all of the airlines that arrive in Aruba… and now that we are connecting Aruba to Guyana, I have to go back and tell the Minister of Tourism watch out because

maybe people will connect to Guyana instead of staying in Aruba,” the CEO stated.

Meanwhile, acting

Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali highlighted that with the thriving Tourism Sector in Guyana, Government is committed to marketing Guyana as a tourism destination and bringing more investments here to facilitate the linkages being built. The Minister noted that “modern tourists” are looking for a new tourism product apart from the “polluted cities” and “long stretches of white beach and blue water”.

“Most... modern day tourists are seeking a new product, a product that is rich in

nature, a product that rekindle them with the beginning of the world, a product that is dynamic and versatile and for my dear friends at Insel Air, you have entered the right market. The right market that offers the right product, for the modern day tourists to meet their expectations,” Ali noted.

Improving package

The Minister added that they are looking at twinning the marketing strategies so that tourists can be able to experience the beaches and water as well as all the exciting opportunities available in eco-and adventure tourism.

Also speaking was Private Sector Commission Chairman Ramesh Persaud, who explained that with Insel Air coming here, it emphasises the confidence the airline has as an investor to partner with Guyana. Persaud stated that linking Guyana to Curacao and Aruba must be seen as more than just a convenient linkage to other transport networks globally.

“This transport linkage opens the door for Guyana to possibly benefit from the more than 1.5 million tourists that frequent the shores of Curacao and Aruba on an annual basis,” he noted, while mentioning the impact

this will have on Guyana’s economy.

Roraima Airways

Managing Director Gerry Gouveia underscored that air lift, and more broadly tourism, is important to Guyana and while persons are calling for more airlines, there needs to be people to fill the seats. On this note, he pointed out that those in the industry failed to understand the importance of marketing Guyana.

Gouveia stated that with major projects such as the Marriott Hotel and the Airport Expansion Project, Government will have to develop a huge marketing

Regional forum on violence against women opens in Mexico

Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza on Wednesday participated in the inauguration of the Hemispheric Forum “The Convention of Belém do Pará and the Prevention of Violence against Women: Best Practices and Proposals for the Future,” held in Pachuca, State of Hidalgo, Mexico, where for two days specialists from across the region will discuss the progress made and challenges still facing the Hemisphere in achieving gender equality.

Secretary General Insulza recalled that in the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women, known as the Convention of Belem do Pará, adopted in 1994, the states parties undertook to adopt policies to prevent, punish and eradicate such violence and defined it for the first time as a violation of the human rights of women. The OAS Secretary General appreciated the steps taken by most countries in the region to implement the Convention:

“Over these 20 years laws have been promoted against violence, as have national plans, public policies, programmes and projects that have contributed to crimi-

nalising all forms of violence against women in the public and private sectors, including femicide,” he said.

The OAS leader highlighted that the ratification of the Convention has had positive effects in maintaining sustained progress towards the eradication of violence against women. However, he charged that, despite these efforts, “the persistence of high levels of violence in the region reveals several challenges that need a comprehensive and effective response.”

“Among those challenges, which I am sure... will be debated in the context of this forum, it is necessary to consider the poor application of the law and access to justice,

the concentration of national plans on intra-family violence, the exclusion of other forms of violence, and the emphasis on care and punishment of violence, neglecting prevention,” he said.

“Non-violence is not an impossible dream, it requires political commitment and will. I sincerely hope that these two days show everybody that this commitment and will actually exist,” said Secretary General Insulza, who also noted that during the Forum “we will talk about poverty in the Hemisphere, poverty that has race and has gender, because there are a significant number of single-parent households headed by women, and which suffer

much more poverty than other households in the Hemisphere.”

In his message, the leader of the OAS said that the countries of the region must not only fight to eradicate violence against women, but should also take steps to end the inequality of women.

“Overall, we identified violence against women with attacks and deaths, but we do not identify it with the humiliation to which they are daily victims, even verbally, because violence against women is first violence of humiliation, and begins at home, in the street, at work, and we forget that we live in a system where we have not achieved gender equality.”

strategy to attract people to Guyana in order to fill that hotel and make use of the airport facilities.

“I think we are on the right track. Tonight its Insel Air, months down the road it will be Copa, very shortly after that there are two or three more airlines in the pipeline that are going to start flying to Guyana, but sustainability is what is important and they are not going to stay on this route if we don’t fill those seats,” he stated.

Gouveia added that Guyana and the airlines will have to collaborate to market the country in order to

fill those seats. He continued that with tourism on a drive, it is the right time for airlines to capitalise on the rush.

“Insel Air, like Copa Airlines, coming to Guyana is opening up an entire new dispensation of travelling in Guyana. For many of years the bulk of our traffic continues to be to New York and Toronto,” Gouveia said. The three winners are Zena Henry, who won a round trip to Miami; Abdul Hamid, a round trip to Curacao; and Melissa Pearson, a round trip to Aruba. (vahnum@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Amerindians are treated...

“For example, in Section 10 (1), a village Council is established to administer a village. Secondly, Section 10 (2) a village Council is a body corporate and Section 10 (3) in discharging its functions the Village Council shall act collectively, these sections embody the right to selfdetermination of Guyana’s Amerindian Peoples while Section Number 13 of the Act outlines the functions of the Village Councils; the Village Council has the right to freely determine the direction of their village with regards to social, economic and cultural development, and their rights, and responsibilities for overall development. In Guyana, Amerindian peoples are free to pursue their political status with any of the national political parties and they so exercise this right, without interference,” she articulated.

Sukhai in continuation of her presentation of the matter, related that Article Six of the UNDRIP, states that “every indigenous individual has a right to a nationality” noting that the Government has made this possible through the establishment of an effective system which ensures the registration of every single birth.

“Amerindian peoples, in the most remote villages and communities have opportunities to register birth at health centres and instances where failure to reg-

ister a birth occurs , a programme of late registration funded by the Government is available in each indigenous village and facilitated by the village leaders,” the Amerindian leader said. Further, she added that according to Article 46 of the UN Declaration, the Government has put in place special measures to address the issues affecting Amerindian peoples and the evidence is seen in the establishment of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, who’s mandate is to support the enhancement of the quality of life of Amerindians in Guyana through the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes consistent with free prior and informed consent; thus, enabling the full inclusion and participation of the indigenous people, respectful of their traditional cultural, social and economic development practices.

“The Government of Guyana believes in equality, non-discrimination and good governance and assures that under the new political dispensation as a minority Government in Parliament, we continue to be responsive to the 10 per cent of indigenous population which forms part of our ethnically diverse nation and the promotion of good governance which we believe will further enhance the rights and development of our Amerindian peoples in Guyana,” Sukhai intoned.

SUDOKU

By Bernice Bede Osol

Emphasise your best traits when dealing with superiors. You will be well- equipped for a promotion if you develop a closer rapport with those in a position to further your interests.

20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

You need to make big personal decisions without getting flustered. It may not be as difficult as you imagine, although you may need to do some extra research to discover the right course of action.

20-March 20)

Expand your circle of friends. Stimulate your curiosity by visiting different locations. Make the most of an opportunity to explore interesting people, places, and pastimes.

21-April 19)

Someone may feel left out if you are too busy with work. Take time to listen and offer suggestions. Equitably dividing your time between work and home will lead to success.

(April 20-May 20)

Confusion, mistakes, and a lack of control could be problems for you today. Remain diligent at your workplace despite the conditions. Certain relationships are likely to be difficult. Avoid restrictions.

(May 21June 20)

You will capture the attention of your superiors. Show how much of a team player you can be. Make relevant suggestions that are sure to improve the workplace.

(June 21July 22)

Someone close to you may be deceptive. Don’t let your anger get the better of you. Try to pinpoint the source of the problem and work it out together. Honesty is the best policy.

(July 23Aug. 22)

You will have to make some compromises to stay in the good graces of your colleagues today. Someone will feel that you’ve failed to be attentive or caring. Make amends.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Children and loved ones should be included in your plans. Find something physical to participate in. Sports events or other outdoor activities will provide a much-needed diversion.

23Oct. 23)

Take a good look around and consider what positive adjustments you can make to your home. Get feedback from friends and family. It’s time to reorganise or recycle any unused or unwanted possessions.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Proceed with caution when using mechanical or electrical devices. You’ll encounter problems if you take a shortcut. You will get the results you want by being methodical and precise.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Consider starting a home-based business. Your ideas are good, but don’t share them until you have everything in place. Someone will steal your deal if you aren’t careful.

Atwell must do his research, says Blake

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Local boxing coach

Sebert Blake is adamant that once world title contender Clive “The Punisher” Atwell does his research, he could wrest the World Boxing Council’s Featherweight title from Mexican Jhonny Gonzalez on May 24.

The two are set to square off in Mexico in what Atwell has described as the “biggest fight of my life.”

Based on their records, the 32-year-old Gonzalez is the overwhelming favourite with 63 fights, 55 of which have resulted in victories with 47 knockouts and eight defeats. The 25-year-old Atwell, on the other hand, is at the starting blocks of what is shaping up to be a fantastic career.

After 13 fights, he is yet to taste defeat, blazing to 12 victories and a draw, all of which have taken place in Guyana on the Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s

Friday Night Fight card.

Blake, in an invited comment on Wednesday, pointed out that while he is a bit skeptical about the timing of Atwell facing such an opponent, he is positive the Guyanese will give a good account of himself.

“Atwell is a good fighter and I’m sure the people around him will try as much as possible to come up with a proper plan to get

past Gonzalez. I think once he sticks to that plan, and most importantly, does his research on his opponent, I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t do well,” Blake opined.

Blake, who was the coach in Atwell’s corner at the Caribbean Championship in Trinidad in 2004 and the World Championship in Chicago in 2007, admitted that he would have preferred the Guyanese to have a few more bouts under his belt before he took such an important fight.

He argued however, that the opportunity is a great one for Atwell to capture glory, not only for himself, but an entire country.

“He’s a determined guy; the kind of guy who would give 110 percent, so I have no doubt he will give of his best,” Blake asserted.

Vote of confidence

Days after the fight was announced, veteran trainer Maurice “Bizzy” Boyce, with

over 40 years experience in the business, said he believes the young Atwell has the ability to overcome Gonzalez.

“Atwell has the charisma and determination and he also has a good team. Atwell has what it takes to be world champion,” Boyce said during an invited comment last month.

Boyce was firm in his view that records will be in-

consequential on fight night, as the winner will have to be the one exhibiting superior skills and thinking.

In backing his point, Boyce recalled that in 2002 former WBC Cruiserweight title holder, Wayne “Big Truck” Braithwaite, defied the superior record of Italy’s Vincenzo Cantatore, knocking him out in round 10.

Prior to that contest, Braithwaite was unbeaten after 17 fights with 12 knockouts, while Cantatore was resting on 27 wins and two losses.

Atwell unfazed Atwell himself is unfazed by the huge task ahead.

He said during a recent interview, “If I can condition the mind and the body, I don’t see myself getting into any problems. I just need to do the basics. Boxing is basics, and using the mind to do the basics effectively.”

The classy fighter, who has been a revelation since turning pro in January 2010

GCB Inter-County One-Day Tournament…..

after losing just four of his 76 fights as an amateur, said he is not at all intimidated by Gonzalez’s outstanding record.

“I’m not intimidated because it’s boxing; I come to win, you come to win! We both have two hands; we both have to fight according to the rules and regulations, so there is nothing intimidating about my opponent,” Atwell boasted.

Training With the aim of boosting his preparations, Team Atwell departed Guyana on May 2 for Gleason’s Gym in New York, where the fighter is currently undergoing training under the eyes of such experts as New Yorkbased Guyanese, Lennox Blackmore, among others. The fight was sealed by Atwell’s camp, Dog Pound, in April, handing the Guyanese a golden opportunity to become the country’s next world champion.

Demerara suffer stunning loss to President’s XI

By RAjiv BisnAuth

Led by a 74-run partnership for the six wicket between Damion Waldron and Kelvin Sewpersaud, the President’s XI snatched victory with one ball to spare in round two in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) one-day tournament against Demerara on Wednesday at the world famous Georgetown Cricket Club ground.

Trading in singles and twos when the boundaries were not coming and ensuring the asking rate was always manageable, the pair took the total to 200, after joining hands at 126-5.

When Sewpersaud and man-of-the-match Waldron were dismissed, the President’s XI were seven runs short of the victory target. However, with three needed from the final over, Yekini Favourite hit the winning run off the penultimate delivery.

Waldon made 48 from 85 ball (5x4s), while Sewpersaud, who played the supportive role made 26 from 49 balls.

The President’s XI in reply seized the initiative from the

start with their openers Sunil Singh and Ryan Shun scoring fluently to lay a solid foundation.

The duo seemed in total control from the outset, as they needed only 11.2 overs to canter to a 67-run partnership, that came to an end with Shun’s dismissal. The right hander had made (19) when he was adjudged leg before as he played across the line to an ordinary delivery from Steven Sankar.

Singh on the other hand remained fluent, hardly playing a rash shot and stroked his way to his half-century off 48 balls.

Singh however, fell after settling well for 53 from 52 balls, inclusive of six boundaries. Avishkar Sewkarran (19), who partnered Singh for a 28-run, second- wicket partnership was also removed soon after.

The President’s XI then slipped to 126-5, losing Nick Ramsaroop (20) and Ronaldo Mohamed (10) after both batsmen had looked good in their 31-run partnership.

Ershad Ali was the other batsman dismissed, before Chavin Moriah and Favourite took them home safely at 217-

7.

Cleon McEwan (2-32), Sherfane Rutherford (2-44), Steven Sankar (2-36), were the chief wicket takers for Demerara.

Earlier, Sattuar commanded centre stage as Demerara recovered from a slow start to reach 216-8 from 50 overs after they were sent in to bat.

On a slow and sluggish pitch, where driving on the up wasn’t easy, Demerara openers Sattuar and Tagenarine Chanderpaul struggled to find momentum as the President’s XI bowlers kept a tight leash and runs came only in a trickle for the first half of the innings.

Demerara’s 50 came up in the 19th over and the century -stand in the 32nd .

However, Sattuar, dropped on 10 , grew in confidence after a scratchy start, reached his 50 from 84 deliveries and accelerated thereafter. It was a superb one-man show that helped his team towards a commanding total after a painfully slow start.

He added 120 with Chanderpaul, who struggled throughout, hitting 34 off 104 balls. However, when the West Indies under-19 opener

was dismissed in the first over in the powerplay, Sattuar and Deonarine Seegobin added 29 during that five-over period.

Sattuar was finally dismissed in the 41st over for 90 from 121 balls, inclusive of nine fours and three sixes.

Cleon McEwan and Steven Sankar made 22 apiece, while Seegobin (12) was the other batsman to reach double figures.

Ronaldo Mohamed (333) was the most penetrative

bowler for the President’s XI.

Over at the Enmore Community Centre ground, Essequibo defeated Berbice by five wickets and five balls to spare.

Batting first, Berbice were bowled out for 229 in 46.3 overs. Shimron Hetmyer (63), Balchand Baldeo (58) and David Latchaya (37) were the main contributors with the bat for Berbice. Akil Wallace (3-55), Akini Adams (2-33), Kemo Paul (2-36) and Travis

Drakes (1-21) were the successful bowlers for Essequibo. Shivindra Hemraj top scored with 57, while Ricardo Peters and Kemo Paul struck 53 runs apiece in Essequibo’s 231-5.

The third and final round is scheduled for Friday, with Essequibo opposing Demerara at the Enmore Community Centre ground and Berbice facing the President’s XI at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

South African court orders mental evaluation for Pistorius

ASouth African court on Wednesday ordered Olympic and Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius to undergo evaluation for mental illness - a move which could determine whether he lacked criminal capacity when he shot dead his girlfriend.

The prosecution had asked for the evaluation after a psychiatrist told the court on Monday that Pistorius, who is on trial for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp on Feb. 14 last

year, suffered from an anxiety disorder.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel has argued he wanted to prevent the 27-year-old sprinter, who faces life in prison if convicted, from later appealing on the basis of a disturbed mental condition.

Defence lawyer Barry Roux had argued against the motion, saying it was premature to have the evaluation before he called other witnesses.

But Judge Thokozile Masipa ruled that a mental assessment would ensure

that Pistorius gets a fair trial, adding that she thought it “strange” that the defence had opposed the motion.

Masipa said the court would hand down the details of the assessment on Tuesday. It would be preferable for Pistorius to undergo the evaluation as an outpatient, she said.

Pistorius, who has frequently vomited into a bucket and broken down sobbing during the trial, showed no emotion as he stood in the dock listening to Masipa’s ruling.

‘yuvraj will be match-winner in World cup 2015’ - murali

Muttiah Muralitharan feels his Royal Challengers Bangalore team-mate, Yuvraj Singh, has a lot left in him.

Following Yuvraj’s knocks of 83 off 38 and 68 not out off 29 in the IPL, Murali said India “should look after Yuvraj” because of what he could do for them in next year’s World Cup. Following his stymieing 11 off 21 in the World T20 final, Yuvraj was under considerable pressure, Murali said, and hence his form dropped.

“I have been talking to Yuvi a lot,” Murali told the IPL website. “He is a great limited-overs player, but his confidence was low. After the World Twenty20, the whole country put a lot of pressure on him. I know the situation well as I played for 20 years at the highest level. I knew it was just a matter of helping him regain his confidence. I was sure once he did that, he would be a different player.

“After the way he has performed in the last two games, it seems I was right. I honestly think Yuvi has still got it and India should look after him because I feel he will play a big role in the 2015 World Cup. He will be India’s matchwinner there.” (ESPNcricinfo)

In shadows of World Cup stadium, neighbours left empty-handed

F“As a family we are comforted by the thoroughness and detail of this judgement,” his uncle Arnold Pistorius told reporters outside the courthouse.

The evaluation is expected to take around 30 days and will prolong the trial which began on March 3.

The court will likely use the evaluation to determine whether Pistorius lacked “criminal capacity” at the time of the shooting due to his mental disorder, South African lawyer and legal expert John Welch said.

In that case, Pistorius could be sent to a mental institution for the rest of his life, Welch said. If Pistorius is judged to have a “diminished criminal capacity” the trial would continue, although the track star could receive a lesser sentence if convicted.

Pistorius has denied he killed Steenkamp in cold blood, saying he shot four times at the toilet door of his luxury Pretoria home to protect himself from what he thought was an intruder.

Pistorius competed against able-bodied sprinters on carbon-fibre prosthetics, becoming one of the most recognised names in athletics. He won a clutch of Paralympic medals and reached the semi-finals of the 400m at the London 2012 Olympics. (Reuters)

or Sao Paulo’s most popular soccer team, the World Cup has provided a new home after 100 years playing in rented stadiums. Thousands of neighbors, however, say it has left them homeless.

They are squatting on land a couple miles south of Arena Corinthians, a glistening white stadium built for nearly 1 billion reais ($450 million) to host six games during the tournament, including the opening match in less than a month.

The encampment has grown tenfold in ten days, swelling to more than 4,000 families sleeping in plastic tents and cooking on open fires as they protest against the publicly funded stadium that they say priced them out of their working class neighborhood.

President Dilma Rousseff responded swiftly last week, meeting with organizers during a visit to the stadium and promising help. But that did not stop the camp’s explosive growth or a wave of related protests revealing deep concerns about the longer-term impact of the World Cup in Brazil.

“It’s absurd that you’re spending a billion reais on a stadium over there and here you’ve got families under tarps,” said Guilherme Boulos, a leader of the Homeless Workers Movement, who promised more protests later this

week.

“I wish it didn’t come to this, but we have no other options,” said Regina, an elderly woman waving a wad of burning paper to fend off mosquitoes near recently cleared brush. She watched her family’s campsite while her son went to work and her grandsons were at school.

“They want you to pay double the rent they were asking a couple of years ago, and now they demand three months in advance. That’s what kills you,” she said, shaking her head.

Up and down snaking rows of numbered tents, protesters echo those complaints about soaring rents - stories supported by public data. Many of them are working-class parents willing to endure the squalid conditions of the encampment to force the mayor’s hand for public assistance.

Apart from giving the Corinthians club a 48,000seat home for decades to come, the stadium was supposed to help drive development of Sao Paulo’s long-ignored eastern reaches, much as the 2012 Olympics served to revitalize East London. Instead, the huge public investment has raised expectations - and rents - while leaving the question of how to provide crucial public services until after the foreign fans go home.(Reuters)

Thunder down Clippers with last-minute rally

The Oklahoma City Thunder staged a remarkable last-minute rally to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 105-104 in Game Five of their Western Conference semi-final series on Tuesday.

Trailing by seven points with just 49 seconds remaining, Oklahoma City’s two leading players scored the game’s last eight points to steal victory in front of a raucous home crowd and take a 3-2 lead in the bestof-seven series.

Forward Kevin Durant hit a three-pointer and a layup, and guard Russell Westbrook, who led all scorers with 38 points, nailed three clutch free throws to guide the second-seeded Thunder to victory.

“Faith,” Westbrook told reporters of a game the Thunder trailed for most of the night. “We just did a good job of staying together. We kept chipping away and playing together.”

Despite forward Durant’s off night by his lofty standards, 27 points on just 6-for22 shooting, the Thunder kept fighting back with chances to take the lead in

Westbrook

Russell

the fourth.

“There was definitely frustration,” Durant said. “I just tried to stick with it. Russ carried us the whole

game. Put me in position to go out there and hit those shots and to win the game.”

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Recruiting

Sunrisers v Kings XI, IPL

2014...

Saha, Vohra star as Kings XI go top

The prospect of facing Kings XI Punjab means extensive research on Glenn Maxwell. Perhaps a few hours spent decoding David Miller. But the winning push, in Hyderabad, came from two men who fly well under the radar. Wriddhiman Saha, usually charged with steadying a top-order wobble, exploded to make 54 off 26 and Manan Vohra, who was inked into the XI for the first time this season, made 47 off 20. Sunrisers Hyderabad had amassed 205 but came in second best.

The Powerplay provides a crucial opportunity when chasing a big total. Dale Steyn and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, though, aren’t the most straightforward bowlers to cart around. But that was what happened and the 86 for 1 that Saha and Vohra drove Kings XI to missed out on the overall IPL record for most runs in the first six overs by just one run.

Kings XI needed the audacious foundation, though. Only 24 runs came between the 13th and 17th overs. Sunrisers managed to keep Maxwell quiet for an over and dismissed him in the next. Miller wasn’t managing his usual pace and Sunrisers’ attack is well versed in flummoxing strong batting lineups. Steyn was enlisted with the 18th over, but his extra pace proved just what George Bailey needed to hike his team back to the top of the table.

It was an unmitigated assault, and each shot carried the imprint of the dressing room’s backing. Vohra faced

eight balls from Steyn and smashed 20 runs, including two thumping sixes over midwicket. Saha deposited the second ball he faced from the South African quick into the same region with consummate authority. Both players were unafraid to go aerial and were quite efficient when they did. The result was Steyn, Sunrisers best hope, recorded his worst T20 figures - 0 for 51.

Shikhar Dhawan was confident of his top orders’s aptitude at the toss. His concerns lay with the middle order and their ability to accelerate. Those were laid to rest courtesy a Naman Ojha-inspired bludgeoning. A strong bottom hand dominated most of his shots, so much that drives through the cover region seemed shoveled. Sunrisers have

Knight Riders v Mumbai...

been searching for an Indian batsman to support their big-name top order and his 79 off 36 has given a strong message.

He was brutal against the spinners and Sandeep Sharma’s medium pace enabled him to drive Sunrisers past the 200-mark. The 26 runs that came in the 19th over meant Sandeep’s 1 for 65 became the joint second worst figures in IPL.

The early goings were markedly subdued though, with Dhawan stumbling around for form. He was leaping down the track only to find the inside edge. When he stayed deep in his crease, he couldn’t pierce the gap on the off side. The fifth over

provided ample relief and more pertinently, restored Dhawan’s fluency. Sandeep’s indiscipline - he offered two free hits - was punished with a four and a six. Having succumbed to the 30s on four previous occasions, he looked set to become the first Sunrisers captain to make a half-century but a flick off the hips found short fine leg.

David Warner strode in at No. 4 and ensured the foundation laid by the openers was taken advantage of. He contributed 44 to an 81run stand for the third wicket that built a total fit to challenge most teams. But Kings XI’s batting might was ruthlessly effective. (ESPNcricinfo)

(5 wickets; 20 overs) 205 (10.25 runs per over)

Did not batKL Rahul, DW Steyn, A Mishra, B Kumar Fall of wickets 1-65 (Finch, 8.1 ov), 2-88 (Dhawan, 11.1 ov), 3-169 (Warner, 18.1 ov), 4-183 (Henriques, 18.4 ov), 5-196 (Pathan, 19.2 ov)

Bowling O M R W Sandeep Sharma 4 0 65 1 MG Johnson 4 0 26 0 Shivam Sharma 4 0 31 1 AR Patel 4 0 40 0 R Dhawan

Uthappa stars in Knight Riders’ third straight win

Three days ago, when Kolkata Knight Riders played at the Barabati Stadium, they were the away team and the stands were awash in the silver and red of Kings XI Punjab. Today, there was a sea change as the stadium was purple and gold, and Knight Riders were the home team, but there was little difference in the pattern the match followed.

Three days ago, Kings XI were throttled by Knight Riders’ bowlers for 140odd before Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir set the base for a comfortable chase. Today, Mumbai Indians were throttled by Knight Riders’ bowlers for 140-odd before Uthappa and Gambhir set the base for a comfortable chase.

It was a tricky surface to bat on, with the spinners getting some bite, and the ball routinely staying low. Knight Riders got their strategy right for this pitch, by bringing in Shakib Al Hasan at the expense of Jacques Kallis to strengthen a spin department that already had Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla.

All three played their part: Shakib choked the runs and planted doubts with a grubber that dismissed opener Lendl Simmons, Chawla broke the stand between Mumbai’s main Indian batsmen, Ambati Rayudu and Rohit Sharma, before Narine did what he unfailingly does in virtually every game - be un-hittable in the death. (ESPNcricinfo)

Pandey b Harbhajan Singh 14 YK Pathan not out 20 Shakib Al Hasan c Rayudu b Malinga 9 RN ten Doeschate not out 0

(lb 1, w 4) 5

(4 wickets; 18.4 overs) 142 (7.60

Stag Beer/EBFA Division One League…

Two drawn matches highlight latest play

Agricola Red Triangle had to settle for an equal share of the points against Kuru Kururu Warriors when the two sides clashed in the feature game of the Stag Beer/East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Division One League, which continued on Sunday last at the Grove Playfield.

The day’s opening encounter saw Herstelling Football Club recording another big result when they held Diamond United to a 1-1 tie.

The Agricola/Warriors clash ended 2-2 after the former took the early lead in the opening minute of play,

compliments of a Michael Young strike.

Agricola, with ambitions of winning the League, went into the game confident that they were on stream to take full points which would have seen them reclaiming the lead from Grove Hi Tech, but resolute play by the Soesdyke-Linden Highway-based Warriors blunted their efforts.

Kuru Kururu Warriors, after an intense period of back and forth exchanges, found the neutraliser in the 37th minute through a Ryan Scott goal. The first half ended with the game in the balance.

Agricola found them-

selves under mounting pressure to find the goahead goal as the minutes dwindled away. Further pressure mounted on them when the Warriors were gifted the lead in the 60th minute through an own goal from Marlon Clarke.

It was delight for the Warriors and heartache for Agricola as the time quickly went by. But their resilience eventually brought them the equalising goal with five minutes to full time.

Travis Farinha rocked the nets to bring a sigh of relief to Agricola as they walked away with one point, which brought them level with Grove.

Herstelling continued to show great improvement in their debut season, earning a draw against Diamond United to follow up on their maiden win against Mocha Champs.

It was Herstelling that took the early advantage 26 minutes into the game,Trevon Davison the player sending them ahead. It was not easy sailing for either team, but Diamond kept their composure and eventually found goalscoring range in the 60th minute, through Daniel Angoy, ensuring they ended with an equal share of the spoils.

Pool action returns to Middle Pocket Arena

Competitive pool action is set to return to Middle Pocket Arena on Middle Road, La Penitence, with an open competition on May 25.

The tournament, which is open to both male and female players, will cue off at 15:30h and continue into the night.

According to chief organiser, Ravi Ramlall, ladies will be entered free into the competition, while male players will be required to pay an entrance

Ravi Ramlall

fee of $1,000.

The winner will cart off a trophy and $50,000, while the second, third and fourth- placed finishers will receive $25,000, $10,000 and 5,000 respectively. All the cash prizes will be accompanied by trophies.

The fifth prize is a case of beverage from Ansa McAl Trading.

Ramlall said players can register by contacting him on 622-3787. He also revealed that there will

be promotions all day by Ansa McAl Trading.

The tournament has received sponsorship from Ansa McAl Trading, Gina and Sons Meat Centre, Fix Up Music House, Bharrat’s Spindle Shop, New Wave Taxi Service, Johnny’s Jewellery, Sunil’s Pool Bar, 007 Taxi Service, Skipper’s Jewellery, Butcher’s Pool Bar, Brian Urling, Alex and Rickey, Green House Restaurant and Bar and Fizul Rahaman.

GSA serve off junior squash championships

The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collaboration with Digicel served off its National Junior Squash Championships on Tuesday evening at the Georgetown Club squash court.

The tournament is cosponsored by Woodpecker Products Ltd

In the girls’ under 15 category, Rebecca Lowe quickly disposed of Jamila DaSilva in three straight sets that finished 11-1, 11-0 and 11-0 in the dominant showing by the young player.

The boys’ under-11 category saw Demetrius DeAbreu taking a hard fought victory off Ethan Jonas that ended 2-1. Jonas came out aggres-

The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) has named 10 females to its regional team as they prepare to participate in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Inter- Association tournament scheduled to start on May 17, in Linden. The Inter-Association tourney will be used by the GABF as the yardstick in se-

sively displaying his power early and going blow for blow with DeAbreu, taking the first set 15-13. DeAbreu in the second set maintained his composure and held off Jonas to take the second set 11-8. DeAbreu then finished off the game as Jonas began to look tired in the closing moments as the final set ended 11-7 in favour of DeAbreu.

Gianni Carpenter wasted no time in dispatching Nathan Rahaman in their under-11 game, winning the match in two straight sets that ended 11-1 and 11-0.

The night continued with Michael Alphonso having an easy outing against Rajiv Lee, winning the match in two straight sets that ended

11-1 and 11-6.

In the final under-11 match of the evening, Dominic Collins was tested early by Nechemiyah Levans in their encounter before prevailing fairly easily as the match ended 2-1

Collins had a tough time getting past a resilient Levans in the opening round, but prevailed with a close 11-9 win.

Levans continued to show improvement as he warmed up, but won the second set in a long, drawn out battle that finished 1311.

With fatigue stepping in, Levans failed to show the same type of energy in the early rounds losing to Collins 11-3 in the final set.

Earlier in the evening, the novices’ under-11 category produced some enticing match-ups as James Mekdeci pulled of a 2-1 win over Kamir Khan in a tough game that ended 13-11, 7-11 and 11-9.

Liam Carpenter was also a winner in the novices under-11 category, defeating a resilient Tome Reis 2-1 that ended 11-7, 7-11 and 11-7.

Meanwhile, games will continue in the tournament every weeknight until the final this Sunday, as the tournament will be the yardstick for selecting the team for the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships, scheduled to be held in Bermuda, July 11 – 19.

General Services, Plant Maintenance rout opponents en route to final

General Services, Plant Maintenance rout opponents en route to final

General Services and Plant Maintenance both had dominant performances in their respective semifinal on Saturday evening, to reach the final of the BOSAI Minerals Group Incorporated InterDepartment Basketball Championships being played at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

In the first semi-final, General Services trounced Plant Operations 65-36 to make their way emphatically to the final.

General Services had brilliant performances from their forwards who controlled the paint and left the defence of Plant Operations looking useless.

Forward Clive McCalman had a game- high

15 points, while his teammate Carlton Gravesande assisted with 12.

Patrick Clarke, who plays centre for Plant Operations tried to match the aggressiveness of General Services forwards with 10 points in the loss.

The second semi-final saw Plant Maintenance blowing out Mines 49-22 after a close first half that ended 20-14.

Guard Anson Durant top scored with a team -high 11 points, while national forward Neil Marks had 10 points of his own in the win.

Centre Dexter Bellamy dominated the post and scored a game- high 12 points in the losing effort. Meanwhile, the final between General Services and Plant Maintenance will be played on Friday May 16 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court.

Wizards blow out Pacers to keep series alive

Tlecting the female national team to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Basketball Championships (CBC) set for the British Virgin Islands in July.

LABA’s 10 female players are; Nichola Jacobs, Shauna Chester, Sonia Rodney, Shakeila Sampson, Jenelle Belle, Tamera Hunter, Nicosi Mitchell, Makeda Rogers, Anazo Gladstone

and Kenesha Leacock.

Ann Gordon, who has coached the male Kwakwani school team to numerous national school titles, while coaching the female Inter Guiana Games (IGG) squad to gold last year, will patrol the sidelines for the female Linden team.

However, the female squad will start their InterAssociation campaign on

May 17 at the Mackenzie Hard Court against their Georgetown rivals, while a return game will be played on May 31 in Linden.

With the males already in training for the tournament, the females will look to bring their own version of intensity on the court to trample their city opponents when the tournament begins.

he Washington Wizards staved off elimination with a dominant 102-79 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 in their NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Marcin Gortat produced 31 points and 16 rebounds and John Wall stepped up with 27 points to lead the Wizards to a blowout win and at least another night of basketball this season.

Having blown a 19-point second-half lead in the previous game, the Wizards were not about to be run down again, turning a seven-point halftime lead into a 24-point cushion through three quarters.

From there they cruised to victory, holding Roy Hibbert to just four points and two rebounds for the top-seeded Pacers. David West top scored for Indiana with 17.

CONCACAF pushing ahead with 2026 World Cup bid

Aggrieved at missing out on the chance to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cups, the governing body for soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean is adamant it should be given the 2026 tournament.

CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb said it was only fair that the region should be awarded the 2026 World Cup after losing its place in the queue when the world’s governing body FIFA scrapped its rotational policy after selecting Brazil as the 2014 host.

The subsequent decision by FIFA to award the 2018 tournament to Russia then 2022 to Qatar meant that CONCACAF would have to wait at least 32 years between tournaments after the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup.

“From a CONCACAF perspective, our focus for the World Cup is 2026. We’re committed to that,” Webb told a select group of journal-

ists at a meeting in midtown Manhattan on Tuesday.

“That’s not about the USA hosting the World Cup, for us it’s about a confederation standpoint.

“CONCACAF was obviously hard done (by) when (the) rotation stopped, we were the ones who lost out because it should have been our turn after Brazil. When the rotation stopped, obviously it impacted us the most.”

Although FIFA scrapped its rotation policy, it did introduce a new rule stipulating that countries could not host the World Cup if another nation from their confederations had staged either of the past two.

This rule means that Europe and Asia are already out of the running for 2026, leaving CONCACAF as the frontrunners to win the vote ahead of any possible bids from Africa, South America or Oceania.

The U.S., Canada and Mexico have all expressed

interest in hosting the 2026 World Cup but Webb said it was paramount that the region threw its weight behind one bid, although he did not rule out the possibility of a co-hosting arrangement.

“Obviously we believe our best chances is to put one member forward, one country forward, one bid forward, that gives us our best opportunity,” he said.

“CONCACAF has 35 votes and of course if you split those votes amongst ourselves you’re defeating the purpose.”

The only co-hosted World Cup finals so far were organized by Japan and South Korea in 2002. The tournament presented some logistical problems because Japan and South Korea had separate committee.

FIFA has since said that any future joint bids would have to be organized under a single committee, raising the prospect that the U.S. could join forces with either Mexico or Canada for 2026 if the countries could reach an agreement.

“I think it is very much possible,” said Webb.

“FIFA did it in the past in 2002 with Japan and Korea and the experience from that was not too well.

“Obviously there are various costs and so forth increased by having two different local organizing committees in two different countries so from that standpoint I thought it (2002) was a logistical nightmare from my memory, but definitely it’s a possibility.” (Reuters)

WicB says independence t20 cup not approved cricket

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Wednesday evening advised that the Independence

Cup tournament planned for May 25 is not an approved tournament.

The email sent to this publication from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) through Manager of Cricket Operations, Roland Holder, stated: “We write to advise of a Tournament in Guyana called the Independence T20

CCC lifts Price is Right second-division title –

An outstanding allround performance by Eric Phillips helped Corriverton Cricket Club (CCC) make light work of Number 70 M.Y.O. to the take the Price is Right Supermarket second-division cricket title.

Phillips hit an enterprising 43 and then returned to grab a “five-for” in the final of the competition, played recently at the Skeldon Community Centre ground to lead CCC to a 137-run win over Number 70 MYO.

Batting first, CCC made 251 all out in 49.3 overs, with Clavern Beresford 64 (7x4s); Eric Phillips 43 (3x4s, 1x6); and Jermaine Reid a quickfire 27 down at the end of the innings. Beresford, who anchored the innings came in with his team in a spot of bother at 28-3 in the fifth over and despite his innings when he left at 159-5 in the 32nd over, Number 70 was still in with a chance of keeping the home team below the 200-run mark.

Cup slated for May 25 in Berbice, Guyana, is not an approved tournament. The implications of players playing in a tournament that has not been approved is attached. Among the penalties is the possibility of being banned from playing cricket in any tournament under the auspices of the WICB/ GCB”.

“Players and Officials are asked not to participate in the above mentioned tournament,” the email concluded.

The competition, which is a collaborative effort of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association, is slated to be held on May 25 at the Albion Community Centre ground, with proceeds from the event going towards charitable organisations, such as cricket clubs, orphanages, schools and health-related activities, among others.

Meanwhile, efforts to get a comment from the Organising Committee late last evening proved futile.

However, Philips answered the call and together with Jameel Assad, 20, ensured that his team reached 200. He took 24 runs off the 41st over to move the score from 174-5 to 196 by the end of the over. Reid came in at the dismissal of Phillips and put the icing on the cake with 27.

Number 70 MYO used

eight bowlers with Jameel Assad 3 for 32 off 10 and Niazi Khan 2 for 45 off 9.3 overs being the most successful.

In reply, No. 70 M.Y.O. were bowled out for 114 in 35.2 overs. After a slow start, which saw Number 70 reaching 45-1 off 12 overs, Assad who returned with the bat to make 20, took on Philips but when he was given out caught behind at 70-5 in the 21st over it seemed all over for Number 70.

Alim Khan, (21), showing some resistance to the CCC bowling which was led by Phillips,who took 5 for 27 off 10 overs and Faoud Bacchus 3 for 30 off 10 .

Earlier, several deliveries that were bowled down the leg side were not signalled wides by umpire Angustus Outar, causing some concern in the number 70 MYO camp. When umpire Outar gave Alim Khan out LBW after what sounded from the pavilion like ball on willow before the sound of the ball hitting the pad, pandemonium broke out the main pavilion.

Khan refused to leave the field and Umpire Joseph Simeon approached Outar for a discussion. The third umpire also joined the meeting of umpires on the field.

Khan still had to walk, but his behaviour on the field --throwing his bat

away and swearing loudly-marred what was otherwise a great day of cricket.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, sponsor of the tournament proprietor of Price is Right Supermarket, Danesh ‘Baiko’ Roopnarine,commended the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) for organizing the tournament ,which he said was run smoothly. “Both teams did well to meet the final and I thank you for a well played final.”He promised his continued support to the UCCA.

Treasurer of the UCCA Vicky Bharosay thanked the sponsor and expressed the desire to have continued support from the entity. “Price is Right has been doing a great job in giving back to the community which supports its business and not only in cricket, but other charitable events.” The treasurer said.

The winner CCC received $50,000 plus the Price is Right Supermarket 2013 trophy, while Number 70 received $30,000 and the runners- up trophy.

Phillips received $5,000 and one trophy as man of the match and Trishan Ryan Ramdass of Springlands Cricket Club received $5,000 for being the batsman with the most runs in the competition. Ramdass had scored 428 runs with two centuries at an average of 71.33. Omesh Kumar of No. 70 Young Stars was the bowler with the most wickets in the competition (14). He received $5,000 and a trophy, whilst man of the match in both semi –finals Amzaan Appalsammy of CCC for scoring 97 not out and Niazi Khan of No. 70 M.Y.O for taking 5 for 20 off nine overs and scoring 26 runs each, received $5,000.

The tournament, which was sponsored by Price is Right Supermarket of No.79, Corriverton and Skeldon Market and organized by the UCCA saw 26 teams from Number 43 Village to Crabwood Creek participating. Andrew Carmichael

Berbice basketballers in training for ‘Jam Down’

Twenty players have been shortlisted to attend practice sessions before the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) names its final team to represent Berbice at the Inter-Association “Jam Down” tournament involving Linden and Georgetown.

The players shortlisted represent all five clubs under BABA and include both former national and Berbice players.

Among those included in the squad are: Eman Wiggins, Perry Cort, Rayel Franklyn, Linden Joseph, Edmond Semple,

Neil Wills, Jamal Felix, Carlos Crandon, Randy Richardson, Martin Witherspoon.

The players who began their practice sessions on Monday are being coached By Kirk Fraser. Berbice will open their quest on Sunday when they take on Georgetown at the National Sports Hall, then will move to the mining town of Linden to tackle the home team on Saturday 31st May.

However, the tournament bounces off on Saturday when Linden and Georgetown clash at the

National Sports Hall in a double header. First ,the women will challenge each other and game two will feature the men in action.

The Berbice/Georgetown game on Sunday will be part of a triple header. First, Republic News second-division team will take on a Guyana under-19 presidential team from 18:30h; Ravens will take on Pacesetters in a second division match form 20;00h. The feature game is set to commence at 22:00h. Saturday’s first game is slated to begin at 20:00h in Linden. Andrew Carmichael

East Coast leg kicks off Saturday

By Avenash Ramzan

Defending champions

Plaisance will put their title on the line from Saturday when the East Coast leg of the Guinness Greatest in the Streets football competition kicks off at the Haslington Market Square tarmac, East Coast Demerara.

Sixteen teams are down to compete for top honours with the winner advancing to the national playoff to compete against the other nationwide zone champions, to decide who will represent Guyana at the Guinness Caribbean Street Challenge later this year in Trinidad.

All the teams will be in action on Saturday afternoon with the first whistle set to be blown at 18:00h.

The boys from Plaisance will start things off when they take on Nabaclis in the opening game, followed by Buxton ‘B’ against Beterverwagting ‘B’ from 18:30h. At 19:00h, Buxton ‘A’ will trade skills with Melanie ‘B’, with Melanie ‘A’ set to face Mahaica at 19:30h, after which there will be break.

The action will resume at 20:00h with Vryheid’s Lust tack-

ling Victoria Church Yard United, followed by Paradise against Ann’s Grove Punters half an hour later.

Match seven of the night will involve Ann’s Grove Young

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Warriors and Beterverwagting ‘A’ from 21:00h , while the final game will bring together Golden Grove Superstars and Victoria Eagles at 21:30h.

The winners from the opening night will progress to the quarterfinals on May 21. The semi-finals are also slated for the same night, while the final and third- place

playoff will take place on May 24. All the games will be staged at the Haslington Market Square tarmac.

Troy Mendonca, one of the codirectors of the Petra Organisation which is partnering with Banks DIH Limited to stage the local tournament, said three keenly contested nights of street football are envisaged.

Mendonca said the organisers are expecting the same level of support from the East Coast fans, who came out in their numbers last year to cheer on their favourite street team.

At the 2013 final, Plaisance edged Victoria Church Yard United 2-1, with skipper Warren Gilkes blasting in both goals to finish the tournament with six. Kearon Simon had scored for Victoria Church Yard United. Plaisance had received $400,000 for their efforts.