Guyana Times, October 5, 2014

Glenn Lall seeks to blackmail Govt Ministers

Dr Ramsammy to farmers: Stop using harmful chemicals

TVET programmes being tailored to meet industry needs APNU blanks supporters on NoConfidence Motion

Paedophiles remain a problem in school system – TSC Chair

SunDAY, october 5, 2014 | guYAnAtimeSgY.com

Weather: Heavy rain showers are expected to give way to light rain showers during the day with partly cloudy conditions prevailing in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.02 metres per second.

High Tide: 01:39h and 14:11h reaching maximum heights of 2.47 metres and 2.45 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:40h and 20:07h reaching minimum heights of 0.68 metre and 0.64 metre respectively.

Overseas companies eye investment in Guyana

– praise GuyExpo for providing platform

BY TAJERAM MOHABIR

GuyExpo this year as the years before has attracted thousands, and according to exhibitors, unlike a few years ago, the current forum has

phone companies, to a variety of food, furniture, electronic equipment and gadgets, beauty products and beverages at their disposal.

Some of the exhibitors, who in total number 300 plus, told Guyana

Anand Ramautarsing, a Supervisor of Manufacturers’ Association Suriname said six exhibitors from the neighbouring countries are participating in the expo.

The companies which

projected a strong focus on promoting and establishing business linkages.

The general atmosphere has been a lively one, filled with entertainment, but providing patrons with a range of goods and services to choose from.

These include medical checkups at the Health Ministry booths and cellphone deals from the major

Times that despite the entertainment, the forum has not lost its focus as it is not merely a gathering for an evening out as it was viewed a few years back.

The overseas exhibitors are drawn from a number of countries including Argentina, the US, India, Pakistan and Suriname.

Speaking to Guyana Times ,

are here through the Suriname Manufacturing Association body are showcasing tourism products, juices, peanut butter, shampoos, detergents and plastic wares.

Ramautarsing said they are looking for local distributors for their products, but have been unable to make any business links thus far. However, he said they are optimistic that they will strike luck before the expo ends.

The Surinamese representative said the expo over

the years has been helpful to Surinamese companies, noting that they have been able to establish operations here or locate distributors for their products.

He said the Assuria Insurance Company, which is headquartered in Suriname, came to Guyana through GuyExpo.

The Supervisor said the move to exhibit in Guyana, with the hope to widen business links and expanding operations is rooted in the fact that the Manufacturers’ Association Suriname has full confidence in the local economy and is enthralled at the hospitality of Guyanese.

He said the Association is exploring the option of setting up a centre in Guyana distributing only Suriname products, and lauded the expo for facilitating that kind of business opportunity.

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

A blessed day

Today, the nation is doubly blessed. With the Muslim community, we commemorate mankind’s acceptance that all possesses are due to the beneficence of the Creator. And for that we should humbly always give thanks. We are merely caretakers of those possessions during our sojourn in the world and they must be used to give glory to God, especially in the service of our fellow human beings.

And we are also blessed that on this day, October 5, 22 years ago, democracy was returned to this land after 28 of stygian darkness, mired in the morass of the PNC dictatorship. We emphasise “was returned”, since the removal of the dictatorship did not arrive as “manna” from heaven, but through the blood, sweat and sacrifice of thousands both inside and outside of Guyana.

Foremost among these stands one individual like a colossus – Dr Cheddi Jagan. The “great man” viewed as the “mover” of history was rejected staunchly by Jagan himself. As a Marxist the people’s relations to the mode of production plays that role.

But surely in retrospect we have to concede that whatever “historical forces” there may be, they have to work though individual persons. And in Dr Jagan, Guyana had an instrument that was uniquely suited to give heart to the long suffering Guyanese people that, as far as the dictatorship was concerned, “time was longer than twine”.

Jagan sacrificed his ego to ensure that Guyana had an alternative institution to take over the reins of governance when the days of the dictatorship were brought to an end. The alternative was to have Guyana sink into chaos as so many post-dictatorship societies – such as the Congo and Haiti – have done. There were others, of course. The towering figure among these has to be the martyred Dr Walter Rodney.

A staunch Marxist like Dr Jagan, it is now revealed that, as hinted to by Rodney’s old mentor CLR James, Rodney had arrived at a modus vivendi with the PPP and Dr Jagan. For reasons that are now pellucid, the surviving members of Rodney’s party, the WPA, have conspired to keep this fact hidden. Rodney made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of his country, when he defied the Burnhamite dictatorship and was murdered by the PNC’s “sharper steel”.

Rodney never had an opportunity to “write his will”, as mockingly challenged to by Burnham. His wife had to singlehandedly raise the martyr’s children. It is a fitting tribute to Walter Rodney that the PPP/C Government acceded to the request of Rodney’s widow to establish the terms of reference for a Commission of Inquiry after the WPA dawdled for years.

We now know the reason after Rupert Roopnaraine provided a rationale for the PNC’s assassination of Rodney (Rodney was “amassing” arms) and the WPA subsequently went into a coalition with that party.

Members of the Guyanese Diaspora also played a pivotal role in the return of democracy to Guyana – especially those in the US. Since this country had originally ensconced the PNC into office subsequent to CIA-fostered ethnic riots, and propped it up, they were the ones that could call the shots. With the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, the “communism infiltration” raison d’être was removed and with it, the objections to the PPP, which had always maintained majority support in the country.

Even though the country has progressed since 1992 by every conceivable metric, that progress could have been far greater but for the violent rearguard campaign the PNC and its allies have waged since that time. The Government has had to deal with ethnic riots (1998), armed gunmen taking on the coercive arms of the state frontally from a base in Buxton and only recently, illegally seeking to cut off the interior of the country from the Coast.

Democracy is a gift that must always be guarded. We must be prepared to sacrifice.

Overseas companies eye investment...

This role of the expo, he said, is in keeping with the thrust of the Caricom Single Market and Economy.

On that note, he said the forum has been very helpful to businesses in general as it does not only focus on the promotion of local businesses, but looks at the expansion of regional businesses as well.

Quality Control Officer of Pomeroon Oil Mill Inc Asraf Narine echoed similar sentiments, while underscoring the need for Guyanese to support local products.

He said the focus of the company at GuyExpo is

Officer related that years ago, many European nations waged a vicious war against coconut oil and products, but today, they have backpedaled on their claims and are investing in the Philippines and other top coconut producing countries.

On this score, he contended that the quality of the Golden Brook refined coconut oil is superior but it will take some time for Guyanese to become fully aware.

Narine said samples of the products are in the UK, US and other overseas markets, and the company has received a number of offers.

been average, but was optimistic that it would gain momentum over the weekend.

The young men, who graduated from the Burrowes School of Art last year, said the group joined the expo to advertise its products, and to date has received one business offer.

Some of the products include canvas paintings, ceramic vases and other intricate art work.

The group intends to meet with Go-Invest with the hope of getting an opportunity to market its products overseas.

Shavin International

to make consumers more aware of the health benefits of the Golden Brook refined coconut oil, which can be found in almost every local supermarket.

Foreign-minded

Narine said thought the product is available in the supermarkets; the support from Guyanese has not been stellar since many of them seem to be too foreign-minded.

He related that they prefer to buy the imported cooking oil, many of which are not made of natural ingredients compared to the Golden Brook oil.

The Quality Control

But he said the Pomeroon Oil Mill has encountered a challenge, noting that a number of overseas companies interested in selling the product, want to change its label.

This, he said, will not be allowed as the Golden Brook refined coconut oil is a proud Guyanese product.

Aside from the Golden Brook oil, he said the company makes copra meal and will be introducing several other products, including Virgin Coconut Oil.

Exhibiting for the first time at GuyExpo, Yaniyck Duncan, who is part of a group of five artists, said business at the expo has

India, an Indian-based company vending antique furniture, murtis, canvas paintings and all types of herbal products, intends to set up a store in Guyana after exhibiting at the expo for the past 10 years.

Christine Bisessar, a partner in the company, said the business is moving in this direction since based on the exhibitions it has mounted in Berbice and Essequibo in the past decade, there is a ready market for its products here.

The company, she said, has participated in exhibitions in a number of countries including Ethiopia, Moscow, Trinidad and

Tobago, Barbados and the US, but has a special interest in Guyana as the prospect looks bright.

President Donald Ramotar, who opened the expo on Thursday, commended acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali and the Private Sector for upholding the trade fair which was started some 19 years ago.

Dubbing it the largest exposition in Guyana, President Ramotar said GuyExpo continues to contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy.

Private-Public Partnership Ali in keeping with the theme “Transformation: Partnering for a Better Guyana” underscored the importance of Public-Private Partnership in the transformation of the country’s economic and physical landscapes.

According to the Minister, Guyana has undergone major transformation, now promising a bright future for all.

“We cannot be static and be a part of a transformative process. We must be able to think, act and work beyond what seems confined boundaries that can limit the development of our country,” he posited.

He said in “thinking transformation”, Guyanese need not be risk adverse; hence, it is important to be an optimist.

The time has come for us to understand that good decisions, good policy and major transformation come with risk. Every project has risks, but in the calculation of that risk, we must not become static in our outlook. We must be able to present an outlook that shows to the world that we have an expanding and growing economy with a diversified portfolio.”

Glenn Lall seeks to blackmail Govt Ministers

– if tax fraud cases not dropped

Owner and Publisher of the Kaieteur News Mohan Lall, also known as “Glenn” Lall, is reportedly threatening to blackmail Cabinet members if Government does not drop all the tax fraud cases currently pending in court against him.

Credible reports reaching this newspaper indicate that Lall has been able to obtain various pieces of highly sensitive medical information, either about some Government Ministers or about close members of their family, and has threatened to go public if the Administration does not get off his ‘back’ with the current court cases.

Sources say if indeed it is revealed that Lall obtained the medical information in question by bribery, or any other illicit means, the penalties for

Insiders who spoke with this publication indicated that Lall, however, is bent on forcing the Government to drop all the tax fraud cases currently in court, as well as those still under investigation, as he is runing scared of being sent to prison.

He is also reportedly demanding that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) backtrack on a planned audit of the Kaieteur News holding company.

Sources confirmed that if the tax fraud matters go to trial, questions will surface as to how Lall was able to pay in cash US dollars in America for properties bought in Guyana.

Lall may also be asked to explain his US currency bank accounts in known tax havens.

The blackmail threat becomes credible when consid-

am using my office to deal with the matters I normally deal with.

He threatened to use his newspaper to expose me; I don’t know what wrong I am doing. If I am trying to do the Government’s work I don’t know why people should be upset. If they are doing wrong things they should be subject to the laws as well,” explained Sattaur.

At this stage, it is not clear what the current state of affairs is regarding the Government’s response to Lall’s blackmail of the Attorney General. But several senior Government officials are insisting that the State proceed with a full investigation of Lall regarding his alleged tax evasion to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

These include his alleged

charges against Lall, his wife Bhena Lall and the remigrant couple for allegedly defrauding authorities on import taxes for the two Lexus vehicles. GRA

such offences, if found guilty in a court of law, could be jail time for several years.

Efforts to confirm this blackmail threat directly have proven to be unsuccessful up to the time this newspaper went to press. It is surmised that Government might be weighing its options, including reporting the threat to the Police, at this time.

ered against the background of GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur, who confirmed that Lall threatened him when the remigrant scam involving(Lall first surfaced.

“Lall called me from an overseas number and threatened to expose me; he threatened to deal with me in a matter, as if I’m a thief; and that he’s going to do this because I

collusion with two re-migrants in the importation of two Lexus luxury SUVs, refusal to pay the Government rates and taxes on his property on 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown where Kaieteur News is located, and the importation of products associated with newspaper printing.

GRA has proceeded to file

Lall, and the other in front of Bhena’s Footwear on Regent Street, Georgetown.

This is in breach of the Customs Act and the conditions of the grant of the dutyfree concession.

The Authority has since seized the vehicles, following a stand off at the home of Navin Sankar, a GRA employee, and a total of six criminal charges against the four persons have been filed.

The charges are to be read and heard at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on October 13, when the two couples are expected to make an appearance. It is not yet sure what action will be taken against Sankar.

Additionally, the Brijnanans were jointly charged with the offences of making and subscribing to a false declaration.

Sued for owing taxes

Lall and his wife were recently sued by acting Town Clerk of the Mayor and City Council Carol Sooba for $5.7 million for unpaid rates and taxes in relation to their property on Saffon Street.

In refusing to pay, the Lalls claim that they had a “set off” arrangement with the City Council for publishing advertisements.

is claiming that remigrants Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan of Number 61 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, had imported two Lexus LX 570 motor vehicles into Guyana.

However, the two vehicles were not kept or used by the remigrants, but instead by Lall and his wife. One used to be prominently parked in front of Kaieteur News, driven by

Lall has also been implicated for evading taxes on the importation of printing ink allegedly packaged as a Caribbean Community (CariCom) product, which enjoys duty-free concessions under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Under closer inspection, however, it was reportedly found that the origin of the inks were from overseas, thereby in breach of the Treaty.

Sattaur has filed an ex parte application by way of

affidavit for an interim injunction which seeks in excess of $500 million for “false and malicious” articles published between August 31 and September 23, in the Kaieteur News.

The lawsuit names Lall, Editor Adam Harris and the National Media and Publishing Company Limited as the three defendants. It was heard and granted by High Court Judge, Justice Sandra Kurtzious on September 25.

The GRA head also successfully obtained an injunction to bar the defendants from publishing any other articles about him. With Lall’s continued publication of articles, the GRA called on the newspaper to respect the principle of sub judice and concept of contempt of court.

Lall has also been accused of bribing GRA staff for confidential information, and hacking into Sattaur’s email and sending fake messages.

A recent attempt from an IP address in Bridgetown, Barbados was intercepted, and the Police have been requested to launch an investigation.

Page Foundation

GAnu Dev

oing to school in a foreign country is sort of like living in a cocoon. First of all, there’re the physical barriers from the rest of the society. Here in Trinidad, we’re in dorms within the huge Mt Hope Medical Complex.

(It’s actually named after their first Prime Minister Eric Williams, but no one really calls it that.) It’s fenced off, sprawling and practically self-sufficient: Medical

Living in a cocoon

“A

butterfly is incapable of flight until the struggle to free himself from his cocoon has given his wings the strength he needs; the hardest you’ve ever struggled is the strongest you’ll ever be.” – Christopher Abraham

School, Dental School, Veterinary School, Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital, General Hospital – you name it and they have it.

And then my dorms are even further sequestered within this compound – protected by guards and yet another fence. So when my friends and relatives back home ask me about whether I’m affected by all the crime and shootings and kidnappings in Trinidad, I can say honestly retort with a straight face, “What crime??”

But there’s the even denser cocoon from the rigours of medical school. You literally stagger from exams to exams and you just don’t have time to break out of the physical cocoon even if you wanted to. I’ve noticed

that even some of those students who’re from Trinidad, stay on dorms many weekends. A person has to recuperate!

But the existence of a third cocoon slowly dawning on me, one imposed by the powers-in-charge sticking dogmatically to the curriculum of the school. Now I suppose every course of study must have to impart a set body of knowl edge to those who signed on. But I didn’t expect that real world challenges in the field you’re slogging away at – in my case, medicine –would be totally ignored.

Take this Chikungunya

epidemic that’s swept the Caribbean – and has finally reached Trinidad. Even after The Dominical Republic reported hundreds of thousands of cases, and my native Guyana thousands, it hasn’t even earned a mention from my lecturers. We’re still sticking to the dangers of cigarette smoking in public health! I’d like to preach about the dangers of the “killer sticks” as much as the next person – but surely I think a medical student should have more than a passing acquaintance ABOUT

a viral infection that’s most likely going to hit her and her friends sooner than later. When the acquaintance will be up close – and very personal!

And now there’s Ebola – one of the deadliest viral infections ever to have hit mankind. They say a variant might’ve been the cause of the Black Death that took the lives of countless millions in Europe in the Dark Ages. And not a word uttered in my cocoon. And the thing is, it’s getting closer to home, like Chikungunya. There’s the first case to have hit the west – in Dallas in the US. Well, my first cousin’s getting married in two weeks in Dallas.

Ironically, her dad, my Cha-Cha, works for one of the largest health companies in the world – Abbot Labs

in Dallas. My school cocoon precluded me going up for the wedding, but my dad’s all booked and ready. But thank God for the Internet –subverter of the cocoon. You keep up on your own. If any country might manage to contain Ebola –it’s the US. They have the money and logistical capability to conduct the mass quarantine that’ll be needed to prevent mass contagion like in West Africa. Remember that scary movie, Contagion?? It’s now become real life. And this makes me worry about us in the West Indies. Are we going to be ready when the first case arrives here? As it certainly will? Well, probably not us in this cocoon called Medical School.

CPCE being revamped to meet modern education needs

Coinciding with Education Month, World Teacher’s Day was observed by the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) with an open day aimed at promoting Education Month’s theme “Literate by Grade Four Through Consistent Home, School and Community Involvement”.

Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam while addressing a gathering of trainee teachers, lecturers and other Education Ministry officials on the college’s lawns, said CPCE has a key role to play with indentifying and adequately preparing suitably qualified prospective teachers.

Sam stated that at present the processes of the college are being retuned and revamped to meet the new era education demands.

He stated that thus far, there has been excellent feedback from CPCE in the revamping project and is confident that the approaches and initiatives will be effectively imbedded to the point where sustainability will be attainable.

The provision of online courses is one of the key objectives the Education Ministry is striving to provide to trainees at CPCE, according to Sam.

He urged that CPCE moves beyond traditional methods of teaching. “CPCE must provide education programmes that have not yet been fully defined, such as: Information Communication Technology, Special Needs

education, Visual and Theatre Arts…,” Sam explained.

Further, the Education Ministry is looking to expand secondary school training in the hinterland regions, especially, Regions One, Eight and Nine, thus allowing the same educational access to schools on the coastland.

“Within the next five years we must be able to extend, if not to all, to most teachers that they must be trained before being able to teach in schools. In-service training must be a thing of the past,” Sam said.

In addition, Sam said the Ministry is also hoping to share a holistic vision with the University of Guyana and other educational institutions with CPCE.

CPCE Principal Viola Rowe said the college has been training teachers for 80 years and added that the college now offers an Associate Degree in Education. She urged the trainee teachers to structure learning experiences in such a way that children can develop critical thinking. Rowe stated that the college’s sub-theme for Education Month is “Literacy across the curriculum”.

As part of the festivities, there were a number of booths on display in the compound of the college at Turkeyn, Greater Georgetown. Library, reading and writing resources centre, geography and physical education booths were on display. Guyana Red Cross also had a booth.

Rosemarie Ramitt, a sec-

ond year student is proof of the diversity of the collegesaid she is the first visuallyimpaired student to be admitted to the college. Ramitt described her studies at the school as flawless and enjoyable.

“I get my work done on the computer like everyone else, I type my assignments, I know where all the keys are,” Ramitt said.

She added that when she is researching for her assignments, the college has made available to her the ‘Jaws’ software, which narrates lectures to her.

Minister Ali lauded for prompt attention to accident victims

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali was on Saturday involved in an accident with a motor cyclist, while en route to the GuyExpo Investment Brunch at Parliament Square, Stabroek, Georgetown.

According to a statement, from all reports, the Minister acted responsibly by ensuring that the injured motor cyclist and his pillion rider were taken to a private hospital to ensure they receive prompt and quality treatment.

Housing and Water Minister

Meanwhile, following a News Source publication of the accident, there has been an outpouring of kind words and sentiments on social media regarding those involved in the accident.

“Many also lauded Minister Ali for acting responsibly in ensuring the necessary medical treatment was delivered,” the statement said.

The accident occurred just after 10:00h at the corners of George and Durban Streets, Georgetown.

The race card...

“P...playing in Plaisance

laisance” is a French word meaning “pleasantness”. We all know the village of Plaisance – home of music icon Eddy Grant. But it looks like the PNC’s stirring up some real unpleasantness there. Which has the possibility of blowing up into big trouble if the PNC and Granger keep it up.

We know Granger’s fighting for his political survival. Derided as a wimp by many in the old line PNC, he was even attacked as being “ineffectual” by Lalloo “Suspenders” Ram, who’d hitched his wagon to the PNC train. Even a sycophant like Lalloo can see his chances of ever getting his toe into Government slip-sliding away under Granger’s inept leadership.

Most recently, of course, Granger’s had to follow the “leadership” of the AFC on strategy – dictated by that offthe-seat-of-his-pants comment by Moses Nagamootoo on a “No-Confidence Motion”. With Nagamootoo being shoehorned into becoming the AFC’s presidential candidate by Khemraj Ramjattan, Granger – who denied the Speaker’s seat to the PPP/C’s defector as being “untrustworthy – must be apoplectic!

His attempt at an alternative strategy with his Local Government Elections only served to reinforce his lame leadership. So he’s desperately trying to show he’s man. And as usual with fellas like him with no creative leadership skills, he’s digging into the PNC’s old bag of tricks. And we arrive at what’s playing out at Plaisance.

Here it is, the Government’s been giving out house lots left, right and centre and suddenly in the midst of Granger’s flagging “countrywide protest” a PNC activist through pure serendipity leads the villagers to squat on GuySuCo’s land?? Hardly likely!!

Granger remembers Hoyte’s dirty plot following his 1992 defeat to claim the PPP/C Government was “taking over” some land from the Rosinante Co-op. He issued his infamous “shoot to kill” instruction to the PNC supporters, if anyone came on the land.

The Government should be aware that even cornered rats will strike out – and Granger’s certainly cornered. We can see the orchestration of efforts exploit the issue –letters to the press, Granger’s demands for “investigation” of the land claim, and rejecting the overseer for the NDC. At the time of Hoyte’s provocative statement, Hamilton Green was challenging him out of the PNC. He made some even more provocative and racist statements on a land issue at Paradise on the East Coast of Demerara.

Expect many of those who are challenging Granger to jump in this emotive “land issue”.

A hint to Beba mek Quashie tek notice.

...denied in Brazil

Over in Brazil, our very own incipient superpower, South American neighbour, there’s an exciting Presidential race between two women. That’s right - two women. We’d like to see the day that’ll happen in that beacon of democracy and women’s rights – the US. Maybe LEAD can do some work in its country and LEAD them into the promised land when all citizens – yea, even women, will be equal!

Anyhow, even more new ground’s being broken: one of the women, Marina Silva is of African heritage. The first to reach this far in politics. But Reuters wrote an interesting piece on the race by posing the question as to why Silva isn’t stressing her African origin. That Brazilians on the whole stress “class” and African-Brazilians didn’t see the need to support Silva because of race, was seen as backwardness.

Reuters also felt the need to point out that in Brazil, “blacks are more than three times as likely as whites to suffer from extreme poverty.” As if it’s not the same in the US!!

...objected to in reparations

Abu Bakr reminded the local Reparations Committee that the claim’s being made not only for African slavery –but also Amerindian genocide. We’re sure any omission was inadvertent, but hope that a concerted effort will be made to empower our Indigenous peoples to enter the fray. It’s the moral thing to do.

PPP/C can sell any of its Presidential Candidates – Rohee

– dismisses those who doubt his suitability

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee said the party has the ability to sell any of its candidates to the electorate, including him ahead of any elections.

Rohee made that comment as he dismissed arguments made in various sections of the “Opposition-sponsored” media which suggest that he may not be the best candidate to lead the PPP/C into an election.

“I would give short thrift to that kind of thinking,” he said, explaining that “everybody knows Clement Rohee has been involved in struggle… has been a fighter for the PPP/C… been to prison for the party”.

He said confidently that his credentials with the party and its successive Governments are well established.

“Rohee and PPP/C is synonymous,” he remarked.

Rohee, who is also the Home Affairs Minister, said he expressed an interest to run as the party’s Presidential Candidate back in 2011 because he, like his other comrades, have the interest of all Guyanese at heart and

understands the needs of the electorate.

“Whoever the PPP/C puts up as its Presidential Candidate, whether it puts back Mr Ramotar or whatever the case maybe… the party has the wit and political influence to be able to sell its candidate,” the General Secretary reiterated.

He said the first step would see the party’s leadership discussing and considering the various nominations for the post, if any. When this is done, the candidate is shared and re-introduced to the membership who then spread the word after the process and rational behind the selection is fully explained to them.

Rohee contended that the party’s decision as to who will be its Presidential Candidate or list of candidates is determined on the basis of a number of factors with meritocracy at number one.

He said any Presidential Candidate must possess the ability to sell the party’s programmes and ideology to the public and must understand the internal workings of the institution.

“We are not in for superficiality… window dressing and im-

age making,” he said, dismissing assertions that the party should choose its candidate on the premise of popularity only or any other consideration related to creating a façade ahead of elections.

Rohee did not say whether he would be running for the top leadership post of the party anytime in the future. He did not say whether discussions have begun internally as to who will be fielded as the

party’s Presidential Candidate were there to be snap elections given the No-Confidence Motion which was tabled by the Alliance For Change (AFC) against the Government.

Back in 2011, Rohee and four other candidates were nominated to become the PPP/C’s Presidential Candidates under a new internal electoral system.

After a round of discussions, Donald Ramotar emerged successful, ahead of Rohee, Gail Teixeira, Mosses Nagamootoo and Ralph Ramkarran.

Posture

The latter two left the party after complaining about the process and several other issues which were raised about the posture of the PPP/C.

Rohee, even though not being selected as the party’s Presidential Candidate, immediately endorsed Donald Ramotar and returned to the work of the party.

Following the elections, he was selected as a senior Cabinet Minister in President Ramotar’s Government and was subsequently elected as the party’s General Secretary in 2012.

Prior to these develop-

ments, Rohee served as the country’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister and held several other portfolios within the Government and the party.

Following the elections, the party held its Congress and it was felt that it was not doing enough for its grassroots support base. The party supporters had shared several concerns about the behaviour of its leadership.

But Rohee insisted that the PPP/C since the last elections had been focused on rebuilding and reorganising its party machinery to regain the parliamentary majority which it lost in 2011.

He stressed that as General Secretary, he is convinced that the PPP/C is stronger than it was back then and in a better place to retain its parliamentary influence.

“The PPP/C has not lost its sting,” he said.

“We have worked very hard to correct whatever deficiencies or mistakes we made in our past that resulted in us losing our majority in Parliament. We have overcome the challenges that made us weak and improved in other areas,” he charged.

Dr Ramsammy to farmers: Stop using harmful chemicals

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said while the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides are critical for production in the agriculture sector, he is urging farmers to consider replacing the harmful chemicals.

Dr Ramsammy was at the time addressing students at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) at the beginning of Agriculture Month last Wednesday.

The Minister noted that Agriculture Month provides an opportunity to begin an accelerated movement towards sustainable technology that will improve agriculture at the familyfarming level, as well as at the medium size and mega farming levels.

He outlined that through the GSA, the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the fisheries sector, the Ministry is looking to introduced new technology on the use of bio-fertilisers in agriculture.

Dr Ramsammy said at the beginning of the year, the Ministry recognised the need to buy fertiliser and introduce natural remedies for pests that destroy crops.

The Minister explained that these measures to introduce sustainable technology are taken to replace the unsustainable practices that are used locally, regionally and around the world.

He stated that there are many alternatives to chemical fertilisers and Guyana should not be shy to utilise them. Dr Ramsammy went on to talk about mechanisation in certain sectors of the agriculture sector, such as sugar, rice and cash crop.

On this note, the

Minister acknowledged the work being done by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to use bio-fertilisers and micro-organisms to generate the micro-nutrients of those chemicals that are required for the healthy growth of crops. He noted that while the sugar industry has already adopted the mechanisation policy, the rice industry is almost fully-mechanised.

According to Dr Ramsammy, there are many chemical pesticides that are being used today that help to contribute to the success of the agriculture sector; however, he commended those agriculturists who engage in the use of alternatives methods.

The Minister further recognised the work being done by NAREI on this issue.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Minister made reference to the Montreal Protocol and Stockholm Convention that Guyana signed on to years ago. These doctrines recognised that while fertilisers, chemicals and pesticides help in the long-term, they can also be harmful.

Dr Ramsammy emphasised the need for farmers to be informed about these doctrines and implement them into their everyday lives.

In addition, the Minister spoke about the fading importance of the use of antibiotics in both the agriculture and health sectors. He noted that many of the most critical antibiotics are in danger of becoming useless because the micro-organisms that they are being used against are becoming resistant to them.

“Antimicrobial resistant stands out today as a global treat to food and nutrition security and development as a whole,” he stated.

The Minister went on to point out that the livestock industry has experience great productivity as a result of the use of antibiotics.

He said in the health sector, there are at least 12 major antibiotics that are used to keep people alive and healthy, but today they are becoming useless in hospitals and health clinics since they have been abused in the health sector as well as the agriculture sector.

TVET programmes being tailored to meet industry needs

Representatives from Canadian colleges are meeting with technical institutes here with the aim of curtailing and redesigning some of the courses they offer to meet the needs of local industries.

The initiative to make local courses offered by Guyanese technical institutes more industry-specific was birthed from discussions with Colleges and Institutes Canada.

The move hopefully will boost Guyana’s overall economic development while making the students themselves more equipped and prepared to deliver in the world of work.

The entities that will benefit from the initiative are the Georgetown and Linden technical institutes.

This initiative falls under the Caribbean Education For Employment (C-EFE) Project, which is being funded by the Canadian Government.

Head of Aid within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Development at the Canadian High Commission Office Daniel Joly said work

Hawaiian nights

Satiricus was very pleased. The old people used to say,

“If you can’t stand the heat, don’t be in the kitchen”. But the old people never said when you run from the kitchen where you should go. Well now he knew: go to Hawaii! At least this was where the Muckraker’s Mook fled to now that the heat in Guyana was turned up against him.

For years and years, the Mook had a field day throwing mud – even sh*t – at anyone he had a grudge against. And the Mook had grudges against a whole lotta people. It wasn’t hard to get in the Mook’s bad books. Just work hard and be successful and you’re in!! That’s right. You could get in faster if you made money. That drove the Mook into fits of rage that made the Hulk look like a choir boy.

Right away, he’d have his house slave concoct up all kinds of lies and slander and plaster it all over the Muckraker. One thing you had to give to the Mook – he knew ordinary people liked to get the dirt on successful people. Even if it was made up dirt. But it looked like he picked the wrong Big Man finally. This fella knew that the Mook was more twisted than a pretzel...and had the facts to prove it.

Like most fellas who point their fingers at others – the Mook forgot he was pointing three right back at himself. And the Big Man just followed the trail. Turns out the Mook was not only stealing a hundred million on a single dutyfree car scheme to defraud the taxman, he was willing to take down with him the parents of one of his closest pals. Sick.

So the Big Man turned the screws on the Mook. He seized the cars. You should see the sweat run down the Mook’s bald head!! The friend’s parents had to run back to the states. The Mook tried to hit back. He hacked into the Big Man’s email. The Big Man turned it over to the Police. The Mook started to shake worse than if he had the ‘Gunya!!

The Police turned it over to Interpol: hacking into international browsers like Hotmail’s a federal offence. The Mook couldn’t swallow his spit! Couldn’t sleep. So his best friend Tony picked him up (remember he doesn’t have a car) and dropped him at the airport to fly to Hawaii. They’d had a sweet time in Suriname last year. The Mook believes the Hawaiian breeze on the beach at Waikiki might dry his sweat.

The last time the Mook was spotted he had on his grass skirt, dancing the Hula with his arms undulating gracefully and his hips swaying suggestively.

But Satiricus wondered what would happen when the Mook returned to Guyana to face the music – and the heat.

Looks like he’ll be dancing the Hula for the fellas at Lot 12 Camp Street!! Without the grass skirt!!

still needs to be done to ensure the relevant certifications, such as the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) meet international standards.

“Caricom needs to bring together institutions of the region to define and to agree on CVQ to accredit technical institutions that train in these programmes… in this way, international corporations will know what to expect in hiring a graduate from Guyana,” he said.

Companies such as Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP), Farm Supplies (FarmSup) and Guyana Goldfields Incorporated have already gotten onboard with the Canadian institutions to upgrade their operations.

Education Minister Priya Manikchand explained that the “industry is best positioned to share with techni-

cal trainers what skills are needed in the workplace. Together, they can design courses that will meet the needs of the employer and ensure our young people get good jobs”.

Senior Technical Advisor for the project, Craig Morrison, said the sessions between the various institutions and industries are ongoing and classes for the newly-developed courses should start in January.

Morrison posited that graduates will be able to work anywhere in the world once the programmes are upgraded to international certification.

There has long been a concern that the technical institutes here are not doing enough to ensure that their graduates meet expected industry standards. This project aims to correct this problem.

Economic growth drawing foreign participation in GuyExpo

Over 20 regional and international companies are currently participating in GuyExpo 2014, introducing their products, exchanging ideas and negotiating new contracts and deals for further co-peration.

Aware of the advantages that Guyana has to offer, the exhibition has therefore become the ideal commercial hub for many investors, who are hoping to enter the Guyanese market including Solaris Technologies of

ucts to the people of Guyana, the company is also providing education in terms of how persons can get started in solar power consumption, thereby saving a lot of money.

But while the expo is providing the forum to introduce the business to the local market, Guyana’s economic growth and stability are factors drawing Solaris Technologies, Mungal said.

“We are seeing a lot of activities, we see the Chinese, we see a lot of multinational

Trinidad and Tobago.

Headquartered in Port of Spain, this company which offers environmentallyfriendly, sustainable energy management solutions and products aimed at encouraging businesses and households to reduce energy consumption is currently expanding its operations. The goal is to open up shop in Guyana having already done so in Barbados, Jamaica and Miami, Manager, Ted Mungal said.

“We have found an ideal location (GuyExpo) whereby people from all over Guyana can come and look at our products, look at our solutions and come and chat with us in terms of how we can help them to bring down their power consumption,” Mungal said.

In addition to using the forum to promote the company’s solar solution prod-

corporations, we see oil exploration, and we felt it was prudent after all these years to enter the market and enter the positive thrust the country is experiencing,” he said.

Similarly, the stability of the Guyanese economy is the factor that would have ensured the participation of Titan Resources Limited in GuyExpo 2014. The Trinidadian company provides petroleum and petroleum by-products including D2 diesel, corrode oil and kerosene.

Managing Director, Ernesto Singh noted that, “Guyana has one way to go and that is up and the people who get their foot in Guyana now will reap the benefit soon.”

Soon, Guyana will become an oil producing nation and with oil comes growth and development, so we are

trying to get our foothold in Guyana in the early stages so when the oil comes in, we will be part of the development,” Singh said.

He noted that his aim is to attract the “big players” because his product is not for the masses, and noted that already the responses have been good.

Also participating for the first time in the expo is Trinidad Label Company Limited (TLC).

“We have definitely seen

the potential in terms of the Guyanese economy,” General Manager Sean Lee explained.

He further noted that “the buzz word around that in terms of the resources, things are happening over at Guyana; so we definitely want to be part of that... we know that there are a lot of customers out there and the potential is huge, so definitely we want to be in the market and have our feet on the ground here.”

GuyExpo, Guyana’s premier trade and exposition is being held under the theme “Transformation: Partnering for a better Guyana,” from October 2 to 5 at the Sophia Exhibition Complex. In addition to the international participation from eight countries, the products of another 400 local businesses is being showcases at the site that is expected to see over 110,000 visitors over the duration of the expo.

APNU blanks supporters on No-Confidence Motion

– denies being led by AFC

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

Leader of A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) David Granger has admitted that the coalition had failed to hold any consultations with its constituencies before signalling its support for the Noconfidence Motion tabled by the Alliance For Change (AFC).

The Motion, which seeks to rid the country of the ruling Donald Ramotar Administration, was in early August filed in the National Assembly by the AFC after it accused Government of failing to execute its duties within the constitutional ambit.

Granger, speaking to Guyana Times in an exclusive interview on Friday, said that while APNU did not hold actual discussions with the people, the go ahead was given by their representatives; the executive and leadership councils.

Several of the party’s supporters on the ground do not support the NoConfidence Motion, but rather a push for Local Government Elections (LGE).

According to Granger, the meetings held with these two councils, were enough for the major Opposition

party to throw in its support for the Motion.

Meanwhile, political analysts have posited that the APNU, being the major political player in the oneseat majority in the House, should have been the one to first put forward a proposal such as the No-confidence Motion, if needs be, against the Donald Ramotar Administration.

Not following AFC

They claim too that the party, because of its weakened state, might be trailing its junior partner in this regard. But Granger explained that his party is not following the AFC.

“We are not following the AFC, we have taken a line to support the Noconfidence Motion. There were four courses of action and the No-Confidence

Motion was only one. The matter of the Financial Paper One of 2014 was responded to by APNU by having a motion brought in the National Assembly for the Finance Minister to be taken to Committee of Privileges and we did take action due to the financial papers,” Granger told Guyana Times

According to him, the third course of action was to have the No-Confidence Motion, and that was agreed upon by the two sides. He pointed out that the motion belongs to the AFC, but APNU will maintain its commitment to the Motion.

Asked if his coalition had ever before on its own, consider such a motion against the current Government, Granger responded in the negative, however, he was sure to point out that the party had taken its own actions in the National Assembly.

These actions included the No-confidence Motion set against Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee in 2012 and the case against Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh earlier this year.

AFC’s non-support for LGE

Analysts have also commented on the reluctance of the AFC to throw “whole hearted” support

Simply

for APNU’s push for LGE. There are talks that while APNU has thrown its weight behind the AFC’s No-confidence Motion, there is little support demonstrated by the AFC for APNU’s call for LGE. This, it was noted, could be seen in the absence of AFC supporters at the spate of protest actions carried out by APNU.

But Granger said he and his coalition could not be bothered by the level of support received from the AFC. According to him, it is APNU’s campaign and whether or not support is given by the AFC, the campaign is progressing.

“If it chooses to come up, it’s a matter for them but we are conducting our campaign and we will continue to do so whether the AFC is present or not.”

The People’s Progressive Party had already said that the two parties seem divided on the pending Noconfidence Motion. General Secretary Clement Rohee said it was quite obvious that one party is heading East, while the other is heading West and that he was waiting to see where they both will end up.

Questions have been posed about APNU’s real position, since although it is calling for President Donald Ramotar to name a date for local government polls, it has also signalled its commitment to the NoConfidence Motion put forward by the AFC.

Tangible proposals

Meanwhile, Granger on Friday said his party has been making adequate representation for its constituencies in the National Assembly through tangible proposals.

The Opposition Leader in response to questions on when APNU will be able to offer tangible solutions to the many problems affecting its electorate, said that this is being done at the level of the National Assembly.

At the party’s press conference, reporters sought to ascertain if the party would at any time soon be able to offer solutions rather than continuously bash the ruling administration.

Granger said the Government has been heeding the proposals for development put forward by the coalition. And while the impression may be created that the proposals have been by-passed by the Government, actions would often time follow. He said much attention must be given to the criticisms made against the Government and the responses which follow.

the Truth

Victims of sexual abuse

One of our politicians has been accused of sexual molestation and harassment by a young man. We must be very careful not to rush to judgement one way or the other. My experience in Guyana has been that any accusation is equivalent to condemnation and a verdict of guilty.

All one needs in order to malign another is to accuse that person. The accused in turn has no real recourse to justice. And the false accuser pays no price whatsoever. In other places, false accusations bring harsh penalties for the false accusers!

Not here! We spit upon the Commandment that is given:

“Bear not false witness against thine neighbour!” If we spit or worse upon the Word of God, we do but join hands with the Devil.

From what I have read, the young man that has accused this politician has been through some horror stories. And yet, we need to withhold judgement until all the facts are considered by all relevant agencies, including the legal people, law enforcement, and psychologists. We also know that all politicians are fair game, so being balanced is imperative.

The alleged victim simply must be treated with compassion as well. We must be very careful not to judge the victim and therefore exact further victimisation. This is such a dreadfully complex issue that simplification can result is death.

So let us walk carefully, analyse from all possible angles and dimensions. If it all turns out that the alleged victim is truthful according to the evidence and analysis, then justice must be meted out in the harshest possible terms according to what the law allows!

We know that the victims of sexual molestation (regardless of gender, and familial, legal and matrimonial ties) become almost hysterically attached to their violators. The Stockholm Syndrome. After a while, victims try to get closer to their rapists and pillagers in order to stay “safe”.

This simply perpetuates the abuse, but it is difficult to persuade victims of that. So the rape and pillage becomes a habit and the victim now becomes abused at the pleasure of the victimiser. It never ends, because the secret is kept. Anyone who keeps such a secret only makes matters worse. It is as simple and as brutal as sexual slavery.

There is an enormous body of research that proves beyond any doubt that the victims of sexual molestation, abuse and rape is committed by close relatives: uncles, cousins, brothers, fathers, and so on. Not one single psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker would disagree.

We also know that these “familial” ties (and other ethnic, religious and social constraints) create steel chains around the mouth of the victims. We also know that abusers are notorious for apologising for having committed the sexual or domestic abuse. But they do it again anyway!

It is also indisputable that sexual abuse or rape is not about sex! It is about domination and violence! But the sense of shame in the victim and family is greater than the sense of justice or the respect for truth.

There is this sick secrecy that cages the truth and creates lives based on lie after lie after lie. Whole lives are murdered like this. People live a life of pretence and vulgar hypocrisy; they go about as if all is well and normal. And the abuse continues.

It gets worse, for all value systems are turned upside down: the victims begin to defend the abuser. The Devil is seen as God, and evil as good. The language of the victim begins to echo that of the abuser. Hate becomes love, and true love becomes an irritation or worse. It becomes a very, very diseased world.

And yet, it takes courage for victims of sexual abuse to speak the truth about these things. Real courage! Not many are blessed with this courage. In Guyana it is an epidemic. Even in developed countries, there is this fear to expose the criminals.

But things are changing in places like the USA where in New York State, there have been more than 77,000 calls to 911 about domestic abuse and rape by “partners”! Beasts who abuse and rape their “partners” are being exposed and dragged before the law! The death veil of silence is being lifted, finally!

Not so in our nation, however. With us, the shame is so great that the mouth is stapled shut even during the rape. The voice of the victim is silent. And if those of us that truly care try to make those voices heard, it is the victims themselves who would resent us.

This “issue” (I despise the word that pretends that a disease is not a disease!) is more than about a politician who has been accused of sexual molestation or rape. It is about each and every one of us standing up and saying: No more! No more lies.

Our lies not only condemn us as individuals and our society, it contaminates whatever good we try to do for our fellow Guyanese and human beings. It condemns our children and their children after them.

This horror will continue until and unless we have the courage to speak. For the sake of our children, speak!!

Paedophiles remain a problem in school system – TSC Chair

By Svetlana MarShall

Sexual misconduct

in the public education system remains a problem, Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Chairperson Chandrawati Leila Ramson has disclosed.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, Ramson said the Commission is often flooded with complaints against teachers at all levels, but sexual misconduct is a cause for concern.

She explained that the TSC continues to receive reports about teachers engaging in sexual relationships with students.

Though they have been a few such reports in the urban areas, Ramson said most of the reports come from the interior. “There are sexual cases that we have been investigating but not a lot… these cases are mostly from the interior, but I would not specify which region,” she said.

When teachers are implicated in these troubling allegations, they are often hauled before the Commission’s Disciplinary Committee led by Allan Munroe. Due to the severity of the case, Ramson said teachers are either demoted or dismissed, but most teachers often opt out of the system before being sentenced.

Sexual assaults

Earlier in the year, the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) vented its dissatisfaction following reports of sexual assaults on students by teachers. According to the union, these misconducts paint a negative picture of the education system, but most importantly teachers.

The GTU had issued the statement in February, shortly after the Guyana Police Force put out a wanted bulletin for Ronald Forde. Forde was wanted in connection with a rape allegation.

It was alleged that in November 2011, Forde, a teacher of the Fort Wellington Secondary School, West Coast Berbice was charged with having carnal knowledge of one of his students, aged 14, fully knowing that she was under age 18.

The charge, to which he was not required to plead, was read to him at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court. He was subsequently refused bail by Magistrate Roby Benn. Forde had complained of losing his cellphone a few weeks before the charge. The phone was eventually found. Images of him having sex with a female student were reportedly seen on the device. It was rumoured that the teacher and the student were having an affair.

In another matter, a teacher was accused of having sexual relations with a student on the East Coast of Demerara earlier in the year. While cases of sexual miscon-

Fort Nassau miner perishes as pit caves in

Three days after a miner was killed at Princeville, Mahdia, Region Eight, another met his demise in a similar manner when a mining pit caved in at White Hole Backdam.

duct in urban Guyana are reported in the press, the reports from the interior are often times swept under the carpet.

But this is just one of the many problems affecting schools in the interior. According to the TSC Chairperson, often times the Commission is left with no other choice than to appoint unqualified teachers.

“Many times we have to appoint teachers who are not qualified but if we don’t do that, the school doors would be locked,” she said.

It was explained that while regular applications for various posts in the school system are sent to the Commission, in the case of far flung communities, the Commission depends heavily on the Regional Education Officer (REO) to send recommendations. It is based on the recommendations made that the Commission appoints teachers.

Tip of the iceberg

But according to Ramson, this are just the tip of the iceberg. Punctuality and absenteeism by teachers across the country remain major problems. “Teachers are short changing our nation’s children,” she complained.

Improper conduct, in appropriate dress, neglect of duties, insubordination, inefficiency, unallowed corporal punishment, verbal and physical abuse of students and peers, irregularity and tardiness and criminal matters are among the other issues engaging the attention of the Commission.

Headteachers are mandated to give the first set of warnings before the matter is referred to the REO, Chief Education Officer and then the Commission.

Like in other scenarios, teachers guilty of these misconduct are often demoted, transferred or suspended based on the magnitude of the situation. The TSC has three major functions: to appoint, promote and discipline. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy. com)

The dead man has been identified as Noland Lindie, 43, of Fort Nassau, Berbice River.

According to information received, Lindie and four other men were working in a pit measuring about 20 feet in depth when it caved in. The four men scramble to safety but Lindie was left behind. After some three hours, his lifeless body was pulled from under the dirt.

He was nevertheless taken to the Mahdia Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body is at the mortuary and is expected to be transported to the city today.

Stanley Lindie, a brother of the dead man told Guyana Times that he saw his brother alive about 07:30h as he left to transact some business at the

“Landing”.

The grieving brother stated that as he was heading back to the work site, the operator contacted him via telephone and related the unfortunate news.

“All that they tell me was that Noland and four other people went in the pit and it cave in… the other people run for their life but Noland nah mek it.”

He added that it took the other workers more than three hours to retrieve his brother’s body since they were

not sure of the exact location he was covered.

The brother stated that upon his discovery, he had no visible marks of violence and might have suffocated.

Lindie, the brother related worked at various mining pits in the interior, noting that he started to work at White Hole about six months ago. The man’s unfortunate demise has left the mining camp in disarray and sorrow. Lindie leaves to mourn his 12 siblings.

Only three days ago, another Berbician Rocklyn Solomon, 32, of Lot 13 Paradise Village, West Coast Berbice died after the mining pit, also at Princeville he was working at caved in.

It was reported that Solomon, along with other workers, was in a pit when the wall collapsed, trapping him. After some time, the other men managed to extricate him, but he was motionless.

The former Police rank, who was attached to the Mahaicony Police Station, was rushed to the Mahdia

Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Solomon would have left home about a month ago with his siblings and a friend for Mahdia. He worked most of his life in the interior. He also worked with RUSAL Bauxite Company for some time before he branched off into the family business.

As recent as August 13, Clifton Rodrigues, 55, of Aishalton, Region Nine and Leon Mootoo, 20, of Berbice lost their lives when they were trapped in a caved-in mining pit at Marudi Mountain, Aishalton.

It was reported that Rodrigues was trapped beneath tonnes of gravel after the walls of the pit that he and two other colleagues were working in collapsed.

Mootoo, who was pulled from the pit before Rodrigues’ body was found, succumbed to his injuries. The miners were reportedly trapped many feet below the surface. One of the men managed to escape unhurt.

AFC preparing for General Election next year

– nominates Presidential, Prime Ministerial candidates

The Alliance For Change (AFC) on Saturday held a high-energy meeting to finalise its strategy as the party prepares for Regional and General Elections early

next year.

According to a release, representatives from all 10 administrative regions gathered at the Georgetown Club with representatives from the

Diaspora joining by Skype to put details to the party’s strategy that will guide it at the 2015 polls.

The small party said that there were a number of youth and women members of the AFC represented at the meeting.

“The National Executive Committee (NEC) gave total support to the No-Confidence Motion and saw the representatives pledging 100 per cent commitment to move the elec-

tion process forward. All representatives were highly motivated and eager to get back to the regions to advance the work that will give the AFC the advantage at the next poll.

“The AFC leadership in one voice condemned the minority Government for undermining the Constitution by refusing to hold Local Government Elections and establishing a Procurement Commission, as well as unlawfully spending public funds not authorised

by the Parliament,” the party claimed.

The meeting also saw the NEC pledging full support for the party Co-founder and now Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman in the face of a damning child sodomy allegation.

The meeting of the NEC received four nominations for the Presidential Candidate, namely Khemraj Ramjattan, Nigel Hughes, Moses Nagamootoo and Cathy

Hughes.

Nominations received for the Prime Ministerial Candidate were Raphael Trotman, Nigel Hughes, Cathy Hughes, Dr Verasammy Ramayya and David Patterson. The decision on who will be elected the Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates will be made when the party holds is biennial National Conference on October 25.

Eid-ul-Adha messages

Reflect on virtues of sacrifice to Allah – PPP/C

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) extend greetings to all our Muslim brothers and sisters on this auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha

The PPP/C calls on all Guyanese, in particular Muslims, to use the occa-

sion to reflect on the significance of this observance which portrays the virtues of sacrifice and obedience to the will of Allah.

These are values that are universally embraced by peoples throughout the world and have served

over the centuries to guide humanity along the path of righteousness and submission to the will of the Almighty.

As we observe this occasion, let us spare a thought for the less fortunate in our society and the world at large who are

the victims of deprivation and want and those who suffer from religious persecution.

Unlike many parts of the world, we are truly blessed to live in a country where there is religious freedom and tolerance.

Let us also embrace the lessons of faith and submission, especially at this time when there are forces in our society who seems determined to test the will and patience of the Guyanese people by seeking to trample on their democratic and constitutional rights.

But, as the lessons of Eid-ul-Adha so forcefully brings out, justice and truth always prevails over injustice and backwardness.

Once again, happy Eid -ul-Adha greetings to all Guyanese.

Let us not forget our needy brothers

– Anna Catherina Islamic Complex President General

Islam celebrates two great festivals annually, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eidul-Adha. The first is the great festival that follows the month of Ramadan and the second occurs about two months later, when an animal is sacrificed in commemoration of the steadfastness of Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael. This festival, incorporated in the great pilgrimage to Mecca, is also observed all over the Muslim world at the same time. The underlying importance of this festival is the spirit of sacrifice (qurbani) in memory of Prophet Abraham’s great act of faith many centuries ago.

Eid-ul-Adha is a time for Muslims to learn the value of self-denial by making a sacrifice of the things we love, to God Almighty.

Prophet Abraham’s great act of submission is thus regarded solely as an example of genuine surrender to the will of God and is to be followed as such. Today, more than ever, human beings need to incorporate the lessons of this great sacrifice into our lives.

Qurbani offers lessons to all persons aspiring to become leaders. God had said to Abraham, “I have made you the father of many nations.”

Because of his faith, God had made him both a prime example of true faith among men and also the father of the faithful. God approved both his faith and trust and accordingly decreed that those who had faith like Abraham were to become his sons and be blessed like him.

Therefore, any leader must display the character of our great Prophet Abraham, especially his willingness to sacrifice everything he loved, for the ultimate hereafter. No one can be blessed with leadership, if he displays no feeling, care and love for his fellow human beings. The world in which we live faces us with difficult choices. Our guidance comes from our willingness to turn toward God and to find peace within ourselves. Then, and only then, will we feel content in our choices. Our global society could

Be inspired by the

benevolence of Ibrahim

– Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman, Shaheed Boys & Girls Orphanages

The Executive of the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman (GUSIA) and the Board of the Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanages take the opportunity to extend to our Muslim Community and the Guyanese nation, greetings on the occasion of Eid-ulAdha.

and should be an example of co-existence and cooperation, of mutual benefit and human concern. Muslims need to create an inner environment of peace and faith, of tranquility, non-violence, and security.

Then we can hope to find solidarity and to create cooperation by supporting one another, standing by one an-

other in what is good and right and needed for success, growth, and sustainability. We are to let everyone know the true basis of Islam, its real values, its true principles, its way of life based on pluralism, democratic principles, faith, and mutual respect. Islam abhors and condemns terrorism and aggression, espouses peace

and security and safety for all people regardless of nationality or religion or gender or race.

Let us not forget our poor and needy brothers and sisters as we observe this festival, by sharing our sacrificial offerings with them. It is our sincere hope and prayer that we are able to affirm the unity possible among Muslims,

and between Muslims and other religions. We face the challenges of living in a globalised world where there is greater alienation and distance between classes of individuals based on economics and education. We must work hand-in-hand with people who have faith in the essential goodness of humankind.

We join with Muslims throughout the world to remind all of the eminence and virtues of this great but honourable leader of mankind and to echo the feelings of love for this great Prophet of Allah and his beloved son, Ishmail. In this age of political instability, ethnic and racial violence, greed, materialism and uncertainties, the selfless actions and willingness to sacrifice that which he loved best, still remain a vivid example of qualities in a human that allows him to tower over all others.

We join to express joy and goodness on this special occasion of Eid-ulAdha.

This day, which observes the great sacrifice of the great friend of Allah – Prophet Ibrahim (AS), is a day which must fill the hearts of mankind with great joy. The Prophet Ibrahim was a person who translated in his life, qualities that are associated with great character. Generations of nations are preserved by his teachings. Islam recognises the superiority of the actions of this great Prophet by commanding Muslims to emulate these acts. The establishment of progressive nations and successful people are results of adherence to the guidance of great prophets as Prophet Ibrahim.

Guyana Franchise names players for Professional Cricket League

– Sarwan among franchise draft nominees

Cricket Guy Inc., the company formed to take charge of the Guyana Franchise, has confirmed its 10 players retained for the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League’s (PCL) Regional Four-Day and NAGICO Super50 Tournaments.

The retained players are: West Indies players Devendra Bishoo, Narsingh Deonarine, Assad Fudadin, Leon Johnson, Veerasammy Permaul and Christopher Barnwell, West Indies A team fast bowler Ronsford

Beaton and First-Class players Anthony Bramble, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Trevon Griffith.

Former West Indies

Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan is among the additional pool of 15 players provided by the local franchise for the player draft nominees.

The other players are: Anthony Adams, Ricardo Adams, Robin Bacchus, Kevon Boodie, Rajendra Chandrika, Royston Crandon,

Chanderpaul Hemraj, Steven Jacobs, Raun Johnson, Keon Joseph, Amir Khan, Zaheer Mohamed, Vishal Singh and Paul Wintz.

Veteran West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who is a centrally contracted WICB player, is an automatic pick among the remaining five for Guyana.

Sarwan, the stylish righthander, who has 15 centuries from 87 Tests, but has not played Test cricket since July 2011, heads the Player Draft nominees list announced by the WICB.

He is joined by Fidel

Edwards, Tino Best, Ravi Rampaul (pending his agreement), Krishmar Santokie (pending his agreement), Samuel Badree (pending his agreement), Ryan Hinds, Nelon Pascal, Gavin Tonge, Miles Bascombe and Garey Mathurin as players with international playing experience.

The WICB on Friday announced the list of 102 players who will be in the PCL Draft. The PCL Player Draft will be staged on Monday,

October 6, in Barbados from 11:00 hours.

The Player Draft will commence with the Guyana Franchise making the opening selection followed by the Leeward Islands Franchise, the Jamaica Franchise, the Windward Islands Volcanoes, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and finally the Barbados Franchise. This sequence will be repeated for each of the five rounds of draft picks.

A total of 30 players will be drafted. The remaining players will be available for Pay-For-Play contracts at the

discretion of the various franchises.

Draft players

Each of the franchises has nominated 15 players and the WICB nominated an additional 12 players.

The WICB Professional Cricket League Draft Players are as follows: Barbados franchise draft nominees: Anthony Alleyne, Tino Best, Rashidi Boucher, Sharmarh Brooks, Royston Chase, Fidel Edwards, Justin Greaves, Antonio Greenidge, Ryan Hinds, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Raymon Reifer, Javon Searles and Kenroy Williams.

Jamaica franchise draft nominees: Gavon Brown, Odean Brown, Brian Buchanan, Cassius Burton Jr, Akeem Dewar, Nicholas Gordon, Brandon King, Kenar Lewis, Andre McCarthy, Jamie Merchant, Horace Miller, Paul Palmer, John Ross-Campbell, Aldaine Thomas and Shacoya Thomas.

Leeward Islands fran-

chise draft nominees: Nelson Boland, Shane Burton, Javal Hodge, Shane Jeffers, Javia Liburd, Anthony Martin, Jaison Peters, Orlando Peters, Sherwin Peters, Adelvin Phillip, Lyndel Richardson, Akeem Saunders, Jacques Taylor, Gavin Tonge and Tonito Willett.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force draft nominees: Jahron Alfred, Yannick Cariah, Brian Charles, Derone Davis, Mark Deyal, Justin Guillen, Akeal Hosein, Ricky Jaipaul, Ranga Latchana, Vikash Mohan, Kjorn Ottley, Yannick Ottley, Kerwyn

and

Windward Islands

Volcanoes draft nominees: Miles Bascombe, Jian Benjamin, Alston Bobb, Romel Currency, Kenneth Denbar, Tayrick Gabriel, Lyndon James, Ray Jordan, Kevin Hodge, Garey Mathurin, Mervin Mathew, Preston McSween, Nelon Pascal, Dalton Polius and Jelari Robinson.

West Indies Cricket Board draft nominees:

Samuel Badree (Trinidad and Tobago, pending his agreement), Kevon Cooper (Trinidad and Tobago, pending his agreement), Rakheem Cornwall, Keiron Cottoy (St Lucia), Larry Edward (St Vincent and the Grenadines), Danza Hyatt (Jamaica), Jerome Jones (Barbados), Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai (Guyana), Ravi Rampaul (Trinidad and Tobago, pending his agreement), Krishmar Santokie (Jamaica, pending his agreement), Dawayne Sealey (Barbados) and Kesrick Williams (St Vincent and the Grenadines).

Retained players

Meanwhile, the WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL) list of retained players for the other territories are as follow: Barbados Franchise retained players: Carlos Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Kyle Corbin, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Ashley Nurse, Dwayne Smith, Kevin Stoute, Omar Phillips and Jomel Warrican. Jamaica Franchise re-

tained players: Carlton Baugh Jr, Dave Bernard Jr, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Dawes, Damion Jacobs, Tamar Lambert and Nikita Miller.

Leeward Islands Franchise retained players: Quinton Boatswain, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Yannick Leonard, Steve Liburd, Jeremiah Louis, Kieran Powell, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh and Kelbert Walters.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force retained players: Adrian Barath, Rayad

Super Kings v Knight Riders, CLT20 2014 final, Bangalore…

Raina century leads CSK to title

Suresh Raina bossed a Kolkata Knight Riders attack without the banned Sunil Narine for his third T20 century to lead Chennai Super Kings to their second Champions League T20 title. Raina’s relentless hitting, especially against spin, made light of a target of 181, which was built on the back of Gautam Gambhir’s 80. Knight Riders looked good for around 200 after a 91-run opening partnership but leftarm spinner Pawan Negi’s 5-22 held them back. Given the way Raina blasted six after six, even 200 might not have been enough. The defeat also halted IPL champions Knight Riders’ winning streak at 14, an Indian record and second only to Sialkot Stallions.

Super Kings lost Dwayne Smith in the first over of the chase and it was all Raina after that. Almost everything Raina attempted came off. The drives raced in the gaps through the off side. The pulls disappeared behind square. The strike was turned over as if on autopilot.

But it was the sixes that stood out. Raina stepped out and lofted Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav for six straight sixes. Nearly every time he left the crease, Raina deposited the ball over the boundary.

He survived a stumping

chance off Kuldeep on 78 and the bowler Yusuf Pathan put down a difficult, diving chance when Raina was on 88. But both those chances came after Raina had snatched the game from Knight Riders’ grasp.

Knight Riders’ spinners, led by the absent Narine, had been instrumental in their march to the final but Raina never allowed them to settle down. Kuldeep, Chawla, Suryakumar Yadav and Yusuf went for a collective 1-137 in 13.3 overs.

Raina’s hundred came off 59 balls, and he put on 118 with Brendon McCullum in 12.2 overs. The New Zealand captain was not in great touch, but swept his way to a vital 39 off 30.

MS Dhoni promoted himself and hit the winning runs, but his more vital contribution had come earlier, when he won the toss and chose to field. With the dew starting to come down and both captains understandably wanting to chase, Dhoni had said at the toss that the pitch looked better than previous Bangalore surfaces in the tournament. It proved to be a nice batting surface, and only got better for the batsmen as the bowlers progressively lost bite with the dew.

Gambhir and Robin Uthappa put on 91 in under 11

overs. Uthappa’s timing was terrific yet again but Gambhir stepped up after having had a lean tournament. Pulling, cutting, steering and slogging boundaries, Gambhir raced to 80 off 52 before holing out off Ravindra Jadeja in the 17th over. Negi, playing only his second match of the tournament, had already removed Uthappa and Jacques Kallis in successive overs, deceiving both with plenty of flight and turn. With Dwayne Bravo taken for

18 runs in the 16th over and Ashish Nehra going for 20 in the 18th, Dhoni handed the 19th to Negi with R Ashwin and Mohit Sharma having an over left each.

Negi gave away two runs, including a wide, in the over, and took out Manish Pandey, Ryan ten Doeshcate and Suryakumar. Yusuf took 19 more off Nehra in the 20th to make it 62 off the last five, but Raina was unstoppable in the night. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Kolkata Knight Riders innings (20 overs maximum)

RV Uthappa† st †Dhoni b Negi 39

G Gambhir* c McCullum b Jadeja 80

JH Kallis c Nehra b Negi 1

MK Pandey c McCullum b Negi 32

YK Pathan not out 20

RN ten Doeschate st †Dhoni b Negi 0

SA Yadav c Nehra b Negi 0

AD Russell not out 2

Extras (lb-2, w-3, nb-1) 6

Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 180

Fall of wickets: 1-91 (Uthappa, 10.5 ov), 2-97 (Kallis, 12.1 ov), 3-136 (Gambhir, 16.2 ov), 4-159 (Pandey, 18.1 ov), 5-161 (ten Doeschate, 18.3 ov), 6-161 (Yadav, 18.5 ov)

Bowling: A Nehra 4-0-54-0 (1-

nb), MM Sharma 3-0-27-0 (1w), R Ashwin 3-0-26-0, P Negi 4-0-22-5 (1-w), RA Jadeja 4-025-1, DJ Bravo 2-0-24-0 (1-w)

Chennai Super Kings innings (target: 181 runs from 20 overs)

DR Smith b Cummins 8

BB McCullum c ten Doeschate b Pathan 39 SK Raina not out 109

MS Dhoni*† not out 23

Extras (lb-2, w-4) 6

Total (2 wickets; 18.3 overs) 185 Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Smith, 0.5 ov), 2-127 (McCullum, 13.1 ov)

Bowling: PJ Cummins 3-0-321 (2-w), AD Russell 2-0-14-0, Kuldeep Yadav 4-0-44-0, PP Chawla 3-0-38-0, SA Yadav 3-021-0, YK Pathan 3.3-0-34-1 (2-w

Football’s future on show...

Immediately after the kick-off, the tournament was set into motion with the first two of 12 games that were played on the opening day.

While West Ruimveldt and Green Acres earned victories without breaking a sweat after their respective opponents, Redeemer and Comenius failed to show, Tucville sent an early warning to the other primary schools, blowing away Thomas Moore 6-0.

Tucville was led to victory by two players, who etched their names on the score sheets with a hattrick each. Kevon Marques, who opened the floodgates in the third minute, added two more goals in the sixth and 28th minutes, while Rayheem Marques was on target in the 12th, 22nd and 25th minutes.

A Wesley Thompson double in the 28th and 30th minutes powered St Stephen’s to a 2-0 success over St Gabriel’s, while Oziah Vieira’s 24th minute strike proved the winner in St Angela’s 1-0 win over F.E. Pollard.

Defending champion St Puis had to settle for a share of the points after their

game against J.E. Burnham ended in a nil-all stalemate, while Success secured a walkover from Enterprise.

Fabian Bollers scored the lone goal for East LaPenitence in their 1-0 win over Ketley, while South Ruimveldt and North Georgetown took full points after their opponents, St Ambrose and Winfer Garden were a no-show.

Smith’s Memorial stitched together a 3-1 victory over St Margaret’s with Gavin Allen (8th), Tarel Elias (29th) and Kemyon John (30th) being the goalscorers. Josiah King netted St Margaret’s consolation goal.

The other game of the day saw a Darron Nyles double in the 22nd and 24th minutes piloting Stella Maris to a 2-1 win over 2012 champions Marian Academy, whose goal came off the boot of Alaister Phyll in the 28th minute.

The tournament, which is a collaborative effort of Courts (Guyana) Inc., Banks DIH Limited, the Education Ministry and the Petra Organisation, will continue next Saturday with another 12 games at the same venue.

WICB starts search for new Head Coach

Ademonstrated track record as a worldclass coach. Sound practical experience in developing elite players and teams. At least five years experience as a Head Coach. International or first-class coaching credentials.

These are just some of the attributes that candidates for Head Coach of the West Indies team will need to possess to be considered for the position.

The West Indies Cricket Board advised on Friday that a global search to identify a new Head Coach has commenced.

“We expect a lot of interest in this position from not only within the Caribbean, but from outside the region,” said WICB Chief Executive Officer Michael Muirhead.

“Our stakeholders and our fans have high expectations. Though there have been periods of success in recent times, we have strug-

gled to consistently maintain that success over a sustained.”

He added: “West Indies has a rich history in this game, so it is most important for us to identify the right individual for the organisation, the team and the region.

“We must vigorously examine all options in order to identify the best possible candidate because there is a lot of hard work ahead for us to see our side sustain playing at a consistently high level in the future.”

The WICB also identified a number of key skills that candidates for the position must possess.

They include: an accomplished strategic planner, an excellent communicator and people manager, an ability to develop and improve talent, and ability to manage a broad diversity of players in a culturally sensitive environment. (WICB Media)

Japanese Grand Prix… Organisers wait on Typhoon Phanfone arrival

Japanese Grand Prix organisers are still unsure of the impact Typhoon Phanfone will have on today’s race.

The storm is approaching the Japanese coast and is expected to lead to heavy rain, but the worst conditions may not come until Monday.

“Our team are monitoring at all times,” said a race spokesman.

“Everyone is trying to make sure the race can go ahead - but it will go ahead only if conditions in and around the circuit are safe.”

The race is due to start at 15:00 local time (07:00 BST) and cannot be moved back as dusk falls fairly soon after the scheduled end.

As well as the possible impact on Sunday’s race, F1 weather forecasters Ubimet said the storm could affect the packing and departure of equipment for next weekend’s inaugural Russian Grand Prix.

Bands of rain are pre-

dicted, some of them heavy, with the centre of the typhoon passing between Monday morning and afternoon.

As of Saturday afternoon the centre of Typhoon Phanfone was located approximately 600 miles south-west of Suzuka and the race is almost certainly going to be run in wet weather.

Ubimet said: “Although

we expect rain during the normal race period, the heaviest rain and possibly storm-force winds will affect the circuit later on.

“The main body of the typhoon will impact most of Honshu on Sunday night with gusts of up to 120kph and torrential rain over a few hours. Disruption to transport out of Nagoya airport is almost certain.”

The Japanese Grand

Prix is part of the run-in for the world championship between Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton leads by three points following his victory in Singapore two weeks ago but Rosberg will start Sunday’s race from pole position and there are 150 points available over the remaining five races. (BBC Sport)

Suryakumar Yadav reported for suspect action

Kolkata Knight Riders bowler Suryakumar Yadav has been reported for a suspect bowling action following the Knight Riders’ eight-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings in the final of the Champions League Twenty20 in Bangalore. He becomes the fifth bowler to be reported for a suspect action during the tournament after team-mate Sunil Narine, Prenelan Subrayen of

Dolphins and Adnan Rasool and Mohammed Hafeez of Lahore Lions.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Rod Tucker and Kumar Dharmasena along with third umpire S Ravi. After all video evidence of the match was taken into account, the umpires felt that there was a flex action in his elbow beyond the acceptable limit when bowling during the match.

Yadav has been placed

on the ‘warning list’. Under the CLT20 Suspected Illegal Bowling Action policy, Yadav may request an official assessment from the BCCI’s suspect bowling action committee. If a player receives a report while on the warning list, the player shall be suspended from bowling in any matches organised by the BCCI until such date as he is cleared.

(Cricinfo)

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Narine withdrawn from West Indies tour of India

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The West Indies Cricket Board advised on Saturday that Sunil Narine has been withdrawn from the touring party for the upcoming series against India.

This came after discussions including Narine, the WICB Selection Panel

and the West Indies Team Management. The withdrawal from the upcoming tour will allow Narine the opportunity to have his action assessed and plan his return to cricket.

Speaking on the matter, WICB Chairman of Selectors Clive Lloyd not-

ed: “I am disappointed that our best bowler could suddenly be out of the tour. I am quite disappointed about the procedure that surrounded the ‘calling’ of Sunil in the Champions Trophy tournament. These things have the potential to disrupt the team’s preparation for a critical series against India but we will have to overcome this hurdle.”

Lloyd added: “We would like some clarity from the authorities on what led to the present situation and the details as we move forward. I think there must be a better way of doing the right things.”

Since his international debut in 2011 Narine has emerged as one of the leading bowlers in world cricket. He is ranked at Number 2 in the ICC T20 International and OneDay International bowlers’ table.

A replacement player will be named shortly. West Indies will play five One-Day Internationals, three Tests and a T20 International.

Persaud extends reign as Laparkan cycling champ

– double win for Sampson, Sharma

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Robin Persaud kept a hold of the main title when the annual Laparkan Holdings Limited 11-race programme was staged on the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday.

Persaud won from a small field of riders, outsprinting three other competitors to win the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race in a time of one hour, 17 minutes, 53.82 seconds (01: 17m: 53.82s).

Persaud also won the

race sponsored by the same company last year in a time of one hour, 18 minutes, 16 seconds (01h: 18m: 16s).

The Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club rider was bunched with Team Coco’s Christopher Holder, Team Alanis’ Paul Choo Wee Nam and Roraima Bikers Club’s Mark Harris for most of the second half of the race, after they lapped almost the entire field.

It came down to a straight fight between the four, and in the end it was Persaud’s superior sprinting ability that proved the

difference, as he crossed the finish line mere metres ahead of Holder, who was left to occupy second.

Veteran rider Choo Wee Nam had enough in the tank to pip teenager Harris for third, while Paul DeNobrega of Team Alanis took fifth and Alanzo Greaves of Roraima Bikers Club outgunned Mario King for sixth spot.

While the experienced Persaud crowned the day with a brilliant sprint, two promising youngsters continued their climb up the ladder of success, winning

GMMAKA holds grading exercise

The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association (GMMAKA) held its second annual Martial Arts Examination on September 27 at the Black Cobra Karate Club in Parfaite Harmony.

All the students changed belts, while four were promoted to 1st Dan Black Belt.

both events they entered.

The indomitable Sherwin Sampson, who has made his age group events virtually his own, won both the BMX 9-12 and 12-14 races. In the 9-12, Jeremiah Harrison brought second, followed by Alexander Leung, while Thuran Garbarran took second spot in the 12-14.

Adrian Sharma was the other rider to win two races, copping the top podium position in the BMX Open and Mountain Bike races.

Other winners of the day included Amonika Gomes (BMX Boys and Girls 12-14), Jaikarran Sukhai (Veterans Under-50), Linden Blackman (Veterans Over50), Monty Parris (Veterans Over-60), Jamal John (Juveniles) and Jeremiah Harrison (BMX 6-9).

Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, Sahadeo Ramkirath, and other officials of Laparkan Holdings Limited were on hand to witness the races and assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion.

Ramkirath said he was impressed by the success of the cycling programme at the National Park, and wished national coach and chief organiser Hassan Mohamed and the riders well in their future endeavours. He also made a commitment on behalf of Laparkan Holdings Limited for the sponsorship to continue in 2015 and beyond.

Mohamed said cycling was grateful for the support of such corporate entities like Laparkan Holdings Limited, noting that sponsorship is critical to the growth of the sport.

Saturday’s race was used another means of warm-up for the country’s riders who are preparing to challenge their foreign counterparts in the annual ‘Ride for Life’ Five-Stage cycling meet, set for October 16-19 across the three counties of Guyana.

Promoted to Yellow Belt were Nathan Samaroo, Brandon DeNobrega, Nikita Ghanie, Kian Koodralli, Sachin Singh, Deonarine Brandon Dindial, Jonathon Sookall, Joshua Sookall, Shiloh Sydney, Mondal Marques, Nicholas Ramkisson, Jarrar Ramnarine, Priyanka Deolall, Somesh Banasa and

Brandon Deolal.

Promoted to Orange Belt were Sayad Bacchus, Mark Ramotar and Jessica Persaud, while Toshan Jamuna was promoted to Blue Belt. Jonior Adonis was promoted to Green Belt and Zafar Ramnarine was promoted to 3rd Kyu Brown. Promoted to 1st Dan Black Belt were Sheena Jacobus, Krishna Jacobus, Portia Schepmyer and Calvin Ramcharran. The GMMAKA is recruiting new members who can train at any of its locations. Further information can be had by calling 698-6727, 673-0823 or 699-1875.

Bermuda heads to Guyana for basketball clash in 2015

Bermuda will be coming to Guyana in 2015 to play three exhibition games against the national squad at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). The games are

scheduled for March next year where the focus is using the games as a tune up to the 2015 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships scheduled for July of next year in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Further, with the Road to Mecca National Club Championship tournament on the horizon in January of 2015, the players will have a chance to showcase their talent in order to gain selection to the squad.

In addition, the DC Jammers will also be invited to be part of the event

in March in order to add to the quality of the event.

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) will also be hoping to organise a female aspect to the event and will hope to bring in an international team for the local fe- males to play against.

Wind Jammers Hotel will be hosting the international players, according to the GABF.

The last time Guyana played Bermuda was at the 2011 CBC Championships in Bahamas where Guyana lost 68-58.

Bermuda placed fifth at the championships, while Guyana placed seventh. Guyana Men’s team placed fifth at the CBC Championships held earlier this year.

Media XI crush Floodlights by nine wickets

– Roberts, Ramsingh among individual highlights

Inspired by some incisive medium fast bowling from skipper Calvin Roberts, backed later by some belligerent batting from opener John Ramsingh, the Guyana Media XI demolished Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association by nine wickets in a T20 fixture at the Demerara Cricket Club ground last Friday night.

Winning the toss and opting to take first strike, Floodlights, who were rocked early on in their innings by the new ball pair of Ishaka Jackman and Jermaine Neblette, were not allowed to recover by Roberts, who ended with 3-18, as they

Gainda with the first ball of the 19th over to break the partnership.

Roberts followed up with the wicket of Richard Persaud (00) two balls later, but it was the final success for the Media XI as Jones and Rabindra Singh played out the remaining deliveries and final over from Zaheer Mohammed, to see their side to the final total.

Jackman, Neblette and Ravi Persaud took a wicket each to support Roberts in the bowling department for the Media XI, whose openers in Ramsingh and Shahrukh Imran added 73 for the first wicket, with both batsmen hitting boundaries at will.

reached 104-6 at the conclusion of the 20 overs.

Their final total was due mainly to the batting of the veteran Wayne Jones, who topscored with 42 (3x6s, 3x4s) after being given a life by Roberts at short cover before he had scored off the bowling of left-arm spinner Ravi Persaud. Arvinda Gainda supported with 29 (2x4s, 1x6).

The duo added 72 for the fifth wicket, after Jackman and Neblett rocked their team’s top order batting to send back Patrick Khan (01) and Khalid Baksh (02), while Roberts sent back Ricky Deonarine (00) and Persaud accounted for Reaz Hussain (05), leaving Floodlights shakily placed at 26-4.

After he was given the reprieve, Jones hit Persaud for six and four in one over, while Gainda, who opened his account with a magnificent square cut through point off Roberts, proceeded to hit a free hit from the same bowler in his next over, back over his head and onto Crown Street for the first maximum of the night.

Keon Blades was introduced into the attack in the 18th over and Jones attacked him like a raging bull, hitting him back over long on and long off for maximums, followed by an exquisite extra cover drive for four, before Roberts removed

It took the bowling of Gainda to separate the pair, removing Ramsingh, who was caught at backward square, for a quick-fire 45 (9x4s, 1x6).

Wicketkeeper/batsman

Daniel Singh then joined Imran and steered the Media XI home at 105-1 off 11 overs, with Khan unbeaten on 23 (3x4s, 1x6) and Singh 19, which included two fours.

At the brief presentation ceremony that followed, Ramsingh received accolades after he was adjudged Best Fielder, Best Batsman and Man-of-the-Match, while Roberts took home the Best Bowler trophy on the winning side.

For the losers, Jones was named Best Fielder and Best Batsman, while Gainda, who took the solitary wicket to fall for the Media XI, was named Best Bowler. Trophies and balls for the game were sponsored by Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall.

Prior to the presentation, Deonarine thanked the Media XI for the wonderful showing, even as he felt his team did well to score over 100 and also take an opposition wicket, while Roberts thanked Floodlights for hosting his side, congratulated his players on the win and readily accept the rematch challenge from Floodlights.

Football’s future on show as Courts Pee Wee starts

– Tucville lads stun Thomas Moore 6-0

Sharapova beats Ivanovic to reach China Open final

World number four Maria Sharapova reached the China Open final with a 6-0 6-4 win over Ana Ivanovic in Beijing.

The 27-year-old Russian, a beaten finalist in 2012, powered ahead by taking the first seven games.

Ivanovic began to find her touch in an entertaining second set but fourth seed Sharapova sealed victory in an hour and 28 minutes with her fourth match point.

She will play third seed Petra Kvitova on Sunday after the Czech player overcame Samantha Stosur 6-3 5-7 6-2.

Kvitova reeled off five games in a row to close out the match in two hours and 21 minutes.

Svetlana Kuznetsova, refused to let Ivanovic settle into the match, securing the third game when 40-0 down on her opponent's serve.

Keeping the ball away from Ivanovic's forehand she took the first set in 31 minutes, with the Serb guilty of 14 unforced errors.

Ninth seed Ivanovic won consecutive games to lead 2-1 in the second set before Sharapova broke in the ninth to serve for the match at 5-4.

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

The future of Guyana’s football was on show in a colourful exhibition on Saturday morning when the annual Courts Pee Wee competition kicked off in grand style at the Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park.

Decked out in their colourful uniforms and Courts bibs, young footballers of the 24 Georgetown based schools looked dapper during the march pass, which was observed by representatives of the various entities that have partnered to stage the tournament.

Over the coming weekends, the youngsters will be given a chance to showcase their skills and possibly lay the foundation for a solid career in the game of football. Scouts will be on site to spot talents that can be nurtured

for the future development of the sport.

After the march pass and remarks by representatives of the various stakeholders, Marketing Manager of Courts Guyana Inc., Pernell Cummings, officially signalled the start of the tournament with the ceremonial kick-off. He had earlier urged the students to play the game in its true spirit; while he also pointed out that they are all winners by just turning up to compete.

Co-director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, also spoke of his expectations of the premier Pee Wee competition in Guyana. He said the tournament is geared towards harnessing the talents that exist in the school system from an early age, with the ultimate aim of serving Guyana’s football in years to come.

Ivanovic had won the two most recent encounters with Sharapova, but trailed 8-4 overall in their matches dating back to 2006.

Sharapova, who also won the first set 6-0 in her quarter-final victory over

Having triumphed in last week's inaugural Wuhan Open, Kvitova will move to world number two if she wins the final.

In a 10th game containing six deuces, in which Sharapova mixed four double faults with three aces, it seemed Ivanovic had levelled the set at 5-5.

But a challenge that had been missed by many amid the noise from the crowd showed the ball had clipped the outer part of the baseline and the Russian went on to complete victory.