Guyana Times, November 1, 2014

Glenn Lall still hiding from Police

SATURdAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2014 | gUYANATiMESgY.cOM

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) has approached the Alliance For Change (AFC) to form a broad coalition, but a response from the small party is still pending.

The proposal was renewed during a meeting held last week between the two Opposition parties.

This was confirmed by Opposition Leader David Granger on Friday during his weekly press conference at his Hadfield Street Office.

“The matter was raised… and I would say the ball is now in the AFC’s court,” Granger told reporters, noting that the AFC has not given any clear indication whether it will buy into the proposal.

But earlier this week, AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan denied that such discussions were held. According to him, there are no plans in the pipeline to have the two Opposition parties merged.

When contacted by Guyana Times, Ramjattan yelled “It is nothing of the sort!” before disconnecting

the call. A second attempt to clarify his statement, the hostile political leader said, “Tell (newspaper name) to haul its *ss.”

He was alluding to an article carried in a local newspaper under the headline, “APNU/AFC in advanced coalition talks -- Roopnarine makes way for Nagamootoo as MP Candidate.”

Greater chance

Critics say they have a greater chance of winning the elections as a coalition, but failure to do so can result in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) returning with a majority in the National Assembly.

The People’s National Congress (PNC) which forms part of APNU has not won an election in 22 years. After ruling the country for 28 years, the PNC suffered a major defeat in the 1992 General Elections.

But even with the PNCR joining with the Guyana Action Party (GAP), the National Front Alliance (NFA), the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and the Justice for All Party (JFA) in 2011 to form APNU, it was still unable to defeat the PPP/C.

The coalition has 26 seats in the National Assembly.

On the flip side, the AFC has never won an election. Since it was formed in 2005, the AFC has only managed to win 10.3 per cent of the vote, gaining a mere seven of the 65 seats in the National Assembly.

Individually, the Opposition parties are powerless in the National Assembly, but as a combined

saturday, november 1, 2014 |

Opposition, it has proven to be a force to reckon with.

With the AFC pushing to have the No-Confidence Motion debated and pass in the National Assembly, it is critical for the Opposition to form an alliance.

Many challenges

Since the 2011 General Elections, there have been many changes; changes that can negatively impact all of the political parties during the next General Elections; hence, their decisions during this period are critical.

Regions Five (MahaicaBetbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have experienced a sharp decline in their populations by 16,969 persons.

According to Guyana Population and Housing Census 2012 Preliminary Report, the regions’ population fell from 176,123 persons in 2002 to 159,154 in 2012.

Regions Five and Six form part of the coastland regions, which also include Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam),

Three (West DemeraraEssequibo Islands), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Collectively, the six regions have a population of 666,261 persons when the last census was conducted on September 15, 2012 while the overall population was recorded at 747,884.

Regions Five and Six are PPP/C strong holds.

Additionally, the advent of a majority Opposition in the National Assembly has resulted in major protestations from all sections of society when key issues were being dealt with.

The joint Opposition have been greatly criticised for the cuts effected to the 2012, 2013 and 2014 budgets, which have negatively affected key developmental projects, including the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, the Specialty Hospital and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project.

But this is just a tip of the ice berg for APNU. The leadership of the partnership is battling to keep the party’s spirit alive in one of its stronghold, Linden, Region 10.

Since mid-year, the mining town has been plagued with a major division since the leadership moved to appoint Sandra Adams as the party’s Regional Coordinator.

This appointment was opposed by Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon and the region’s APNU representative in the National Assembly Vanessa Kissoon.

Gunmen rob couple leaving bank

Aman and woman were robbed of an undisclosed sum of cash and valuables on Friday in the vicinity of Courts, Main Street, Georgetown.

The robbery was committed by two men on a CG motorcycle.

According to bystanders, the robbers rode up the avenue and stopped in front of Courts, where one of them snatched a bag from the man in the presence of the woman.

The victim put up a fight but the gunman discharged a round in the air,

forcing the man to let go of the bag.

Shortly after a Policeman appeared on the scene and took statements from the victims.

The Policeman stated that the victims might have been tailed from the bank where they made a transaction. According to the Policeman, the transaction by the victim did not go as planned; hinting that not much could have been in the bag in terms of cash, but noted that the bag did contain some jewellery.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Supervision of schoolchildren

Weeks ago when a video surfaced with high school students engaging in sexual activity the public’s response varied from shock to disdain to anger. Among the many observations made was the point that the teens, decked in their uniforms, seemed not only to consent to the acts but were also pleased that these acts were being recorded.

How the video was leaked and who leaked it remain a mystery, but the outrage its release caused still lingers in the memories of concerned parents and other authorities. Such an event is not unique to Guyana or the Caribbean, but this and similar occurrences pose the same bevy of questions, including what influences the youth involved are exposed to and whether or not young people are given adequate alternatives to deter them from these acts.

Sex aside, it seems as though the issues affecting our youth are steadily growing, in both severity and frequency. Inappropriate sexual activities, alcoholism and violence –issues that are already rampant among adults – have seemingly become common occurrences in schools over the years.

These incidents are not only worrisome but also extremely sensitive as they involve the welfare of children. Dealing with children who are participants in these activities then becomes a task that sometimes even the highest authorities find difficult to handle. The above incident “shocked” the Government and evoked promises to carry out thorough investigations and give the participants counselling. But the question remains: what could have prompted them to not only do it, but allow it to be recorded? In this digital age where sharing information is as powerful as the unforgiving public who engages in the sharing, could these teenagers have been so bored, bold and carefree?

Troubling behaviour among schoolchildren can also be seen at the ever-famous annual School Sports – which apparently is seen as a chance for students to “let loose”. In a recent letter to the press, the writer made some disturbing observations on school sports at a particular ground near where he lives. From the questionable dress code, to the obscene music blasting at the event, to the dancing and ‘party type’ behaviour of the schoolchildren, the writer had cause to pose the question of why the teachers would allow such an atmosphere. Indeed, school sports have over the years transformed into more of a fancy affair encouraging lewd behaviour from the teenaged attendees. Such events serve as gateways for sexual activities and violence among students the likes of which have repeatedly been seen in the past.

Musings of what our youth are thinking also arise in cases of violence in schools. There have been countless incidents reported of students getting into fights with teachers and peers resulting in serious injury and even death. Only days ago, a young boy was stabbed by a classmate with a screwdriver following a fight. When these events occur, authorities are naturally concerned. Meetings are held to discuss the way forward, counselling is offered to the children and statements and pledges for action are made, yet these occurrences continue. The point is, even with these efforts; even with the prompt reactions of authorities, teachers, parents and welfare officers, have we ever thought about the fact that even with the actions taken after the fact, guidance is needed before?

We have to pay attention to the influences that are at our children’s disposal. As our world gravitates more towards technology, we must acknowledge that everything is changing. The way we learn, the things we do, our preferences, our influences – are all affected by the Internet. Easy access to information has given us more power than we know how to use it, so small countries like Guyana have to know how to keep up, while being wary of the negative influences such access can have on young minds. What this means is that our children will grow up knowing nothing but technology and the worldwide access to information that comes with it. We must be able to teach them that with the power to share and the power to know also comes the responsibility of knowing what to do with the information – be it through acting out what they see, sharing what they read or recording what they do. Moreover, our children need healthy alternatives to things that would otherwise lead them toward such troubling behaviour. Perhaps it is time to revert to more family time and outdoor activities with our youth. This way, a balance can be made with their time spent absorbing the vast amounts of information that the World Wide Web has to offer – the good and the bad.

Congratulations to Clerk for correct interpretation of Standing Orders

Dear Editor,

I am submitting this letter for your kind consideration for publication in your newspaper.

I do hope that you will find it suitable and acceptable in its entirety for publication.

This is the first time, as far as my memory goes, in my 82 years, that I am writing a letter to the press. I have kept away from writing directly to the press, but not from meeting and speaking with press reporters.

However, seeing the problem that a simple parliamentary matter has turned into and how greater that problem seems to be becoming, I feel urged on to share my experience and views. I am contributing to this matter because I myself have been involved with Parliament and its work for over half a century.

There have been two previous occasions in Guyana when a Speaker requested a Clerk to call a parliamentary sitting.

The first was in 1963. I have written a full story on this with 16 pages with all the details. Very briefly, this is what took place. The Speaker had given a ruling in the Legislative Assembly on the motion for the extension of the state of emergency.

The Government Members were not in favour of that ruling and it was reported that some of them even accosted the Speaker. For refusing to apologise, they were first named by the Speaker and then suspended by the Assembly.

Following disturbances in the Assembly, the Speaker adjourned the Assembly. No-Confidence Motions in the Speaker and in the Government were submitted.

The Speaker requested the Clerk to call the next meeting of the Assembly.

Although the Clerk did not share the Speaker’s view

and was not only of the opinion, but knew that the date for the next sitting was a matter for the Government to decide, he nevertheless sought advice from the Attorney General’s Chambers.

In the explanatory advice which the Clerk received, the Attorney General had said, inter alia, that the Speaker was not competent to notify the date for a sitting and that the Clerk was under no duty to comply with the Speaker’s direction in that behalf.

He had further said that the competence in this matter resided where it normally rests, namely, with the Government of British Guiana.

The Clerk submitted the advice to the Speaker and informed him of his regret to comply with his instructions.

The Speaker went ahead, and caused the date proposed by him for the sitting to be announced. It was reported that the Government did not want the sitting and made the Clerk take away the Mace from the Office of the Legislature.

The Government also decided that the Legislature should be prorogued and the Governor was accordingly advised to do so. With the prorogation, all the problems came to an end.

In that 1963 incident, the PPP had formed the Government, Mr Rahman B Gajraj was the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and Mr Elwyn V Viapree was acting as the Clerk of the Legislature.

The next occasion was in 1972. As for the 1963 incident, I have also written a full story on this matter consisting of 32 pages with all the details. However, very briefly, this is what took place. The National Assembly was adjourned sine die.

The Deputy Speaker, in the absence of the Speaker,

requested the Clerk to summon the next meeting of the Assembly for a date which had been determined by him, to discuss a matter which was considered urgent and of public importance.

The Clerk was not only of the opinion but he too was also sure and knew that the Deputy Speaker was not empowered to give notice for the Assembly to meet and advised him accordingly. The Deputy Speaker did not agree with the advice and several letters were exchanged on the matter between the Deputy Speaker and the Clerk.

The Clerk did not carry out the Speaker’s instructions to summon the meeting.

At that time in 1972, the PNC had formed the Government. The Speaker was Mr Sase Narain and the Deputy Speaker was Mr Derek C Jagan. I, Frank Narain, was the Clerk of the National Assembly.

There is now in the year 2014, 42 years later, a third occasion. On this occasion, the Speaker, Mr Raphael Trotman, requested the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Sherlock E Isaacs, to call the next sitting of the National Assembly and the Clerk has refused to comply, and has given his reasons.

What do we see here?

Three Clerks in succession have refused to carry out the instructions of two Speakers and one Deputy Speaker.

My predecessor was the first Clerk, I was the second and my successor is now the third. The three of us were/ are not politicians, or members of political parties.

We were/are knowledgeable in and were/are the experts in the Standing Orders and their application, and in the procedures of the Legislative body. Why did the Speakers want to involve us? Maybe that is how the game of politics is played.

We were requested to call sittings by two Speakers and one Deputy Speaker. The first Speaker, when he made his request, had changed his support from the Government to the Opposition, the second was a Deputy Speaker from the Opposition, and the third is a Speaker from the Opposition. Unlike the Clerks, all three of these persons were/are politicians and supporters/members of political parties.

I would like to state that for the 36 years that I was the Clerk, none of the persons who became and served as Speakers during that time ever made requests to me to call Parliament. It was a Deputy Speaker who did that. Those six persons were like six wise Speakers. They were Mr Aubrey Percival Alleyne, Mr Rahman Baccus Gajraj, Mr Sase Narain, Mr Derek Chunilall Jagan, Mr Winslow Martin Zephyr, and Mr Hari Narayen Ramkarran.

Mr Sherlock Ewart Isaacs, the present Clerk of the National Assembly, has now joined his predecessors.

I would like to congratulate him on his correct interpretation and application of the Standing Orders and for his boldness in taking the action which he took. In this action, he was impartial and acted correctly, independently and fearlessly, like his predecessors. Congratulations, Sherlock.

Continue with and keep up the good work and remember that you have my support. There is much more on this matter – more details, more of my experiences and views and even my opinion – that I can write about and share and give, but for the time, I will keep them in my mind and hold my peace and further say not.

Yours sincerely, Frank A Narain

Would the AG’s critics agree to have their private conversations made public?

Dear Editor,

The taping of a private conversation between the Attorney General Anil Nandlall and an employee at Kaieteur News, and the subsequent releasing of the conversation by the Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, shows once again how unethical, callous, and hypocritically onesided this man is.

Let us not forget it was the same Glenn Lall who only weeks earlier hacked into the email account of the Head of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur while on his campaign to besmirch Sattaur’s character.

Lall did so because it was the GRA that launched investigations into a number of fraudulent tax crimes that were orchestrated by the Kaieteur News Publisher.

Primary among them is the attempt by Lall to rob the Government of over $100 million in duty for two luxury vehicles. Incidentally the GRA head also expressed, prior to the release of this information, the fear that his phones were being tapped by Kaieteur News.

Now in addition to hacking emails of persons, the Publisher of Kaieteur News, it seems, is also taping their phone conversations and this is my contention, how is it that Glenn Lall is illegally intercepting the private communications of persons, clearly not intended for public consumption, via hacking and phone tapping and is not facing the full force of the law?

Lall is making himself out as the victim, crying crocodile tears, but doesn’t he know that when he pub-

lishes on a daily basis those malicious, libellous and misconstrued articles about senior Government functionaries and their families, in addition to ordinary citizens and private entities that are not in confirmation of what he is doing, those same persons are hurt and in tears also.

I have heard the alleged conversation between Mr Nandlall and Mr Gildharie (from Kaieteur News); I say alleged because I understand that some manipulation was done to the information that was intercepted.

I am of the view that what was purportedly said between the Attorney General and the Kaieteur News reporter was said, because the Attorney General was highly annoyed that while he was out of the country,

Speaker should have heeded Clerk’s advice

Dear Editor,

I salute the clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs for refusing the request from the House Speaker Raphael Trotman to call a sitting of the Assembly on November 6.

I do so on the solid basis that such request from the Speaker of the House does not fall within his jurisdiction as quite rightly contested by Isaacs on the basis of Parliamentary Standing Orders 8 (1) and (2).

The Speaker of the House needs to adopt professionalism and abide with the advice given to him by the Clerk of the National Assembly, as simple as that. After being put to his place

by the Clerk, the Speaker Raphael Trotman is now talking about “constitutional crisis”. What constitutional crisis, may I ask? Or is he just trying to please his fellow Opposition buddies? If I am correct, the Speaker is absolutely wrong, since as Speaker of the House, he cannot unjustly take any side of the House while ignoring the relevant Parliamentary Standing Orders.

The Speaker’s reference therefore to a “constitutional crisis” is simply a sign of ignorance.

But should the Speaker of the House not accept the advice given to him by the Clerk, it would be tanta-

mount to gross incompetence.

By the way, what is this hullabaloo over the rush for a Parliamentary sitting after its recess by the PNC/ APNU and AFC? Is it to deal with the important business of the State, or the NoConfidence Motion?

Let me make it pellucidly clear, to the AFC particularly, that the PPP/C Government shall return to the governance of Guyana and to Parliament, this time by an overwhelming majority regardless of the passage of the No-Confidence Motion or not.

Yours sincerely Peter Persaud

Firecrackers are dangerous

Dear Editor,

It is with sadness and deep frustration that I pen this letter. Recently, we had the wonderful celebration of Deepavali. Being a Hindu, I look forward to the festive lights of diyas and fairy bulbs. However, the squibs, firecrackers and ‘bombs’ are bothering me. I have listened to the Commander of A Division (Georgetown) giving his orders on these items, saying that these are banned items and should not be used and that persons caught using, selling, purchasing, etc will be prosecuted. Despite the Commander’s revelations, the use of these items was still very prevalent. I can’t understand how our human minds work! These devices alarm babies, adults [especially the elderly] as well as the poor animals. The morning after the festival, on my way to work I was horrified to see the number of dogs that were killed on the roadways. I can tell that most of them belonged to families because they were wear-

ing collars. These poor dogs were scared of these squibs and bombs and were probably running for safer ground only to be caught up on the roadways and end up being dead. How can human beings be so cruel?

I have witnessed people laughing while lighting these things and seeing the animals run wild. They found that funny! How disgusting! Calling the Police to make a report of this was a total waste of time. The Police were in the vicinity where most of these “crackers” were going off and nothing was being done.

I am also surprised that Hindus allow this sort of behaviour to take over our cul-

on government business, Kaieteur News took the opportunity to berate his relative in his absence.

Upon his return, he confided his annoyance to the reporter, whom I understand is a good friend of his for over 30 years dating back to the days when they were schoolmates.

The conversation, it seems, was light-hearted and intended to be a gaff between the two persons. Yet, the Publisher of Kaieteur News, who apparently has tapped into the phone conversations of all of his employees, saw the conversation as an opportunity to paint the picture that the government is after him, when clearly he is using that as a smokescreen to divert attention from the real problems that he is facing, whereby he is embattled in

the courts, trying to defend his corruption.

It’s saddening to see that the Guyana Press Association (GPA) and the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) stood in solidarity with Glenn Lall knowing fully well the type of sensationalistic journalism the Kaieteur News is synonymous with and more so, that the Publisher of this news outfit is openly vocal about his exploits of intercepting private communications of persons via hacking their emails and tapping their phones, which are crimes that are very serious and are harshly sanctioned. Not to mention a gross violation of the human right to privacy.

To those who are being openly critical about the Attorney General such as Moses Nagamootoo,

Khemraj Ramjattan, Ronald Burch-Smith and the usual cabal, whom have taken a biased, Oppositionoriented stance, I challenge, who among you would acquiesce to the illegal tapping of a random private conversation that you would have had in the last month and have that conversation manipulated, distorted and published in the daily newspaper?

In this day and age of technology, if we can’t protect the privacy of communication between persons, then our civil society will descend into anarchy. It is my belief that to further his selfish agenda, the Publisher of Kaieteur News is willing to allow that anarchy to manifest itself.

Yours truly, Faruk Mohamed

Important to foster personal growth, motivation among young people

Dear Editor, I am reaching in this instance to thank friends and supporters for taking the time to attend our first annual Miss World Guyana “Beauty With A Purpose” press conference and other activities. Thank you for the part you’ve played in its success.

The recent public awareness efforts are a fulfilment of a promise made by Miss World Guyana to her community and her country during the “Beauty With A Purpose” segment of the local competition.

them and foster personal growth and motivation that seem lacking in many.

It is important for us to lead by example. As we support them, they will in turn support others. I believe we are all aware that our young people are most vulnerable and, therefore, it is important for us to ensure we continue to positively impact them; spreading hope, influencing positive outcomes, and being good role models.

time or even the second, but we will continue to try. We will be consistent in our approach towards instilling change and we will seek to inspire.

The new Miss World Guyana Organisation will place purpose and passion before image and fluff. Again, thank you for your continued support

ture. Why aren’t Hindus condemning this sort of behaviour? We need to take a stand on these matters and enforce laws to combat this atrocious behaviour.

Where are our Hindu leaders? Why aren’t they saying or doing anything to stop this act of disgust that gives a bad reflection of our culture? The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports can also assist in this appeal since Christmas and New Year Celebrations are less than two months away.

I hope someone from the various Hindu religious organisations will read this letter and make an effort to do something to uphold the good culture of our religion instead of doing nothing and letting it fall apart. Please think of the poor innocent animals, the babies, the elderly and other persons out there who cannot stand these terrible acts when it comes to celebrating our festive seasons.

Sincerely,

Peggy Singh

“Beauty with A Purpose” is a great initiative, which allows the Miss World Guyana titleholder to work, under guidance, to bring her dream and her platform alive.

“Beauty with A Purpose” essentially encourages the Miss World Guyana titleholder to look at the world around her with renewed purpose and with deep gratitude. It is an avenue for her to give back to her community and her country as she endeavours to help the less fortunate or the most vulnerable in society.

She becomes a role model and a National Beauty Ambassador and Humanitarian.

I also wish to thank those who were unable to attend, but nonetheless ensured we had media coverage, especially since we can only submit published media articles to the Miss World Organisation for “Beauty with A Purpose” credit. I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support.

I truly feel in today’s society, it is important for us to be there for our young people as they battle to find their footing and place in this world, to encourage

I would like to also take this opportunity to add that I fully understand that we may not get it right the first

Sincerely, Natasha Martindale Franchise Holder/ National Director Miss World Guyana

Fighting Ebola in Sierra Leone: “The world is not safe”

All over Freetown, buildings, vehicles and people are being commandeered in the fight against Ebola. In the suburb of Wilberforce, in an old building for the telecommunications company Airtel, a dozen students loiter on a wall waiting to relieve staff from the trauma at the Ebola hotline they are manning.

Outside, the din of ambulances would not be noteworthy until the driver and passenger appear in regulation yellow overalls, mask, goggles, hood and visor.

Every ambulance is now an Ebola ambulance in Sierra Leone’s capital where an invisible malevolent force has taken hold, causing fear and untold grief as the dying and the dead infect families and friends in their wake.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there have been 5235 confirmed, probable and suspected Ebola cases in Sierra Leone, out of 13,703 worldwide, and 1500 deaths.

Inside the call centre, cancer biologist Reynold Senesi talks to four soldiers. They have been brought on board following a political reshuffle which has put the Defence Ministry in charge of the war against Ebola, a move everyone applauds.

Three months ago, Senesi was working on launching the country’s first oncology unit. That has been put on hold as the team he manages doles out compassion and

promises of dispatched ambulances to 1300 Ebola calls a day.

“Last week we had a patient who lost her mother, her father and her cousin. They were all lying there and the burial team hadn’t collected them,” said Rebecca Trye, 24, one of Senesi’s 135 staff. “I felt so sad because you can’t do anything. She asked for my name and she called again the next day and she was crying because they still hadn’t been collected.”

Three desks away, Ibrahim Sesay takes a call pleading for a toddler to be rescued. “The mother was buried and the father was dead. They said there was a two-year-old child left in the house. He kept knocking on the door calling for his dad. The baby was already infected.”

Most of the staff at the 117 hotline are students, freed from their studies because all schools and universities were shut when the state of emergency was declared.

In the foothills enveloping Freetown, Major Henry Bangura has also been redeployed. His team converted an old Police training camp into a 100-bed Ebola treatment centre in three days last month during a threeday lockdown.

In the city centre, British doctor Oliver Johnson, who has worked in the Connaught hospital for two years, tells of similar heroic

work. In an attempt to keep the hospital open for general care, he and his team converted the triage in the Connaught hospital into a 16-bed isolation unit in just five hours.

But the tireless work of those living in Sierra Leone is not proving enough to catch the disease whose victims easily outpace the number of beds being built.

30 cases a day

Between fielding calls in another hectic day at the

Connaught, Johnson says a change in mentality is needed to bridge the chasm between grand plans hatched in Washington, New York and London and the urgent needs on the ground.

He says he is impressed with the “joined up thinking of British Government” efforts with a 100-bed facility due to open in the suburb of Kerry Town and five more hospitals scheduled to open before the end of November.

But while locals can

convert buildings within days, the British hospitals are taking two months to build and there is scepticism that the remaining facilities will be built in four weeks. “Time is against us. Kerry Town is part of the solution but it’s not going to be enough anymore,” says Johnson. “We’ve moved from one or two cases a day to more than 30 cases a day in Freetown, and by next month maybe we will be getting 60, 70, 80 positive cases a day, so that 100-bed

unit in Kerry Town will be full in 48 hours,” he says. In the new command centre in Freetown there is a sense that the management, at least, of the epidemic in the capital is under control. Burials are being completed within 24 hours. But there is little to celebrate. The large whiteboards charting dozens of live cases show why the infection rate is out of control. Patient number two is 38-years-old. Status: “Weak, 8 people in the home”. That’s eight people who now needed to be quarantined. Next is an 18-year-old. Status: “28 weeks pregnant. Epilink (husband, sister-in-law, brother dead”. Then there’s a 12-year-old girl. Status: “Can walk. 4 in house”. Ebola is indiscriminate. Last on the list is a oneyear-old Ebola suspect. She is from a quarantined home with eight in the house.

In the district of Port Loko up the coast there are reports of people dying on verandahs and corpses rotting in homes. One woman lies dead on the floor of a hospital after a struggle to give birth. There are no labs, isolation or treatment units in the district. The Cuban doctors who had been due to work in a new clinic in Port Loko sit frustrated in a Freetown hotel after the NGO assigned to manage the facility pulled out.

If the WHO’s worst projections come to pass, Sierra Leone needs up to 4800 beds by the end of November to contain the outbreak. Even with the 700 beds promised by the British, the capacity will not be reached. (The Guardian)

Reconvening of Parliament:

APNU wants amendments to Standing Orders

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) will be filing a motion in the National Assembly to amend the Standing Orders to prevent future gridlock on the setting of date for the House to reconvene.

APNU Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Harmon explained that the motion will include amendments that would affect Standing Order Number 8 (1) and (2) and Standing Order Number 9.

The amendments would provide for a date by which the National Assembly should reconvene following the end of recess. Additionally, it would allow for the “majority” in the House to approach the Speaker to set an adjournment date.

Standing Order Number

8 (1) currently states: “Save as otherwise provided by the Constitution or resolved by the Assembly upon a motion moved by a Minister, the Assembly may sit every day except Saturdays and Sundays and unless the Assembly otherwise decide, every adjournment of the Assembly shall be to the next sitting day.”

Standing Order Number 8 (2) further states: “If, during an adjournment of the Assembly, it is represented to the Speaker by the Government, or the Speaker is of the opinion, that the public interest requires that the Assembly should meet on a day earlier than that to which it stands adjourned, the Speaker may give notice accordingly and the Assembly shall meet at the time stated in such notice. The Clerk shall as soon as possible inform each member in writing, or telegraph or by appropriate electronic means of any such earlier meeting.”

Standing Order Number 9 adds: “Notwithstanding anything contained in Standing Order Number 8, unless there are special reasons for so doing, no sitting of the National Assembly shall be held from 10th August to 10th October in any year.”

According to Harmon, these Standing Orders are now being tested in the

National Assembly, explaining that they were only adopted in July 2011, shortly before the Ninth Parliament dissolved. However, he said based on the current challenges, it is clear that amendments ought to be made to prevent future hindrances.

Consultation

According to the Member of Parliament, the motion will be co-sponsored by the Alliance For Change. He explained that the motion was crafted following in-depth consultation with the AFC.

“Contrary to what some sections of the media would want to portray, we have always been in consultation with the AFC on these Parliamentary matters…. Before we go to Parliament on major issues, we consult to ensure we understand each other’s position,” Harmon said, positing that this motion is no different.

Government’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira when contacted said there is nothing wrong in filing a motion to amend the Standing Orders; however, she warned that due process “must” be followed.

She explained that the motion must be drafted in the appropriate language. Additionally, it must be sent to the Standing Order Committee headed by the Speaker with supporting members from both the Government and the Opposition. Following examination and discussions on the motion, it would be sent back to the Assembly with the appropriate recommendation, before it can be passed.

Although recess ended on October 10, a sitting for the National Assembly has not been set, with Government being accused of trying to stall the debate on the NoConfidence Motion.

On Tuesday, the Speaker Raphael Trotman said based on his interpretation of the Standing Orders, he instructed the Clerk Sherlock Isaacs to set November 6 as the date for the next sitting, but this request was rejected.

Isaacs is insisting that the Speaker lacks the authority to set a date for the reconvening of the National Assembly, saying it contradicts Standing Order Number 8 (1) and (2).

But Trotman said the National Assembly must resume sittings and cannot be bound by the whims of the Executive branch to have to await its consent before meeting.

He said such an interpretation flies in the face of the doctrine of separation of powers, and the constitutional right of the elected representatives to meet to perform their functions.

Courts hands out $800,000 to customers

Two lucky shoppers at Courts Guyana Inc have won $400,000 each as part of the furniture store’s Frigidaire Promotion.

Marlyn Chapman and Theresa Seeram were declared the winners in the first forth nightly draw of the month. They had each purchased a Frigidaire refrigerator.

The customers said they were surprised when they were first contacted by Courts.

Seeram told Guyana Times that Courts had called her at work while she was having lunch and she was quite speechless when told the good news.

She said she had to enquire the seriousness of the Courts personnel. The customer said it was the first time she had purchased anything from Courts and simply thought they were asking about whether she had received the item she had purchased.

She remarked that she had not expected to win

anything though she did know of the promotion.

The happy customers at the time did not have any plan on how they intend to spend the money.

But Chapman did indicate that she already made plans to purchase a four burner gas stove as she made arrangements for it to be put on lay-away.

She has until January 2015 to complete payment.

The lucky customers received their checks from Courts Public Relations Officer (PRO) Roberta Ferguson and the Sales Manager for the Main Street Division, Pamela Humphrey.

Quesi Dummet was named by Courts as the third weekly winner of the promotion which ends tomorrow.

GPHC nurses complete oncology, chemotherapy training

The Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Monday hosted a training programme

for nurses as it seeks to upgrade the Oncology and Chemotherapy Department of the hospital.

The oncology and chemotherapy training was held for nurses throughout Guyana. The training was

conducted by four nurses from the Memorial Sloane Kettering Hospital and the St Luke Roosevelt Hospital of New York City.

Sloan Kettering, as the visitors call the hospital, is known for treatment of cancer and research on the disease. It is found within Manhattan, New York and treats from breast cancer to leukemia.

The St Luke Roosevelt Hospital Centre of New York City is a general medical and surgical hospital that performs nearly at the level of the top US hospitals.

The four nurses and doctors were brought to Guyana by the Organisation for Social Health Advancement in Guyana (OSHAG).

saturDaY, november 1, 2014 | guYanatimesgY.com

$3.8M armed robbery suspect denied bail

Accused armed robber Quincy Grant was remanded on Friday by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine- Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The 41-year-old, of Lot 101 Leopold Street, Georgetown, allegedly on October 27, at Water Street,

armed with a gun, robbed Naresh Bahuraj of $3.8 million and a haversack. The unrepresented defendant denied the charge laid against him.

The facts read that on the day in question around 16:40h, Bahuraj was about to enter Muneshwers Limited when he was confronted by

Grant. A scuffle then ensured during which Bahuraj was shot. The suspect was apprehended and taken to the Police Station and was subsequently arrested and charged. The items were not recovered.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant objected to bail, citing the na-

ture, gravity and prevalence of the offence. He also highlighted that a firearm was used and Bahuraj was shot during the execution of the robbery, as well as Grant was not likely to return for trial if bail was granted.

Bail was refused and the matter scheduled to be heard again on November 14.

Guyanese nabbed at CJIA with cocaine in shoes remanded

The Canada-bound Guyanese nabbed at the airport with a quantity of cocaine in several pairs of shoes was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that on Thursday, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara, minibus driver Alwyn Anthony Solomon, 23, had in his possession

2.19 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Solomon denied the allegation.

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Oswald Massiah told the court that investigations are still ongoing into the matter, and objected to bail on the grounds that special reasons must be advanced.

The arrest was made by CANU at approximately 08:00h as the passenger was about to board a BW662 flight to Canada. The man

was seen acting in an apprehensive manner as his bags were being scanned. A search was conducted on his suitcases and the drug was unearthed in the soles of some shoes within.

Solomon told the court that he is being represented by Attorney Mark Waldron; however, his lawyer was not present in court. Bail was refused and the case was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for November 3.

Eyew tness Encouraging...

...treason

We’re not surprised by the ignorant and uninformed intervention into the issue of the convening of Parliament by Tony Vieira. Some people carry on about the “backwardness” of cane-cutters in this country. But from the mouthings of Tony Vieira, you’d understand that any ignorance they exhibit comes from “fighting fire with fire” with their managers.

For most of his life, Vieira was a manager on his father’s sugar estate in Versailles, dumbing down the poor cane-cutters with his ignorance. Now he seems hell-bent on inflicting the same on the rest of us via the Opposition rags’ letters pages.

In the case of the “convening conundrum”, Vieira, who obviously attended school in August, blithely jumps into the fray that’s already bloodied former Speaker Ramkarran, present Speaker Trotman, and several previous Speakers and Clerks. Truer words were never uttered when it was said that “fools rush in where angels fear to thread”!!

Vieira claims to be quoting some individual who, he further claims, the Clerk “quoted” when he flatly refused to follow Speaker Trotman’s self-serving instruction. Well, we know the Clerk sought the opinions of some Speakers from the Caribbean. And the one from Jamaica – the most populated Caricom state, agreed it’s the Government that sets the date for the convening of Parliament. If Vieira says he spoke to this man, he’s lying through his teeth!

What fool, much less a Speaker – who’d have more than a passing acquaintance with the Constitution –would advise that “if the 33 members of Parliament of both APNU and AFC” meet anywhere – even in a bottom house, we presume – they can ask the GDF “to restore and defend the Constitution”!! Have you ever heard such nonsense? This is nonsense on stilts!! So the Courts, the arbiter of the Constitution, are to be cast aside and the Legislative one-seat majority can now take over the command of the armed forces?? This is even beyond nonsense on stilts – this is bloody treason!! There’s a clear-cut demarcation of the lines of authority over our armed forces – for very good reason. The state itself is defined by that authority – which flows through the President of the Republic. He’s the Head of State as well as Commander in Chief of the Disciplined Forces.

We know from his days of giving those foamingat-the-mouth tirades he called “commentaries”, that Vieira has a few marbles loose. But his loose mouth and pen might just make him join Glenn Lall at 12 Camp Street if he continues advocating treason.

...illegality

Now while some may excuse Tony Vieira’s utterances (“he head na good!”), what can they say about Speaker Trotman’s insistence that the Clerk obey his “order” to convene Parliament – just because he says so!! The irony – which escapes these powerdrunk fellas – is that the “Speaker”, MPs and the entire edifice of “Parliament” were invented to circumscribe the powers of absolute Monarchs who could bark –“Do this ...or else!!!” The “or else”, of course, meant being separated from one’s head. It could be that Trotman confuses his Speaker’s seat with a throne?? But it’s not just monarchs ...there’s no absolutes even in bureaucracies or armies where it used to prevail. Today a soldier can’t get away with saying his superior “ordered” him to “do it”. If the “it” is illegal, he’s going to be held responsible. Even as far back as the Nuremberg Trials, the Nazis couldn’t get away with that line.

The Clerk has given cogent reasons why he thinks the Speaker’s instruction is illegal. He must hold his ground.

...suicide

Nagamootoo likes to use “fancy words” to show he’s “educated”. He says he reviewed the illegal taping of the AG by Lall and Gildharie. He concluded the AG “caricatured the hara-kiri” that would happen at Lall’s place. “Hara-kiri” is “suicide”. Is this why the Mook cried like a girl??

New housing programme for Amerindian communities soon

The high level of success which was achieved in the design and implementation of the housing programme under the second Low Income Settlement (LIS) programme and more specifically the hinterland, has led to the formulation of a US$ 3.1 million new sustainable housing for hinterland programme to further improve the quality of life for several other communities. The new programme which will be implemented by the Central Housing and Planning Authority will improve access to housing, energy and water by the beneficiary households. This was told to Amerindian Leaders attending the 2014 National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting. Communities in Regions One and Nine are to benefit from this new programme.

Housing Minister Irfaan Ali while addressing Amerindian Leaders on day two of the NTC meeting said, housing in the government’s view is an essential aspect of maintaining a sustainable pathway and improving livelihood. Recently a pilot housing programme under the second LIS programme was completed and has been deemed a success in eight Amerindian communities. The project was designed to improve the housing conditions, and by extension, the quality of life of households in selected communities and provided subsidies for house construction and the replacement of deteriorated roofs to beneficiary families. The success in this intervention in the hinterland was based on a participatory approach utilised by the government and the enthusiastic response from the bene-

ficiary communities which were integrally involved in the design of the houses and in the actual construction. Government provided the materials which were procured mainly from within the communities and the beneficiaries contributed their labour.

Two hundred and eight (208) households from eight communities in Regions One and Nine are now enjoying the benefits of improved housing, sanitation and access to cleaner water. The subsidies under the programme facilitated the construction of 122, five hundred square foot houses, complete with rain harvesting system and sanitary facilities. Additionally, 86 households benefited from new zinc roofs which replaced the thatched roofs which had deteriorated over time. The results of this project have shown that the pilot has reduced overcrowding, improved access to safe drinking water, contributed to improved sanitary conditions of beneficiary families and has helped increase social cohesion in participating communities. The project helped to create employment in the villages for over 100 persons, builders, lumber suppliers, and brick layers. The experience showed that hinterland communities have the ability to manage development initiatives. (GINA)

Caribbean Airlines drops fuel surcharge

CRamjattan accused of verbally abusing journalist

Senior Editor at the National Communications Network (NCN), Edward Layne has accused Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan of verbally abusing him when he requested a comment on a matter of national importance.

In a statement, Layne said on Friday afternoon, he attempted to get a comment from the AFC Leader via telephone about why he had not released the evidence he has of three Opposition Members of Parliament being offered $30 mil-

lion each to vote against the No-Confidence Motion more than one month after he made these allegations (September 18) and whether or not he had reported the matter to the Police Stressing that he, in a very professional manner, identified himself and the media house he represents to Ramjattan, Layne said he was “met with extreme hostility. Mr Ramjattan accused me of working for the PPP/C and rattled off a series of expletives”.

“I proceeded to ask Mr Ramjattan whether his utterances were his official

comment, to which he answered in the affirmative and said. “You publish what I said, I don’t care what you want to write, boy; look, haul your *ss, what the **ss you think”.” The unhappy senior NCN personnel pointed out that Ramjattan is the leader of one of the political parties, which, on one hand, constantly accuses NCN and its sister state media agencies of not providing coverage to them and, on the other hand, “cuss us out when we try to provide coverage to them”.

UNICEF, lawyers sign pact to advance child rights

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Guyana Bar Association and the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL), signed a joint MOU on Friday with emphasis on the areas of research, advocacy, innovation and strengthening the legal system with a focus on children.

It is expected that the MOU will, among other things, ensure that children including those more vulnerable because of violence, neglect and exploitation are made visible through the work of the Associations, and that it will act as a catalyst for the acceleration of children’s rights.

According to a release from UNICEF, as an imme-

diate next step in 2015, the Associations with support from UNICEF, will host a National Conference and seek to dedicate the publication of the Guyana Bar Review Journal to children’s rights.

All parties to the MOUMs. Marianne Flach, UNICEF Representative, Guyana and Suriname, Mr. Ronald Burch-Smith, President of the Guyana Bar Association, and Ms. Simone MorrisRamlall, President of the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers, expressed commitment, gratitude and support for this joint MOU which will serve to promote the interests of children in Guyana.

In her remarks, Ms. Morris- Ramlall noted the historical focus of the GAWL on

children’s issues, while Mr. Burch-Smith observed that although the Bar Association has not specifically targeted the issue of children’s rights (as part of the broad human rights agenda), this MOU will serve to fuse policy and practice and create change for children.

The UNICEF Representative also noted that it was significant that this MOU should be signed on UN Day, the anniversary of the day the United Nations Charter came into force, and the UN was officially established. Ms. Flach reiterated her commitment to working with all partners, including civil society, for the advancement of children’s rights.

The fuel surcharge was introduced to cover additional costs when the price of fuel was over $100 per bar-

aribbean Airlines has announced the immediate removal of fuel surcharges on all routes between North America and the Caribbean, and within the Caribbean. In a press release, George Reeleder, the Vice President of Commercial and Customer Service at CAL said, “This is great news for Caribbean Airlines customers. With the reduction in jet fuel prices we have removed the surcharges as they were only ever planned to be of temporary nature.”

rel. We never wanted this surcharge to be a permanent feature of our fares. Thus, when our largest expense –fuel, came down, we wanted our customers to benefit. “As we approach the Christmas travel season, there could not be a better time to remove this surcharge” Mr. Reeleder added.

GPHC nurses complete oncology...

This is a non-governmental organisation that facilitates the provision of healthcare in Guyana and other Caribbean countries.

OSHAG President Carol Baget has kept her promise 12 years ago when she had indicated that the organisation will be coming back every year during Cancer Awareness Month.

She believes that emphasis should be placed on prevention, contending that it is very necessary for persons to practice healthy eating habits and take the recommended tests to ensure there is nothing to be worried about.

Dr Corinne Lamborge said the hospital needs some training to update professionals within the field of oncology about what is current and necessary procedure in going about treating patients; hence, the train-

ing.

She remarked that it is not her first time in Guyana as she usually comes when OSHAG calls for various expeditions in Caribbean countries.

However, she lamented that she has found that the cases seem to increase every time she comes, particularly that of breast cancer.

Dr Lamborge said the doctors who came with OSHAG are within the various health centres of Guyana and are hoping that persons take advantage of the opportunity available to them.

The doctors have been in Guyana since last week and will be departing today. They say reaching out to the downtrodden is a main aim of their visits.

Dr Lamborge said the nurses who came with her have adjusted this dimen-

from page 7

sion a bit as they have taught the local nurses about administering chemotherapy, patient care, the proper protocols that are necessary for a successful treatment and a number of other practices that relate to oncology.

Dr Trevor Layne, who specialises in oncology and hematology, insisted that the group’s aim is to put emphasis on persons who do not have access to proper healthcare due to lack of funds.

He posited that there have been many advances within the field of cancer and cancer-related illnesses, noting that a lesser number of persons are dying from cancer.

Thus, it is important for doctors the world over to renew their knowledge and be up-to-date about new technology and advances in their relevant fields.

Fire sweeps Akbar Auto storage bond

By Jomo Paul

Hundreds of millions of dollars went up in flames at approximately 12:00h on Friday when a vehicle storage facility and a furniture manufacturing plant belonging to Akbar Auto Sales were destroyed by fire at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara.

The fire left businessman Monaf Hossein, also known as Akbar, counting his losses but thankful that none of his staff members were injured. Several vehicles exploded sending billows of smoke into the air as the fire quickly spread though the very large storage facility. Although the response by the Guyana Fire Service was prompt, there was little that could be done to save the building as the blaze quickly grew into an inferno destroying more vehicles and household equipment, while threatening the integrity of nearby homes and businesses.

Hossein explained that he was at the Masjid when he got the distress call informing that one of his prime establishments was

in flames. He said that by the time he arrived at the facility, there was little that could be done to save the vehicles in the yard. It was noted that there were approximately 100 vehicles in the compound at the time of the blaze and the businessman was not sure whether they were insured. “I will have to check with my broker,” Hossein said, as he further explained that the furniture making plant and the building would be covered under his insurance policy. The businessman further related that the auto sales business started some 70 years ago and it will not be an easy task to rebound from the disaster. “Everything

gone, everything,” emphasised Hossein, contending that he was grateful that the home at the front of the property did not sustain any damage. This, he said, was due in part to the “excellent” response from the Guyana Fire Service.

He explained that he was not sure what could have caused the fire, but related he has had some issues with a neighbour who has been lighting fires much to the danger of his premises, for quite some time now. The businessman told media operatives that he has “umpteen” reports at the Guyana Fire Service, whereby he had called to make reports of fires in the empty lot next door to his establishment.

Hossein said: “We tell them umpteen times don’t burn nothing there, or when they burn let someone stick around and watch it.” While noting that he was not pointing fingers at anyone, he complained that those warnings went unheeded.

When the Guyana Times arrived at the scene of the fire in Cornelia Ida, the traffic had slowed to a turtle’s pace and a crowd had gath-

ered looking on, as the firemen and women tended to the flames. Several persons said the fire started around 12:00h. They explained that the workers from the building were on lunch when the blaze started and they tried to salvage some of the luxury vehicles, but the heat thwarted them.

One young man explained that he was asleep a few houses down when he was roused by a loud explosion. He said when he woke up, he felt that something was amiss and his fears were confirmed when he looked through his bedroom window. Another young man told this newspaper that he saw when the fire started. He explained that there was a spark on a post nearby shortly before the fire.

“Soon after that, I see the smoke coming from inside the place so I know is an electrical fire,” the eyewitness said.

The Fire Chief was not immediately available for a comment, but Guyana Times was told by officials that the investigators are working on all of the angles.

Moon does run till day ketch up

Old people seh too much of one ting does always be a problem. And old people seh some times people does want some ting so bad that when dem get it, dem does suddenly find out dem ain’t want it no more.

That is why old people also seh belly does full before eye get full. Well, that is whah happenin nowadays in this country. It got people like paper man who desperate to get whah other people got, so dem goin after people just fuh whah dem got.

Some people like Lalloo just desperate to be like other people who he can never become fuh all he life. Lalloo so desperate that he one time offer he lawyer service fuh free and still fuh a long time, no body was tekkin he on.

Is a good ting paper man like free tings, or when dem not free it musbe duty free. So at least Lalloo finally get some lawyer wuk whah de people who he wanna be like ain’t want.

Paper man had want a Chiney man fuh he wood business. When de Chiney man show paper man real wood business, paper man back down, just like how Joe de Harmouth back from a debate bout de same type of wood wid a man who know good bout wood business.

It also got people like de same paper man who does wanna tear down other people just because dem jealous of de same people. No matter if paper man got to break de law, which is nutten new to he anyway, he gon do it just to tear down good people.

Paper man even run to de Pullice to report a matter bout how some body threaten he in a phone call. But it turn out that paper man do he usual wickedness again, so de Pullice lookin fuh he and he reporter pardna.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But wid de way paper man runnin from de Pullice, it look like he fuhget that moon does run till day ketch up.

Remigrant scam fallout: Glenn Lall still hiding from Police

aieteur News

KPublisher, Glenn Lall continues to dodge the Police in the ongoing investigations relating to the illegal recording of a conversation between a reporter of the newspaper and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall.

Lall had filed a complaint to the Police alleging threats to his life and those of his staff made by Nandlall.

Police have commenced their probe but have been stymied thus far owing to Lall and his reporter, Leonard Gildharie’s lack of cooperation.

On Thursday the Police issued a statement highlighting both Lall and Gildharie’s reluctance to cooperate, which Lall denied.

On Friday in another statement, Police urged Lall to turn himself in and abandon his public relations stunt.

“Cognisant of statements made in articles published in sections of the print media Friday in relation to the report made by Mr Glenn Lall of alleged threats to him and the Kaieteur News by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Guyana Police Force reiterates that the police are in possession of three signed

The conversation which has become the subject of critical commentary was strictly a private one between myself and an acquaintance of long standing, which was completely distorted, manipulated and taken out of context, so as to reflect a different diagloue – Attorney General

statements that have been received from Mr Glenn Lall in this matter.”

Discrepancies

The statements, the Police said are on the Kaieteur News letterhead and while one is undated, the other two are dated October 27, 2014, and October 28, 2014, respectively.

Two of the statements were submitted along with the audio recording and the transcript of that recording and the other was submitted subsequently.

“The Guyana Police Force admits that Mr. Glenn Lall did speak to Detective Deputy Superintendent Michael Kingston Thursday who, among other things, reiterated the invitation by the Divisional Commander of “A” Division, Clifton Hicken for

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

him to attend the Brickdam Police Station in order that an interview can be conducted to clarify some issues in his statements.”

The Force said as soon as Detective Deputy Superintendent Michael Kingston told Lall that he has to attend Brickdam for that reason, Mr. Glenn Lall hung up the phone.”

Police said they are aware of the telephone numbers of Glenn Lall’s office and several calls were made by the Divisional Commander who was informed that he was not available.

Consequently messages were left for him to come in to Brickdam, prior to the letter being written by the Divisional Commander.

“By his own admission Mr Glenn Lall has acknowledged that he received the letter from the Divisional Commander and that he had called Deputy Superintendent Michael Kingston, implying that he has telephone contact information with Kingston who he also acknowledges as the senior investigator in the matter.

"Yet he claimed that in response to the letter from the Divisional Commander he showed up at Brickdam and could not make contact with anyone responsible.

“The Guyana Police Force wishes to inform that it is not desirous of making a public relations issue out of this matter and further insists that Mr Glenn Lall presents himself to the Brickdam Police Station, to either the Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken or Detective Deputy Superintendent Michael Kingston, so that the interview can be conducted."

Dodging Meanwhile, Guyana Times was told that Gildharie has left the country under the guise of being suspended from the publication.

Observers believe that

both Lall and Gildharie might be dodging the Police in light of the illegal recording.

In an invited comment, Nandlall said that the conversation which has become the subject of critical commentary was strictly a "private one" between himself and an acquaintance of long standing, which was completely "distorted, manipulated and taken out of context", so as to reflect a different diagloue.

The Interception of Communications Act of 2008 prohibits the interception of communication unless a warrant is issued by a Judge based on an application.

Law is clear

The law is also clear that any recording or tapping of citizens’ private communication must be authorised by the Chief-of-Staff of the army, the Commissioner of

Police and the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority.

However, these officers would first have to apply to a Judge for a 90-day warrant to intercept communication,

Reporter Leonard Gildarie

which will be illegal otherwise.

According to the law, anyone found guilty of illegal wiretapping would be liable

to a fine of $5 million and a jail term not exceeding three years.

A Judge, before granting the warrant, the law states must be satisfied that the information obtained would likely assist investigations.

There is also a proviso vesting authority in the Minister of Home Affairs in the case of national emergency.

Additionally, personnel acting in good faith under the ambit of law would be immune from liability for their actions.

President Donald Ramotar on Wednesday maintained that Lall broke the law when he recorded the conversation without the knowledge of the Attorney General.

Illegal

“It was illegal,” President Ramotar said referring to the recording.

“Clearly, what was done to the Attorney General was an illegal act to record him without telling him he would be recorded,” the President told reporters at the International Conference Centre.

The President said the conversation was not meant for the public ears and that “this serious breach exemplifies that persons do not respect the laws of the country”.

While the Head of State repeatedly described the act as illegal, he said it is for the Police to take any legal actions.

“The Police are supposed to take legal actions, not me,” Ramotar said when asked.

The President did not comment on the content of the conversation, but registered strongly that the recording by Lall was illegal.

Tourism Awareness Month launched ...

with eye on 100,000 Guyanese

Tourism Awareness Month 2014 was launched Friday evening with the aim of raising awareness of the country’s tourism potential, as the Government continues to promote tourism as a sector that has potential for significant economic growth.

The 20th Tourism Awareness Month was launched under the theme: “Tourism entrepreneur and ambassadors mobilised”. The tourism ambassador programme is not unique to Guyana, but is patterned after a Trinidad model.

Speaking during the launch at the Amerindian Village located in the Sophia Exhibition Complex, Tourism Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali stressed on the need for Guyanese to be reminded of the importance of the sector in Guyana’s future. “The growth of this sector cannot be achieved alone, we need partners in order to move forward,” the Minister said.

He stated that the Ministry has a vision that is critical for the development of the sector. Minister Ali said that the industry is in its developmental stage, where protocols and guidelines are being established. The need for sport fishing and its potential was reiterated by the Minister as he went on to state that the Ministry has implemented incentives to aid in reduced cost for local travellers to explore the beauty of Guyana.

The need for infrastructure and an environment which meet international

standards to attract tourists was highlighted while the Private Sector was urged to become members of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) since it will open opportunities for the enjoyment of the income expected from the 100,000 Guyanese who are anticipated to return to Guyana in 2015 as ‘Guyana Homecoming 2015’ takes off.

The Ministry is working with THAG and various airlines to design a marketing strategy for the homecoming campaign. Extensive social media marketing is an aspect of the strategy. Better yet, with Guyana adopting a booking engine, designed by an international company, bookings for trips to Guyana will be done easily and simultaneously, which will increase tourists and income. This feature will be added to the tourism website and is expected to be up and running by the end of November.

Heavy investments

The Private Sector has invested heavily in the Tourism Sector to create the environment and facilities to drive tourism.

Private Sector Commission Chairman Ramesh Persaud said Guyana is a place of many unexplored business opportunities, especially in the Tourism Sector. Persaud said Guyana is gaining greater recognition internationally from the numerous developments taking place.

Newly appointed THAG Chairman/ President Shaun McGrath, said, “As a hote-

returning home

lier in Guyana for the past 25 years, I have heard people say tourism is not going to happen in Guyana. They say they have to clean up the place first, but the truth is, tourism is well and alive in Guyana.”

Hotels in the interior are filled, McGrath said. He talked of the fact that Guyanese need to be made aware of the tourism potential of Guyana. Caribbean countries such as Barbados, Jamaica and others have implemented programmes in schools to start tourism awareness in the minds of children. This is an initiative which Guyana has now taken up.

Guyana, South America undiscovered”

THAG has, for Tourism Month, organised a school essay competition and the winning essay will be featured in the Guyana 2014 Magazine. Among other activities to raise tourism awareness are the launch of Restaurant Week – November 10 to 16; World Travel Market on November 3 to 6 in London, which will include the launch of the Explore Guyana magazine; school talks, and customer service and servers training. It was stated that part of the funding from the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) will go towards the development of tourism.

Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh said Tourism Month is a time when the achievements of the sector are celebrated and the challenges are reflected upon. He said it is one of the most important multi-functional sectors since it creates employment, attracts investments, and contributes to economic growth and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“I am optimistic that with public/private partnership, persons looking for wildlife and community based tourism, Guyana is poised to become the leading tourism destination in the Caribbean,” Haralsingh said. Destination Guyana’s “Guyana, South America undiscovered” tagline was also unveiled.

Persons attending the event were graced with performances by local dance and musical groups.

PSC welcomes decision on AML/CFT Bill

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) said it is heartened by the decision of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to extend the time given by Guyana to implement is Action Plan.

The bodies recently accepted the high-level political commitment of Guyana to address strategic deficiencies in its AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation.

The PSC in a release said the review of Guyana’s AML/CFT provisions by the International Cooperation Review Group’s Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG) has highlighted the steps that the country has yet to take, but has also revealed the non-legislative measures which have been taken by the country.

“The Private Sector Commission pledges its support for the Action Plan which has been worked out with the ARRG and resolves to assist in any manner to help Guyana meet its international AML/CFT obligations.”

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon recently hinted at a September 2015 deadline for the Government to get its “house in order” in the passage of Anti-Money Laundering Bill.

He said while the

Government was pleased with the developments, President Ramotar was prepared to use the blacklisting of Guyana as a propellant towards calling General and Regional Elections.

“Who wants to be running a blacklisted country?” questioned the Cabinet Secretary as he contended that what the President had previously proffered was a “political no-nonsense statement”.

FATF has mandated Guyana to implement a seven-point action plan to strategically address its AML/CFT deficiencies.

FATF indicated that Guyana has made a high-level political commitment to address the loopholes within its antimoney laundering regime by working with both the international financial watchdog and CFATF.

As part of the sevenpoint action plan, Guyana is required to adequately criminalise money laundering and terrorist financing.

Additionally, the country is mandated to establish and implement adequate procedures for the confiscation of assets related to money laundering, establish and implement an adequate legal framework for identifying, tracing and freezing terrorist assets and establish a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Effective measures for customer due diligence and enhanced financial transparency would also need to be established, in addition to a strengthened suspicious transaction reporting requirements. Guyana is also required to implement an adequate supervisory framework.

“The FATF encourages Guyana to address its AML/CFT deficiencies by implementing its action plan,” the financial institution stated on its website.

Guyana was among countries that were identified with AML/CFT deficiencies following FATF’s review for compliance.

“While the situations differ among each jurisdiction, each jurisdiction has provided a written highlevel political commitment to address the identified deficiencies. The FATF welcomes these commitments.”

The international body further called on the various jurisdictions, including Guyana to expeditiously complete the implementation of their action plans within the proposed timeframes.

“The FATF will closely monitor the implementation of these action plans and encourages its members to consider the information presented.”

The review process formed part of FATF’s plenary meeting which was held in Paris from October 22-24.

Just a click away: CXC launching online store

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) in collaboration with Macmillan will launch CXC’s online commercial presence called the CXC Store at www.cxc-store. com on November 7 during a concert in Jamaica.

The launch will be held at Jamaica College auditorium starting 10:00h with over 350 students from schools across Jamaica in attendance.

The CXC online store will be the distribution hub for electronic copies of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate

Gunman fires on Guyanese

Guyanese Attorney in Trinidad and Tobago

Odai Ramischand was on Tuesday housebound, but “not intimidated”, following an attempt on his life in the car park of a supermarket near his Maracas, St Joseph home.

Ramischand, in a tele-

phone interview, said a single shot fired by an unknown person from a van missed him “by an inch or two”, but has left him totally shaken. Having been threatened before, Ramischand said he will not be deterred from doing his work.

“If I have to die while doing my job, so be it,” Ramischand said.

He recalled the assassination last May of his close friend, Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal, who he said died an honourable death.

Ramischand was leaving the supermarket around

(CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) past papers and other resource materials under an agreement between CXC and Macmillan Publishing.

The online store will provide access to free and paidfor official CXC resource materials. In addition to CAPE and CSEC past examination papers, CAPE and CSEC syllabuses, specimen papers, along with their mark schemes and subject reports will be available via the store.

During the launch, there will be a live demonstration

of the functionalities of the online store and students will be given the opportunity to browse the store at computer terminals which will be provided at the auditorium.

The launch will feature performances by the Lightening Drummers from Ardenne High School, Tivoli Dance Troupe, Harmony from Jose Marti High School and Classic Dancers, winners of the 2014 Dancing Dynamite television show. Short speeches will be delivered by Government, CXC and Macmillan officials. (Caribbean News Now)

Attorney in TT

11.10h, to make his way to his office, when a gold-coloured pick-up, proceeding south along Maracas Royal Road, swerved from the left lane towards him. One of the heavily-tinted windows went down, he said, and a raised hand was seen.

Ramischand said he realised an attempt was about to be made to shoot him and while he initially thought to run into the grocery, he changed his mind and stood his ground. A shot was fired that had people scampering, he said, and the bullet hit the ground nearby.

Ramischand said he then noticed another black pick-up behind the one carrying his assailant, but both vehicles then got back in lane and sped off, presumably to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle.

(Trinidad Express)

Regional

Ebola team: No reason to abort Carnival 2015

Chairman of the Trinidad National Ebola Prevention Information and Response Team, Vice Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier General Anthony Phillips-Spencer, says Carnival 2015 will go on despite the global concerns over the spread of the Ebola virus. He made the comment Wednesday at a news conference at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, following a meeting with various stakeholder groups on how the Ebola threat would affect the annual festival.

Among those who attended the meeting were representatives from Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco), mas

bands, Carnival fete promoters, mayors and chairmen of borough and regional corporations, permanent secretaries, business and Private Sector, members of civil society, vendors, media representatives and academics. Phillips-Spencer said they made that decision because the Ebola risk in T&T was very low although he admitted it was a situation which would be continually reviewed.

National Carnival Commission (NCC) Chair Allyson Demas said: “As far as the NCC is concerned, we are proceeding with our plans for Carnival 2015.” Carnival is set for February 16 and 17 next year.

National Security Minister

Gary Griffith said citizens must discontinue attempts to link Carnival with Ebola and insisted the show was on.

“If we think that we are half pregnant and wondering whether there is going to be Carnival or not, we are going to cripple Carnival even before it starts because this is a period that is very critical for the period... the planning, the preparations, the bookings... and because of that we need to be very careful,” Griffith said. He said there would be a continuous review of the situation on a daily basis by a team of officials from the Health and National Security Ministries. (Excerpt from TT Guardian)

PJ Patterson awarded J$12.5M in libel case

Former Jamaican

Prime Minister PJ Patterson has been awarded J$12.5 million in damages for his libel case against Nationwide News Network and its head, Cliff Hughes.

The award resulted from a news article aired in 2009 that defamed Patterson.

It concerned an incident at Norman Manley International Airport involving a special charter flight from Cuba. Patterson was among the passengers.

In a 135 paragraph judgement, Justice Paulette Williams highlighted key issues in coming to her conclusion.

The Judge also noted that Nationwide contended that it had received 20 pieces of information throughout the day and this was followed by information received from the Solicitor General.

Nationwide also contended that it had asserted, in its defence, that the broadcast addressed issues of public interest and, in all the circumstances, it was under a moral and social duty to broadcast the information about Patterson.

Region observes Caribbean Tourism Month

Caribbean countries have been told that while there has been an upswing in tourist arrivals to the Region, they are yet to achieve their goals.

Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Chairman Richard Sealy, in a message marking Caribbean Tourism Month in November, said the statistics provided by the

CTO’s research department show that arrivals to the Caribbean are up for the first half of this year.

“While this is encouraging, we cannot be satisfied; we must all tell ourselves that we are yet to achieve our goal,” said Sealy, who is also Barbados’ Tourism Minister.

The CTO reported that the Region enjoyed a 4.3 per cent increase during the first six months of the

2014, much in line with the world average of 4.7 per cent.

CTO Director of Research and Information Technology, Winfield Griffith, said that just under 14 million longstay tourists visited the Caribbean between January and June, with nearly half this number (6.87 million) coming from the United States.

He said compared to the same period last year when 6.61 million American visitors arrived in the Caribbean, the 2014 figure represents a 3.9 per cent rise in arrivals from the US market.

The Month of Tourism will be observed under the theme “One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean’ and Sealy said it provides an opportunity to “engage in activities collectively and individually that involve the people of the Caribbean, to remind every Caribbean national that tourism is critical to the Region. (Excerpt Jamaica Observer)

14 dead, 55 injured in Honduras bus accident

Fourteen people were killed and 55 injured in western Honduras on Friday when a bus ran off the road and crashed into a ravine, the Government said.

Moises Alvarado, head of the country’s emergency services commission COPECO, who updated a prior estimate of 60 passengers.

The bus, which landed with its wheels up, was carrying 69 people, said

The passengers, members of a Jehovah’s Witness church, were travelling from the northern city of Choloma, said transportation official Quintin Juarez. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred near the town of San Juan de Opoa about 200 kilometres (124 miles) west of the capital city of Tegucigalpa. (Reuters)

Justice Williams argued in part that: “…the fact that at the time the information was received, it may well have been considered to be a subject matter of public concern, and the information turned out to be false and this meant, that in reality the public received misinformation.”

Meanwhile, KD Knight, lead counsel for Patterson, said the outcome was not a surprise.

Justice Williams added that the story was broadcast to many listeners and ought not to have entered the public domain.

He said several attempts were made to have the matter dealt with out of court, to no avail; “and having to court, we felt very comfortable with the case that we had to deal with”. (Excerpt from caribbean360)

US university study links drugs and tourism to HIV in the Caribbean

Anew study released by a United Statesbased university finds that drugs and tourism combine to raise HIV risk in the Caribbean.

The research, headed by New York University (NYU), notes that the Caribbean has the second highest global HIV prevalence in the world outside of Sub-Saharan Africa, with HIV/AIDS as leading cause of death among people aged 20–59 years.

Particularly hard-hit are the Dominican Republic (DR) and Haiti, on the island of Hispaniola, which account for about 70 per cent of all people living with HIV

in the Caribbean Region.

The study suggests how the intersection of drugs and tourism as contributing factors to the Region’s elevated HIV/AIDS risk has not gotten enough attention.

“Caribbean studies have almost exclusively focused on drug transportation. The roles that drugs play in tourism areas, which may be fuelling the Caribbean HIV/AIDS epidemic, seldom come up.”

The new study in Global Public Health seeks to address this gap by conducting in-depth interviews with 30 drug users in Sosúa, a major sex tourism destination of the Dominican Republic

According to NYU, the study’s results suggest three themes: Local demand shifts drug routes to tourism areas, drugs shape local economies, and drug use facilitates HIV risk behaviours in tourism areas.

“We know that the DR is located on a primary drug transportation route and is also the Caribbean country with the most tourist arrivals, receiving over 4.5 million visitors in 2012,” said Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, Professor of social work and global public health and a codirector at NYU’s Centre for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR). (Excerpt from caribbean360)

Barbadian couple missing at sea for five days found alive

ABarbadian husband and wife, who left St Lucia over the weekend for Barbados on board their 47-foot yacht, Serenity, have been found, family and relatives confirmed Wednesday.

Family members said Arthur Alleyne, 63, also known as “Captain Sam”, the former captain of celebrity ship, Brigg Unicorn, and his wife, Sharon WentAlleyne, 59, have since re-

turned to St Lucia. Marine authorities as well as their counterparts in Martinique, and Barbados were involved in the search for the two people.

The couple’s daughter, Tao Alleyne, told the media that a family friend had informed her that her parents were found and that she has since spoken to her father.

“He told me that he unfortunately lost signal half way through, but he told me

that both he and my mother were fine, except that they are dehydrated and hungry.”

According to her, Arthur did say that the yacht was drifting during their journey. However, it is unclear whether they managed to reach Barbados by themselves or they were rescued.

The Nation newspaper in Barbados quoted another daughter as saying that her parents were “on land in Soufriere,” in St Lucia when she spoke with her father.

“He just said that the mast is all ripped up, the sails are shredded, the engines gone, but they are alive. He just said ‘We are alive. Your father is not going to die like that, girl,” she stated.

Alleyne is an experienced sailor and boat captain with over 40 years of experience. He also captained the Brigg Unicorn which was used in the filming of three “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies as well as in the series, “Roots”. (Caribbean360)

Army Chief takes power in Burkina Faso after President resigns

Blaise Compaore, the President of Burkina Faso, has been forced to leave power after days of protests by tens of thousands of people calling for his ousting.

It appeared that the Chief of the country’s armed forces took power after the President’s resignation. Compaore announced his resignation in a statement on Friday and called for a 90-day transition to “free

and transparent” elections in the West African country.

“I declare a vacancy of power with a view to allowing a transition that should finish with free and transparent elections in a maximum period of 90 days,” said the statement, read on local radio and television by presenters.

Crowds danced and cheered in the capital, Ougadougou, blowing on whistles after Compaore’s

statement was broadcast. The mood cooled, however, as it became plain that military chief General Honore Traore had taken over the reins of power.

“In line with constitutional measures, and given the power vacuum ... I will assume as of today my responsibilities as head of state,” Traore said in a statement.

Arsene Evariste Kabore, the former Editor-in-Chief of Burkina Fasao’s state TV, told Al Jazeera that protesters remained in gathered in a square outside the military barracks after Traore’s announcement.

“People are not satisfied,” he said. “They are waiting for another President.”

“The general is linked to Compaore, and they don’t want anyone linked to Compaore to lead the country. They say they will not leave the streets.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Pilot dies in Virgin Galactic spacecraft crash

At least one person is dead and another injured after Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo space tourism craft crashed in the California desert.

The craft was flying a manned test when it experienced what the company described as “a serious anomaly”. It was undergoing its first powered test flight since January over the Mojave Desert, north of Los Angeles.

Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson tweeted he was flying to California “to be with the team”. “Thoughts with all @virgingalactic & Scaled, thanks for all your messages of support,” Sir Richard said.

Around the world

UN Chief defends returning Ebola aid workers

UN Chief Ban Kimoon has said discrimination against aid workers who return home from the Ebola crisis in West Africa is “unacceptable”.

Strict quarantine rules are hampering aid efforts when more health workers are needed in order to deal with the crisis, he told BBC News in Nairobi.

International efforts have been insufficient but are now “catching up”, the UN Secretary General added. “We have been really trying to mobilise in a massive way,” he said.

Ban told the BBC’s Dennis Okari that the World Health Organisation (WHO) and scientists around the world were trying to develop vaccines.

The UN’s main objectives included stopping the virus, finding a treatment and preventing the spread of Ebola, he said.

The medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned on Thursday

that some mandatory US state Ebola quarantine measures were having a “chilling effect” on its work.

“There is rising anxiety and confusion among staff members in the field over what they may face when they return home upon completion of their assignments in West Africa,” Executive Director Sophie Delaunay, told Reuters news agency.

One of the charity’s volunteers defied orders by the US state of Maine that she remain quarantined in her

house after being in Sierra Leone.

The nurse, Kaci Hickox, who recently returned to the US from treating Ebola patients in Africa, argued that the measure contravened her civil rights as she does not have the virus.

Meanwhile, Liberia’s President opened one of the country’s largest Ebola treatment centres in the capital, Monrovia, amid hopes that the disease is finally on the decline in the West African country. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sri Lanka landslide: India pledges assistance to Colombo

India has pledged millions as immediate relief for victims of landslide in Sri Lanka and is also considering medium and long-term assistance.

“India has pledged Rs 5 million (Rs 50 lakh) as immediate relief assistance for the victims of landslide in Sri Lanka,” the Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said.

He said that the Indian

Government was also considering, in consultation with the Sri Lankan government, medium and longterm assistance options.

Nearly 200 people were feared to have been buried alive in the landslide on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed deep condolence over the loss of lives in the calamity and wished speedy

recovery to those injured. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had also conveyed her condolence to her Sri Lanka counterpart GL Peiris on tragic loss of lives and offered assistance. The landslide was triggered by heavy rains and wiped out 120 workers’ homes at the Meeriabedda tea estate in the central Badulla district. (Economic Times)

Both pilots were employed by Scaled Composites. One was pronounced dead at the scene while the other was transported to a local hospital in an unknown condition.

Television images shot from a helicopter showed what appeared to be wreckage bearing the Virgin logo. Officials have said the debris is currently strewn over a large area.

Aconvoy of Iraqi Kurdish forces in Turkey rolled late on Friday across the border into Syria to help Syrian Kurds defend the besieged town of Kobane that has become the focus of a Westernbacked war against Islamic State (IS) insurgents.

US-led air strikes hit IS positions around Kobane earlier in the day in an apparent effort to pave the way for the heavily-armed Kurdish contingent to enter.

The Iraqi Kurdish fighters, known as peshmerga or “those who defy death”, had set off cheering and making

victory signs in more than a dozen trucks and jeeps, accompanied by armoured vehicles and artillery. They headed from a holding point around eight kilometres (five miles) from the frontier towards Kobani.

“We have crossed over,” one of the peshmerga fighters in the group subsequently told Reuters by telephone. The force numbers only around 150 but brings weapons and ammunition. Their arrival would mark the first time Turkey has allowed ground troops from outside Syria to reinforce Syrian Kurds, who have been de-

In a statement, Virgin Galactic said the “vehicle suffered a serious anomaly resulting in the loss of SpaceShipTwo”.

The aircraft that held the spaceship, known as White Knight 2, has landed safely, Virgin Galactic said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Kurdish peshmerga forces enter Syria’s Kobane after further air strikes SpaceShipTwo under rocket power in 2013

fending Kobane for more than 40 days.

As the peshmerga headed towards the border, a loud blast was heard in the Kobane area, the latest in a rapid series of explosions, in an apparent intensification of the fighting.

Despite having limited strategic significance, Kobane has become a powerful international symbol in the battle against the hardline Sunni Muslim insurgents who have captured large expanses of Iraq and Syria and declared an Islamic “caliphate”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

China corruption probe: Record cash find in official’s home

Anti-corruption investigators in China have confirmed the reported seizure of the equivalent of US$33 million in cash at an official’s home in May – the biggest such haul to date.

More than 200 million yuan were found and four out of 16 counting machines broke while measuring the notes, a prosecutor said. Senior energy official Wei Pengyuan is under investigation for corruption.

President Xi Jinping has promised to tackle corruption in China. The massive haul, first reported in the Chinese press in May, was confirmed at a news conference by top anti-bribery prosecutor Xu Jinhui.

Wei, who is the deputy chief of the National Energy Administration’s coal department, was put under investigation in May for allegedly accepting bribes following the discovery of the hidden cash.

China has sentenced

Thousands of Chinese officials have been investigated on suspicion of graft and corruption

more than 13,000 officials found guilty of corruption and bribery in the first nine months of 2014 alone.

President Xi warned that his campaign against corruption would target both “tigers” and “flies”, indicating that no-one, even senior party members, was exempt from the crackdown.

Since he came to power, some of China’s biggest po-

litical heavyweights, including the Vice Chairman of China’s Parliament and the former Security Chief have been targeted by the anticorruption campaign.

Experts have even suggested that the proportionately high number of suicides among party officials is down to the pressure from the battle against corruption. (BBC News)

saturDaY, november 1, 2014 | guYanatimesgY.com

1 dead, 3 injured in Mahaicony accident

By Bhisham mohamed

Astudent of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) is now dead while three others are injured after the car in which they were travelling collided with a truck at Drill, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The dead man, who had to be cut from the wreckage, has been identified as 23-year-old Torick Mc Clennon of Zes Kinderen, Mahaicony.

Mc Clennon’s cousin, Calvin, 21; Elias Ross, 25 of Zes Kinderen; and Hollin Roberts, 22, of Farm, Mahaicony, were taken to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital. Ross was reportedly referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted in critical condition while

Roberts was admitted to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital and Mc Clennon was treated and sent away.

Guyana Times understands that the Electrical Engineer and the passengers were on their way home when he lost control of the motor car and collided headon with the truck, which was heading in the opposite direction. He was reportedly driving at a fast pace when he slammed into the truck that was loaded with lumber. After the collision, the car slammed into a lamp pole.

Minutes after the accident, fire-fighters arrived at the scene and managed to cut the badly injured man from the seat, but it was too late.

At the scene, the white Toyota Premio was on the parapet while the truck

was parked a short distance away.

Bereft

A resident explained that he heard the sound of a loud crash and upon looking out, he saw the two vehicles. As he looked closer, he saw several persons lying on the road. This prompted him to look even more closely at the scene and it was then he realised that the driver of the car was stuck in his seat and from all indications, was already dead.

and soon after she was informed that her nephew was dead.

She had the opportunity to see his body in the mortuary before it was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home. “He received multiple injuries… he bleeding from he head down… he really get damage,” she stated.

ed that her nephew was the only child of his parents and it was sad that her sister’s name will not be carried on. The Police have since launched an investigation into the fatal accident. The driver of the motor lorry was detained for questioning into the accident.

This accident comes at a time when the Guyana National Road Safety Council prepares to launch National Road Safety Month 2014.

Nicola Mc Clennon, the dead man’s aunt, was inconsolable at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital. In tears, she was heard telling another relative that Torick was no more. “He gone … he mother gone a year and three months now… and now he gone… no other family member for he mother left… He father dead and now he gone,” she cried.

The distraught woman said her nephew lived with his foster father and would visit her from time to time. The last time she saw him was on Thursday, but he did not tell her where he was heading as he left.

In a subsequent phone conversation, the woman told the Guyana Times that she was at home preparing her children for school when she received the distressing phone call. She noted that she hurried to the hospital

102 road deaths so far this year … as

Road Safety Month commences

The Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) rolled out the plans for Road Safety Month 2014 which include activities such as training workshops for drivers, essay competitions, awareness walks, repainting of pedestrian crossings, throughout the regions of Guyana.

National Road Safety Month, November 1-30, will be observed under the theme “The time is now, don’t drink and drive. Stay attentive, drive defensive.”

A small press briefing was held at the Red Cross Building in Kingston Friday where representatives from Georgetown, Linden, West Demerara and Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) presented their plans to get everyone involved in road safety activities.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding were noted as the prime causes of road accidents in Guyana. So far for the year 2014, there have been a recorded 102 accidents in which 110 persons died, 13 of them children. This is a drastic increase over last year’s figures, which saw a total of 79 accidents and 85 deaths, including those of nine children. It was also noted that most careless drivers are between the ages of 20 and35.

GNRSC Secretary Earl Lambert mentioned that there needs to be stricter penalties in dealing with

reckless road users. He said too many drivers get away with causing accidents in Guyana. “Drivers commit an accident today and tomorrow they’re driving again… we might have to ask the authorities to look at the system whereby penalties are being imposed… because it makes no sense that persons kill somebody yesterday and are free today to kill more people.”

Inadequate system

In June of this year, an 18-year-old young man killed three persons during a drunken driving journey in Berbice. It was made known to Guyana Times that the

untouchable by law, hence leading to persistent negligence when using the roadways.

Lambert also noted that most road users only think about themselves. He mentioned that the drivers disregard the 5Cs and do whatever they please on the roadways.

Shahab Hack, Chairman of the West Demerara Road Safety Association, also called for stiffer penalties for the lackadaisical drivers.

“The Police have been doing so much enforcement by day and night…we’ve had some cases where we are sending six DUIs to the

young man was still permitted to drive. Additionally, a minibus driver who killed a woman as a result of speeding on the East Bank road is still operating his bus.

Cases like these may suggest to drivers that they are

court every morning…but the Police have reported to us that the magistrate giving them a little pat on their backs and signing them $7000. They come out and look at the Police and they laugh and walk away,”

Hack related in disgust.

He said that this way of handling cases was sending the wrong message. He called for stronger penalties so drivers can “feel the squeeze” and think twice before committing a careless act.

The Road Safety Month commemoration will kick off with a church service and then progress to the various events. One of the most prestigious activities for the month is an awareness walk on November 16 to remember road accident victims. Another big event is the grand pedestrian painting activity throughout the nation on Sunday. Persons or volunteer groups who are interested in participating can contact Ramona on 6171525 for more details.

The official launching of Road Safety Month will be on November 3 opposite Parliament Building.

She, however, said that he would normally go out with his friends and return home late in the evening, and suspected that he might have been on one of his outings and was returning home when the accident occurred.

Mc Clennon also relat-

The Council on Thursday disclosed that drunk driving and speeding have been identified as the main causes of road accidents in Guyana. In 2013, there were 79 accidents with 85 deaths recorded, of which nine were children. So far in 2014, there have been 102 accidents, resulting in 110 deaths, including those of 13 children.

Water supply to Hinterland greatly improved – Minister Ali

Over the past year, several Amerindian communities throughout the country began benefitting from improved water supply as the Ministry of Housing and Water, in collaboration with the Guyana Water Inc, continues to meet the demands countrywide.

Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali during his engagement with over 200 Amerindian leaders during the 2014 National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting noted that the water sector has made tremendous improvement in terms of serving hinterland communities.

However, while acknowledging the fact that there is still a lot of work to be done in that area, the sector continues to be faced with ad-

ditional demands to expand and extend its services.

While noting that each request is legitimate, it must always be factored into the country’s economic realities. Over the past year communities including, Moruca, Kamwatta, Haimakabra, Kabora, Rincon, Itabac, Santa Rosa, Kurukubaru, Phillipai, Chenapow, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Taruka, Kopinang, Monkey Mountain, Kaburi, Warapoka, Paipang, Tabatinga, St Ignatius, Waikeribi, Kaikan and Lethem have benefited from improved water supply systems. Plans are also on stream for several other Amerindian communities under the 2015 budget.

Confusion over whereabouts of Parliamentary Mace

Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs has debunked claims that the Speaker’s Mace had been stolen, clarifying that the device was removed from the Speaker’s office for cleaning and was not taken from the Parliament Building.

On Friday, Speaker Raphael Trotman filed a report with the acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud contending that the Mace was stolen. “Today, on entering the Speaker’s Office, I discovered that the Mace, the symbol of authority of the Office of Speaker of the National Assembly, was removed from its usual place without my permission, knowledge, or consent. The entire protective case in which the Mace is

kept is also missing in its entirety,” Trotman said in a press statement.

He said the Mace is always kept in the Speaker’s Office, noting that it is only removed by the Sergeantat-Arms for use during sittings or for temporary viewing by guests on tours of the National Assembly.

When questioned about the missing Mace, Trotman said he got no response from staff, positing that they appeared to be afraid to give an explanation.

But a call to the Clerk of the National Assembly has provided much clarification on the matter. According to Isaacs, he removed the Mace, along with its wooden protective case, from the Speaker’s Office on Thursday afternoon. He explained that the Mace was

removed and placed into his office for the purpose of cleaning.

The Clerk further explained that the protective case is being replaced; hence the removal will facilitate the setting up of a Perspex Glass box for the Mace. “The Speaker is fully aware that the box is being changed.”

To facilitate this process, he said the Mace will be kept in his office for safety keeping over the weekend and would be returned to the Speaker’s Office on Monday. “This is not the first time it is removed, we always remove it for cleaning; maybe this is the first time he missed it, but it’s safe,” the Clerk explained. He said attempts to clear the air with the Speaker proved futile.

Reconvening of Parliament:

Former Clerk confirms it's Govt's call

Former Clerk of the National Assembly Frank Narain has congratulated his successor, Sherlock Isaacs for refusing to carry out the instructions of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman to fix a date for Parliament.

Narain, who was one of the two clerks who had previously refused similar instructions, said Isaacs has done well in sticking to the Standing Orders. “What do we see here? Three Clerks in succession have refused to carry out the instructions of two Speakers and one Deputy Speaker. My predecessor was the first Clerk, I was the second and my successor is now the third. The three of us were/are not politicians, or members of political parties. We were/ are knowledgeable in and were/are the experts in the Standing Orders and their application, and in the procedures of the Legislative body. “ He asked: “Why did the Speakers want to involve us? Maybe that is how the game of politics is played. We were requested to call sittings by two Speakers and one Deputy Speaker.” Narain said the first Speaker, when he made his request, had changed his support from the Government to the Opposition, the second was a Deputy Speaker from the Opposition and the third is a Speaker from the Opposition. “Unlike the Clerks, all three of these persons were/are politicians and supporters/members of political parties.”

Narain said for the 36 years he was the Clerk, none of the persons who became and served as Speakers during that time ever made requests to him to call Parliament. “I would like to congratulate him (Isaacs) on his correct interpreta-

Chandarpal’s sterling contributions will inspire others

Dear Editor,

The Central Committee and the entire membership of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) are saddened by the death of one of its leading stalwarts, Navin Chandarpal, who passed away on October 28.

Chandarpal was, at the time of his passing, a member of the Central and Executive Committee of the party. He started out as a member of the Progressive Youth Organisation, (PYO) rising to the post of General Secretary.

He played an active role in student politics and at one time was elected President of the University of Guyana Students’ Society (UGSS).

Those were the days when the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime sought to control all facets

tion and application of the Standing Orders and for his boldness in taking the action which he took. In this action, he was impartial and acted correctly, independently and fearlessly, like his predecessors,” Narain said.

Constitutional crisis?

Trotman on Wednesday said that the country is faced with a “clear and unvarnished constitutional crisis” after Isaacs defied his order to fix a date for the reconvening of Parliament. Isaacs has insisted that the power to do so lie in the hands of the Government. But Trotman disagrees saying that “all stakeholders will have to work together to resolve it”. He said, as the sitting Speaker, “I invite all well-thinking Guyanese to join me in examining all viable options and avenues to break the impasse in the interest of our beloved nation.

“In this regard I stand ready to entertain all reasonable suggestions and anticipate an early closure of this unfortunate development,” Trotman said hours after Isaacs informed him via letter that he would not acquiesce to his request. Trotman had written Isaacs earlier this week instructing him to set November 6 as the date for the House to reconvene. The Clerk then consulted with his Caribbean colleagues and on Wednesday responded to Trotman.

He had held the same view earlier when Trotman had asked his opinion on the matter, citing two previous attempts when similar requests were made and were turned down by the then clerks. “Not for the first time in the 48-year history of the National Assembly, the Speaker and the Clerk are at odds over the power of the Speaker to convene the sittings of the National Assembly.

of national and student life, but Chandarpal succeeded in defeating the PNCsponsored candidates to take control of the student body at a time when all national and regional elections were massively and blatantly rigged by the PNC regime.

Chandarpal represented the PPP/C and the PYO at

several meetings and seminars, both locally and internationally. He played a key role in the struggle against imperialism and dictatorial rule in the country.

Following the restoration of democratic rule and the assumption of the PPP/C to office in October 1992, Chandarpal served in several capacities including that of Minister of Agriculture and as Presidential Adviser, a position which he held until the time of his passing.

He served on several other committees such as the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre and the Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committees; both of which he was Chairman.

He was the husband of Indra Chandarpal who, like him, also served in the leadership of the Party and

as a former Government Minister and currently holds the post of Chairman of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO).

The PPP/C wishes to express its deepest condolences to his wife, Indra; his two children, Geeta and Robin; relatives, friends and the entire Party membership on his passing.

This is indeed a great loss to the Party, but his sterling contributions; and his dedication, commitment and loyalty to the Party will no doubt serve to inspire others in the struggle for a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Guyana.

May his soul rest in peace!

People's Progressive Party/Civic

Chandarpal embraced the sciences – Education Ministry

The Education Ministry mourns with the family and colleagues of Navin Chandarpal who died early Tuesday morning at his home.

Chandarpal was very instrumental in the development of the Science programme at the Ministry of Education. He served as Convenor to the Science Policy Working Group (2010-

2011), which was tasked with updating the existing Science and Technology Policy and the preparation of a framework. He also played a pivotal role in the re-establishment of the National Science and Technology Council for Guyana.

Chandarpal embraced the Science Unit and his vision for Science, Technology, Engineering and

PNCR saddened by passing of Navin Chandarpal

Dear Editor,

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) expresses its sympathy at the death of Navin Chandarpal, former Minister of Agriculture and Presidential Adviser in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

The Central Executive Committee and members of

the PNCR extend sincere condolences to Mrs Indra Chandarpal, MP, and other relatives and friends of Mr Chandarpal.

Navin Chandarpal’s passing is a great loss to his party, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C).

People’s National Congress Reform

Mathematics (STEM) education is now captured in the new Ministry of Education’s Strategic Plan (20142018), which focuses on the use of STEM Education for National Sustainable Development.

Chandarpal served Guyana well in various other capacities. He was once Minister of Agriculture and was serving as Presidential

Adviser on Sustainable Development up to the time of his death.

The Ministry wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the family, relatives and colleagues, and close friends of Mr Navin Chandarpal at this time of bereavement. He will surely be missed.

Public Relations Dept Education Ministry

Chandarpal served his country with distinction

Dear Editor, The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) learnt with sadness of the passing of Navin Chandarpal. CIOG wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, children and the Government of Guyana.

Mr Chandarpal served his country with distinction in the area of agriculture, and more recently in his field of expertise – climate

change. He was a kind and gentle individual who made a significant contribution to his party and country. To the family, the CIOG wishes you patience and perseverance at this time of your loss. Let us be comforted that it is God’s will and He is our creator and sustainer.

Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana

Navin Chandarpal served in National Assembly with distinction

It was with deep sad-

ness that the National Assembly learnt of the passing of Mr Navindranauth Omanand Chandarpal, a former Minister of Agriculture and Member of the Seventh and Eighth Parliaments in the

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration.

Navin Chandarpal served in the National Assembly with distinction for five years, two months and four days, and was wellliked and respected across

all political lines. He will be remembered for his principled positions, his wit, and fearless and very amiable character. He was a friend to all and fierce fighter against injustice and oppression.

The Speaker and Members of Parliament and Clerk of the National Assembly extend deepest sympathy to his widow, Mrs Indranie Chandarpal, MP, and his children, relatives, friends and comrades.

SUDOKU

Thursday's solution

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

Let down your guard and be more outgoing. If you are approachable, you will have more opportunities to meet inspiring individuals. Broaden your horizons by participating in inspiring endeavours.

on’t hold grudges. If you stew over a real or imagined slight from your past, you will stir up trouble that is best ignored. Move forward and let success be your revenge.

Keep an open mind and do your best to increase your knowledge. Stay in tune with what is going on around you and in your chosen field.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

If you want to have a bright future, you should prepare a solid financial plan. Counting on a sudden windfall will prevent you from seeing your situation clearly.

Live up to your word. Broken promises will lead to problems. Don’t damage your reputation by saying one thing and doing another. Do your best and be gracious and humble.

Don’t leave anything to chance. Go over agreements and contracts thoroughly, making sure you get everything in writing. If you are conscientious, you will get additional perks.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Life will be hectic. Take a little personal time to rejuvenate and ease your stress. A day trip or spa visit will help you put things in perspective and set priorities.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Provide stability to loved ones. Don’t be afraid to leap into action, setting budgets and a strategy that will ensure greater security and peace of mind.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

People from other cultural backgrounds have different ways of looking at life. If you listen and observe, you will be inspired to utilise some of what you discover.

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

Make the most of your options. Utilise every opportunity to push your ideas forward. If you network, a job offer will give you a chance to show others what you can do.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

A change of plans will point you in a fascinating direction. Unleash your creativity and pay attention to your hunches. It’s time to incorporate your strengths.

Lucrative financial deals are within reach. Legal or governmental matters will move ahead faster than anticipated. An elderly relative will offer sound advice. Strive for perfection.

NBS Second Division 40-over cricket competition….

Betsy Ground Triple Star, No 55 through to play-offs

Betsy Ground Triple Star registered a huge win over Reliance Young Strikers and based on a better run rate advanced to the play-offs in the Berbice Cricket Board sponsored New Building Society second division 40over cricket competition, ahead of Young Restless of Zone F (East Canje).

Number 55 May Flower won their final Zone M (Upper Corentyne – North) preliminary game totop of that zone and also advanced to the play-offs.

See below summarized scores from the matches played recently:

At Goed Bananen Land, Betsy Ground Triple Star beat Reliance Young Strikers by 237runs.

Betsy Ground Triple Star 387-7 in 40. (Wahmeshwar Sobhai 104, Samuel Sanicharra 86, Krishan Sobhai 76, Lawrence

Bassant 47). Reliance Young Strikers 150 in 25.1 overs. (Mark Persaud 71, Devendra Ramoutar 3-22, Outram Emandin 3-31, Keshwar Dipoo 3-37).

At Number 47, Number 55 May Flower beat Number 47 Pioneer by 151 runs. Number 55 May Flower 219-7 in 30 overs. (Mahadeo Anand 89, Prasheed Rahamatally 35, Totaram Persaud 3- 28). Number 47

Pioneer 68 in 10.1 overs. (Oudal Budhram 5- 32, Tenarine Deonarine 3-12, Mahadeo Anand 2-24).

At Kendall’s Union, Courtland All Star beat Seawell by 44 runs. Courtland All Star 160 in 26.1 overs. Seawell 116 in 26.3 overs. (Travis Willaims 6-8, John Percival 2-19).

At Hopetown, Hopetown United beat Bush Lot United by 69 runs. Hopetown United 205 for 8 in 35 overs.

(Travlon Jhingree 47, Dellon Wayne 45, Javed Saywack 3-33). Bush Lot United 136 in 32.3 overs. (Dellon Joseph 36, Quacy Josehp 4-6, Kelvin Bennette 2-27).

At Number 72, Springlands beat Number 72 Cut and Load by five wickets. Number 72 Cut and Load 126 in 33 overs. (Akram Khan 44, Rameshwar Persaud 33, Michael Kendall 3-32, George Mc Calman 2-12). Springlands 129 for 5 in 16 overs. (Trishan Ramdass 32, Kader Ajib 2-19, Michael Singh 2-39).

At Belvedere, Albion Community Centre beat Belvedere United at by nine wickets. Belvedere United 82 in 19.2 overs. (Kevendra Persaud 4-24, Balchand Baldeo 3-21, Asif Ally 2-6).

Albion Community Centre 84-1 in 14 overs. (Balchand Baldeo 31, Adrian Sukhwa 29 not out).

Ramnaresh Sarwan has arrived in Trinidad and Tobago and will get a workout this weekend in T&T Cricket Board threeday practice match that bowled off on Friday at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva from 10 a.m.

New T&T coach Augustine “Gus” Logie confirmed that the stylish Guyanese right-hander arrived yesterday and would take part in his first practice match with the T&T franchise. The coach and his players will be hoping for three days of sunshine more than anything else especially after the previous practice match

were affected by rain.

However Logie still feels their preparations are going according to plan.

“At the moment we are on track in terms of our technical work,” said Logie.

“The guys have been coming into the net sessions and we have the players in a programme basically from Tuesday to Thursday. The guys are looking forward to another three-day game this weekend and we have Sarwan with us also so that is a plus,” he added.

Speaking about the progress of T&T’s batting lineup which has been inconsistent in the past, the T&T coach said “all in all, all the

Payless cycling shifted to November 15

– National Park booked for Saturday

Local riders will have to wait a tad longer before they resume competition at the inner circuit of the National Park, following the unavoidable postponement of the third annual Payless Variety Store’s 11-race programme.

The event was slated for this Saturday, but due to the unavailability of the National Park owing to the hosting of another function, the programme has now been shifted to November 15. This was confirmed on Thursday by national coach and chief organiser of the event, Hassan Mohamed.

When the event comes off in two weeks time, there will be rivalry among the young-

sters in the BMX 6-9, 9-12, 1214 and Open categories, followed by the Mountain Bikers, Juveniles and Veterans Under-50, Over-50 and Over60.

All these races will set the stage for the grand showdown in the School Boys and Invitational 35-lap, which is set to attract the leading senior riders, as well as promising young talents. It is unclear if cyclists attached to Team Coco’s will be given an opportunity to compete, following their pullout of the “Ride for Life” Five-Stage and subsequent blockade from competing in the Digicel’s Breast Cancer Awareness road race by the Guyana Cycling

Federation.

Whatever the decision, one thing is for sure: Roraima Bikers Club’s leading wheeler Alanzo Greaves is set to defend the title he won in 2013. The dominant rider clocked one hour, 18 minutes, 07.05 seconds to win the feature race, while Hamzah Eastman won the Juveniles category. Shameer Baksh (Veterans Under-50), Jamal John (BMX 12-14) and Richard Charles (Mountain Bikes) were some of the other winners last year. As has been the case over the past two years, representatives of Payless Variety Store will witness the races and assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion.

Sarwan arrives in Trinidad for practice match

top-order batsmen seem to be coming into some kind of form.”

“Evin (Lewis) has had two centuries so far. We have had a 90-odd from young Jeremy Solozano. We have also had a 50 from Jason Mohammed and (Steven) Katwaroo and (Nicholas) Pooran as well,” he explained.

“The top order is looking okay and we are basically looking forward to something from (Adrian) Barath,” Logie added.

“In the bowling, we had Akeal (Hosein) who got eight wickets recently, that is a plus for us and we are looking forward to Shannon Gabriel joining the team.”

Logie continued: “It (the team’s preparation) is rounding up pretty well. Players are gaining in confidence and what we are looking for at this point in time is three days of sunshine.”

Asked if the T&T players who were with the West Indies team in India were slated to join the training camp or if he had heard anything from those players, Logie said: “No. We have not.”

“I believe they have other things on their minds at present and hopefully once that is resolved, we will then move from there,” he added.

(Trinidad Express)

Messi “more skilful” than Ronaldo

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is “more skilful” than Real Madrid’s 2013 Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, says former England boss Fabio Capello.

Messi, 27, will become La Liga’s all-time top scorer if he scores twice at home to Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Portugal’s Ronaldo, 29, is 10th on the league’s leading scorers list.

“Cristiano is a powerful player, with very good technique, but he does not possess the pure technical skill of Messi,” Capello told AS.

Messi has scored 250 goals in 284 appearances for Barcelona and is one behind Telmo Zarra’s record for Athletic Bilbao in the 1940s and 1950s. He has scored seven league goals this season, nine behind Ronaldo’s tally and two behind team-mate

Neymar.

Ronaldo and Messi, a four-time winner of Fifa’s World Player of the Year award, are the only active players in La Liga to have scored over 100 goals in Spain’s top domestic league, but Capello believes the latter has the edge in terms of technique.

“Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are two extraordinary players but they are different,” said the Russia manager, who attempted to sign Messi on loan for Juventus in 2005.

“Leo Messi is a very difficult player to play against.

“When I saw Messi play I knew he was special. I could see that he could do things that didn’t occur to other players.”

Blake now a 3-star boxing coach

National Boxing Coach

Sebert Blake was successful at the

Extraordinary Course for APB/WSB Coaches held last August in Havana, Cuba.

Blake success means that he is now an AOB 3-star Coach as well as a WSB Coach.

At a press conference held on Friday at the Culture Youth and Sport Ministry, President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle stressed the importance of Blake’s success.

“There are few three star coaches in the Caribbean and for Guyana to have two speaks volumes.

“It is indeed an injection for boxing in Guyana and

Blake has already begun to share his knowledge with coaches,” Ninvalle stated.

Letter to the Sport editor

Blake highlighted that he was pleased with his success on the course and will use it to help produce future Olympians.

“I’m happy that I was able to complete the course and I’m now an APB/WSB certified coach which means that I can coach boxers for these tournaments that will help them qualify for the Olympics,” Blake stated.

Blake who works at the Guyana Power and Light thanked the company for their unwavering support while Ninvalle thanked the GOA, NSC and the Sport Ministry for their sponsorship.

Bravo, teammates should hang their heads in shame

Dear Editor, I read with great interest the move by St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves to resolve the cricket impasse. I think it is commendable and other regional leaders should be involved in the issue, since cricket is an integral part of regional integration.

Dr Gonsalves had a meeting with Dwayne Bravo, the ODI Captain of the Windies team, who led the walkout in India. The conference, which took place in Kingstown, was fruitful and the Prime Minister communicated with the President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) W ‘Dave’ Cameron, who it is reported would do everything in his power to resolve the embarrassing situation.

Meanwhile, the St Vincent leader had discussions in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago with his counterpart there, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and had telephone conversations with Caricom Chairman, Gaston Browne, who is the Prime Minister of Antigua, as well as Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, who is heading the Caricom sub-committee on cricket.

He has also made contact with PJ Patterson, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, who had headed a Committee and made numerous recommendations to the WICB which were not implemented.

The big issue is to get the International Cricket Council (ICC), the body which controls international cricket, to intervene and try to convince the Indian Cricket Board not to pursue its legal action against the WICB.

Maybe if Caricom and all the Prime Ministers and other heavyweights in the Caribbean, such as former Commonwealth Secretary General, Sir Shridath Remphal, who was involved in a former dispute between the players and the Board, PJ Patterson and others work along with the current regional leaders, they might be able to convince the ICC.

However it is important that the wage dispute between the players and the WICB must be settled before.

It seems as if there is a serious grouse between the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) especially its President Wavell Hinds, who is accused of signing a Memorandum of

NBA Roundup… Gasol notches double-double in Bulls debut

Pau Gasol had 21 points and 11 rebounds in his Chicago debut, Derrick Rose scored 13 points after missing most of the last two seasons, and the Chicago Bulls spoiled Derek Fisher’s first game as an NBA coach by beating the Knicks, 104-80,

Wednesday night in New York.

Reserve Taj Gibson finished with 22 points to lead the Bulls, who with a wealth of front-court depth didn’t even need a big night from Rose.

The former MVP took only seven shots and had five assists in 21 minutes in a game Chicago led by as much as 35.

Carmelo Anthony had 14 points for the Knicks, who visit Cavaliers Thursday in the first game since LeBron James returned to Cleveland.

The Knicks, running the triangle offense that Fisher played in under Knicks president Phil Jackson, shot 36.5 percent.

Gasol, the former Lakers star signed by the Bulls this summer after they failed to land Anthony, shot 7 of 11 from the field.

(sprained right ankle) and guard George Hill (bruised left knee).

Hibbert scored the first 4 points in a 16-6 third-quarter run that gave Indiana a 78-67 lead. Philadelphia never got closer than 3 the rest of the night.

Hornets 108, Bucks 106 — Kemba Walker (26 points) made a 21-footer from the top of the key with five seconds left in overtime to lift host Charlotte over Milwaukee, providing a winning conclusion for fans celebrating the return of the Hornets name after a 12-year absence.

Lance Stephenson had 7 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists in his Hornets debut.

Grizzlies 105,

Timberwolves 101 — Marc Gasol scored a careerhigh 32 points, and host Memphis beat Minnesota for the franchise’s first victory in a season opener since 2000.

Rockets 104, Jazz 93 — Dwight Howard had 22 points and 10 rebounds and Houston beat Utah to spoil Quin Snyder’s NBA coaching debut in Salt Lake City.

Raptors 109, Hawks 102 — DeMar DeRozan

Understanding (MoU) without the consent and approval of the players.

The players, led by Bravo, refused to play in the midst of a tour which is unprecedented in international cricket and, as a result, embarrassed the WICB and the entire Caribbean.

In my view, the WICB should be blamed because it failed to intervene in the dispute between players and the WIPA, stating that it was an issue between the players and their bargaining agent, the WIPA.

This is a tremendous mistake and I am certain Cameron and his team have regrets. Bravo and his teammates should also hang their heads in shame for taking such radical steps. Maybe they did not look at the repercussions their silly action would cause.

Gonsalves is known to be a “go getter” and in most cases, he is successful in his endeavours. He was the one who was responsible for resolving the issue with Chris Gayle and the WICB.

Sincerely,

Oscar Ramjeet

Heat 107, Wizards 95 — Chris Bosh had 26 points and 15 rebounds, Norris Cole scored a career-high 23 points after winning Miami’s starting pointguard job, and the host Heat opened the post-LeBron James era with a win over Washington.

Dwyane Wade added 21 points for Miami, 12 of those down the stretch after he briefly departed with a leg injury.

Marcin Gortat and Drew Gooden led the Wizards with 18 points apiece.

Paul Pierce added 17 in his Washington debut and John Wall finished with 16 points and 11 assists.

Pacers 103, 76ers 91 — Roy Hibbert had 22 points, 8 rebounds and 7 blocks, leading shorthanded Indiana over Philadelphia in Indianapolis.

Indiana won its season opener for the fourth consecutive year, but this was the first one during that stretch without All-Star swingman Paul George, who is out after breaking his right leg in two places.

The Pacers also played without two other starters, power forward David West

had 15 points and a careerhigh 11 rebounds, and Kyle Lowry added 11 points in host Toronto’s victory over Atlanta.

Nuggets 89, Pistons 79 — Kenneth Faried scored 22 points and had 17 rebounds and host Denver spoiled the debut of Detroit coach Stan Van Gundy.

Suns 119, Lakers 99 — Isaiah Thomas scored 23 points in his Phoenix debut, Marcus Morris matched his career high with five 3-pointers and the Suns dominated their season opener against Los Angeles despite Kobe Bryant’s 31 points.

Warriors 95, Kings 77 — Stephen Curry had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Klay Thompson scored 19 points and undermanned Golden State made Steve Kerr a winner in his coaching debut, rolling past host Sacramento.

Trail Blazers 106, Thunder 89 — LaMarcus Aldridge had 27 points and host Portland rallied in the fourth quarter to beat injury-depleted Oklahoma City.

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GFSCA/Guyana Softball Cup 4... Marks, Persaud hit centuries on first day

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

The Guyana Softball Cup 4 got off to a riveting start on Friday with centuries from L Marks and J Persaud highlighting the first day of play in Georgetown.

Marks’ dashing 105 spurred Farm XI to a huge 135-run win over Karibee Boys in the Open division, while Persaud’s even hundred was a losing cause for East Coast against Regal in the Masters category.

Below are the summarised scores from the Open category.

South Florida Softball League beat Parika All Stars by 7 wickets. Parika 93 all out in 18.1 overs (S.Ramnauth 3-18) South Florida 9-3 in 12.2 overs.

Wolf Warriors beat Corriverton by 4 wickets. Corriverton 173 all out in 20 overs (Dharshan Challitor 56, Ameer 3-11) Wolf Warriors 174-6 in 19.5 overs (Amit Rai 36*).

Farm XI beat Karibee Boys by 135 runs. Farm XI 236-4 in 20 overs (L Marks 105, A Sukdeo 38) Karibee Boys 101 all out (S Ishmeal 3-15).

Dant’s XI beat Uprisers by 4 wickets. Uprisers 176-9 in 19.3 overs (Chris Patadin 62, W Edwards 4-19) Dant’s XI 177-6 in 20 overs (S.Deosaran 59).

Regal Stationery beat NYSCL All Star by 7 wickets. NYSCL 119 all out in 19.3 overs (F.Rafeek 4-14) Regal 121-3 in 17.2 overs (Chien Gittens 38).

Petamber Ent. Beat Cotton Field Wild Oats by 6 wickets. Cotton Field 113 all out in 16.1 overs (N. Ragunandan 4-24) Petamber Ent. 114-4 in 15 overs (D Deosaran 51, T.Sahadeo 45).

Regal Stationery beat South Florida S.L by 3 wickets. South Florida 94 all out in 18.4 overs (R Latiff and S Budhu 3 wickets each)

Regal 99-7 in 17.4 overs (Richard Latiff 31).

Petamber Ent beat Farm XI by 2 wickets. Farm XI 117 all out in 16.5 overs (L Marks 41) Petamber Ent. 118-8 in 18.5 overs (M Zamal 29).

Karibee Boys beat Cotton Field Wild Oats by 13 runs. Karibee Boys 174-8 in 20 overs (J Mohamed 60, R Parsaram 3-30) Cotton Field 161-9 in 20 overs (S Governor 43, L Balgobin and L Versamy 3 wickets each).

Uprisers beat Corriverton by 4 wickets. Corriverton 167 all out in 18.3 overs (D Chillitar 45, W Mohamed and Chinapen 3 wickets each) Uprisers 169-6 in 19 overs (R Malone 49).

Wolf Warriors beat Dant’s XI by 2 wickets. Dant XI 142 all out in 19.4 overs (S Deosaran 32, Vishnu 5-28) Wolf Warriors 1469 in 20 overs (S Karim 64).

Below are the summarised scores from the Masters category.

Savage beat New York President’s XI by 3 wickets. New York 153-6 in 20 overs (D Mohabir 30, R Bisraj 3-42) Savage 155-7 in 18.4 overs (L Barlow 50, R Bisraj 34*).

Better Hope N.Y beat Orlando Florida by 22 runs. Better Hope scored 189-7 in 20 overs (Ken Sanichar 76, Asif Ahmad 36*, K Tony 3-29) Orlando 167-7 in 20 overs (Kawal Tribanie 37).

Wellman beat South Florida S.C.L by 50 runs. Wellman 214-8 in 20 overs (L Rooplall 48, Jamal Yasin 3-29) South Florida 164 all out in 19.5 overs (K Mohamed 65).

Floodlights beat Brooklyn/Queens by 125 runs. Floodlights 188-7 in 20 overs (U Yussuf 40, Wayne Jones 34, R Mathura 4-34) Brooklyn/Queens 63 all out in 14 overs (P Hussain 3-4, E Mohamed 3-24).

New York Seaview beat

NYSCL Legends by 26 runs. Seaview made 184-8 in 20 overs. (R Rambrack 77, A Ali 4-28) NYSCL Legends made 158-7 in 20 overs (R Edwards 54).

Regal Masters beat East Coast Masters by 7 wickets. East Coast Masters 164-4 in 20 overs (J Persaud 100) Regal Masters 165-3 in 18.1 overs (E Abel 55).

Savage Masters beat New York Seaview by 7 wickets. NY Seaview 103 all out in 18.2 overs (K Bacchus 26) Savage 104-3 in 15.3 overs (L Barlow 33).

Floodlights beat Wellman by 63 runs. Floodlights 218-7 in 20 overs (U Yusuf 50, W.Jones 41, F Ali 37) Wellman 155 all out in 19.5 overs (S Persaud 41). Ontario Softball Int. Beat Orlando Masters by 5 wickets. Orlando Masters 126-9 in 19.3 overs (Sham Verasammy 54, Tony Singh 3-27) Ontario 128-5 in 15.4 overs (S Seeram 39).

Parika Defenders beat Ontario Softball Int. by 3 wickets. Ontario 1199 in 20 overs (M Harikan 32, M Safie 3-15) Parika Defenders 120-7 in 20 overs (O Chandela 28. S.Seeram 4-27).

East Coast Masters beat South Florida SCL by 84 runs. East Coast 1997 in 20 overs (J Persaud 40, D Harper 39) SFSCL 113 all out in 17.2 overs (M Ramsaywack 3-20).

NY Better Hope beat Parika Defenders by 9 runs. Better Hope 187-6 in 20 overs (K Sanichar 39, R Rambarose 3-23) Parika Defenders 178-9 in 20 overs (O Chanda 52). Regal Masters beat Brooklyn Queens by 7 wickets. Brooklyn Queens 115 all out in 20 overs. Regal 121-3 in 12.5 overs (R Baker 60).

The competition will continue today with the final rounds of games to decide the finalists of the two categories.

Tonev slapped with 7-match ban for racist comment

Celtic winger Aleksandar Tonev has been banned for seven matches for racially abusing Aberdeen defender Shay Logan.

The 24-year-old was charged following an incident with Englishman Logan during a Scottish Premiership match in September.

The Bulgaria international is on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa.

Celtic say they will appeal against the punishment, saying the Bulgarian is “not a racist” and the club “absolutely abhors racism of any kind”.

Tonev moved to the Scottish champions on loan from Aston Villa in August and has featured in 10 matches.

The incident with Logan came in the second half of Celtic’s 2-1 win over Aberdeen on 13 September.

“This was a very unfortunate case but the club has accepted Aleksandar’s explanation that he did not say

the words that were alleged to have been said and that he is not a racist,” a Celtic spokesperson said.

“We are, therefore, very disappointed by the outcome today and can confirm that Aleksandar will be appealing this decision.” (BBC Sport)

Record number of entrants to compete in Guyana Open Golf Tournament

– Avinda Kishore, Christine Sukhram confident of retaining titles

By Rajiv Bisnauth

The second Digicel Guyana Open Golf Tournament which will be contested over the next two days at the Lusignan Golf Course (LGC) has attracted a record number of entrants including defending champions Avinda Kishore and Christine Sukhram.

In an invited comment, President of the LGC, David Mohamad, informed Guyana Times Sport on Friday that close to a record 80 entrants will be vying for supremacy over the next two days.

“Apart for our local golfers, we have golfers from Canada, USA, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and

Suriname, so two days of retrieving action is anticipated,” Mohamad said.

“Everything is in place as we speak. The fairways are generous and the greens are extremely fast so we can expect a very good tournament over the next two days,” Mohamed said moments after making a visit to the course on Friday afternoon.

Among the players expected to traverse the fairways and greens in their aim to be crowned the Digicel Guyana Open Golf champion are: four-time winner Avinash Persaud, Canadabased Roger Rajkumar, Ramsarran Deosarran, Patrick Prashad, Mohanlall Dinanauth, Alfred Mentore, Munaf Arjune, Vijay Deo

and Roy Cummings among others.

The golfers will com-

pete in four categoriesFirst Flight (0-9 handicap), Second Flight (10-18), Third Flight (19-28) and single Ladies Flight.

Meanwhile, Arvinda Kishore, who dethroned his more illustrious brother Avinash Persaud in the male category last year expressed confident in retaining his title.

“I think I’m even better than last year and I’m confident that I will retain my title,” he told Guyana Times Sport on Friday.

He added “On a personal note my preparation has been spot on, I’ve been practicing real hard for this tournament and with the course in excellent shape I am confident ahead of winning.

Philip George Memorial basketball tournament launched

players

The annual Philip George Legacy Memorial basketball tournament was launched on Wednesday evening by the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) at Palm Court.

The tournament will tip off from Saturday and run until December 14 at the Burnham Hard Court, where 10 First Division

teams will be vying for $100,000 as the Dynas Ravens will aim to defend their title that they won last year.

Eight third division teams will vie for the top cash prize of $35,000 as the PGH Pacesetters will aim to defend their title.

GABA’s President Michael Singh was pleased to host the tournament

once again, highlighting that Philip George was a great influence to the sport, especially in Georgetown.

President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds commended Singh for his efforts with basketball in Georgetown while sharing that the Federation is hoping to end the year with a “bang”.

However, there was no such changing of the guard in the ladies segment as defending champion Christine Sukhram, who has made the title her own, winning the Ladies Flight for eight consecutive years (2006-2013), is equally optimistic of copping her ninth straight title.

“I know my other competitors will be coming hard at

me, but I have trained hard and I‘m focus at the task at hand in retaining my title,” Sukhram pointed out. Tee-off time is 07:00hrs tomorrow and 06:00hrs on Sunday. Chief Executive Officer of Digicel, Gregory Dean, will perform the ceremonial swing to set the golfers on their way.

gFa , stag Beer launch Futsal tournament

The Georgetown Football Association (GFA) will kick off a revamped stag Beer Futsal competition from today at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, starting at 19:00h.

The tournament was launched on Friday at the Water Chris Hotel where Brand Manager for Stag Beer, John Maikoo explained the reason behind the sponsorship of the tournament.

“We see sponsorship as the key driver for the development of sport and football especially with nothing

much going on at the moment, this is a lasting partnership with the GFA and we would that the tournament is fair.

“We are committed to the tournament and the sport and hope that it gets bigger every year,” Maikoo stated.

President of the GFA, Vernon Burnett was appreciative of the gesture by Ansa McAL, noting that the sport is in need of more corporate support.

“We are pleased to be in partnership with Ansa McAL and more so Stag Beer as it will work towards

the development of football,” Burnett mentioned.

The tournament will see 16 teams in four groups of four battling for the top prize of $400,000 while second place will receive $200,000. The third place finisher will be entitled to $125,000 while fourth will be in receipt of $75,000.

Each squad will be allowed 15 players with 10 being active per game. Games will be played on Tuesday’s Thursday’s and Saturday’s with eight games being scheduled per night.

Carib Beer T20 cricket tournament…

Young Warriors, Universal Solutions Bermine clash in semi-final on Sunday

Young Warriors having played unbeaten through the preliminary stage in the competition so far will start with a psychological advantage when the two teams clash in the semi-final of the Carib Beer T20 first division cricket competition on Sunday at the Port Mourant ground.

Their batting will be spearheaded by the prolific Young West Indies and senior national opener Shimron Hetmyer. Only last Saturday he tore apart the Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets bowling attack with a 33 ball 73.

He will get support from his brother, Seon Hetmyer, a former national youth batsman and current Berbice player, Wahied Edwards, Kevin Ramdeen, Ishwar Singh, Linden Austin, former national T20 star Imran Khan and Vishal Mohabir.

In the bowling department, they boast four spinners who have done the damage in the competi-

tion so far in former Berbice cricketer Balram Samaroo, Ramdeen, Austin and Kassim Khan. The pace attack will be in the hands of Suresh Dhanai, Vishal Mohabir

Murray secures spot in ATP World Tour

Andy Murray booked his place at the ATP World Tour Finals with an emphatic win over Wimbledon conqueror Grigor Dimitrov at the Paris Masters.

The Briton, who lost in straight sets at Wimbledon, beat the Bulgarian 6-3 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals.

The 27-year-old Scot, seeking to win his fourth title in six weeks, needed to reach the last eight to qualify for the season-ending finals in London.

He will face Novak Djokovic or Gael Monfils in the last eight in France.

The world number eight was in such good form he saw off Dimitrov in 69 minutestwo minutes faster than his second-round win over Julien Benneteau - to secure his 20th win in 22 matches.

He started the match full of confidence and broke Dimitrov in the third and ninth games to clinch the first set in 33 minutes.

Murray maintained his standards in the second set and, with Dimitrov struggling to match his quality, wrapped up an impressive victory and qualification for the tour finals for a seventh successive year.

He joins Djokovic, Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka

and Marin Cilic in reaching next month’s event at the 02 Arena, with three places still to be decided.

Kei Nishikori, the sixth seed, can take a step towards being the first Japanese player to reach the finals if he can defeat French number one JoWilfried Tsonga.

Fifth seed Tomas Berdych, who is eighth in the Race to London standings, will guarantee his place at the season finale by making the semi-finals this week.

He edged out Feliciano Lopez 7-5 6-3 and faces South Africa’s Kevin Anderson, who beat third seed Wawrinka 6-7 (2-7) 7-5 7-6 (7-3), in the last eight.

David Ferrer, the fourth seed, continued his bid to qualify with his 6-1 6-2 win over fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

Canada’s Milos Raonic needs to win the title in Paris to reach the finals and the seventh seed saw off Roberto Bautista Agut 7-5 7-6 (9-7) to keep his hopes alive.

Second seed Federer takes on French qualifier Lucas Pouille in the day’s penultimate match, with world number one Djokovic against Monfils bringing Thursday’s action to a close. (BBC Sport)

and Devendra Ramoutar.

On the other hand, Universal Solutions Bermine is on a roll with three consecutive victories thanks mainly to their formidable bowling

attack. Their fiery pace attack will consist of Canada and former Guyana player Jeremy Gordon with support from Romario Shepherd

and Niall Smith who represented Berbice and Guyana at the under-19 level respectively, this year.

The off spin quartet will be Berbice cricketer Stephen Latcha, Devon Clements, former youth allrounder Joemal LaFleur and the underestimated Kevin Pellew. Anthony D’Andrade and Eugene LaFleur as well as Demerara batsman Shemroy Barrington are all ineligible to play.

However, Essequibo opener Kevon Boodie and former Demerara allrounder Damien Vantull will return to join former Guyana under 15 batsman Leon Williams, Clements, Shepherd and Joemal LaFleur to bolster the batting line up.

Albion Community Center has already gone through to the final and will clash with the winner of this semi final next weekend.

The umpires for Sunday clash are Omadat Samaroo and Moses Ramphal.

Normalisation Committee ready for task at hand

– states mandate to rectify Guyana’s football

B y T reis T on J oseph

“We are the custodians for FIFA” said a confident Clinton Urling who is now the Chairman of the FIFA handpicked Normalisation Committee when addressing the media on Friday afternoon at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Campbellville head office.

The Normalisation

Committee was organised by FIFA after the unsolvable quandary of the last GFF administration that broke into two factions and ended with two congress walkouts that could not be fixed in timely manner.

Urling along with Tariq Williams, Dr Karen Pilgrim, Stuart May and Rabindranauth Chandarpal will now be tasked with reforming the constitution of the GFF,

running the day-to-day activities of the GFF, looking into the goal project, strategically planning Guyana’s football as well as it’s sustainability, engaging all stake-holders and most importantly overseeing the next congress and electoral process.

While the road ahead seems a tedious one for the Normalisation Committee since all of its members have no previous involve -

ment with the sport, Urling was optimistic that the committee will succeed in getting the job done.

“It requires a collective effort, we have to embrace a mantra of unity, if we divide and do separate, football will suffer.

“We are all doing this voluntarily and for me I see it as a national service,” Urling stated confidently.

However, with it being a known fact that the

former GFF administration was bugged by a number of detractors, Urling does not believe that such will be the case with the Normalisation Committee.

“Call me naïve but I don’t think we will have that… if you hit us then you hit FIFA, if it should happen I think there are rules that FIFA will apply… we are the custodians for FIFA,” Urling stated.

Further, with Urling

pointing out that they were “too many grey areas” with the current GFF constitution, the University of the West Indies (UWI) graduate related that the Normalisation Committee will walk the transparent route, going as far as stating that they will release the GFF’s last audit after it has been reviewed by the Normalisation Committee.

Meanwhile as the Normalisation Committee plans to engage all stakeholders especially the sister associations of the GFF to help improve Guyana’s football, the committee will also make plans to improve the on field play.

“We don’t know much but we have to look into it and find the path to develop the game from the youth level right up, but to answer your questions we will be a part of international encounters,” Urling honestly stated.

The Normalisation Committee will be engaged with a number of stakeholders starting with the Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony where the goal project is expected to be broached.

ECCB President files multimillion dollar lawsuits against Persaud, Jadunauth

President of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB), Bissoondyal Singh has obtained an injunction against Anil Persaud and Taignauth Jadunauth, both of Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

The injunction, which was granted by Justice Diana Insanally on October 27, came about after Singh stumbled upon a letter in the Kaieteur News on October 6 which Singh believes was designed to intimidate and obstruct his performance and duty as President of the association. Further, the Statement

of Claim highlights that the ECCB President is seeking damages in excess of $50 million for libel

written, published and disseminated, false and malicious pieces concerning Singh by both Persaud and

straining Persaud and Jadunauth from further writing, printing or publishing or circulating any other information concerning the ECCB boss.

In addition, according to a press release, the court documents also state that Persaud and Jadunauth are persons seeking to establish a parallel organisation to administer and manage the sport of cricket on the East Coast of Demerara.

Further, another claim is that the East Coast Cricket Board is the only association, which is recognised under the consti -

tution of the Demerara Cricket Board for the management, administration and development of the sport of cricket on the East Coast of Demerara. In the release, Singh also mentioned that he received several phone calls from various businessmen who informed him that the first-named defendant, Anil Persaud, together with others, were soliciting monies from them for the purpose of purportedly hosting cricket tournaments on the East Coast of Demerara. No court date has been set as yet for the lawsuits.