Guyana Times Daily

PNC Govt paid House of Israel members – Nadir

… even though they never worked

Former The United Force (UF) leader Manzoor Nadir has said that members of the House of Israel, the religious organisation fingered in the 1970s thrashing of political rallies, were on the payroll of many Government agencies and institutions, although they were never present on the job.

Nadir is among a number of others who are accusing the Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham regime of oppression during that “dark” period. He maintained that the House of Israel group was undoubtedly aided by the PNC.

The politician, in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Friday said, said he has lived through a period in Guyana’s history that would cause any sober, right-thinking Guyanese to be fearful.

Nadir said while he was aware of many other Government agencies where the House of Israel members received salaries, he is confident of the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC), since he had worked at the establishment as a Supervisor. According to Nadir, these persons never

reported for work. In fact, the only time he would see strange persons, was when issues arose with their paycheque. “Those people were the enforcement arm of the People’s National Congress,” Nadir said.

He cited an incident involving a man named Michael Dhorne, who was the brother of one of Rabbi Washington’s women. He said, although he did not work, he was paid for services of a foreman. Nadir recalled an incident a few days before the 1980 General Elections. He said Dhorne was in the habit of gathering up persons to break up Opposition rallies, while setting up campaigns of their own.

“Dhorne would pull the staff that were under him and take them out to hold these campaigns.” He said an incident occurred where a staff member of the GPC was informed by Dhorne that he needed to participate in a political campaign. He said Dhorne’s temper flared when he (Nadir) told the staff that he could not leave to attend the campaign. “So he flew into my office in a rage and hit his hand on the desk and said. Do you know

who I am?” Nadir reported.

He recalled being severely beaten by House of Israel members on the polling day of 1980, simply because he spoke out against the illegal activities. He said all these infractions took place a few months after Dr Rodney was assassinated.

Beaten

Nadir stressed that injustices were not only limited to the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), but all other political parties that were against the ruling Government. He said too that he eventually lost his job at the GPC, because of his political affiliation.

Last week, Rabbi Adom, a leader of the House of Israel in Georgetown, who was 28 years old at the time of Dr Rodney’s death, told this publication in an interview, that he wished not to say anything on the allegation, lest he say the wrong thing.

He said, while he was aware of the allegations back then, he could not say much, since he was travelling the country during that time.

“I was more or less in districts at that time; I was mostly out of town. This thing about breaking up

meetings and all of that, I wouldn’t be able to relate to that,” Rabbi Adom said. He told this publication that he heard about the alleged involvement of his fellow members, but had never attended any meetings held by Dr Rodney.

Asked about the church’s political affiliation during the time, Rabbi Adom said that the church had only offered its assistance to the Government in the canefield when it was burnt in 1977. The church had also donated blood to the Georgetown Public Hospital, and had offered its services to Guyana Stores.

The House of Israel and its domineering practices during the 1970s and 1980s formed the thrust of the first session of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) which was opened on Monday, April 28.

The Commission was established to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of WPA founder, Dr Walter Anthony Rodney on June 30, 1980.

The second session of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) is set to recommence on May 27.

Sunday Times Editor: Tajeram Mohabir

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

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Editorial

India and USA reset?

While India burst into Holi-like festivities at the astounding margin of victory by Narendra Modi over the forces of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty (and this was at the heart of the contest, not BJP versus Congress) there was an interesting sideshow in diplomatic and international circles. The question for a while was whether US President Barack Obama would make the customary congratulatory call to the Prime Minister of what he had earlier described as the “largest democracy in the world”.

Coming after the leaders of the UK, Australia and Israel, Obama finally called directly late Friday night, Indian time. Reporting on their President’s brief conversation, the White House reported:

“The President noted he looks forward to working closely with Mr Modi to fulfil the extraordinary promise of the USIndia strategic partnership, and they agreed to continue expanding and deepening the wide-ranging cooperation between our two democracies. The President invited Narendra Modi to visit Washington at a mutually agreeable time to further strengthen our bilateral relationship.”

The guessing game ensued because back in 2005, the US denied Modi a diplomatic visa for perceived (though unproven) involvement in Gujarat’s 2002 anti-Muslim riots, following the immolation of a train full of Hindu pilgrims, while he was the state’s Chief Minister. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton embarked on a “get Modi” policy while in office, ostensibly for the riots, but in actuality “for taking stands that may be different from that favoured by the US administration” — in the words of a senior analyst in New York.

According to a report last month in the Sunday Guardian of India, quoting a retired US official now based in Atlanta: “Hillary Clinton likes to operate through NGOs, which are given funding through indirect channels, and which target individuals and countries seen as less than respectful to her views on foreign and domestic policy in the target countries”.

He claimed that “rather than US NGOs, (the former) Secretary of State Clinton favoured operating through organisations based in the Netherlands, Denmark and the Scandinavian countries, especially Norway” as these were outside the radar of big power politics. For five years, until 2011, NGOs were funded to look for “mass graves” with no success.

Although President Obama appears to have quietly reversed the isolation, Modi cannot easily forget being singled out as a Clinton enemy. With Modi as India’s leader, a future Hillary Clinton presidency would present a worstcase scenario for US-India relations.

But it was interesting that while the US and its media focused on representing Modi as a religious anti-Muslim fanatic, in voting in Uttar Pradesh, from where most of the Indians in Guyana originated, the presumed “Muslim animus” was not a factor. The BJP, for instance, swept all eight constituencies, including Saharanpur, Amroha, Shrawasti, Bijnor, Muzaffarnagar, Moradabad and Rampur, where the Muslim population hovers around 40 per cent.

While for strategic and economic reasons, the US may want to “reset” its relations with India, while Modi was getting an American and European cold shoulder over the past decade, the governments of Asian nations were sowing seeds of cooperation with him.

During that time, Modi has visited China and Japan, their officials have been visiting Gujarat, and these governments have encouraged state-supported investments in Gujarat. Of course there have been American investments also in Gujarat – but there has been no American political support for these private investments. The question is whether Modi, who is certain to encourage massive infrastructural and industrial projects in India, will lean towards Asia, rather than the US?

The first opportunity for a meeting between Obama and Modi will be in the US, at the UN in September. Most likely, the meeting will be at the sidelines at General Assembly conclave. Between now and then it will be of interest as to how the US deals with Clinton’s “Modi detritus”.

Substituting black state dependency on Indian dependency by power sharing is recipe for disaster (part two)

Dear Editor,

Why else does he feel sufficiently empowered to make judgment of automatic trade of Indian munificence for permanent racial harmony and tranquillity? What has he demanded in return as a guarantee? Is Indian munificence a one shot deal or continuous for final resolution? Can unjust black cultural denouement be ever rectified by Indian cultural assimilation as a prerequisite remedy?

By acknowledging the entire WPA’s efforts as entirely an “all black” compromising of a black PNC Government Bhagwan’s wisdom couldn’t be clearer what he wants Indians to do. He wrote, “This compromise, in essence, is of the same nature as that of the black population under the Burnham regime. The difference is only a matter of degree. But score one for the black people. Thousands stood up against the PNC regime and during the civil rebellion the three leaders assassinated were all Africans.”

Bhagwan cannot be so stupid or out of touch to know and acknowledge that Indians were routinely killed, raped, tortured, jailed ,brutalised and harassed in the countryside for the entire 28 years of PNC rule and even be-

fore that at Wismar in 1964. Four Indians were killed, one maimed for life by the PNC and Judge, Prosecutor and Juryman Bhagwan finds Indians still indebted for the natural right to survive.

Then interestingly, Bhagwan wants the Constitution changed for shared governance based on race. By some magic will blacks then achieve instant prosperity to be economically secure, forever?

Why was black poverty then under the PNC rule unchanged, in fact made worse but by power sharing with the supposedly Indian PPP/C Government it will become the black panacea to be free at last?

Automatic shared governance by constitutional changes will render democratic elections useless. Ethnic inclusiveness in Guyana requires less big government and Federalism which will decentralise power.

In the fight for independence both the PPP/PNC wanted Guyana free from colonial rule but for different reasons. By Burnham’s PNC “original sin” Guyana became the black pride and joy with outside intervention. Both in Guyana and Trinidad, Jagan et al, like Trinidad’s Dr Rudranath Capilldeo, Dr Winston Mahabir and Kamal Mohamed actively fought

for their country’s freedom.

None insisted like Kwayana that there can be no independence unless black interests were first safeguarded. It resulted in the marginalising of Indians for some 45 years in Trinidad and some 28 years in Guyana. Guyana Indians were constantly brutalised because of their leftist leaders.

Bhagwan is hopeless if he believes he can obfuscate and transpose the total years of black discrimination against Indians by his fudging and minimising the degree of ethnic sacrifices. Indian based governments were always more inclusive and did not persecute others by the ferocity to that which they were subjected to by black governments.

What clinical sterilised “balanced view” can excuse prolonged PNC transgressions which benefited the majority of blacks by their prioritised institutionalisation as paramount with the PNC Declaration of Sophia?

The PNC stacked the army, civil service, National Service and the distribution of scarce foodstuffs like there was no tomorrow.

The US LEAD project, which is aimed at improving the opposition’s electoral prospects, should deemphasise seminars on teaching about democracy, press freedom, and parlia-

mentary procedures. There is no concrete evidence that Guyanese are lacking in these areas. What is needed is seminars to tap into Government loans for private business development, encourage entrepreneurship practices, money management and inculcate required personal sacrifices by agreed incentives breaking total dependency on state handouts. Agriculture is the best way to go since hard work is in such abundance. None, black, brown, tall, bald or hungry are likely to just give away one penny when they have saved two per day. No taxpayers’ funding was dispensed by either the 1960s PPP or PNC, neither the 1960s PPP nor PNC governments for the houses and stores which Indians built. But the current PPP/C Government is now being generous to all regardless. Let it not go to waste by those who so want. Indians who may want to vote PNC are still awaiting David Granger’s reassurances about their concerns and their ethnic insecurities. His pledge to reintroduce National Service shows how out of touch he has been. A meeting of the minds through Federalism is best for all.

Sincerely, Vassan Ramracha

Stop the burning Deeply saddened by shooting of 15-year-old

Dear Editor,

Early in the morning on my way to work, I usually look forward to the drive along the East Coast Road, before I get to the pollution of the city, because of its proximity to the seawall. At that time, the fresh north-east trades blowing in from the sea are particularly refreshing, especially when you come to that wide open stretch of land when you meet Turkeyen.

One morning, May 15, at about 09:30h, when I got to this particular stretch of the road, I immediately knew that I was not going to have my lungs filled with the accustomed fresh air before I arrived in the pollution of the city.

Thick clouds of smoke heralded the disaster I was approaching and the bright red glint of fire tenders confirmed my suspicions. Some inconsiderate, selfish, unthinking person had lit a fire in the empty land space opposite the seawall and it was burning out of control.

The person who did this no doubt felt it was the quickest way to clear the land but had they stopped once to think of the consequences of their actions, they would have realised the magnitude of persons that would be affected by their insensitive behaviour.

I drove through smoke all the way to Liliendaal and still did not dare wind down

my windows until I passed Bel Air. This means every family in every village downwind of Turkeyen was affected by the smoke from this conflagration.

Think of the countless children, old people, pregnant mothers, persons suffering from asthma and other respiratory illness living in these villages whose very lives are being put at risk because of the thoughtless act of one insensible human being.

Generally, I have hosted many television and radio programmes and written many letters to the press on the dangers of lighting fires in the city. The Guyanese public needs to know that it is against the law in Guyana to light a fire outdoors and there are reasons for this.

Apart from the dangers of the fire spreading and becoming uncontrollable, as with the one on the East Coast, and there is no question about it being out of control. (This was evidenced by the presence of fire tenders); fires lit indiscriminately tend to destroy the environment through smoke pollution and quite often the destruction of fragile ecosystems. In addition, the odour clings to curtains and furniture for days. In spite of this, however, this habit has become endemic in our society and it is not unusual to wake up to your house filled with smoke only

There is always need to see the other point of view

Dear Editor, I strongly believe that the majority of Guyanese like myself are now extremely frustrated with the manner in which the affairs of our country are being attended to. It seems that we are forever mired in a situation where wrangling between those in the highest offices has become the norm, and this is getting us nowhere, in fact, causing a continual regression in our position on all fronts.

Are the people whom we have elected to facilitate our progress really concerned about our advancement, or are they only interested in either staying in power or achieving power? Are they really knowledgeable about how to achieve this progress, or are they just politicians who just know how to influence others?

Are they willing and able to negotiate with one another so as to arrive at the compromises which are necessary for us to arrive at solutions acceptable to all, or are they just narrow-minded and just feel that they are always right and the other side is always wrong?

In the light of this continued impasse between those on both sides of this neverending divide, I would therefore make a humble appeal to

those in the Government and the Opposition to realise that there is always the need to try to see the other point of view, as none of us are all-knowing.

In support of this I would like to quote from the biblical text that says: “… there is a time for knocking down and a time for building…” “a time for embracing and a time to refrain from embracing…” “a time for searching and a time for losing…” “a time for war and a time for peace…”

I am sure that the scriptures of the other faiths which we Guyanese practise contain tenets such as these, though in different words. They tell us that, just as we need to oppose so as to ensure that the other side becomes cognisant of the truth, there always comes the time when we should seek to work together towards one end, or nothing beneficial will result.

May those in authority and those on the other side at all levels of our society see the need and take the time to build and embrace and search and follow the path of peace, or our country may very well end up in chaos and degradation like so many countries in our present world.

Yours sincerely, Roy Paul

to find that your neighbour has decided that that particular evening was a good one to burn garbage.

In this present climate where garbage collection is uncertain and sporadic, I can understand the need to get rid of your refuse but it has to be done in consideration for the people around you.

Most types of refuse material that is biodegradable could be used for compost or buried and plastics, Styrofoam and synthetics have to be carted away to designated dump sites where they can be destroyed safely. Scientific studies on the effects of burning these materials in the open have proven that this is simply dangerous to our health and the health of the environment.

Plastics such as PVC (polyvinylchloride) are common in such things as bottles, jugs, plastic packaging and blister packs, etc. When these are burnt in the open, carbon monoxide, dioxins and furans are released into your air. While carbon monoxide is a pretty well known poison, dioxins and furans are not. Studies have linked dioxins and furans to cancer and respiratory disease as well as hormonal imbalance, asthma and heart disease.

As if this isn’t frightening enough, Carina Harkin, a practitioner of 11 years, complementary medicine, lecturer for four years and

mother of six in Galway, Ireland, sited research that proves toxic components inhaled through smoke from burning plastic materials may cause sex behavioural orientation of your newborn baby.

As a result, the child could begin exhibiting behaviour, in total contrast to his or her sex – changes from male to female sexual characters or vice versa. Researchers have established that inhaling burnt plastic materials have altered sexual characters of birds (from male to female). They have discovered the same defects can easily occur in human beings.

In other words, these materials should never be burned in the open air. There are recycling options available for many of these products.

To the person who polluted the atmosphere that morning, and who would have caused unimaginable suffering and possible irreparable harm to many on the East Coast I say shame on you. Strange enough the land which was set ablaze is owned by a most prominent entrepreneur in the private sector. To the rest of the fire lighting Guyanese public I say, STOP THIS DANGEROUS PRACTICE.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan

Dear Editor,

The Georgetown Hub of the Global Shapers Community is a group of young Guyanese citizens whom – in many ways –are exceptional in their potential, and work to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the country as a whole. The Hub is part of a global non-political, non-partisan and social development community, geared towards promoting the greater good for all human kind.

On May 5, news broke of a very unpleasant encounter experienced by 15-yearold Alex Griffith who was reportedly shot in the mouth by a Police officer of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The Hub is deeply saddened, not only by this act, but by similar incidents that are in direct contravention of Article 5 of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights which states: ‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.’

In keeping with our core beliefs, the Georgetown Hub renders unequivocal support

of the basic human rights for all individuals living with our beautiful country. As a result, the members of the Georgetown Hub would like to encourage the relevant authorities to take swift action against all rouge Police officers who continue to tarnish the reputation of the GPF.

As young citizens, we are extremely concerned about the frequency of allegations and seeming trend of human rights violations that continue to plague our country. More so, our concerns squarely lay in the realisation that these acts of brutality are perpetrated by the very officers who took a solemn oath to serve and protect our citizens.

We further urge the relevant authorities to make swift their investigations and pronouncement on this matter, so that the victims of this unfortunate occurrence can receive both the relief and justice they deserve.

Respectfully submitted, Georgetown Hub – Global Shapers Community

Page Foundation

By Fred Allen

Well, I‘ve been back home for just about a week. The euphoria still hasn't worn off, but I can finally reflect on what my first year at Med School has been like. And that's a whole lot to reflect on! So much has happened, so much has changed and yet, it feels like it’s all been only a few weeks rather than several months. Time doesn't fly only when you're having fun!

Did I miss home? Of course! Especially in my last month in Trinidad I missed home so badly, I started to pack away all of my things weeks in advance in anticipation of being back. But do I regret opting to study away from home in a different country? No, I most certainly don’t.

Before going off to UWI, I tried to do some reading to get a feel for what the whole “college-experience” might be like. Most of the pieces seemed to focus on giving age-old advice about the im-

First week and juggling domestic chores: Being part one of my 1styear College “Diary”

“I learned law so well, the day I graduated I sued the college, won the case, and got my tuition back.”

portance of making friends and having fun. But what I was looking for was more along the lines of a more personal account. Like I’ll be attempting to give now, I guess.

My first week on campus was interesting to say the least. As I think back on my first week, even my friends are like different people. I guess because by the time the year ended, I got to know some of them so well they ended up being so different from that first week. While we have our individual rooms, I was lucky that I got two absolutely incredible flat-mates: Shereece from Trinidad and Christyn from The Bahamas. I’m not sure how I would’ve gotten through all of the trials and travails of my first year if I couldn’t crack jokes and laugh with them. I’m sure we’ll all re-

member our lengthy talks in our common kitchen for years to come.

That first month or so was such a transition. Here at home, my mom takes care of everything. She keeps me fed, clothed, makes sure I take my vitamins -- she goes above and beyond as a mother. But in Trinidad, I had to do all of those things on my own.

My clothes no longer miraculously appeared freshly-laundered and folded in my drawers. I had to lug my overflowing laundrybasket down to the laundry area and decide whether that bright pink shirt might “run” and stain my lighter-coloured clothes and whether I just might be better off washing it with my dark clothes. Decisions! Decisions!

Now, I’m not complaining about those things. In

fact, doing domestic chores was sometimes a welcome change from the grind of imbibing every fact about, say, the stomach. It was actually quite pleasant to just let my mind wander as I folded clothes or swept my room.

Domestic bliss? Hardly. But I leant so much from having to juggle domestic chores and school-work. I had to manage my time better to make sure I could do it all. I had to learn to wake up insanely early to try to get to a washing machine before they all got occupied. I learnt that I really despise washing dishes. I learnt that spaghetti sauce really splatters everywhere and that I probably shouldn’t heat it up in a pan whilst wearing a pristine white shirt.

Life lessons, you know.

Motivating learning in young children (Part two)

Choice of challenge is another characteristic of motivation. Children who experience success in meeting one challenge will become motivated, welcoming another. These motivated learners will choose an activity that is slightly difficult for them, but provides an appropriate challenge. When they successfully complete such a task, children gain a high level of satisfaction. Unmotivated children (those who have not experienced early success) will pick something that is very easy and ensures an instant success. With such easy success, children feel only a very low level of satisfaction, because they know that the task offered little challenge. The challenge for parents is helping their child find an appropriate challenge while still allowing the choice to be the child’s.

The amount of dependency on adults is another indicator of motivation. Children with strong intrinsic motivation do not need an adult constantly watching and helping with activities. Children who have a lower level of motivation or are extrinsically motivated need constant attention from adults and cannot function independently. Since independence is an important aspect of quality learning, this dependence on adults will greatly limit children’s ability to succeed in school. Parents can increase the likelihood of their child’s building independent motivation by providing toys and activities that play to the child’s natural creativity and curiosity. Often, these are the simplest, most basic playthings: blocks, little plastic “people,” a toy car or two, and crayons and paper. These things encourage children to invent their own worlds rather than depending on an adult to entertain them.

The last indicator of motivational level is emotion. Children who are clearly motivated will have a positive display of emotion. They are satisfied with their work and show more enjoyment in the activity. Children without appropriate motivation will appear quiet, sullen and bored. They will not take any apparent pleasure in

their activity and will often complain. As a parent, you are probably the best judge of your child’s moods. That cranky, whiny voice is usually a good indicator that a child doesn’t feel very good about herself and needs a new adventure of some sort.

Developing motivation

Newborn infants are born with a tremendous amount of intrinsic motivation. This motivation is aimed toward having some visible effect on the environment. When infants can actually see the results of their actions as a reward, they are motivated to continue those actions. These attempts toward control are limited within the young child, and include crying, vocalisations, facial expressions and small body movements. Toys that change or make sound as the child moves them are therefore strong motivators. As infants grow and continue to mature (nine-24 months), more voluntary, purposeful movements are possible. This gives them more control of their environment. This wider range of control allows children to feel that they are successful. Success leads to higher self-esteem and feelings of self-worth, which leads to strengthened motivation. As children continue to develop during this time period, they are better able to make decisions and plan what to do to gain control of things around them. They are beginning to set their own goals for activities. This success is not based upon adult standards, but totally upon the child’s ability to accomplish the goals that he has set out for himself.

By two years of age, children are developing the ability to execute a sequence of events in order to achieve a goal. They also have an appreciation for standards and begin to evaluate their efforts. By three years of age, children become interested in doing things well, as opposed to just doing them. They have an idea of various levels of competency in performance and judge their success by their own internal standards. Therefore they have much less need for adult feedback about the quality of their efforts. (nasponline.org)

Government tightening Pharma procurement procedures ...but sniping at process continues

During the last decade, the Government of Guyana has been streamlining and tightening up its procurement procedure for pharmaceuticals and medicines, but its critics continue to snipe at it.

Much of the criticism centres on the bidding process. But each time the Government addresses the criticism, the goalposts are invariably moved and the sniping continues unabated.

But even the critics have conceded that most of the companies bidding on the Pharma contracts aside from NEW GPC are not capable of supplying the more than 2000 separate items required by the Health Ministry.

Bulk purchases

Former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, disagreed vehemently with the notion that greater efficiency, expedience or benefits could be derived from procuring supplies through an item-by-item tender arrangement or process when compared with the well-recommended pre-qualification system.

“We would have to do thousands of tenders on an annual basis,” he advised, explaining that this would be “cumbersome” and “im-

possible”.

It would most likely return Guyana to the situation bemoaned by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which estimates that one third of the world population does not have access to modern drugs, vaccines and medicines that are the frontline in combating diseases and illnesses.

Not too long ago, Guyana was in this situation and even at the one tertiary hospital in the country, patients had to forage in the few outside private suppliers to source basic items such as plaster of Paris to make casts for broken bones.

Objectives

Today, while there are challenges − as identified recently by this newspaper, for instance, in matching supplies to needs − by and large, the Government deserves kudos for turning the situation around. What they have done is to look holistically at the problem and addressed the several components of the solution.

The Health Minister has outlined the main objectives in the procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies as follows: to secure the most competitive prices; to secure the best quality

and drug efficacy, including maximum shelf life; to ensure deliveries are done in a reliable manner and stockouts are minimal; to ensure that payment transactions are secure by dealing with reputable companies; and to ensure that the supplier(s) engaged provide(s) sup-

port systems to manage a product recall or respond to emergencies as they arise.

To ensure all the above, they have most pertinently supported the financing of the inputs consistently within the budget.

In the area of procurement, during the People’s

National Congress (PNC) days of massive shortages, the then Government sourced all of its needs through the nationalised Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation.

This corporation, in turn, procured the pharmaceuticals from one of several spe-

cialised “multilateral” agencies such as PAHO/WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, and IDA. When the PPP took office, they continued with this system for many years. But shortages of pharmaceuticals continued to plague the system.

Man, 75, marries woman, 95 – couple say love breaks down all barriers

Madonna, also known as “Donna”, 95, and Ridley Henry, 75, have proven to many “doubting Thomases” that age is just a number.

The couple, driven by the belief that “True love sets no boundaries”, last week tied the knot at a lively ceremony at the Seventhday Adventist Church, Darthmouth Village, Essequibo Coast

They both told Guyana Times that they are committed to the end

Addressing the gathering, Madonna, a mother of eight and grandmother of more than 15, said she was drawn by the magnetic personality of Ridley, a father of 10 children.

However, their children and relatives were against the marriage, but this did not deter them. They planned and executed the wedding by themselves.

Their relatives are now beginning to accept them, as after all, genuine love prevails.

Madonna, decked out in a beautiful wedding dress, passionately recited her wedding vows, declaring that she will love Ridley until her last breath.

Eyew tness A Bridge...

...and politics

For years and years and years Berbice was cut off from the rest of the country. The Berbice River was serviced by a ferry system so erratic, the crossing was feared as much as the one across the River Styx to Hades. Six-hour waits and sleeping on the stellings were the order of the day.

Ridley is the father of grown children. Both couples became single at an early age through death of their spouses, and had to raise their children, ensuring that they receive an education.

aligned.

Both were in need of a companion, and when they met, they knew from the onset that their stars were

They were living in a common-in- law relationship until recently when they decided that their union is no ordinary relationship and should be sanctified in holy matrimony.

When the 95-old-old returned home in Moruka, there was a wonderful celebration, with cake cutting, toasting and of course, the speeches.

The couple are now honeymooning in the North West District.

Sir Ramphal to soon launch new book

– publication covers role as diplomat is several major global events

Renowned Guyaneseborn international diplomat Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal will soon launch Glimpses of a Global Life, a book outlining the central role he played in several significant events during his time as Commonwealth Secretary General. Ramphal rose from humble origins to become a key adviser to Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Leaders from every continent engaged with him as the longest serving Secretary-General of the Commonwealth (19751990) and as the only person who served on all the Independent International Commissions that grappled with the world’s major issues.

Glimpses of a Global Life involves a cast of the world’s leading characters and the central role Ramphal played alongside them in issues such as ending apart-

heid in South Africa; laying the foundations for global concerns about the environment; the reform of global governance; and the resolution of conflicts.

The core of the book is concerned with the 15 years he served as Commonwealth Secretary General; for 11 of which Margaret Thatcher was Britain’s Prime Minister.

Ramphal tells the story of the Commonwealth’s role in ending the Unilateral Declaration of Independence of Southern Rhodesia by a minority white regime and bringing Zimbabwe to independence; of aiding the struggle against apartheid and securing its end, and the release of Nelson Mandela and South Africa’s freedom; of Thatcher’s obdura-

cy against sanctions and the heroic stand against her by other Commonwealth leaders – from Africa, India and, particularly, in terms of effectiveness, Canada and Australia. Ramphal replaces conjecture over these dark episodes in human history with fact.

In these ‘glimpses’, the shadows of characters such as Uganda’s tyrant, Idi Amin, are recalled, as are the enlightened spirits of others like Germany’s Willy Brandt and Nelson Mandela – all of whom Ramphal encountered in his global life.

Glimpses of a Global Life is as well an analysis of major problems and challenges that dominated the 20th century which continue to shape the contours of the 21st.

And the “Ancient County” was left to fall further into decrepitude – presumably because that was the natural condition of “ancient” places. Goods were literally a burden to get across from either side. There were calls for a Bridge from locals for the longest while. But when the PPP/C Government finally decided to build one around 2006, the Opposition cried “Politics”!!!

The PPP/C was pandering to “its supporters”. Never mind that a meticulous study justified the bridge on solid economic grounds. Not to mention the social impact of literally connecting Berbicians to the rest of their fellow Guyanese. And the Opposition kept up its carping and criticism – it was now the cost. A fixed concrete structure was deemed too expensive.

The Government then went to the cheaper option of a floating structure but still didn’t have the funds. It chose the World Bank recommended option for building infrastructure: Public ∕ Private Partnerships. The newly formed BBCI would own the Bridge for 20 years, recover its investment and then transfer the Bridge to the Government. Build, Own, Operate and Transfer, it was called – BOOT. Did that stop the Opposition criticisms? Fat chance!!!

Three locations were suggested. But when the present location was selected for ease of access to the Corentyne Highway...there were more screams from the Opposition. Their “constituency” at Ithaca was “ignored”. Never mind that at the present location, persons from the “PPP/C’s constituency” were displaced. (Remember? That’s where Nagamootoo made his $7 million runnings from NICIL.) And that strategically, it made sense when the East West Highway from Venezuela will connect Guyana to Suriname.

After the Bridge was built on schedule, the Opposition’s complaint now was “it’s ugly!” So what if the travel time was cut from six hours to six minutes?? So what that rice could now be taken to Georgetown in a couple of hours? So what if people from the rest of Guyana could visit tourist sites like Number 63 Beach and pump money into the Berbice economy? No...whatever was done by the PPP/C had to be by definition “bad” for Guyana.

In Guyana, the Opposition rejects the notion that a Bridge can be built across the political divide when it comes to national development.

...and business

But the depths to which the Opposition could sink when it comes to developmental projects that pushes the country forward...but obviously redound positively on the Government – was exposed once again. We’d seen the depravity on the Amaila Falls Hydro Project that could’ve given us energy independence...the Speciality Hospital and CJIA. And Thursday night it was again Opposition cynical politics on the Berbice Bridge.

The Opposition used their one-seat majority to pass a motion to reduce tolls on the Bridge. And they talk of “pandering to Berbicians!!!” What else could this be when the BBCI is a private company and had to be guaranteed a return on their investment? If it isn’t politics then the Opposition has betrayed such ignorance of elementary business practice they should be debarred from ever getting their hands on the Treasury.

They claim the Government, via NIS, “owns” the Bridge and so could lower tolls. So they don’t know, while preferred shares (which NIS has), gets dividends before the private owners, prior claim to assets in case of Bankruptcy – but doesn’t have voting rights?? What ignorant wankers!!!

...to LEAD

US-sponsored and trained “journalist” Dennis Chabrol scooped everyone on the “news” that the US Ambassador believes the talks on LEAD are positive. Ahhh...the joys of being a (fifth) columnist!!!

Government tightening Pharma procurement...

Improvements: Selective tendering

Moving to improve the procurement process, the Government introduced selective tendering as authorised by Cabinet from 2004. This was in addition to procuring certain specialised medicines, laboratory supplies and medical supplies, which are procured through regular, open tender as the need arises.

In the selective tendering process, firms were evaluated by specific criteria and then were asked to bid competitively. The firms adjudged as best filling the mandate by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) were granted the contract via selective tendering. The GPC had been privatised in 1999 and after selective tendering had been introduced, its successor NEW GPC continued to win most contracts.

The critics, however, cried that this was “sole sourcing” and one, Anand Goolsaran claimed the prices were not “competitive” and that the NPTAB was not involved.

In the selective tendering process, firms were evaluated by specific criteria and then were asked to bid competitively. The firms adjudged as best filling the mandate by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) were granted the contract via the selective tendering. The GPC had been privatised in 1999 and after selective tendering had been introduced, its successor NEW GPC continued to win most contracts.

The critics, however, cried that this was “sole sourcing” and one,

Anand Goolsaran claimed the prices were not “competitive” and that the NPTAB was not involved.

But as Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon explained, all drugs procured by the Government were, and continue to be, subject to a competitive pricing process with international suppliers. Whenever a local provider is selected, that provider’s submission has to be competitive vis-à-vis international providers. Moreover, the NPTAB never ceased to be involved in the evaluation of bids.

The international provider that Guyana has used is IDA, which is the same organisation that actually provides drugs in the rest of the developing world. In order for a company to be awarded a contract to provide drugs, it has to offer a more competitive price than IDA.

However, if IDA offers better prices than the other bids submitted, then Government is obligated on the basis of the country’s pricing policy, to go with the lowest bid. This, Dr Luncheon, affirmed, is a competitive component of procurement and not sole-sourcing.

Improvements: Pre-qualification

But the critics did not let up and in 2010, the Auditor General recommended a formal pre-qualification process to deal with that component of the Government’s pharmaceutical purchase that were handled through selective tendering.

From 2011-2013, the old procedure was refined and the Cabinet now had no role. Objective crite-

ria were now applied for Caricom and Guyanese firms to be prequalified while the old international suppliers were automatically pre-qualified. It is noteworthy to point out that the Government’s pre-qualification process adheres to guidelines of the WHO/World Bank. The WHO stresses the pre-qualification process to ensure that reputable, safe and reliable suppliers would address the quality problems that bedevil most third world counties. The NEW GPC and another Guyanese company passed the criteria and once again the NEW GPC secured

most of the contracts competitively.

Improvements: Pre-qualifications II

The criticisms continued, mainly from the Opposition politicians and the Kaieteur News. Finally, it was made even more transparent this year, 2014, through an objective point system that was allocated to five different criteria out of a total point system of 200. Again Cabinet is not involved and in fact, three independent individuals were selected to evaluate the seven companies that applied.

As usual as with all previous pre-qualification exercises, the four international specialised agencies were automatically given pre-qualification status. However, with two of the seven companies having registration problems, and several of the other locals not being able to comply, once again, there are howls that the NEW GPC will once again emerge as the largest supplier.

It would appear that these critics would have Guyana’s pharmaceutical supply chain snapped on the altar of expedience just for suppliers close to the Opposition parties to obtain contracts.

18 men report abuse from women –

Help and Shelter encourages men not to suffer in silence

By Michael younge

Help and Shelter Guyana is encouraging men to break their silence and speak out about domestic abuse as it disclosed that 18 men have reported instances of abuse so far for the year to the entity.

Additionally, the nongovernmental organisation is also working feverishly with menfolk to have them overcome the “shame” and “pressures” associated with breaking their silence in a world where men are expected to be macho and express little or no-emotions under these circumstances.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Saturday, Help and Shelter Public Education Officer Kevin Messiah confirmed that out of the 18 cases so far, seven specifically deal with reports of men being physically abused by women.

Messiah reported that there were 11 cases of reported physiological violence and abuse inflicted on men by their female counterparts.

He said that while he could not divulge details as to the extent of the abuse, the men who went to the facility for assistance are from varying backgrounds, ethnicities and social levels.

“Our clients come from all over... most of them are

self-employed while others are from the public sector,” he added.

The Public Education Officer said that overall, some 23 men are accessing the services of Help and Shelter for varying reasons.

Last year, a total of 20 men reported that they were physically abused to Help and Shelter

Asked about the type of interventions made by the entity to help the men who have reported instances where they are victims of physical abuse, Messiah explained that they are given counselling and advice from the outset.

He stated clearly that Help and Shelter usually provided these victims of physical and psychological abuse with “options” on the way forward; as he contended that the body ensures that the victims know the

consequence of each choice.

Messiah, when asked about referrals to the Guyana Police Force, specifically in instances where men have been abused by women, said this is one of the options presented to the male complainant.

Notable challenge

“One of the challenges we are still facing is the shame associated with making the reports. There is also a societal pressure that men have to face. Most times, a man may not want to pursue the matter against his partner or the woman who is the alleged abuser,” Messiah posited.

He noted that the entity treats all of the information given to it by the alleged victims with the strictest levels of confidentiality.

The officer expressed the view that as Help and

Shelter continues to beef up its public awareness campaign; it expects that more men would come forward for advice.

“The awareness campaign is already working and we will continue it,” he confirmed.

Messiah was adamant that work will also continue with the menfolk in society to respond to the challenges that they are facing in the fast developing world.

He advised that there was a Men’s Education and Support Group that was established to discuss men issues, with the aim of ensuring that men receive the necessary interventions to be able to function as responsible agents in their respective societies.

His comments come at a time when there continues to be concern over the feminisation of domestic violence and abuse. The Government’s strategy for responding to reports of abuse and domestic violence cases has also come in for heavy criticisms as it focuses on targeting the women groups.

Former Head of the University of Guyana Women’s Affairs Bureau Audrey Benn has said that more research needs to be done to understand why men are prone to violence and to also understand the reasons they are silent when they are sometimes victims of different forms of abuse.

“They are not mad,” she had contended during an interview with this newspaper and therefore there is need for more qualitative and quantitative research to understand what are the root causes of violence.

“They should not be targeted and vilified but we need to reform our men and create a culture change. We need to work with our menfolk with the aim of understanding them.”

Let there be light!

Satiricus never ceased to be amazed at the ability of the APANU and KFC parties to seek out injustice in Guyana and to rectify them. And they seemed to hone in whenever the injustice involved “light” or “electricity”, which to Satiricus and most other Guyanese, were one and the same, no?

Satiricus remembered with delight (and awe) the battles they’d fought to prevent the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Power plant from being constructed. The Government claimed the Hydro Plant would provide cheap electricity to everyone in the country. So what??? They were so short-sighted and callous. It took APANUKFC to expose their depravity: more than six camoudis would’ve been killed if the project went ahead.

“What good does it serve Guyana to get cheap light when six camoudis will be killed!?” asked APANU’s boss man Grain-Ja. The most dramatic action was when KFC chief cook (and bottle washer) Rum Jhaat threatened to jump off the Falls if the camoudis were killed. As his sidekick Naga Man had attempted to dissuade him, the Jhaat had burst out, dramatically: “Doah hold me baaaack! Doah hold me baaaaack!.”

Naga Man had let go and Rum Jhaat had screamed, “Is what de arse you doing? Yuh want me dead, or wha?” The foreign funders who were just as civilised as APANU-KFC and saw value of lizards over people, pulled out. And the Hydro got “hydro”. They didn’t know the camoudi was sacred to the APANU-KFC because it was the symbol of Burnt-Ham, their Founder Leader.

But the quest for Justice still drove APANU. Even though there would be no Hydro Power, they gave unto the people of LimDem free light and electricity. It amounted to $3 billion every year.

But Rum Jhaat had exclaimed, “Are we not our brothers’ keepers? So what if each LimDemIte used $30,000 of electricity and light every month? We have to bear strain and pay our bills, Comrades!!”

Satiricus wiped a tear discreetly from his cheek: such fighters for Justice were never seen before. They put Mandela and Gandhi to shame.

But these efforts paled in comparison to their latest battle for light and Justice. They moved a motion in Parliament to limit the Former President Jagdesh to get only $5000 dollars a year to pay for light. This would let him use one whole 40-watt bulb every other week. Surely a man who had saved Guyana US$2 billion in debt – GY$400,000,000,000 – could save on light?

“And now look how Just Rum Jhaat and Grain-Ja are,” thought Satiricus. “After pleading by the PPPCEE, they increased the light allowance to $4000 a month.

“Now Jagdesh could light up one small room every night!!” thought Satiricus “Surely GrainJa and Rum Jhaat don’t have more than one 40-watt bulb at their houses, do they?”

Shot Campbellville businesswoman remains in critical state

Malika Susan Da Silva, 26, of David Street, Campbellville, who was shot twice on Friday morning after an attack by four men remains in a critical state, a relative confirmed on Saturday.

According to information received, the injured woman, who came out of surgery on Friday evening about 19:00h, is presently in an unconscious state in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The relative said family members are praying for a miracle since her condition has not changed since being admitted to the hospital.

The woman claimed that due to the injuries sustained to her spine, there is a possibility that she might become incapacitated.

However, she said that the Police are still conducting their investigations, but up to Saturday afternoon, the Police did not have a lead.

The relatives of the injured woman have a few persons whom they thought might have been linked to the shooting and have provided the information to investigators.

One day before the shooting, the relatives said that a few persons who have not spoken to them in a while were enquiring about the

businesswoman’s trip to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

“They were like constantly asking her, what time she was leaving for the airport and who she was taking up… they really don’t talk to Susan but all of a sudden they were enquiring… isn’t this strange?” the woman added.

The woman also recalled that after the shooting, the shooter did not even attempt to enter the vehicle which would suggest that the motive was not robbery. Attempts to get an update on the matter from Crime Chief Leslie James proved futile.

Man, 73, saved from burning house

Sydney Blackman, 73, of 46 Sparta Village on the Essequibo Coast was on Friday evening pulled from his burning house by villagers around 17:00h.

According to information received, the pensioner had lit garbage in his yard and retired to bed, but the fire quickly spread, consuming all combustible materials in its way as it got to his house.

The house was partially burnt. Firefighters were summoned and reportedly arrived at the scene on time, allowing public-spirited persons to save some household items.

The pensioner reportThe pensioner’s house on fire

edly lives alone. He was not hurt during the blaze. Blackman estimated his losses at $500,000.

More value added rice products needed – Ramotar

With the agricultural sector’s anticipation of a record level of rice production for this year, it may be time for stakeholders such as producers and investors to examine possible value-added products, according to President Donald Ramotar.

Drawing on his years of experience in the sector, the President made this observation following the recent declaration of 300,000 tonnes for this year’s first crop.

Noting that not only has

production increased, but also productivity or “yield per hectare”. He said that success creates its own challenges and now there are expanded moves to find more markets for the locally produced staple.

“Maybe we should start thinking of producing cereals… for us to able to add value and even earn much more,” he said. These ventures will create more employment, not only for workers but also many others. Specialised

products would also help persons such as housewives and others who cook, to have more time for other essential tasks as they see fit, the President noted.

Guyana has a major export deal with Venezuela and Caricom territories, and this is being capitalised on by many farmers and millers in the sector.

Last year, a record 535,000 tonnes of rice was produced and this year’s production could exceed 600,000 tonnes.

Truth Simply the

Good examples

We should all be delighted by the examples set at City Hall in Georgetown. At the very best, those city hall folks provide cheap and vulgar entertainment. At worse, they show that there is not one shred of dignity in the whole pack of grab baggers.

When adults behave worse than the most ill-disciplined preadolescents, we know that the future is bleak. But when our leaders do so, we know that there is no future at all.

Imagine we have the “leaders” of the capital city screaming, shouting, and grappling over microphones! “I wanna taak!” screams leader number one. “No! Me want taak!” screeches leader number two. Then there is the other leader who sits in another leader’s chair. “Get up! Is me chair!” The response: “Is me own now! Find yuh own chair!” Where, we wonder, is the kindergarten teacher??? Thing is, the teacher may be worse, and children learn bad things well and they learn fast!

This kind of childish tantrum is everywhere. When we bother to watch, we see it in parliament all too frequently, as you all know. The same shrillness, pettiness, vulgarity, and gross stupidity. I think Dr Ashni Singh stands out there in good ways: the man makes sense and conveys that sense in ways that makes us want to hear. There is a certain dignity that sets him apart from many others. I hope and pray that he stands his ground and refuse to go wading in the pit.

Soon after I returned to Guyana in 2008, I was asked to take over the running of University of Guyana Berbice Campus. From mid-January to the end of February of 2009, I visited

every single secondary school from Moleson Creek to Abary. It was difficult, since I went to several schools on the same day and spoke with fourth and fifth form students as well as head teachers and teachers.

The idea was to spread the word that tertiary education was no longer a luxury; it was a necessity! The message got through clearly without microphones! I remember being quite embarrassed because I started bleeding through the mouth from the bruises in my throat.

Having done this, I took the good news of these visits to Turkeyen. The reaction of some of the people there to my statement that “I am told by reliable sources that this was the first time ever that someone has visited all the secondary schools in Berbice”. My source was very reliable indeed.

But what struck me was the reaction, one of which went like this: “Eh, eh! Whah ah hearin hey!? Waz dis!? Well watch me crasses!” This was from the public relations person too. Last time I checked, the PR people are those front people when facing the public.

I must confess to being astonished at this reaction to carefully chosen words and good work – not because I had not heard this stuff before but because I had never heard it in an academic environment.

I soon discovered that this was the norm at UG. Screaming, violent language, general undignified behaviour, very little sense, and no sense whatsoever of the general good of Guyanese children are quite normal. But all of these people (City Hall, parliament, “university” and such) are the places that we look to for examples of dignified

language and behaviour, solid “common sense,” lofty thought, and selfless service.

When we look to them and see the exact opposite to what we ought to be seeing, we begin to think that obscenity is good, fashionable, and acceptable. Our kids tend to believe that if they behave in awful ways, they will get into these high positions. Like all children everywhere, they learn from the examples set by adults. And they learn even more quickly from those people they think are educated.

The next time you adults out there complain about the way our young children behave, go into your bathrooms and take a good look in the mirror! You will see why they behave in the way they do. Then exit the bathroom and turn on the TV to some political thing and you will see why we have the behaviour that we have from our kids. To blame them is to blame the victims of our own grossness. For some reason, all these “educated” people have a strong sense of entitlement. But I say onto them this: “When our sense of entitlement overwhelms our sense of duty, everyone around us suffers”.

Researcher here to investigate suicide epidemic

As part of its mental health programme launched earlier this year, the Guyana Foundation is hosting Serena Coultress, a researcher from Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

Coultress arrived in Guyana last Sunday, and will be conducting research into the local suicide epidemic, which has reached crisis-proportions.

According to a release, her findings will be used for a Master’s in Global Health at Maastricht University, and will shape and inform upcoming mental health projects conducted by the Guyana Foundation.

Additionally, it will be made available to local stakeholders in the mental health sector. Over the upcoming weeks, Coultress will be meeting with, and conducting interviews with mental health professionals, social workers, representatives of local nongovernmental organisations, religious leaders, and members of the community who have been affected by suicide.

Coultress commented that “mental health is a topic I feel passionately about, so when I became aware of the high levels of suicide in Guyana, I was compelled to travel here. I was fortunate to make contact with the Guyana Foundation who are not only hosting me, but will no doubt make good use of the findings. Ultimately, I hope my research will help the community to understand the underlying factors behind the high suicide prevalence in Guyana”.

Meanwhile, Guyana Foundation Managing Director Anthony Autar ex-

pressed delight about the work that Coultress has embarked upon.

“This research study will help fill an existing information gap in Guyana about suicide. Although we know that the suicide rate in Guyana is among the highest in the world, there is little to no upto-date research, conducted in accordance with internationally-accepted research standards, about the underlying factors driving so many of our people – young and old – to end their lives in such great numbers. So interventions to tackle the suicide epidemic in Guyana have not been as effective as they can be.

“We hope that the information gathered from this research study will give us insight that will shape and inform initiatives to stop the senseless loss of lives to suicide,” he said.

Members of the public who would like to be a part of this research study may request to participate by contacting 225-4414 or 6936825.

Remigrant found dead in Mandela Avenue trench

The body of an elderly man was on early Saturday morning fished out of a Mandela Avenue, Georgetown trench. He is suspected to have drowned.

The lifeless body of Victor Forde, 64, of Lot 227 Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown was pulled from the trench in the vicinity of Meadow Brook Drive around 07:00h.

His body bore no marks of violence; thus, the Police have ruled out foul play. It was taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home and is awaiting a post-mortem examination on Monday.

According to information received, the self-employed man, who returned from the US four years ago, was seen consuming alcohol with his friends in the area and left just after midnight on his bicycle.

Investigators believed that the man might have been too drunk and lost his balance while riding home; thus, falling into the trench and could not have gotten up, much less get out.

Floretta Bailey, a relative of the dead man told Guyana Times that Forde left home about 17:00h to

visit some friends as he normally does. The woman added that the once jovial man would meet up his friends and would indulge in some “drinking” after which he would return home.

Calls Bailey recalled that about 00:40h on Friday evening, her family was awakened by calls at the gate and upon answering; they were told that Forde had fallen into a trench. The young man who conveyed the message, she said, suggested that she visit the scene.

Her husband, she said,

hurriedly left home, but when he arrived at the area, there were no signs of the man except his pedal cycle in the corner of the road, which was subsequently taken home.

He reportedly jumped into the trench to search for the man, but was unsuccessful.

He later went to the East La Penitence Police station where he was told that the two persons had reported seeing the man falling into the trench. Another group of Forde’s relatives went to the scene and again searched for the man, but he was not found.

Bailey said her husband and other relatives of the man went back to the area on Saturday morning and found the body.

His mobile phone was found in his pocket, along with money.

A relative said that Forde would normally drink a lot and persons would have had cause on many occasions to drop him home. She described Forde as a friendly, willing and sensible person. Forde leaves to mourn his wife, nine children and five siblings, all of whom reside in the US.

Ramotar appeals for passage of AML/CFT Bill

By Svetlana MarShall

With just days before the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) meets, President Donald Ramotar underscored the importance of passing the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) (AML/CFT) Bill 2013.

Guyana is mandated to pass the AML/CFT Bill by May, 29; however, to date, the parliamentary Special Select Committee headed by Government’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira has not completed its

work due to a political stalemate.

In his address at the

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI) Cocktail Social at the Princess International Hotel,

President Ramotar said the passage of the AML/CFT Bill in the National Assembly is of critical importance if Guyana is to maintain a healthy relationship with its trading partners in the Caribbean and further afield.

“As a small country, with a small population, foreign trade is extremely important to our welfare in this country and it is therefore vital that this piece of legislation should pass and not any piece of legislation, but a piece of legislation that would satisfy CFATF and FATF requirements to prevent our country from being blacklisted,” the President explained.

Opposition undermining investors’ confidence – PSC

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) said the Opposition’s vote to unilaterally impose a toll reduction on the Berbice Bridge River Bridge (BBCI) will erode investors’ confidence in future Public Private Partnerships.

The duel of the ‘Town Clerks’ News

The Opposition on Thursday passed a motion in the National Assembly to lower the toll of the bridge.

The PSC in a release said while the BBCI provides a public good, it must be noted that capital and management have been mobilised from both private and public stakeholders that were guaranteed certain terms and conditions prior to investments that are expected to prevail after these investments were made.

“Any breach of such terms and conditions will result in a loss of confidence by private investors in the Government and more so the State of Guyana. If this decision is implemented, future development projects that are expected to follow the model of Public Private Partnerships will be significantly undermined.

“The PSC is of the view

that any reduction in toll must be based on the results of a thorough socio-economic analysis and by mutual consent of the management, Board, investors and the Government on behalf of the People and State of Guyana,” the release noted.

The motion to reduce the tolls at the Berbice River Bridge was passed in the National Assembly by the Opposition on Thursday despite Government’s objection.

Through the motion, the National Assembly is calling on the Government to instruct its representative

on the Board of Directors of the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) to demand immediate reduction in tolls charged.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Harmon in his motion pointed out that the Government through the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) is a preferential shareholder and a member of BBCI's Board of Directors.

But from the onset, the Government made it clear that it will not support the

motion, contending that the APNU supported by the Alliance For Change (AFC) is using it to garner political mileage.

Government will not buckle under pressure from the Opposition, its Members of Parliament (MPs) told the House.

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn emphasised that the Donald Ramotar Administration will not heed the demands made by the Opposition. “I will not reduce the toll. I will not reduce the toll to any person in Guyana until by economic modelling and defining we can determine that it would be of benefit to the bridge company and the shareholders and the people of Guyana,” Minister Benn told the House.

He argued that BBCI is privately owned and any attempt to demand a reduction would be an infringement on its rights as a private entity.

“This is a shot fired across the bowels of all those persons who want to continue to invest in our country. This is an attempt to make a de facto expropriation or nationalisation of a private investment. This is what the motion is!”

Tenth M&E workshop concludes

– as Finance Ministry works toward better governance, value for money

Presenter, Ray Rist and participants at the closing of the mini-International Programme for Development Evaluation Training at the Guyana International Conference Centre

The 10th session of the mini-International Programme for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) workshop which allowed for the participation of Government agencies and frontline service providers, culminated on Thursday.

This five-day workshop, which was held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, featured in-depth workshops taught by renowned international faculty members drawn from southern and northern organisations, and is part of

Government’s continued effort to ensure value for money.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister within the Finance Ministry

Juan Edghill congratulated the participants for enduring the workshop, and urged them to make use of the knowledge they would have gained.

Minister Edghill said that Government would have consistently declared that this tool of monitoring and evaluation is not something that should be treated lightly.

“You can go back and check in our 2011 mani -

festo when we were going to the electorate, we said one of the things we will do is that we will institutionalise monitoring and evaluation,” Minister Edghill noted.

He explained that the workshop’s aim was to ensure better governance, transparency, accountability, and most importantly, to ensure that people get value for money, thus allowing for a better Guyana for all Guyanese.

The workshop, he said, was very important and persons must recognise that the programme was not about which political

party they are from, but about making Guyana a better place.

Based on reports, the particip ants benefited immensely, and Minister Edghill charged them to share what they learnt with their superiors so that they too can grasp what was taught.

“Let monitoring in evaluation be a tool and everybody’s tool kit, monitoring and evaluation must be the new language and something that must be discussed at meetings to ensure that there are better outcomes… we must never have a problem again about us spending money and the people are not getting the drugs, or we must never have a problem that there is not enough saline at the hospital,” Minister Edghill pointed out.

He added that apart from what the presenters of the workshop would have taught, the continuing process of learning would come out of the relationships the participants developed during the programme.

Meanwhile, the main presenter for the workshop, Ray Rist expressed satisfaction with the level of participation shown and the effort of the participants to grasp the materials. Rist urged the participants to use what they learnt as a tool to ensure value for money.

Younge’s take

The Supreme Court of Judicature and the Appeals Court of Guyana will over the coming weeks and months provide answers that could lead to an end to the political impasse and grandstanding that have taken the reins of reasoned leadership at the Georgetown City Council.

The council is akin to a sinking ship, but neither the Mayor nor his Councillors appear to be concerned about the “infamous” reputation that the entity is fast developing. Worst, the elected councillors seem to be deriving pleasure from watching Rome burn.

They have forgotten the mandate given to them by the residents of Georgetown. That mandate certainly was not to remove Carol Sooba or to spend several months without cessation trying to undermine her authority.

While the Mayor leads his horsemen into battle against the Government and Sooba, the city is overflowing with garbage and a solid waste crisis is developing; the drainage and irrigation system is in a state of disrepair; several historic and colonial buildings have become food for the termites; the markets are falling apart and vendors are complaining; the number of vagrants is increasing; the city abattoir is shameful; the dead can hardly rest in peace at Le Repentir Cemetery; and the dead beat city Constabulary body and the Engineers department are struggling to keep their heads above the rising tides.

Surprisingly, the city’s Public Relations Officer, who was held in very high esteem before this debacle, has become a politician and a scapegoat in a game of thrones. He appears ready to throw his professional career out the door to play a game of musical chairs, but clearly Sooba is going to play along.

King, by his own actions, demonstrated a lack of confidence in the competence of his legal representative who filed the appeal to the Chief Justice’s ruling. What was the urgency that warranted him to join the Mayor’s political bandwagon as opposed to awaiting the outcome of the appeal?

The Georgetown City Council over the past two weeks has become a big joke and broadcast images of the Deputy Mayor wrestling with Sooba for a microphone at the Statutory Meeting have not helped.

The self righteous A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change are silent on the bullyism tactics of the Mayor. They have never been silent on any issue that could see them scoring political points. Or is it because they cannot risk publicly associating themselves with the Mayor and his actions in this case?

The two APNU parliamentarians that graced the Council’s Chambers who had no responsibility for the Local Government remit have not escaped the watchful eyes of the public. The People’s National Congress Reform members, who aided and abetted the Mayor’s attempts to overthrow Sooba’s administration have not escaped the eyes of the security forces.

Citizens are now asking why is the Mayor so bossed with the Office of the Town Clerk? What is special about this office? What is special about Royston King?

Despite the drama and joke emerging from City Hall, no one is laughing. The conflict that is taking place at the council is an indication that there is need for Local Government Elections with the full set of reforms that have been promised for more than two decades.

Before these elections are had, citizens must be properly educated about the new suite of legislation that was passed into law and assented to by President Donald Ramotar.

The electorate needs to understand the new principles and electoral system that is in place so that maximum participation can occur.

Unless something is done, the ship will continue to sink and local democracy will be eroded at the council.

BoG Governor laid to rest

Hundreds paid their last respects to former Bank of Guyana (BoG) Governor Lawrence Theodore Williams who was laid to rest on Saturday at a moving service held at the St George’s Cathedral, Brickdam, Georgetown.

Among the mourners were President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, Opposition Leader David Granger, and members of the diplomatic corp.

Delivering the eulogy, Williams’ best friend Frank Bowen, stated that Guyana and the Bank of Guyana has lost a great son of the soil and leader.

Speaking on behalf of the Government, Dr Singh said Williams served his country well and is by far irreplaceable. The Minister noted that the late Governor was a very generous and jovial person, noting that he made sure all was okay and in shape.

In his tribute, Deputy Governor, Dr Gobin Ganga said the bank has been left with a hole that would be a challenge to fill.

His daughter Barbara

Williams remembered her dad as a great family man, who was always interested in their well-being, and wanted to know everything about them.

She described her dad as her best friend, one who was always there in the middle of the night, and who would always call-in and check-in to make sure that his family is doing well.

The Governor Williams passed away on Wednesday, May 7 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was appointed Central Bank Governor in 2005.

Williams had over 25 years of diverse cumulative Central Banking experience.

In 1979, just after successfully completing a Bachelor’s of Social Sciences Degree (Management), he joined the staff of the bank as an Assistant Principal in the Exchange Control Department, where he held major responsibility for implementing and maintaining the system for monitoring exports and collection of export receipts.

Subsequently, in 1982, he was appointed as a Principal, at which level he undertook the accounting and investment function of the Export Development Fund.

In January 1984, Williams was appointed Supervisor of the Export Development Fund. His duties included day-to-day management of the World Bank funded project which provided the foreign currency financing for non-traditional exporters to meet the cost of imported input of raw materials, capital and intermediate goods.

During the six years that Williams served as Supervisor, he acquired considerable experience in foreign exchange management and investments.

Ramotar appeals for passage...

While amendments to the AML/CFT Bill have been approved by the Special Select Committee, amendments made to the Principal Act by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) are still being considered. Counter proposals tabled by the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall are awaiting consideration.

The XXXIX CFATF Plenary Meeting is set for Miami from May 25-29.

Bonding

Meanwhile, GCCI President Lance Hinds said the Cocktail Social was held to create a greater bond among GCCI members and the wider business community.

Hinds, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BrainStreet, takes up the mantle from his predecessor Clinton Urling, who demitted office after serving two full terms.

Hinds used the opportunity to introduce the new Management Committee which was elected in April. In addition to the BrainStreet Group CEO, the new Executive Management Committee for the fiscal year 2014/2015 comprised Senior Vice-President Vishnu Deorga of Doerga Business Limited (Guyana); Junior Vice-President Padma Prashad of ANSA McAI Trading Limited (Guyana); Secretary Nicholas Boyer of National Hardware (Guyana) Limited; and the

Treasurer Eon Grant of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited. The executive body was elected by a 21-member Council and they too were officially introduced to officials present. While emphasising the importance of building partnership, Hinds aided in presenting certificates to some of the eight honorary members of the Georgetown Chamber that were present, including Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur, Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, and Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Francisco Olguin. Other honorary members include Opposition Leader David Granger and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.

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Team Coco’s Matthews leads Independence Three-Stage

– Guyanese Geron Williams and Marlon Williams seconds behind

By Avenash Ramzan

Amere two seconds separate the top three riders heading into today’s final leg of the 32nd annual Independence ThreeStage cycle meeting, which commenced on Saturday in Berbice.

At the completion of two gruelling stages- first from Corriverton to New Amsterdam and then from Rosignol to Carifesta Avenue- Team Coco’s Darren Matthews holds the overall lead with a time of four hours, 07 minutes, 11 seconds (04h: 07m: 11s).

In second position, two seconds behind, is Guyanese Geron Williams, riding for Continental Cycle Club, in a time of four hours, 07 minutes, 13 seconds (04h: 07m: 13s), followed by another Guyanese, Marlon “Fishy” Williams, riding for Trinidad and Tobago’s Heat Wave, in a time of four hours, 07 minutes, 15 seconds (04h: 07m: 15s).

The first stage started with 85 riders out of a record 96, who had registered, from the Corriverton Police Station and ended at Alexander Street, New Amsterdam, covering a distance of 46.6 miles or 75 km.

A seven-man pack established a sizeable lead about the halfway point, but the group was soon reduced to six when Guyanese Raynauth Jeffrey suffered a puncture and had to wait a lengthy time before he could receive assistance, effectively ending his chances.

The first leg then boiled down to a straightforward battle among the remaining six riders, with Matthews sprinting away at the last mo-

ment to seize victory in a time of one hour, 44 minutes, 23 seconds (01:44m: 23s).

G. Williams came in second, followed by compatriots Delroy Hinds, Paul deNobrega, M. Williams and Alanzo Greaves.

After the race, officials deducted points from Matthews after his aide on the sidelines was deemed to have com-

mitted an infringment while feeding the rider during the dying stages.

Stage two, which was hotly contested and had its share of spills, was won by M. Williams in a time of two hours, 23 minutes, 02 seconds (02h: 23m: 02s), followed by Matthews, G. Williams and Mauricio Robayo of Team Coco’s.

RHTY&SC Annual Awards Ceremony…

Talented batsman

Akshay Homraj, will later today receive the prestigious Cricketer of the Year award for 2013, when the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) stages its 24th annual awards ceremony at the

Training Centre on JC Chandisingh Avenue in Rose Hall Town.

Homraj, a national Under-19 player, will receive a $500,000 prize package which includes a return ticket to the USA.

West Indies female allrounder Shemaine Campbelle, who is the current national female Sportswoman of the Year, will receive the female cricketer and runner-up Cricketer of the Year awards. A total of 40 awards will be

shared, including the prestigious male and female cricketer-of-the year.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster will present a comprehensive report of the club’s activities for the past year, while President Keith Foster, among others will also deliver remarks.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill, is expected to deliver the fea-

This stage covered a distance of 60.4 miles or 97.1 km.

While on the upward journey to Georgetown, several riders collided with each other at Rebecca Lust, and according to information, one cyclist, Romello Crawford of Trojan Cycle Club, was reportedly ran over several times during the mishap.

The rider required medical attention and the Health Ministry’s ambulance, which followed the race, was quick to his aid.

According to one of the officials, Crawford “is fine” and he has expressed an interest in competing in the final leg today. However, the official said they will seek medical advice before allowing him to ride.

The third and final stage, which will cover 64.5 miles or 103 km, will be held today with action starting at 08:00h in Kara Kara, Linden, and ending at Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown. Altogether, the racers will cover 171.5 miles or 275.1 km of Guyana’s roadways.

Homraj is Cricketer of the Year

ture address.

The club during the ceremony will also be hosting the Scotiabank Tribute to Teachers, Berbice River Bridge Tribute to Retired Cricketers and Tribute to Heroes programmes.

Popular Radio Announcer Franklyn Langhorne and Major James Fraser will be honoured under the Tribute to Heroes programme.

action expected today at KMTC

By Rajiv Bisnauth

With entries in excess of 60 of the country’s top race horses, a fabulous day of racing is anticipated today when the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) stages its pre-Independence horse race meet at the club’s race track, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

Retired Chancellor of the Judiciary and president of the KMTC, Cecil Kennard, in an invited comment on Saturday confirmed that apart from Score’s Even, a number of the country’s top race horses will be part of today’s action.

He further indicated that organisers have already put all systems in place for the race meet.

Kennard further indicated that turfites could be assured of exciting action, especially since jockeys and their mounts will be competing under improved track conditions.

“We have all systems in place and, apart from that, the weather has been excellent for the past days, resulting in the track being in tip-top shape,” he said.

Further, Kennard stressed that the event is being conducted under the aegis of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and all the rules of the local governing body will be in effect.

Horse owners are asked to have their animals examined by the vet by 11:00h.

Six races are slated for the day’s event and as usual, there will be lots of excitement for turfites and lucrative prize packages for top horse owners.

Most of the country’s top horses are expected to be on show with the feature attraction being the D1 and Lower over a distance of one mile. The winner will cart off $500,000, while the runner-up will

Cecil Kennard

win half that amount. The third and fourth- place finishers will receive $125,000 and $63,000 respectively.

Several other events are slated for the day, starting with the G1 and Lower Class over a distance of six furlongs with the winning tag set at $300,000, while the second- place finisher will collect half that amount. The third and fourth- place finishers will receive $75,000 and $38,000, respectively.

Then there is the J3 and Lower over a distance of five furlongs, with the winner carting off $150,000, and the second- place finisher getting $75,000. The third and fourth- place finishers will receive $38,000 and $19, 000 respectively.

The Three and Fouryear-old West Indies Maiden and Guyana Open will see the animals running over a distance of six furlongs. The winner will receive $300,000, while the second, third and fourthplace finishers will collect $150,000, $75,000 and $38,000, respectively.

Other races include the J1 & Lower and the ‘I’ & Lower. The two races will be run over six and seven furlongs with the winning tag set at $200,000 and $250,000 respectively.

GTTA table tennis tourney serves off GKC looking to raise US$25,000 to compete at Caribbean championships

By Treiston Joseph

After an impressive opening ceremony, the 2014 edition of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) and National Sports Commission (NSC) Independence Table Tennis Tournament served off with the cadets pulling off wins on Friday and Saturday at the National Gymnasium.

Rising star, Kaysan Ninvalle, was quick to stamp his authority on the tournament by winning the under-nine category easily against Colin Wong in three straight sets.

Ninvalle, who displays his aggression with every shot along with his IQ for the game, took an early advantage and raced out to a quick 2-0 lead winning the two sets at 11-1 and 11-1.

Wong in the third and final set showed some resilience in trying to stop the very competitive Ninvalle, but simply did not have the aptitude to hold off Ninvalle who took the match point at 11-8.

In the novices’ final, Keshon Reese prevailed over Samuel Woodroffe, winning the encounter 3-1 at 11-8, 11-13, 11-8 and 11-5.

Meanwhile, Ninavlle

missed out on winning his second title of the tournament, falling short to Niron Bissu in the boys’ under-11 final in a stiff match that went the distance and finished in a thrilling five- set encounter.

Bissu took a tough first set as Ninvalle tested him with his delicate spin shots mixed with aggression as the set ended 14-12.

Ninvalle returned to take the second set 11-7 to tie the game at 11-7, while Bissu returned to take the third at 11-5.

With a chance to close out the upstart Ninvalle, Bissue faltered as Ninvalle won the set 11-8 to tie the

match at 2-2.

In the penultimate set, the two budding stars traded shots as Bissu’s use of the backhand was at display and prevailed in the end with a 12-10 win.

Meanwhile, Selenas Jackman had a fairly easy win in the girls’ under-13 final against Nevaeh Clarkston, winning the encounter 3-1 at 11-8, 8-11, 11-6 and 11-9.

Games in the tournament will continue with a number of finals today, while the under-18 category featuring players such as Shemar Britonand Chelsea Edghill are set to get under way.

The Guyana Karate College (GKC) is looking to raise a whopping US$25,000 to ensure participation at the IKD/ CKC Caribbean Karate Championships, scheduled for Trinidad and Tobago on August 15-17 this year.

The GKC is planning to send a 37-member team, comprising mainly senior students who are ranked at brown and black belts. The budget is to offset the cost of travel, food and accommodation.

In order to ensure the amount is realised and the full team can travel to the twin-island republic, the GKC has planned a fundraising bar-b-que/fish fry and fun day for May 25 on the lawns of the college on Woolford Avenue.

Officials of the GKC are urging Guyanese to support the fund-raising venture

and others they would be having in the coming weeks, as they are keen on having a full team represent Guyana at the championships.

The GKC said in a statement, “The Guyana Karate College’s objectives are to assist in breaking the cycle of crime, suicides and violence and promote discipline and strengthen the karate fraternity in Guyana. The Guyana Karate College is open to the public for those who wish to join. Classes are from Monday to Friday at the Scouts Association Building, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.”

Persons/organisations/ businesses that wish to support the GKC in cash or kind can contact Sensei Jeffery Wong or Vivien Connelly on 685-3175 and 695-1004 respectively.

The squad to the IKD/ CKC Caribbean Karate

Championship reads: (males) Carlos Gonsalves, Aaron Connelly, Jonathon Connelly, Otho Harris, John McGrath, Mark Wong, Stefon Smith, Navindra Soodoo, Samuel Munroe, Roland Fanfair, Leon Burnette, Arvin Seelall, Zane Low, Tyler Orderson, Kenrick Cheeks, Yanick Rameswar, Romel Rameshwar, Deron Austin, Antoine Herod, Matthew Harry, Anish Sharma and Kevin Kellman.

The females are Rhea Connelly, Aliya Wong, Tashanna Wong, Hannah Farinha, Rebecca Ramlall, Alysss Persaud, Britney Bettercourt, Emily Bettencourt, Princess Charles, Mickelly Rahaman and Ashley Seelall.

The officials are Sensei Jeffrey Wong, Sensei Guy Low and Sensei Aubrey Bettencourt.

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Air cleared on noconfidence motion against GFF boss

By Treiston Joseph

Apress conference was held on Saturday by General Secretary of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Odinga Lumumba to update the public on their stance with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

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Involved in the press conference were the associations that had voted for a motion to remove president of the GFF Christopher Matthias and Committee Member Keith O’Jeer from their offices citing no confidence in their leadership.

The associations were the GFA, the Guyana Football Coaches Association (GFCA), East Coast Football Association (ECFA), National Women’s Football Association (NWFA), Guyana Football Referees Council (GFRC) and East Demerara Football Association (EDFA).

With a congress set to reconvene 45 days from April 26, Lumumba revealed that all the organizations are pro-football, hence the noconfidence vote.

“Let me make this clear, we’re not on an anti -Matthias mission or crusade, we’re pro-football. The president of any association

must be above board and must be a leader.

“Matthias running and finding weaklings to run under him, this is not his private and personal organization…we have still left the door open for sensible discussion and meaningful resolutions,” Lumumba stressed.

Meanwhile, Lumumba also voiced his hope of moving forward in the future: “We would like to see continuous dialogue to see if we can resolve this issue before the 45 days in which we suppose to act one way or the

other,” Lumumba stated. While all the representatives of the various associations which included Senior Vice-President of the GFF Ivan Persaud; president of the referees council, Alfred King; president of the coaches association Wayne Dover; PRO of the East Bank Association Kevin Anthony; and GFF member Vanessa Dickenson all gave their reason for supporting the no- confidence motion, they all agreed that Matthias was doing a horrendous job with the management of the GFF.

SportEditor Letter to the YBG should be applauded for succeeding where GABA failed

Dear Editor,

I wish to respond to an article entitled “Simply Unacceptable”! published in the Stabroek News daily of Wednesday, May 14, 2014.

While it is not my intention to delve into your entire lengthy article, it is imperative and necessary that I make the following observations.

It must be accepted that over the years until 2014, basketball in Guyana was at its lowest ebb and no one must ever attempted to doubt or argue that. Nothing was done for the development of basketball by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation. Repeated discussions/meetings were held with the then presidents the late Godwin McPherson and David Patterson and their officials to encourage the bringing back of Basketball to its glorious days of the past. Somehow, the initiative and drive were not evident.

Something had to be done to rescue the rapid decline of Basketball, especially at the youth and school levels. Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) must be applauded for successfully taking on that responsibility which indeed is one of the mandates of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation.

The Inter Guiana Games are international sports competitions among students of 19 years and under who must be attending school or an educational institution. The Games are officially held among French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana.

Correctly, the IGG comprises eight and not seven disciplines as was mentioned. Chess is an official discipline of the Inter Guiana Games.

All national associations/ federations are always invited to the first meeting of the IGG for, among other things, the establishing of the IGG committee for the year (two legs of the game).

The organizing committee of the IGG co-ordinates and manages the process of the IGG guided by a Protocol of Agreement of General Rules and Regulations for the organising of the IGG. Unless the Protocol of the IGG is read, studied and understood, then the position taken by the GABF will not be avoided.

Both the late McPherson and immediate past president Mr. David Patterson recognized and accepted that the GABF at the time hadn’t the capacity to organize and prepare the IGG teams. The YGB was brought onboard and was accepted by both gentlemen as they served in office.

Again it is dishonest and unfair for it to be publically said that GABF is the only national body not invited to participate. Whenever a National Association/Federation is unable to prepare teams, alternative measures are put in

place to ensure, in the interest of IGG, Guyana participates in the respective discipline(s). If GABF and Sports Scope had taken the time to do proper investigations, then it would have been revealed that GABF is not the only Association/ Federation not preparing teams for the IGG.

In a letter under the pen of Mr Nigel Hinds, President of GABF addressed to the Director of Sport, dated May 9, 2014, he states reasons for its disapproval and objection for the involvement of the YBG as it relates to the preparation of the IGG Basketball teams.

I must state accordingly:

Reason 2

The NSC is very happy to learn of the GABF’s capacity to organsie and manage the IGG.

Reason 12

The YBG over the long years has enjoyed overwhelming support and sponsorship from many large corporate entities. The year 2014 was even more encouraging.

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation is so discredited that sponsors do not want to support them because they are not accountable and transparent as their history would confirm.

Reason 14

The National Associations/ Federations are aware that they are responsible for the preparation of their IGG teams. Never does the NSC totally provide funding for such preparations. The NSC assists where and when it is necessary.

Reason 16

Funds are never budgeted for individual sports of the IGG. Actually, an IGG budget is prepared for approval under the following heads.

1. Accommodation

2. Transportation

3. Refreshment and meals

4. Field Materials and Supplies

5. Other Administrative Changes

The NSC has never, and has no intention of being disrespectful to the National Associations/Federations including GABF. Rather it is the function of the NSC to promote sports and its organization by all available methods.

The NSC is willing to sit and discuss with the GABF and YBG the issue of the future of IGG Basketball.

I wish at this point to clearly state that GABF cannot dictate for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport/ National Sports Commission.

I wish also to state the following:

1. The MCYS/NSC has not given the GABF any such mandate for the IGG basketball teams.

* We have asked the GABF to provide referees and

TDirector of Sport Neil Kumar

officials and give support to an already established process.

* The Games are coordinated and managed by the IGG Committee.

* The NSC decides on the process it uses for each discipline.

2. The National Sports Commission and Youth Basketball Guyana-National School Basketball Festival, now in its ninth year, have been in the process since 2006, used for basketball. This process was accepted by both the McPherson and Mr David Patterson administrations.

* There is no other system in place at the school level that provides such an expansive and extensive platform for our students to participate in basketball.

* The NSBF provides a fair an open process for all eligible student basketball players.

* It is a proven and tested process.

* Case in point: Guyana females are IGG defending champions.

3. The NSC condemns this imposition by the GABF of randomly hand- picking players who may not be eligible according to the IGG protocol on the grounds of age and/or academic status of students. We further think that this approach is counterproductive to developing a strong foundation for student participation at the school level and would prove destructive in the long term.

4. If the GABF is serious about our students’ development, it will first develop a system to foster such development at the school level. Until then the current process will remain in place.

The NSC will continue to work with all National Sports Associations/Federations for the further development of sport. However, we highly appreciate the efforts of Civil Society, Organisations and persons who are making genuine efforts to help in the process of development.

The NSC looks forward to continue working with all and sundry for peace, unity and the realization of our athletes’ full potential.

Neil Kumar Director of Sport

he Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collaboration with Digicel continued its national junior squash tournament on Friday evening at the Georgetown Club .The tourney is sponsored by Woodpecker Products Limited.

Makeda Harding’s unbeaten streak of three straight games came to an end at the hands of Rebecca Lowe in the girls’ under-13 category.

Lowe was impressive, especially with the use of her forearm shots and dropped Harding hard in three straight sets at 11-6, 1—8 and 11-5.

Alex Cheeks gained an impressive win over Daniel Islam in the boys’ under-15 category, taking the match in three straight tough sets at 12-10, 11-5 and 11-9.

However, Cheeks would also suffer defeat later in the evening, losing to Matthew Phang in an intense match that ended 3-1.

Phang came out and took a tough first set that saw both trading some sweet shots as the set ended 12-10; Cheeks however came back and dominated the second set to win 11-5. Phang, however, did not let up and took two consecutive sets at 11-8 and 11-8.

Ben Mekdeci is proving that he is the best under-17 player in Guyana, dropping Alec Melville in three straight sets at 11-7, 11-7 and 11-7.

Meanwhile, the girls’ under-19 category got under way for the first time in the tournament, with Akeila

Wiltshire looking strong against Taylor Fernandes by winning three straight sets at 11-2, 11-4 and 11-5.

Full results of the evening’s matches were as follows.

Boys under-11 NovicesJames Mekdeci defeated Chad DeAbreu 11/5 11/5 and Kamir Khan defeated Liam Carpenter 11/5 11/5.

Boys Under-11Shomari Wiltshire defeated Nathan Rahaman 11/0 11/0; Ethan Jonas defeated Zachary Persaud 11/6 11/9; Gianni Carpenter defeated Gareth DaSilva 11/2 11/0; Gianni Carpenter defeated Rajiv Lee 11/1 11/6; Shomari Wiltshire defeated Zachary Persaud 11/4 11/2; Michael Alphonso defeated Dominic Collins 13/11 11/6; Dominic Collins defeated Ethan Jonas 11/5 11/8; Demetrius DeAbreu defeated Nechemiyah Levans 12/10 11/4; Nechemiyah Levans defeated Rajiv Lee 14/12 11/9 ; and Michael Alphonso defeated Gareth DaSilva 11/0 11/0.

The boys under-11 category is being played in a

round- robin format, as the winner will be decided by the player with the most points.

Girls under-11: Kirsten Gomes defeated Haley Carpenter 11/8 11/6; Paige Fernandes defeated Aliyah Persaud 10/12 15/13 11/9; and Madison Fernandes defeated Beau Fernandes 11/3 11/0.

Boys under-13- Daniel Islam defeated Gianni Carpenter 11/4 11/0 11/3; Anthony Islam defeated Lucas Jonas 11/1 11/4 11/3; and Shomari Wiltshire defeated John Phang 11/1 11/1 11/5.Boys under-15- Alex Cheeks defeated Daniel Islam 12/10 11/5 11/9.

Girls Under-15: Savannah Mendes defeated Maya Collins 11/2 11/9 11/6; Sarah Lewis received a walk-over from Jamila DaSilva; Rebecca Low defeated Makeda Harding 11/6 11/8 11/5.

Boys Under-17: Shemane Griffith defeated Michael Ramroop 11/2 11/3 11/1; Alec Melville defeated Jael Gaskin 11/2 11/3 11/5; Ben Mekdeci defeated Alec Melville 11/7 11/7 11/7; and Matthew Phang defeated Alex Cheeks 12/10 5/11 11/8 11/8.

Girls Under-17: Larissa Wiltshire defeated Sarah Lewis 11/4 11/2 11/1; Taylor Fernandes defeated Maya Collins 11/0 11/8 11/7; and Larissa Wiltshire defeated Makeda Harding 11/6 11/2 11/3.

Boys Under-19: Nyron Joseph defeated Michael Ramroop 11/4 11/6 11/6. Girls Under-19-:Akeila Wiltshire defeated Taylor Fernandes 11/2 11/4 11/5.

Gizmos and Gadgets contributes to GABA tourney

By Treiston Joseph

Gizmos and Gadgets on Saturday donated uniforms to the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) for the association’s upcoming participation in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) InterAssociation tournament.

At a simple handingover ceremony, Marketing Manager of the electronic and furniture store Divya Sieudarsan related the reason for sponsoring the team in such a unique way.

“We do sponsor a lot of sports teams because we are trying to empower the youths, have them do something recreational to take up their time and let them do something positive so that they don’t go out in the streets and get influenced by all these negative factors in the community right now,” Sieudarsan told this publication.

President of the GABA, Michael Singh, who

thanked Gizmos for the kind gesture noted that it plays into Gizmos’ role as a growing brand.

“This is a good relationship between us (GABA) and the owner Ravi Mangar and they have done stuff for us before, but just deepens their involvement in sport which is a good thing for their brand,” Singh stated at the handing-over ceremony. Meanwhile, Georgetown will start their campaign in the Inter-association tournament on May 17 against Linden, before playing Berbice on May 18 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

BCB decries victimization by GCB

– criticises WICB’s stewardship of Guyana cricket

By Rajiv Bisnauth

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) says it is being victimized by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) following worrying statements made by the GCB’s principals and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in relation to its Independence Cup, which is slated for May 25 this year.

A senior representative of the BCB has also expressed concern over the manner in which the GCB is administering the affairs of cricket in Guyana, explaining that the entity lacks accountability and transparency.

Additionally, the BCB is contending that the GCB’s last general meeting was held and no minutes or financial statements were circulated.

“What is apparently hurting the GCB and more particularly GCB secretary Anand Sanasie is that the BCB has gained the confidence of the Guyanese public and is surviving in difficult times”, the representative added.

Illegal

It maintained that the GCB was illegal and ought to address its deficiencies first before seeking to undermine efforts of the organisers of the Independence Cup.

The BCB, against this backdrop, expressed surprise that the WICB sent out a press release pronouncing that the Independence Cup is not approved cricket” quoting the WICB's Roland Holder.

“The Berbice Cricket Board is surprised that suddenly the WICB wakes up to interfere with the work of a legally elected

Cricket Board”, the representative told this newspaper.

The official said that the tournament remains a noble event with all the proceeds going toward charity and it is surprising that both the GCB and WICB would take such objectionable positions.

“The WICB failed to fix Guyana’s cricket when it ought to, but suddenly takes time off of its busy schedule to try and stop a tournament that has taken place without interference over the years”, the official maintained.

The official did not fail to remind the WICB that the BCB has not been receiving its due subventions for over four years, while other boards, the illegal Demerara Cricket Board and Essequibo are enjoying it.

No turning back

Meanwhile, the BCB’s representative has assured the general public that they will go ahead with plans to host the tournament, despite the WICB claiming that the tournament is not an approved tournament.

“The tournament will go ahead as planned, even if it has to be watered down. The BCB will leave it to the public to judge what is happening in our society these days”, the representative said.

Players who take part in the unofficial tournament may face possible sanctions, among other penalties, inclusive of bans, according to an official from the GCB.

Apart from the players, clubs, associations, venues and officials can also face penalties, the official, who wishes to remain anonymous, said.

On the other hand,

the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club in a letter to this publication on Saturday said that the club has taken a decision not to associate itself with the Independence Cup.

According to the letter, the club’s decision has stemmed from a correspondence received from the GCB, advising that the tournament is not unauthorized by the WICB and as such, clubs and cricketers associating with such a tournament can be severely sanctioned/penalized.

Further, the club is requesting that the names/ photographs of their cricketers be debarred from any advertisement pertaining to the Independence Cup.

The competition, which is a collaborative effort of the BCB and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA), 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.