Guyana Times Daily

Big buses likely solution to commuters’ woes

Big buses likely solution to commuters’ woes

– consumers await budget

Relief may soon come for public transportation users as the Public Works Ministry is pushing for big buses to solve their transportation woes.

A high ranking public official told Guyana Times that preliminary talks were held with relevant stakeholders, and more on the matter will be disclosed in Monday’s budget.

In 2013, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn had announced the Government’s intentions to reintroduce the public transportation system with the aim of alleviating the sore sight of stranded commuters in the morning and the evenings on the road ways.

Though the need was seen for the reintroduction of the public transportation system after commuters began complaining of severe increases in bus fares, Minister Benn had at the time noted that the Ministry and the Government, cannot proceed with the implementation of the system without first putting plans in places for surveys and studies in order for the in-

vestment to be a sound and viable one.

It was disclosed at that time too that the viability of managing the buses, the charge of commuters, cost of maintenance of the mode to be used, among other factors, had to be considered.

Soon after this announcement was made, the Government had initiated a pilot project where several of the large buses were placed on the roads.

During this exercise, commuters were required to pay the standard fare they would usually pay the privately-owned operators, regardless of the hour of the day or the night.

Bitter complaints

This arrangement had worked well throughout the pilot with public transportation users calling for the complete reintroduction of the system.

Not only were commuters required to pay a fair price, but they were able to travel comfortably and without the noise nuisances found in privately-owned buses.

Over a number of years, users of the privately-

owned minibuses plying the East Coast, East Bank and West Coast Demerara routes have complained bitterly of being exploited between 16:00h and 22:00h.

Commuters traversing from Georgetown to Annandale on the East Coast are asked to pay $200 and even $300 in some cases before they are offered a seat in a minibus.

Despite the fact that they are already required

to pay double and even triple the fare to get home, the buses are still packed with sometimes four and five persons in a three-person seat.

Persons plying the Georgetown to Mahaica and the Georgetown to West Coast of Demerara routes are usually asked to pay no less than $500 to reach their destinations after 16:00h. Those who cannot afford the fares demanded are often left on the bus parks until late hours into the night when they are able to get cheaper transportation.

Acting Tourism, Trade and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali when questioned on the issue, said no fare increase had been sanctioned by his Ministry and urged commuters not to give into the demands of minibus operators.

He noted that the matter will then stop being an issue since the operators will not make the demands if they find persons refusing to yield to them.

Many are now awaiting the budget on Monday to find out if the proposal is approved to bring relief to the pockets of commuters.

Sunday Times Editor: Tajeram Mohabir

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

Budget battle

In the early days of our struggle for development out of the colonial imposed massive underdevelopment of our economy and society, our governments followed the successful Soviet planning model and adopted “Five Year Development Plans”. Even during the period of “internal self government” starting from 1957, the PPP was allowed to develop projects like the Black Bush Polder Scheme with the ambit of a larger plan. The PNC had their Five-Year plans crafted by such worthies as Arthur Lewis and later by a team headed by Kenneth King.

Under the dispensation of the neo-liberal order imposed from 1989, five-year plans were abandoned under the mantra that “the market will solve all problems and challenges”. But that could not obviate the even greater existential need for a country with a completely debased economy to spend according to a larger game plan.

It is from this perspective that one has to consider our annual budgets: while they are limited in their income and expenditure statements to the given year, they inevitably form part of an overarching plan of development, if the Government is seriously interested in moving the country forward.

It is therefore more than sad, but actually very tragic, that since 2012, the budgets of the Government, presented by the Finance Minister, have been used as occasions by the Opposition to continue their war of attrition to oust the Government from office, rather than collaborating with them on the development of the country, until the next elections when they will have the opportunity to once again be judged by the electorate as to their fitness for Executive office. The courts have emphasised the imperative of the Government to execute its development plan through its budgets.

All budgets of governments with economies such as ours have to be concerned with the exigencies of allocating the resources at its disposal most efficiently to generate growth and development. In the early years of this administration, they had to concentrate on removing the albatross of debt inherited from the PNC regime, because the servicing of that debt left very little for spending on development.

The debt write-off secured by the Jagdeo administration, because of it achieving the macro-economic discipline demanded by the International Financial Institutions (IFIs), allowed subsequent budgets to allocate funds to rebuild the decrepit infrastructure handed down: roads, bridges, schools, police stations etc.

No Guyanese with a smidgen of honesty can look around this country and deny this truth. But imagine if the PPP/C had not secured an absolute majority in Parliament and had been forced to deal with the present Opposition one-seat majority. We would have been right where we were in 1992, with babies having their toes gnawed at by rats and people walking around with “white mouth”.

Fast forward to the last five years. In line with the demonstrated success of the model abroad, the administration sought to ratchet up the development of the country to the next level by the introduction of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) – especially to overcome the main obstacle to doubledigit growth rates – new, strategic infrastructure. Even the World Bank has identified this constraint in the region and proposed the PPP mechanism to address it.

The Jagdeo administration had even managed to circumvent the neo-liberal aversion to planning by adopting a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) within which its budgets would be subsumed in a coherent framework.

But with the Opposition securing control of the Legislature, they have resorted to chopping projects directly related to the LCDS and of course, with the development thrust. These cuts have ranged from scuttling the potentially economic game changing Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP) to concrete development projects for Amerindian communities.

While we hope that the Opposition APNU and AFC will put country ahead of their ambitions for power, their actions on the AML/CFT makes such hope stillborn on Budget 2014.

Guyanese visitors to India say Modi ahead for Prime Minister’s role

Dear Editor, Indo-Guyanese

Americans are keeping a keen eye on India’s general elections slated to begin on April 10 and conclude on May 12. Narendra Modi, the Prime Ministerial candidate of the Opposition Bharatya Janata Party (BJP), is enormously popular in India, according to Indo-Guyanese and other Indo-Caribbeans who just returned from India from the recent Shivratri and Holi celebrations.

In conversations, they report that there is a Modiwave all over the country, including in South India where regional parties tend to perform better than national parties like the BJP or the Congress. Modi, who is from Gujarat in the North, is liked among all classes of people everywhere.

Even many Muslims, with whom he had problematic relations, are seeking him out and throwing their support behind him to end corruption in India and to improve people’s lives. And several have offered themselves to campaign for him and or to contest seats.

Opinion polls show Modi leading against several contenders (including Rahul Gandhi, scion of the Gandhi family and the incumbent Congress Party) for the top post. However, it is not clear he can win a majority of seats (273 out of 545) in the Lower House or Lok Sabha, and therefore he will need allies to form a Government.

Polls show him just short of the magic number with just three weeks remaining before voting begins. Modi has been teaming up with various regional parties to contest the general elections in an alliance so as not to split votes and improve the electoral chance of his candidates.

The alliance (called the NDA or National Democratic Alliance) could go pass the 275 mark if Modi can find other partners, which is likely given that the Congress partners, sensing defeat, are moving away and seeking to build a relationship with the BJP, a nationalist party that has been campaigning against corruption. In the meanwhile, the United States Government, which had avoided Modi for years and cancelled his visitor’s visa, has been sending out warm feelers that it would like to do business with Modi ever since the BJP named him as its Prime Ministerial candidate.

The U.S. ambassador made a special trip to Gujarat last month to meet the Chief Minister. In addition, several Members of the U.S. Congress made a special trip this week to meet with the Chief Minister and tendered a special invitation for him to visit the U.S. as their guest of honour.

The U.S. wants to be in good terms with Modi in case he wins the general elections; U.S.-India relations has been improving

ever since the collapse of communism. India has been a close ally with the defunct Soviet Union.

It is just a matter of time that the U.S. restores the visa that was unjustifiably cancelled given that he broke no law and was cleared by all Indian courts of any wrongdoing.

In fact, U.S. authorities are encouraging Modi to reapply for the visa. But Modi is not likely to grovel for a visa and has not submitted an application for it. The U.S. seems to be reaching out to Modi indirectly pleading upon him to reapply for his visa so that it can be restored.

Should he become Prime Minister, a visa will be automatically granted for a trip to address the United Nations and invitations will be made for him to address rallies around the U.S. as well as to visit the U.S. Congress, if not the White House. Should he become Prime Minister, Barack Obama will make every effort to meet him on the sidelines of the UN gathering in September.

In terms of popularity, the Google website reports that Modi is the most searched after person in India on the search engine’s website. He topped all other Chief Ministers (CM) who search India’s 28 Chief Ministers. Google Search Trends said it decided to look at how the CMs are stacking up in terms of visibility online and how their

respective parties fare in these elections.

Modi announced this week he will contest the tough Varanasi seat which is a swing seat that has gone back and forth between the ruling Congress, other parties and BJP. It was held by the BJP over the last five years.

The incumbent Dr Murli Joshi, a former Education Minister, has yielded it to Modi and all indications are he will sweep it, though the other parties have put up very popular candidates against him. Varanasi, among India’s holiest city for Hindus, is a critical seat in the important state of Uttar Pradesh where most IndoGuyanese trace their ancestry.

Virtually every Guyanese visitor has trekked to Varanasi for blessings. Modi decided to contest in UP instead of his home state of Gujarat because he must win a significant number of the 80 seats in UP in order to form the Government.

He is expected to sweep Gujarat and is enormously popular in UP pulling crowds of hundreds of thousands. A recent visit to the state by this writer who conducted an informal poll shows a huge preference for Modi as Guyanese visitors in India also picked up. As they related, everywhere, leaders and the masses want to identify with Modi.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Berbice often side-stepped when prime developmental issues are discussed

Dear Editor,

The name Berbice, sometimes referred to as the “Ancient County”, readily conjures up in the minds of – particularly those in Georgetown – a place where old and backward things exist; an environment where the people have a rustic experience. Probably, this perception is due mainly in part to the reference of Berbice as “ancient.” It is a stark contrast to Georgetown with its bright lights and fast lanes.

Some have even described Berbice as a place where the people are “mad” because of the National Psychiatric Hospital that is housed there. People in Berbice are also deemed financially well off. One can therefore get the whole picture as to the reason behind the neglect.

This is the contempt the urban based Government and people hold of Berbice. No wonder successive governments sidestep this county when prime developmental issues are discussed because this long held perception of the county is uppermost in their minds and it clouds every decision they make.

Election time is the time when this region gets the most visits and we become inundated with great speeches because our vote means much. It is the make or break region, the trump card if you please when it comes to who wields pow-

er or who will command a majority in a Georgetownbased Parliament.

Let us not forget that when the Bauxite industry collapsed those workers in Berbice (Bermine) were not afforded the same treatment as those in Linden (Linmine) – two bauxite entities in the same country, but interestingly enough, the Linden workers’ poverty alleviation was seen in a totally different light to his counterpart in Berbice.

The Berbician was paid off, like the Lindener, but his water and electricity bills saw no reduction. So when the PNC/APNU led Opposition made the proposition to close the sugar industry, they were acting on the premise that Berbicians are nobodies, a group of irritants, for whom they cared less.

They knew fully well if that option were to be taken thousands of Berbicians would be on the bread line and the PPP/C’s support base would have been decimated. And instead of focusing their attention on fixing the sugar problem, the PPP/C is busy running around and literally begging that coalition to pass the AML/CFT Bill.

My final submission in this discussion of the gross disrespect for a people comes with the termination of the Berbice River ferry. With that termination of service came a mild resentment from the people of Rosignol who mount-

ed a peaceful protest.

Days of waiting turned into months with no response from Central Government. Finally, after great reluctance the Government Minister came and with one aim in mind that is to castigate the people for speaking up for their rights.

One minister (name provided) made the remark that Berbicians are an “indisciplined lot” an assumption that the people were out of place ever to speak out – he showed a flagrant disregard for the many hardships they had to endure; not stopping to think for one moment that these people will now have to spend huge sums of money to get their agricultural produce out of the many communities that line the river.

Pardon me while I pose the question, were it Linden, could that Minister have made such a statement? Certainly not even in his wildest dreams. The Minister would not have made that comment. Rather, he would have been most circumspect even if Lindeners were woefully in the wrong.

That Minister and the Government know all too well how to talk and how much more they need to reward such communities for their hooliganism.

Sincerely, Neil Adams

Lives were enriched by Deborah Backer

Dear Editor,

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) is saddened by the sudden passing of the former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Deborah Backer.

We wish to express our condolences to her husband, children, her entire family, and her party on their irreplaceable loss. We pray you will be comforted by the fact, that we never lose the one we love, even to death.

They participate in every act through what we do. Her passing will undoubtedly leave a void in our political culture, one in which she brought her intellect, courtesy, wit and good humour to bear on the many contributions and debates she undertook, which served to benefit our people and country.

Let us be heartened that the lives and betterment of our people and country were enriched by Ms Backer sharing their love and admiration. Her presence with us will undoubtedly leave an indelible imprint in our memories.

Sincerely, CIOG Georgetown

It is disconcerting when overseas Guyanese disparage their country

Dear Editor,

As a patriotic Guyanese, no matter where in the world am, I find it many times disconcerting when Guyanese who have settled in the U.S.A. keep on disparaging their country in some way. This is to my mind not only unpatriotic, but displays a crass ingratitude to the country from whence they derived their roots, not to mention a blatant disregard of any obligation to give back something to this nation.

I know that many of these emigrants do contribute to the welfare of their rel-

atives by sending cash and goods, but I feel this hardly makes up for the bad-talk which I witness from many of them. It is also true that Guyanese have excelled in their work situations, and used the values which were in-grown to accumulate wealth and otherwise uplift themselves financially and acquire possessions which they probably never dreamed of having in the country of their birth. But I also see instances when they have forgotten these values and adopted the negative elements of the American way of life, which can lead to in-

ordinate spending, waste, and neglect of any form of spirituality in their lives. I believe there are still many avenues by which the diaspora can contribute to the development of this country, as a whole, and to individual citizens who are not so well endowed. I myself am working on some ideas to achieve this, and I shall be delighted if others can express such a desire so that we can act together to improve the lot of our fellow Guyanese.

Yours sincerely, Roy Paul,

Nabi Oil and Gas remains committed to onshore oil

Dear Editor

An article published in the Stabroek News on March 15, 2014 reported that an unnamed “official” was used to conclude that Nabi Oil and Gas “appears to have come to a standstill.” This report is highly inaccurate and misleading.

The reality is that Nabi Oil and Gas has completed a series of soil and boundary tests using hydrocarbon imaging.

The results of those tests are in the process of

exploration

being compiled, analysed and interpreted by specialists abroad. This process is being supervised by the Managing Director of the company, Mr Anthony Syms, in Trinidad and Tobago. During such time there will be periods of non-activity at all three of the local sites. Further tests will be conducted using seismic surveying, which involves the use of reflected sound waves to produce a “CAT scan” of the earth’s subsurface and is regarded as a more de-

tailed technique. While preliminary studies have shown promising signs, as a business venture, it is vital for the company to be thorough in its research and analysis to determine whether the long term commitment and investment in the project will be profitable and cost effective. The company has now invested over $140 million in this venture.

Management – Nabi Oil & Gas

Page Foundation

Anu Dev

This morning I awoke to the sound of a pi geon loudly and persistently flapping against my window. Every time I tried to snuggle back un der the covers for a few more minutes of sleep the bird started flapping at my win dow again. The truth be told, I got wor ried that it might somehow flap its way into my room to terrify me even further. Earlier this week I had my first en counter with a massive spi der in my room. I was content to let the spider go in peace since I was worried that its spider-friends would come out in full force to avenge the death of their comrade. But the spider slowly started inching its way toward my bed, and I had no choice but to take its life,

Persistent Pigeon

armed with nothing but my broom and all the courage I could muster. I vanquished that foe thankfully, but between monstrous spiders and ferocious red-eyed pigeons I’m not feeling very kindly toward Mother Nature.

But the persistence of that pigeon did inspire me to write this article. It

The only way you can be guaranteed success is if you stick to things, even if they’re not going perfectly at the moment. You can’t just give up at the first sign of trouble or at the first indication that the road ahead has more bumps and pot-holes than one of our roads in Guyana.

There’s that old cliché

moments are those moments when can rise up again after being faced with a seemingly insurmountable problem. That problem could be a ridiculously difficult math problem at school or it could be losing your job. At every step of your life there will be new problems, problems that seem like the most difficult thing in the world to deal with.

Dyslexia basics

(continued from Saturday)

Asistent in trying to achieve your goals. Persistence can be a very admirable trait – unless you’re a pigeon disturbing the sleep of an exhausted med student.

sure of a person isn’t how many times they fall, but instead how many times they get back up again. And it’s true; the greatest

But if you stick to things and not just jump off and abandon ship, the endresult will be so worth it all. You could end up with a degree or a successful marriage or end up beating the odds and winning your case in court – it all depends on what you were aiming for and how committed you were to putting in the hard work. So put in the hard work, stay committed and stay true to yourself and your

I should probably look into getting some Baygon to spray my room to prevent any further invasion of spiders and bugs, seeing as my parents aren’t in Trinidad to kill them for me and all of my flat-mates are equally petrified of spiders as I am.

comprehensive evaluation typical ly includes intellec tual and academic achieve ment testing, as well as an assessment of the critical underlying language skills that are closely linked to dyslexia. These include receptive (listening) and expressive language skills, phonological skills including phonemic awareness, and also a student’s ability to rapidly name letters and names.

A student’s ability to read lists of words in isolation, as well as words in context, should also be assessed. If a profile emerges that is characteristic of readers with dyslexia, an individualised intervention plan should be developed, which should include appropriate accommodations, such as extended time. The testing can be conducted by trained school or outside specialists.

What are the signs of dyslexia?

The problems displayed by individuals with dyslexia involve difficulties in acquiring and using written language. It is a myth that dyslexic individuals “read backwards,” although spelling can look quite jumbled at times because students have trouble remembering letter symbols for sounds and forming memories for words. Other problems experienced by dyslexics include the following:

• Learning to speak

• Learning letters and their sounds

• Organising written and spoken language

• Memorising number facts

• Reading quickly enough to comprehend

• Persisting with and comprehending longer reading assignments

• Spelling

• Learning a foreign language

• Correctly doing math operations

• Not all students who have difficulties with these skills are dyslexic. Formal testing is the only way to confirm

How is dyslexia treated?

Dyslexia is a life-long condition. With proper help, many people with dyslexia can learn to read and write well. Early identification and treatment is the key to helping dyslexics achieve in school and in life.

Most people with dyslexia need help from a teacher, tutor, or therapist specially trained in using a multisensory, structured language approach. It is important for these individuals to be taught by a systematic and explicit method that involves several senses (hearing, seeing, touching) at the same time.

Many individuals with dyslexia need one-on-one help so that they can move forward at their own pace. In addition, students with dyslexia often need a great deal of structured practice and immediate, corrective feedback to develop automatic word recognition skills. For students with dyslexia, it is helpful if their outside academic therapists work closely with classroom teachers.

Schools can implement academic accommodations and modifications to help dyslexic students succeed. For example, a student with dyslexia can be given extra time to complete tasks, help with taking notes, and work assignments that are modified appropriately. Teachers can give taped tests or allow dyslexic students to use alternative means of assessment.

Students can benefit from listening to books on tape, using text reading computer programs, and from writing on computers.

Students may also need help with emotional issues that sometimes arise as a consequence of difficulties in school. Mental health specialists can help students cope with their struggles. (ldonline.org)

Revised APD will significantly benefit Guyana, Caribbean – Ali

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali has lauded the move by the British Government to restructure the four-band Air Passenger Duty (APD) system, pointing out that it will be of great benefit to Guyana and the Caribbean region.

The announcement of the tax revision was made recently by Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, George Osborne.

Ali, in reacting to the announcement said: “This is indeed fantastic news, not just for individual countries but for the entire Caribbean. The restructuring of the APD will help us in boosting arrivals from the UK to Guyana, as the country has a large Diaspora in the UK. This move will now afford more persons the opportunity to return to Guyana to invest, retire or to rediscover the beauties of the country.

Guyana has stood steadfast behind the CTO [Caribbean Tourism Authority] in lobbying against the APD band system and now this will make the Caribbean countries more competitive and will undoubtedly lead to economic growth in the destinations,” Minister Ali declared.

He noted too, that the new reduced fee structure in turn should open up travel opportunities from the UK for leisure travellers whose interests lie in eco tourism, wildlife and bird watching and who are travelling to Guyana to experience these tourism products.

Meanwhile, the CTO, in welcoming the announcement, added that “effective April 2015, the APD will be simplified into a two-band

Granger seems to have many alibis – PPP/C

… calls on WPA, PNCR to cooperate with Rodney Commission

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has denounced attempts by the Opposition to discredit the Dr Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI), and it members, while noting its full support for the body.

the President and only him has exclusive power to appoint a CoI on such terms constituted by those whom he deemed fit in any matter of national concern.

Decision

system: Band A for short haul flights of less than 2000 miles from London and Band B for all long haul flights more than 2000 miles from London. The new Band B will be charged at the planned rate in 2015-16 (£71 for reduced rate passengers and £142 for standard rate passengers)”.

The changes will come into effect in April 2015 and will see the axing of APD bands C and D for flights of more than 4000 miles. All long-haul flights will now carry the same, lower, Band B tax rate, meaning persons travelling to the Caribbean will pay the same as if they were travelling to the U.S.

Britain introduced the controversial travel tax in 1994. The APD was increased regularly, making billions in revenues for the UK Government but increasing the price to travel from the UK to regions such as the Caribbean; APD is an excise duty which is charged to passengers flying from a United Kingdom airport.

The Commission is headed by Barbadian Queen’s Counsel, Richard Cheltenham, and includes Guyanese-born Senior Counsel, Seenauth Jairam, who has been prasticing in Trinidad and Tobago since 1979 and is now head of the Bar Association in that country, and Jamaican Queen’s Counsel, Jacquelene Samuels-Brown, who is the Chairperson of the Council of Legal Education.

APNU’s criticism of the Terms of Reference (ToR), and attacks on the credibility and impartiality of Jairam, are mere tactics being employed to discredit the work of the Commission, the party said in a statement.

“Despite his public statement to the effect that he is not afraid of the outcome of the CoI, David Granger’s every utterance and action seem to be one of uneasiness and apprehension at the least. The PNCR [People’s National Congress Reform] leader and his executive has every reason to be fearful of the revelations that would flow from the inquiry into Walter Rodney’s untimely death.”

The PPP/C contended that the Commission of Inquiries Act resides with

In establishing the ToR and the appointment of members to form the CoI, the President had taken into consideration a request made by Patricia Rodney, widow of the late Dr Walter Rodney, not to involve the WPA [Working People’s Alliance] or the PNC by way of consultations.

“It is our understanding that Mrs Rodney did not want the process to be politicised. Had David Granger himself drafted the Terms of Reference (ToR), he would still be uncomfortable. Because since Rodney’s death, the accusatory finger has always pointed in the direction of the political party he now leads, the People’s National Congress,” the PPP/C said.

The ruling party is hoping that the PNC uses this occasion to exonerate and absolve its members, past and present, from any wrongdoing that resulted in the death of this world renowned Guyanese politician/historian on June 13, 1980.

“The PPP/C calls upon the leadership of both PNC and the Working People’s Alliance (the political party that Rodney led at the time of his death), to fully cooperate with the CoI, and to submit their written memoran-

da to the Commission by the deadline date of March 26 of this year. The People of Guyana expect the full participation and cooperation of both PNC and WPA to finally bring closure to the family of the late Dr Walter Rodney,” the party urged.

Many alibis

The PPP/C contended that it is ironic that Granger, who was once regarded as the GDF Political Liaison Officer to PNC Leader and Head of State, the late Forbes Burnham in 1973 and possibly at the time of Rodney’s death, always seems to have the perfect alibi, “I was not there”.

The party noted too that in 1973, when GDF seized the ballot boxes after the general elections, Granger proclaimed he was not in Georgetown and nowhere near his GDF headquarters where the ballot boxes were taken, opened and stuffed with PNC ballots that gave them a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

“He again denied being on location at Number 63 Village on the Corentyne, when GDF soldiers opened fire on a crowd protesting the GDF seizure of ballot boxes there, and demanding that the integrity of the ballot boxes be protected. Two innocent patriots, 45 yearold Parmanand Bholanauth and 17 year-old Jagan Ramessar were killed by GDF bullets. Granger has said repeatedly he was not there; he did not shoot anyone, he argues that he was exonerated of any wrongdoing in a previous inquest. Then, in a recent statement, Granger insisted that he was ‘on travel duties overseas’ when Rodney was killed.”

The PPP/C added: “Yet the same David Granger and his PNC/APNU were adamant that Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee was directly responsible for the unfortunate shooting to death of the three ‘peaceful protesters’ during the Linden riots of July 2012, although Rohee was not there, did not shoot anyone, and was exonerated in 2013 of any wrongdoing by the Linden Commission of Inquiry. Where is the justification for calling for Rohee’s removal from office?”

On this note, the ruling party reiterated its call for the PNC and WPA to fully cooperate with the CoI by submitting written memoranda to the Commission on or before the deadline date of March 26.

TravelSpan complains of high fuel cost

After less than six months in operations here, TravelSpan Airlines, which has been receiving overwhelming support from Guyanese, said high operational costs for flights into Guyana due to high fuel prices, among other costs, remain a challenge.

The airline’s Marketing and Public Relations Manager Vanita Jagnarain said though fuel costs remain high, its airfares will not change.

She confirmed that over the past months, almost every flight arrived in Guyana had a full quota, pointing to the need for expansion.

Jagnarain noted that while their airfares are determined on the price of fuel, TravelSpan is committed to providing the lowest airfares to customers compared to its competitors.

TravelSpan’s Marketing and Public Relations Manager Vanita Jagnarain says high fuel prices remain a challenge to its operations here

using outstanding in-flight customer service representatives for the comfort of passengers onboard the aircraft. Customers, she added, can expect meals, hot towels, in-flight entertainment and generous baggage allowances on all TravelSpan flights.

The Public Relations Manager also stated that since TravelSpan’s focus is on the Guyana market, the company has recently shortlisted 30 Guyanese candidates to fill various flight attendant positions.

Currently, the company has flights scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays; and for the upcoming summer peak period, it has added two flights which means that there will be four non-stop flights per week between Georgetown and New York for the summer months.

As such, Jagnarain noted that with the additional flights, she is optimistic that Guyanese will continue to travel with the airline.

Eyew tness Passages...

...in conscience

The AFC’s having fits with one of their councillors in Berbice. Fellow by the name of Haseef Yusuf.

“Guyanese have long suffered from high fares and long layovers and now need to have an airline that looks out for their well-being. This is where TravelSpan comes in; we are committed to providing a superior in-flight experience,” Jagnarain added.

She said the airline has resumed their tradition of

“This decision of course, helps to provide employment to Guyanese. We want Guyanese flight attendants onboard our aircraft so that we have a staff that understands our people and our culture. The mixture of American flight attendants from Vision Airlines with Guyanese flight attendants will work well,” she contended.

TravelSpan already has flights scheduled in its system until September 2014 for the Guyana route; the schedule for the remainder of 2014 will be added by the end of December 2014.

The introductory fare of US$647 tax inclusive for a round trip from Georgetown to New York and US$349 tax inclusive for a one-way fare will continue.

Catholic teachers’ association to hosts conference

The Guyana Association of Catholic Teachers (GACT) will be hosting a conference for members from sister associations throughout the Caribbean from July 26 to August 2.

The conference will be held at the St Paul’s Pastoral Centre in Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara.

It will focus on the educational environment in general and the evolving role of Catholic educators. The theme is: “Catholic Educators as Agents of Change in the Caribbean.”

Bishops Francis Alleyne and Gabriel Malzaire will deliver feature addresses to the gathering during the opening ceremony slated to be held at the Marian Academy on Carifesta Avenue, Kingston, Georgetown.

Although the emphasis is on Catholic teachers and Catholic education, the sessions and workshops will be open to interested non-Catholic educators, whether they work in public or

private institutions of learning.

As part of the local preparations, an Interim Governing Body (IGB) was recently appointed for the specific purpose of coordinating and facilitating all conference related matters and arrangements.

The members of the IGB are Portia Swain (President), Ian Melville (VicePresident), Karen Collins (Secretary), Christine Gittens (Treasurer) and Paula Bess (Assistant Secretary).

The IGB will be holding a general meeting at the Marian Academy on Thursday, April 3 at 16:30h. This meeting is open to all Catholic educators. These would include teachers from all levels, nursing instructors, and catechists, among others. The IGB believes that this general meeting will aid in planning and identify those willing to lend a helping hand.

Interested parties, who may have questions, are asked to contact Swain or Collins at 226-9045.

After the last elections, the AFC – and especially their two “Berbice” leaders who left the Ancient County five decades, never to return – were as pleased as punch with their performance. They’d weaned away some support from the PPP/C in the Region.

Trouble was, they did it by lying through their teeth on any number of issues. And this is where Haseef Yusuf comes in. Being a key member of the party who actually lives in Berbice, he knows what went on (went down?) – chapter and verse. And he’s been singing like a kiskadee for over two years now.

The biggest revelations were on the extent to which the AFC was corrupt from top to bottom. He revealed as to how even though one Executive member crowed about “helping the party”, that member actually chortled all the way to the bank by charging for all kinds of services, which may never have been provided to the AFC during the elections.

You’d think with the AFC promising Berbicians to be “clean” – as they threw dirt on the PPP/C about corruption, they’d be a little circumspect about being caught with their hand in the till, wouldn’t you? Not the top guns in the AFC! Thing is, they just can’t help it...it’s like being a dope addict: their bodies and minds just can’t break away from their compulsions.

So when Yusuf pointed out that the AFC’s local Bush Doctor had inflated the cost for providing vittles by millions during the campaign – how could the leadership take action, when senior party members were accused of pilfering tens of thousands of U.S. greenbacks collected in New York?

And Yusuf knew where those skeletons are buried...because he was there. So when Yusuf points out the cynicism and callousness of the AFC on the AML/CFT Bill – when they assert they don’t give a damn about the fallout on ordinary people – it’s not out of the blue. As with the wholesale thiefing of contributors’ money, Yusuf knows the impact will be grave for Berbicians. With no Bill in place, remittances that so many Berbicians depend on, will dry up. But to Ramjattan and Nagamootoo, that’s just “collateral damage”.

But the whole Haseef Yusuf episode smacks of poetic justice – with a difference. When Ramjattan squatted on the PPP/C’s seat in Parliament, he used to spill his guts to the Americans. Yusuf is baring his breast to the people of Guyana.

About the perfidy of the leadership of the party.

...and backfiring

Caught with their pants down, the APNU and AFC Opposition coalition’s been trying to divert attention from the real revelation of their exposed poll. We’re not surprised they’re denying the poll. How’re they going to get donations if they admit their chances of capturing the Presidency are worse than that of a snowflake surviving in hell?

So here you have the partisans of Granger (they locked out arch rival Greenidge) placing the name of Jagdeo in their polling question – just to see if the Donald’s support is soft or firm – and are now twisting things to claim Jagdeo wants to run again!!

The Opposition’s pathetic. Jagdeo’s refusal to be even dragged into a discussion of a “third term” was even firmer than Sherman’s: “If nominated I will not run; if elected I will not serve”.

Thing is, they’re so traumatised by Jagdeo, they’ve become bassidy! What a bunch of wankers!!

...to the hereafter

PNC’s Debbie Backer passed away, and your humble Eyewitness would like to express condolences to her family. Backer consistently displayed great bonhomie, wit and knowledge of her remit – security – and of the Standing Orders. Affection for her was evident on both sides of the house.

It’s a pity Granger stripped her of the Shadow on security and gave it to his supporter Felix.

WAD reconstructing lives of downtrodden teenage mothers

They not only guide and support, but they ensure that the lives of teenage mothers are made easier with the knowledge that someone has got their back, that someone is there regardless of their past mistakes, which can sometimes be the difference between success and failure.

The members of Women Across Differences (WAD) give these young women who are sometimes treated as outcasts the care to reconstruct their lives.

WAD was established in 1996 to help protect and empower females. The non-governmental organisation was, however, officially launched in March of 1999 under the Companies Act of Guyana. It is spearheaded by several outstanding women; among them Dr Janice Jackson, Patrice La Fleur, Andaiye and Ameena Gafoor.

WAD Coordinator Clonel Samuel-Boston explained that the idea for the organisation crystallised during a poverty reduction conference at the Pegasus Hotel. At that forum, the visionaries decided that there was a need for a platform to discuss issues concerning vulnerable women. “From what I was told they were meeting from time to time at different locations and they were calling the group at that time ‘Women Thing’…” Samuel-Boston related.

The group was later formally established with a new name – Women Across Differences. The intent was to have an avenue for women, regardless of class, age, ethnicity, and political affiliation, to vocalise matters of concern to them, and provide access to social and economic resources.

Supporting teen mothers

Over the years, WAD has expanded considerably, impacting women in a number of communities across Guyana. In 2008, WAD, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), implemented a pilot project to reduce unplanned

pregnancies among adolescent girls.

Samuel-Boston recalled that at the time, the focus was on girls between the ages of 15 and 19. The group decided that 25 teenage girls, drawn from Georgetown and its environs, would be targeted. The girls were found using the snowball method, moving from house-to-house. This search was guided by a baseline study, which was earlier conducted by the UNFPA.

The study was quite revealing and informed WAD that many of these girls, some as young as 12, were desperately in need of support, as some were victims of rape, committed by relatives and close family friends. Some of them were shunned by family members and forced to fend for themselves and young children.

A programme to support these vulnerable teenagers was soon implemented by WAD, offering strategic training to foster personal development and enlighten them about the importance of sexual reproductive health.

Entrepreneurial development was also seen as a major area to facilitate empowerment of more than 100 teenage mothers, most of whom did not have family or even partner support.

“We also incorporated some basic aspects of functional literacy, because of the fact that we are send-

ing our girls back to school and we need to make sure where they are in terms of their academic level,”

Samuel- Boston, a qualified social worker, said.

In addition to her expertise, WAD utilises the services of one other fulltime staff and volunteers. However, plans are being streamlined to gain additional support from CUSO International, a Canadabased volunteer organisation.

Training and counselling WAD’s operations are centred at 34 Anira Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, where training and counselling are provided for the teenage mothers who attend sessions with their babies.

Samuel-Boston disclosed that some of the girls have not merely settled for the fundamentals, in terms of academics, but have moved on to the tertiary level, in some cases the University of Guyana.

She glowed with pride while relating the changes. “These were girls who were very shy and thought they had nowhere to go… They thought that their situation was the end of their lives. But after coming here (WAD), their whole attitude and thinking process really changed,” she noted.

“They can now identify with what they want and are able to go after their goals… not all of them are

education-inclined, but some are definitely developing their own businesses.”

At least 50 per cent of the teens opted to further their education.

In terms of reducing unplanned pregnancies, the coordinator said: “Ninety per cent of our teenage mothers have not had a second pregnancy and that makes this programme not only very successful for us but it gives a sense of pride, of accomplishment.”

The family-planning methods taught to the girls and the organisation’s close monitoring of the teens have paid off. This has also helped to build the young women’s self-esteem and competence.

“Today, our girls can stand up at different forums and represent themselves. We have had our girls go to Mexico, Jamaica, and Dominica. We have had them participate in Youth Parliament and other workshops and seminars, and they are able to really advocate for what they want to see happen,” Samuel-Boston said.

One of the young mothers who identified herself only as Tiffany told this publication that had it not been for WAD, she probably would have been on the streets involved in prostitution or would have been just another suicide.

Tiffany, who had become pregnant at age 15,

in reflecting on her experience said: “These days young people have so many opportunities that we didn’t have back then. These days, you getting advice, contraceptives available, and so on. Back then. I didn’t have that and I was so immature you know, so I wasn’t really thinking of pregnancy.” She said after becoming pregnant, her friends and family ostracised her. “I didn’t really have any support; even my school friends abandoned me. But then I was advised by someone to come to WAD and they were my family, they were the ones who supported me, give me a second chance in life. Today, I could say I travel to Dominica and other places while pursuing an education all, because of this group,” she related. Although constrained by cramped quarters and the need for further collaboration with agencies such as the Health and Human Services Ministries, the young lady is confident that the WAD programme, on a grander scale, can prove to be a turning point for many teenage girls. Guyana has the second highest teen pregnancy rate in Latin America and the Caribbean, with 97 of every 1000 teen girls, between the ages of 15 and 19, becoming pregnant.

Roshana reaches out to city destitutes

Miss Guyana Universe 2013 Katherina Roshana last Sunday reached out to destitutes on the streets of Georgetown, providing food and words of comfort.

According to a release, Roshana searched the byways, alley ways, the markets pavements and every place possible on the eve of Phagwah, where it is known that these unfortunate souls may gather.

She chose Sunday as it is a day when feeding centres for the poor are closed, but a day when hunger still persists, the release claimed.

“Roshana cooked a sumptuous dish with her own hands, and packed it while meditating and praying, as a fervent believer in God and meditation taught by the

Brahmakumaris, and her Islamic religious upbringing. Preparing a meal in love and positive thoughts

make the meal wholesome, blessed and positive with God Almighty in mind," the release said.

But not only cooking and preparing the meal in boxes, with a refreshing drink, she wanted to serve the people with her own hands, in pure love, and joy.

Sad story

In handing out the meals, she conversed and learned of the mistakes of the destitutes, which educated her, of their disappointments, notably of the numerous employers who stole their National Insurance, and hence, at the time of old age; many could not enjoy the benefits they deserve.

The destitutes, according to the release, told Roshana that some employers stole their blood and sweat from them, bringing tears to her eyes, as she prayed for them, offering words of comfort and hope.

Roshana lives by the example of the Holy Prophet of Islam, who taught that: “A Muslim cannot go at bed knowing his or her neighbour is hungry.”

The home of her upbringing lived by this, and hence, also it creates universal brotherhood and love. Having been one who always observes the fasting Month of Ramadan, Roshana, knows the pangs of hunger and thirst, having experienced no food and drink for 12 hours daily in heat or cold day-afterday for 30 days annually.

Phagwah is also one of great significance to her, for she is taught by her Islamic knowledge and her parents to respect and love all religions and their traditions, that all have good and great wisdom in them. Her maternal grandparents are Hindus, and hence, she understands Phagwah with reverence.

Soopa Man

Satiricus was upset that they were trying to keep a good man down. “But they’ve always been like that, haven’t they?” he thought to himself. “They”, of course, were the naysayers who just didn’t want to accept that there were people who were just light years ahead of them in almost every type of human endeavour. “And some inhuman ones, come to think of it,” murmured Satiricus.

Satiricus’ ire had been raised at the sniping at the VC of UGGY (Satiricus just loves initials as names) just because the man had taken on a massive $40 million project for the IDB. This was just not irie. So what if he had a full time job to clean up the mess at UGGY? OK, so there might be a sliver of truth in the claim that UGGY was a veritable can of worms. Worms, after all do tend to grow in the droppings of horses, and it had also been claimed that UGGY was like the Augean Stables. The said stables, of course, hadn’t been cleaned for over 100 years.

“Well,” snorted Satiricus, “if Hercules could clean those stables in a single day, why couldn’t the VC of UGGY have done the same with UGGY in the year he’s been here?” After all, the biggest obstacle to the running of UGGY had been that Kiss Soon person, who’d been terminated forthwith. Satiricus’ mind boggled as to how Kiss Soon could get away with not having a single publication after 26 years at UGGY. If he Satiricus didn’t write three pieces every day, his editor was all over him like a cheap suit.

Also here it was in black and white, the VC of UGGY had said he worked 18 hours a day, every day, at UGGY. And if God had created the world in six days, so that he could rest on the seventh – and Satiricus was pretty sure God didn’t do 18hour days – imagine what a man could do in 18 hours a day, every day, every week and every month?

But the biggest point the critics of the VC of UGGY refused to acknowledge, was that the VC of UGGY could very well be doing the $40 million contract with the IDB, on his own time. After all, he had six hours every day of the year to spare. What was such a contract to a man who could clean up UGGY in a year?

“Jeez, the VC of UGGY could do that with his hands tied behind his back!!” snorted Satiricus.

“The man was from the Mother Continent and downed all those herbs. He was Soopa Man.”

Tourism sector positioned to transform Guyana – Ali

The New Year has brought with it several positive developments in the tourism industry, reaffirming that the sector has the potential to drive the country’s economy.

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali made this pronouncement as he provided key updates on new initiatives, investments and developments over the past few months.

Most notably, due to the country’s aggressive marketing strategy and owing to the hard work of private tour operator, Wilderness Explorers, National Geographic has listed Guyana among the top 20 destinations in the world to visit in 2014.

Additionally, the BBC has also listed Guyana among the top five destinations to visit in 2014. Combined these two endorsements are worth millions of U.S. dollars and have created massive destination awareness.

“This is exciting news,” Minister Ali declared.

It is widely known that tourism sector is expected to be boosted significantly with the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

planned for this year, the Ministry will partner with the airlines and local tour companies to promote the ‘Backpack Tour’ for university students across the Caribbean, allowing them to experience the wonders of Essequibo in four days.

(CJIA) and the Marriott Hotel, it is also clear that investors have more confidence in the economy, evidenced by the construction of a number of new hotels, resorts and restaurants.

As to the impact of this, Ali said, “Just recently the first Indigenous restaurant, ‘Tuma Sala’ opened its doors, this is a progressive, dynamic investment which is also bold and nationalistic.”

Meanwhile, he reminded of additional projects that will add to the landscape of impressive investments, including an 18-hole golf course on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway and the creation of a ‘Tourist Market’ on Lamaha Avenue which will afford tourists the opportunity to experience the culture, art and food of the destination.

Among the bold projects

travel to Guyana for an entire weekend dedicated to promoting El Dorado.

Additionally, Guyana will host several major conferences in 2014, including the CDB Governor’s Meeting where 200 Caribbean officials will visit the country; the first yacht for 2014 Minerva is also slated to arrive today with more than 300 persons on board.

The Tourism Minister also spoke of the development of the yachting industry and plans for a Sail Guyana Rally this year.

He assured too that the country will maintain its

Also on the impressive agenda is the marketing of local events, including the upcoming Pakaraima Safari, Rodeo and Easter period –these activities will be advertised in Suriname and Jamaica in an effort to tap into those markets and encourage visitors to come to Guyana to experience the local culture.

Plans are also on stream to host the inaugural ‘Gold Festival’, which will also be marketed across the region; this will entice visitors to

presence at more international trade shows to promote Destination Guyana.

Alluding to the plans to promote sport tourism, Minister Ali reminded that this year several matches in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) will be hosted in Guyana.

“We at the Government level and our private sector partners are ever more certain that the tourism sector is integral to the future economic development of the country,” Ali declared.

President lauds Backer’s contribution to body politic

President Donald Ramotar said the late Deputy House Speaker Debra Backer will be missed not only for her contribution to the People’s National Congress Reform and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), but to the national body politic.

The Head of State noted that despite being on the opposite sides of the political divide, he and Backer always maintained a very good relationship with their last contact being on Christmas Day, last year.

“She was very optimistic as is typical of Debbie, and full of life. Even though she was sick, she didn’t allow that to dampen her mood.”

The President extended his sympathy to the family, friends and APNU members on her sudden passing.

The former Deputy Speaker was well known in the legal fraternity as an

advocate for women’s rights and in the Parliament for her sharp wit and keen knowledge of the Standing Orders, which govern the operations and procedures of the National Assembly. Backer was married and had two children. She became Deputy House Speaker after the 2011 General and Regional Elections. After becoming a Member of Parliament in1998, she also served as Chairperson of the Foreign Relations Committee, a member of various Select Committees and as the main Opposition’s spokesperson on foreign affairs, public safety and national security as Shadow Home Affairs Minister.

Port Kaituma arsonist still hospitalised

Linus La Cruz, the man who burnt his wife and four children alive in their Port Kaituma, Region One home recently is still hospitalised, nursing first degree burns about his body.

According to information received, the man is still in the Burns Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital but is expected to be discharged soon.

A source told Guyana Times that police have already written the charges for him, as they patiently await his discharge.

This publication understands that apart from the burns, Linus is suffering from other complications.

He is expected to be slapped with five counts of murder.

His wife Lurlene La Cruz, 39; daughters, Lea La Cruz, 14 and Lavette La Cruz, three, and his sons Labron La Cruz, eight, and Levon La Cruz, one, perished in the blaze. His other daughter, Lisa La Cruz, 12, managed to escape the ordeal.

Two Fridays ago, La Cruz went berserk and set his house alight with his wife and four children inside. His actions stemmed from an argument with his wife. After setting the building on fire, he ran out of the house, but after he realised what he had done, he went to res-

cue his family, but it was too late.

He suffered several burns in the process.

The couple’s second daughter, Lisa managed to sneak out of the house and run to the police station where she made a report that her father had threatened to burn down the house. The police at the time did not pay any heed to the child until a woman breathlessly ran to the station and informed them that the house was on fire and people were trapped inside.

In an attempt to clear the air on the matter, Police Spokesman Ivelaw Whittaker said about 20:45h on the fateful night, police ranks at Port Kaituma responded to a report made by one of the woman’s daughters, who claimed that her parents were involved in an argument and had threatened to burn the house down.

As the ranks were on their way to the scene, they recognised that the house was on fire and later learnt that persons were trapped inside. The ranks reportedly attempted to enter the building, but the entire house was fully grilled.

The police and residents in an effort to put out the blaze formed a bucket brigade, but were unable to extinguish the blaze.

Bacchus to represent Guyana at international qaseeda competition

Hassan Bacchus of the Mon Repos Masjid sang his way into the hearts of the judges and the crowd, as he carted away the coveted first place in the Senior Male Category of the 12th annual National Qaseeda Competition, held last weekend.

Bacchus overpowered the stiff competition from Mohamed Shahid of the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC), who took second place and Ameer Baksh of Berbice, third. Imam Hussain of Zeelugt was placed fourth.

According to reports, Bacchus is a strong contender for the top position at the International Qaseeda Mehfil to be staged in Suriname in August.

In the other category of the competition, Fareeda Nabbi of ACIC took the top position in the Female Senior Category while Haadiyaa Mohamed of

Mon Repos took the Junior Female title.

Muzzammil Bacchus, also of Mon Repos took the Junior Male title.

Naseeba Nabbi, Nazeema Mohamed and Amina Umar were placed second, third and fourth respectively in the Female Junior Category while Bibi Shameena Waheed, Shakila Wahab, Zamilla came in second, third and fourth respectively in the Female Senior Category.

Irshad Amir Khan and Shazad Abdool were placed second and third respectively in the Male Junior Category.

The competition was held to determine persons from Guyana to participate in the International Qaseeda Mehfil to be hosted at Hedayatul Islam’s Complex in Suriname on August 23-24.

Persons who converged on the spacious and pic-

turesque Anna Catherina Islamic Complex witnessed a competition of top class singing of songs in praise of the Holy Prophet.

Convener of the Competitions, Hakeem Khan thanked the companies that came onboard and disclosed that the sponsorship will carry over to the international event in Suriname. Over 150 persons from Guyana will attend the event.

The participants were required to render their songs for no more than four minutes in Urdu. Points were awarded for choice of qaseedas, manner of dress, pronunciation, melody, etcetera. At the end of the contest, prizes and trophies were awarded to the participants.

The event was sponsored by the Guyana Telephone and Telephone Company (GT&T), F&BA Amin, H Mohamed General Store, and M Ali & Son Enterprise.

UG awards grants for LCDS research

The University of Guyana (UG) has awarded eight grants to the tune of US$329,000 to teams of academic staff of the institution, towards research in Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) areas.

This research is part of the UG Science and Technology Support Project (UGSTSP), which is based on a US$10 million credit from the World Bank to the Government of Guyana. The Education Ministry in collaboration with UG is executing it.

The project is aimed at strengthening the faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Natural Sciences and Technology and the School of Earth and Environmental Science to better prepare graduates for jobs in low carbon industries, and build sustainable capacity to operate the university and plan for its future growth.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the UG Education Lecture Theatre, Education Minister Priya Manickchand congratulated the awardees, noting that this research is the beginning of a new culture that is

to be developed at the learning institution.

“As we start off what we hope will become a culture at UG… we have a vast amount of talent residing in our human beings and we have always had resources that are waiting to be explored and to be discovered, so we have a combination of great talent and resources,” Minister Manickchand pointed out.

Minister Manickchand further stated that this research is part of Government’s commitment to ensure that the environment is provided where persons’ talent can be explored and utilised, which would not only benefit Guyanese, socially and economically, but the entire world.

International recognition Guyana’s LCDS has been recognised internationally as a model in terms of addressing climate change, an issue that many other developing countries have failed to recognise.

Over the next 18 months, a total of 22 academics will be working in eight teams on investigations in areas such as, carbon storage po-

tentials of the mangrove forest in Guyana, the impact of artisanal and small scale mining and their associated road infrastructure on biodiversity in the Mahdia mining district, and the effects of bush medicine.

“We say we can make a contribution to the world, we have led in the area of low carbon development, and here we provide an opportunity partnering with the World Bank to allow our talented academics at the UG to lead and investigate in areas that can benefit the human race,” Minister Manickchand reiterated.

The eight groups were selected from among 19 proposals submitted.

Meanwhile, UG’s Vice Chancellor Jacob Opadeyi urged the awardees to conduct considerable research so that at the end there must be something to show, and eventually their names can be placed on record.

The Vice Chancellor noted that already the Government of China has indicated its willingness to support the institution with an innovative package for research and development.

Body of missing coconut picker found

Andrew Miguel, 30, the missing coconut picker was on Saturday found by his brother Ronald Miguel after four days of intense searching. His body was discovered at Jacklow around 09:00h by a relative, police sources disclosed

Andrew went missing on Wednesday after he fell off the Charity Wharf. He was said to be intoxicated at the time.

Miguel was seen drinking at Charity on the day he met his demise.

He was employed at the Alfro Alphonso Tennesse

Farm. Andrews is formerly from Region One, but moved to the farm with his family approximately one year ago.

Police at Charity said the body bore no mark of violence and was taken to the Suddie Hospital Mortuary, where it is awaiting postmortem examination.

Simply the

Nothing is sacred

We have already written about habitual violence against and violation of women in this country. We have discussed the different forms the violence and violation take: verbal, the cowardly hiss and psst; the groping in taxis and minibuses; the beating and chopping and shooting and killing.

Every now and then, there is a whimper or simper from some group or a well-meaning letter from an individual expressing outrage. These are sadly few and far between. Someone should do the math! And we would find this: for every 5000 violations, there is one expression of dismay. Look out your window and within seconds you will find some hooligan harassing a girl or woman.

Nothing is done since there is no recourse. And since nothing is ever done, it escalates and becomes more frequent. The psst becomes a touch, the touch becomes a grab and grope, the grope becomes a hit, the hit becomes a cuff, the cuff becomes a chop, and so on. The deadly end is inevitable. Nothing is sacred. No woman is safe.

My partner gets into a taxi or minibus (we can’t afford a car, much less some swanky SUV) and is promptly subjected to sexual advances. She walks to the market in her dignified way in her dignified and religious dress, and before too long gets the catcalls. She ignores the worm, but worms are brave these days in this country.

He rides up to her on his rusty bicycle and makes explicit exactly what he would like to do to her. Nothing is sacred: no wife, no sister, no mother, no daughter. All girls and women are fair game! Even the wellbeing of a babe in a crib is not sacred.

The human rights and political “activists” and “social

Professor Daizal Samad

scientists” and “analysts” and those grand folks are blind and dumb and deaf. But they all begin this long bray when there is political mileage to be had and when there is an axe to grind. And the bray gets louder and more prolonged when they turn against the Government.

Our oaths are not sacred. The oaths we take as law enforcement officers are not scared to too many of our cops. Our oaths as legal practitioners are but foul air for too many lawyers and such. Even one is one too many. Our oaths when we assume political office are rendered invalid by our actions and attitudes. Teachers don’t take oaths.

When I lived in Morocco in Africa, I would leave the door to my house unlocked for almost three months while on vacation in Canada or the U.S. or the South China Sea or some

place. Everyone knew the door was left unlocked.

I would leave money and what pieces of jewellery out in the open. In six years, not one single cent or one piece of jewellery was missing. It must be said, however, that my liquor cabinet was often depleted during my absence. Friends would come over and take what they wanted. There was always a note to let me know, though. Even students would come and use the stove to cook something (couscous, mostly). The place was always cleaner than when I left it. Someone else’s property was sacred in that place.

In New Brunswick, Canada, the father of my companion at the time bought a brand new pick-up truck. He was a fisherman (quite different from our local fishermen; the boats had radars and such wonderful things). We drove him to the wharf for him to go on his three-week fishing trip in the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic. The father and I rode in his new pick-up while someone else followed in her car.

The man parked his new vehicle, turned off the engine, left the key in the ignition, and walked towards his fishing boat. I shouted to him that he forgot his key in the pick-up. He laughed and said: “No Siree! I left it there so that if anyone wants to use it, they can. Righty mighty wicked, eh?” And he laughed all the way to his boat at my wide-eyed amazement. In some places, some things are sacred. Still.

Caribbean urged to ban sale of high salt foods for children

According to a recent report, no Caricom country has national policies or major initiatives aimed at reducing salt intake of the population which has been shown to reduce blood pressure which is a major problem among Caribbean people

Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries are being urged to establish regional standards for “clear, consistent, food labelling” while also banning, or at least limiting, the marketing of energy dense, high salt, foods and beverages to children.

The recommendations are contained in an 80-page report released at the Second International Conference on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) of Children and Adolescents on Friday.

The report noted that while most Caribbean countries have played a significant role globally in advancing the response to NCDs, “there are no national policies against advertising of unhealthy foods to children or against the harmful use of alcohol”.

It said also that no Caricom country has national policies or major initiatives aimed at reducing salt intake of the population which has been shown to reduce blood pressure which is a major problem among Caribbean people and a major cause of heart disease.

Professor Nigel Unwin, one of the authors of the report titled Responses to NCDs in the Caribbean Community , said that it outlines the response of governments and regional organisations, such as Caricom and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to the NCD epidemic taking place in the Caribbean.

He told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the report looks at the success stories of which there are many, but also looks at the considerable challenges that still exist to address this epidemic.

“An example of one of the big gaps that currently exist is that there is no – within any of the countries that we looked at – policy around the marketing of energy-dense, often called ‘fast foods’ and sugar sweetened drinks to children for example; and that’s now recognised world over as a very important step to be taken to decrease childhood obesity.

“Another one for the Caribbean is the issue of alcohol and harm caused by alcohol; and again there’s… a real lack of policy here and initiatives to address problem drinking around the Caribbean,” said Unwin, a Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology at the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Health Caribbean Coalition (HCC) President, Professor Sir Trevor Hassell said “what we have done is to assess actions that have been taken since the heads of Government of Caricom met in a seminal meeting in Port of Spain in 2007 and issued the declaration of Port of Spain, uniting to stop the epidemic of NCD and since the UN High-Level Meeting on chronic diseases in 2011.

“As far as we know, this is the first occasion that a re-

view has been undertaken regionally by a civil society organisation to determine the response to chronic diseases in the Caribbean,” he said.

Ban

The report urged regional governments to ban, or “at the very least limiting” the marketing of energy dense, high salt, foods and beverages to children, as well as promote the reduction in salt consumption and reduction in consumption of sugar sweetened beverages including fruit juices.

Moreover, the authors of the report are also calling for the establishment of regional standards for clear, consistent, food labelling as well as the development, implementation and monitoring of national strategies on the reduction in harm from alcohol.

The report also calls for NCDs “to be fully addressed within national development plans” and the “use of up to date regionally derived evidence based guidelines for the treatment and management of chronic diseases”.

UWI Senior Lecturer on Epidemiology and Public Health, Dr T Lafiah Samuels, who also co-authored the report, told CMC that in Trinidad and Tobago, for example, “there is a lot of fast food that is being sold, there’re lots of people sitting in their cars in traffic, not exercising, drinking a little too much alcohol… (and) although reports are written, the environment and the lifestyles of persons still continue”.

She said she hopes now that the report has been released, action would be taken on different fronts.

Younge’s take Budget 2014: Lights, camera, action!

Monday will not be business as usual: the future of this country depends heavily on the decisions that will be taken by its political directorate following the presentation of Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh’s National Budget to the legislature.

The presentation of this budget takes place against the backdrop of ongoing political tugs of war and gridlocks over several issues. These range from the non-passage of the Anti-Money Laundering Bill to the President’s refusal to assent to several bills, which he deemed “unconstitutional”.

Remarkably, Dr Singh’s presentation of the budget estimates is also taking place at a time when both the Government and Opposition have competing litigation and appeals before the Supreme and Appeal Courts, respectively, aimed at determining to what extent the Parliament has the constitutional right or ability to cut, reduce, or amend the estimates.

Even more sadly, is the fact that the two Opposition parliamentary parties have abandoned the budget consultations process and talks, and are now claiming that “there were no meaningful” discussions – read “Government not taking instructions”. In this respect, the distasteful and puerile blame games have resumed and taken centre stage.

In spite of all this, Dr Singh is expected to take centre stage to present a multibillion-dollar budget, which may very well be bigger than last year’s budget. The budget will more than likely boast more developmental works for several communities, the dredging of the Demerara River, and the establishment of a deepwater harbour, increases for pensioners and other vulnerable groups in society.

While supporting the sugar industry might also be on the cards, as GAWU indicated, these funds should properly have been from the EU support that had been placed into the Consolidated Fund.

The PPP/C is not letting go of its flagship projects birthed under the immediate former President and this will be the source of much scrutiny and controversy. Dr Singh may also include updated information about the design of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge Project and other

overhauls for the public transportation system. Significant budgetary support will be set aside for UG and the education sector.

But when Dr Singh leaves the limelight in the Parliament after the presentation, cameras will be mounted and the best actors and actresses will have their debut or reruns. Guyanese will hear the all too-familiar expressions.

They will be told that there is “nothing in the budget for them” and that there is “a lot of fluff” therein. It is expected that while the budget will be praised by some Opposition parliamentarians for this focus, it will be destroyed and ridiculed in the same breath. From this moment on, the bickering, deadlock and ransom politics will ensue, as the world looks on.

There will be much talk about snap elections and the Opposition will beat its chest. The nominees for best supporting actors who will, no doubt, spew bitterness on the budget are Moses Nagamootoo, Carl Greenidge, Joseph Harmon, Khemraj Ramjattan, and Winston Felix.

But the best actor nominee would undoubtedly be the Opposition Leader who will sit, as quiet as a lamb, and will deliver the expected monotonous speech about the country’s security sector, corruption, and Rohee.

But sadly, the Opposition would have come to criticise the Government’s budget without even crafting a draft of what its own budget proposals would have been ahead of the Minister’s presentation.

The Opposition would have come to cut and reject the budget without even informing the thousands that voted for them what its budgetary measures and priorities would have been were it to be in Government. Where is the Opposition’s budget that is supposed to be the people’s budget?

We will see the famous role of Pontius Pilate come to life if the budget is crucified. The consideration of the estimates will be a long and brutish battle where many will grind axes before the ever-watchful eyes of the masses.... When the lights go out and the curtains come down...it will be time for the awards and the stars will know how well they have performed... And all Guyana will be the losers.

Putin signs law admitting Crimea into Russian Federation

President of the Russian Federation Valdimir Putin on Friday signed the laws on admitting the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.

Prior to this, Parliament of Russia ratified the agreement on Crimea and Sevastopol’s accession to the Russian Federation and passed the Constitutional Law on admitting new constituent entities to the Russian Federation.

The historical decision about the reconnection of Crimea and Russia took place against the backdrop of the tragic events of Ukraine. A coup d’état supported by external forces has taken place in the country, which is fraternal for Russia, a release from the Russian Embassy said.

“Anarchy is continuing, actions of national radicals, anti-Semites and other extremists, on which the new

power is based, are fixed every day. Real threats to life and the safety of people, everyday cases of violence, gross and mass violation of human rights in Ukraine, including discrimination and persecution due to nationality, language and political convictions – all of this has made the existence of the Republic of Crimea within the Ukrainian state impossible,” the Russian Embassy said.

Free will

The Embassy explained that the decision about the acceptance of the Republic of Crimea into the Russian Federation is based on the free will of the multinational people of Crimea during the referendum on March 16. This decision corresponds to international law, including the principle of the sovereign equality of state and the right of people to self-determina-

tion, which is stated as a goal of the United Nations (UN) in its charter.

As a result of the referendum and on the basis of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Crimea on March 17, the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea proclaimed Crimea an independent, sovereign state and turned to Russia, proposing for it to accept the Republic of

Crimea into Russia.

On March 18, President Putin signed the decree about the recognition of the Republic of Crimea, the agreement that legally formalises the accession of the Republic of Crimea into Russia, as well as envisaging the creation of new constituent entities of the Russian Federation: the Republic of Crimea and the Federal City of Sevastopol.

“This agreement guarantees all of its peoples living in the territory of the Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol the right to preserve their native language and to create conditions for its study and development, provides the persons constantly living in the territory of Crimea the right to obtain citizenship of the Russian Federation, which means the right to use all the rights and privileges related to this status,” the release said.

Blacklisting begins to bite tourism sector

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali said the tourism sector is beginning to feel the squeeze and the effects of Guyana’s blacklisting kick in.

Speaking at a press conference at his Ministry on Friday, the Minister said if the combined Opposition does not rethink its position on the Anti-Money Laundering Bill and Countering Financing on Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill, the situation confronting Guyana will be worst.

He said the Tourism Ministry is currently having great problems, as it cannot send money to companies in the region for the payment of ads.

“The AML Bill is not a political, social or economic bargaining tool, it’s an absolute national necessity that will destroy us if we don’t sign onto it and has the potential of disrupting the sector tremendously,” Ali stated

According to the Minister, the tourism sector in Guyana involves to a large extent the transfer and collection of money and the non-passage of the Bill, does not bode well for the sector.

“It does take any intellectual capacity or any aspect of right-thinking Guyanese to understand that the AML Bill is a non-negotiable item,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said at the last meeting of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, Attorney General Anil Nandlal caused the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Cecil Durjon to lay over in addition to A Partnership

for National Unity’s amendments to the 2009 AML/ CFT Act; amendments styled “Attorney General’s Modified Version”.

Surprised

The coalition said that although the latter document was not requested by the committee, APNU on a proper perusal of its provisions was surprised to discover that the Government had made a fundamental change in its approach and a major shift towards the coalition’s amendments.

“The Government had used its monopoly of the state media and state resources in an attempt to convince the Guyanese people that APNU’s amendments were not inter alia, “Caribbean Financial Action Task Force-CFATF compliant” and would cause Guyana to be blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

“The Government is now agreeing with APNU that there should be an authority having oversight of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and cash above $10 million can be seized anywhere in Guyana, if suspected to be the proceeds

of serious crime or money laundering.

“The Government, however, is steadfastly seeking to retain the Attorney General’s power to finger persons and organisations as terrorists or aiders and abettors of terrorists.”

APNU is suggesting that the Government complete its shift and have an “independent authority” as proposed by the coalition and not insist on an authority which they can totally control.

Stop the dirty politics

Meanwhile, during a meeting at the Line Path Community Centre Ground on Friday, residents called on all parliamentarians to put aside ‘dirty politics’ and pass the Bill.

The residents, who were first given a history of the Bill and the implications of its non-passage by Minister within the Finance Ministry Juan Edghill, were very outspoken in their comments.

The residents said this Bill has showed them the true colours of some Members of Parliament (MPs), who prior to elections, said that they have the country’s interest at heart.

“Before election they come and tell we that they (the AFC) has no connection with the APNU and they mean good for us, now look they are all one and they are voting against this Bill which will affect us all,” the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported one resident as saying.

According to GINA, residents expressed the view that they were betrayed, and they are now prepared to go back to the polls to ensure their future is secured.

“They fooled us and now because of the one-seat majority, they holding the whole country to ransom with this Bill, is the APNU

and the AFC doing this to us,” another said.

In addition, the residents said the proposed amendments by the Opposition are ridiculous, and they will not support them since for too many years they were forced to endure harsh living conditions.

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill in his address to the gathering sought to point out some of the negative impacts, which the non-passage of the Bill is already having on Guyana.

The Minister pointed out that if the Bill’s passage fails, all Guyanese will have to deal with a higher cost of living. Minister Edghill warned about the possibility of job loss for those who are employed by foreign investors.

According to the Minister, if Guyana is fully blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), then potential investors will not be willing to take the risk of investing in Guyana’s economy.

All this, the Minister said, will have trickledown effects for every citizen, including businessmen, housewives, farmers and even persons who depend on remittances from overseas.

Caricom Heads of Government at the recently concluded 25th Intersessional meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines issued a call for Guyana to pass the Bill, which is currently in a Special Select Committee of the National Assembly.

Essequibo rice farmers receiving outstanding monies

Rice Producers Association (RPA) President Leekah Rambrich said Region Three rice farmers have started to receive monies owed to them by millers for paddy sold in the last crop in 2013.

Rambrich told Guyana Times that he is not sure how much of the money has been paid by the millers, but said the process has started.

He had said “the bailout from the Government is a welcomed initiative”.

The RPA President had also explained that this move by the Agriculture

Ministry and GRDB would ease the current discontent in the industry, as it would enable farmers to plant next crop.

“They will be back in the fields as soon as possible,” said Rambrich

He also noted that the farmers are hoping to complete the current harvest season before the May/June rains. Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy in a recent meeting with Region Two farmers, was told that millers own them $270 million.

The Government through the Agriculture Ministry and Guyana

Rice Development Board (GRDB) has since allocated over $300 million to be paid to farmers by millers.

Dr Ramsammy indicated that the millers are expected to repay the monies to Government after they would have sold the rice for the current crop.

He noted that everything has to go through the Government and this way, he explained, the monies given to the miller to clear old debts will be deducted from the payments they will receive as monies for rice that would have been exported by the Ministry and GRDB.

Greek food shack coming soon

Guyanese can expect to benefit from Greek cuisine when Gyro Shack opens its operations here in May.

Dome Group Inc (Guyana) President and founder of Gyro Shack Guyana, Robert Millington said Guyanese will no doubt benefit from a scrumptious line of Greek cuisine that will undoubt-

edly add flavour to their lives.

The restaurant will be offering 100 per cent beef (Halaal), the traditional lamb and beef mix, chicken, and a meat substitute for vegetarians.

A gyro is a Greek dish of meat roasted on a vertical spit. It is commonly served in warm pita bread with tomato, onion, scal-

lops and tzatziki sauce.

Millington said that the shack will be launched in two stages over the next six to eight months.

A mobile launch is scheduled for May 3. The shack will be by the sea wall and other parts of Georgetown. A fixed restaurant location will be launched for the Christmas season.

Former policewoman on bail

Aformer Guyana Police Force officer was placed on bail when she appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a charge of attempted fraud.

Juliana Nicholas, 36, of Lot 90 Haslington, East

Coast Demerara, told the court that she served as a police officer for some 13 years. Nicholas pleaded not guilty to the charge which states that during the period October 1 to 31, 2013 in Georgetown, she attempted to defraud a Police Constable by uttering fraudulent documents.

Attorney Patrice Henry, who appeared on Nicholas’ behalf, pleaded with the magistrate to grant his client bail.

Prosecutor Michael Grant had no objections to bail. Bail was granted in the sum of $60,000. The defendant is expected to make another court appearance on April 13.

Forest areas continue to decline globally – FAO

… biggest losses in South America, Africa

New data released on the occasion of the International Day of Forests confirm that forest areas continue to decline globally, with the biggest losses of tropical forests occurring in South America and Africa.

Improving information on forest resources is a key factor in halting illegal deforestation and forest degradation, said the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on the International Day of Forests (IDF), celebrated by the United Nations on Friday.

FAO is using this year’s celebration to discuss ways to improve the availability of information on the state of forests at all levels: nationally, regionally and globally.

“If we want to be serious about halting deforestation, in line with FAO’s Zero Illegal Deforestation challenge, this must be premised on the availability of sound information and data,” said FAO Director General Jose Graziano da Silva.

Use of satellite

The new assessment of changes in the world’s forests shows the decline of forest land use between 1990 and 2010.

According to the updated survey, the area of forest cover decreased by some 5.3 million ha/year, corresponding, over the period 1990-2010, to a net loss equivalent of nearly four times the size of Italy or the size of Colombia.

The updated findings of a global remote sensing survey show that total forest area as of 2010 is 3.89 billion hect-

ares or 30 per cent of the total land area of the Earth.

Forest loss, gains

Worldwide, the gross reduction in forest land use caused by deforestation and natural disasters over the 20-year time period (15.5 million hectares per year) was partially offset by gains in forest area through afforestation and natural forest expansion (10.2 million hectares per year).

There were considerable regional differences in forest losses and gains. The area of tropical forests declined in South America, Africa and Asia – with the biggest loss in absolute terms in tropical South America, followed by tropical Africa, whereas gains in forest area were reported for subtropical and temperate Asia.

The world’s forests are distributed unevenly with just under half the world’s forests in the tropical domain (45 per cent of total forest area), about one third in boreal (31 per cent) and smaller amounts in temperate (16 per cent) and subtropical (eight per cent) domains. This is the first consistent survey to show the changes in forest land use for those four main ecological domains over the past 20 years.

To develop the survey, FAO worked with more than 200 experts from 107 countries. The work is the result of a partnership between FAO, its member countries and the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC).

Graziano da Silva also underlined that the local forest communities play a cru-

cial role in responding to two major challenges that forests are facing today: deforestation and forest degradation. At the same time, he noted, they are among the world’s most vulnerable populations.

He urged governments to support vulnerable populations and adopt better governance policies to enable millions of people who rely on forests for their livelihoods to benefit from numerous forest products and services.

“In 2014, we are celebrating the International Day of Forests in the context of the International Year of Family Farming,” said Graziano da Silva. “Forest people are part of this group of family farmers, pastoralists, artisanal fishers, and indigenous and traditional communities.

Food security

They represent hundreds of millions of families that play a key role in guaranteeing food security in many countries. In many cases, they are also directly responsible for the sustainable management of forests and natural resources. But, at the same time, they are among the world’s most food insecure.”

“This meeting is an opportunity to expand the dialogue on what we need to do, collaboratively, to support them and strengthen sustainable forest management,” he added.

Last year, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 the International Day of Forests. The day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of forests.

Enterprise group hosted Phagwah celebration

History was created in Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, on Phagwah Day when the Enterprise Youth Development Group hosted its first “Holi – Festival of Colour – Phagwah Celebration 2014”, which saw scores of villagers converge at the Enterprise Community Centre Ground.

The Enterprise Vishnu Mandir Chowtal Group, tassa drumming, dancing and

music were the highlights of the evening. In addition to that, there were barrels of abeer and plates filled with abrac to encourage persons to anoint each other in the colours of Phagwah.

Many families and friends turned out in their numbers sporting their white outfits that were well- coloured into new patterns and styles by the end of the day.

The ground came alive as powders and water of vari-

Banks DIH customers, dealers tour Thirst Park facilities

Customers and dealers of Banks DIH Limited were given a firsthand look at the company’s modernisation programme following a tour of the Thirst Park Complex, East Bank Demerara on Wednesday last.

Chairman and Managing Director Clifford Reis described the customers as very “valuable partners” to Banks DIH Limited and expressed gratitude to them for taking time off to visit the operations so that they would have a greater appreciation and help to market the company’s products.

“We are building our relationships with our share-

holders, employees and our valued customers and dealers. You are very valuable to us because you are at the forefront of selling our products,” Reis said while lauding their commitment and dedication.

He said the company will be offering more support to the dealers through credit, merchandising and other facilities.

The dealers visited the newly-upgraded multimillion-dollar Brewery and cellars, beer bottling, ice cream and tropical mist and soft drink plants and the rum factory.

Sales and Marketing Representative Carlton

João said the initiative is part of a series of tours planned for dealers who are spread across Guyana. He said the tours have been organised to foster closer relationships with the distributors of Banks DIH Limited from near and far who can also raise their concerns with management. Also present at Wednesday’s event were Co-Managing Director/ Marketing Director George McDonald, Human Resources Director Andrew Carto, members of the executive management team, brand managers and other staff of the Sales and Marketing Department.

ous colours flew through the air, creating a kaleidoscope as the villagers doused each other and danced in merriment.

Enterprise Youth Development Group

President Samantha Sheoprashad said the group, which is an arm of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), was very successful at promoting the three-day event which featured the general Phagwah Mela, a school Phagwah Mela and the Phagwah celebrations.

She explained that the group has worked diligently with all the local talents in Enterprise and Nonpariel.

Sheoprashad further encouraged parents to have their children be a part of the PYO group, since it can be beneficial as they can develop in every aspect of their lives. She also thanked those who have contributed to making the three-day affair a success.

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(Jan. 20Feb. 19)

You are known as an insightful and visionary person. While some may feel threatened by these qualities, there is no reason for you to change. Be proud of who you are.

(Feb.20March 20)

You will find great fulfillment helping others. You have much to contribute, and you will be rewarded for your time and effort. You can make a positive difference to someone.

(March 21-April 19)

Go beyond your traditional path and try something out of the ordinary. There are sure to be some pleasant surprises in store for you. An unplanned journey can generate professional rewards.

(April 20May 20)

You will need to be industrious and shoulder additional responsibility. Those around you will be preoccupied and unable to help. You will make headway if you stay focused.

(May 21June 20)

Manage your money wisely. Start by setting a strict household budget. Unanticipated financial expenses can take a big bite out of your savings. Adequate preparation will help ease financial stress.

By Bernice Bede Osol

(June 21July 22)

You may be feeling emotional regarding someone’s demands or pushy behaviour. Step back and size up your situation. Don’t make a rash decision that will put you in a vulnerable position.

(July 23Aug. 22)

Take a leadership role. Others will be full of admiration for your ideas and will gladly do what they can to assist you. Be prepared to take a big leap forward.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Partnerships will be fragile today. Keep a low profile and concentrate on self-improvement. Put aside any financial discussions for another day.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You may feel caught up in a whirlwind of responsibilities. The demands of work and home are taking a toll. Don’t feel guilty about taking time out for a leisurely pursuit.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You are in need of positive reinforcement. Get together with a friend who will encourage and contribute to your plans. A different point of view will provide inspiration.

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You’ll be offered advice, but not all of it will be good. Decide which option is in your best interest. Do your utmost to strengthen your monetary situation.

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raven, raiders promise thrilling finish to road to Mecca

By Treiston Joseph

One road, one game, one winner… this is all that is left to decide the best basketball club in the nation when the final of the Road to Mecca national club championship is held this evening from 18:00 hours at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The Dynas Ravens and the Retrieve Raiders will now meet in what is expected to be a thrilling finale to decide Guyana’s best club while creating history in the process as the tournament is the first of its kind in the nation.

Boasting contrasting styles of play with similar points of focus is what will make the final between the two teams a must-see.

The Ravens are a tough bunch always looking to out hustle their opponents on every play as they look to make the extra past on offense while looking for steals on defense.

The Georgetown side boasts players such as Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai, Ryan Gullen and Ryan Stephney, who can run the break well and go to isolation plays if they need a basket.

Dwayne “Brown Sugar” Roberts

What makes the team more dangerous despite their lack of size in the middle in their ability to clean the glass on both the defensive and offensive end while their guards are able to penetrate the lane and find open shooters.

However, collecting rebounds might prove difficult for the undersized Ravens as the Retrieve Raiders boast a bunch of big bodies that play a physical smash mouth style of basketball.

The Raiders are not a running team but will punish their opponents in the post and on the glass while defensively no shot is safe in the paint as the likelihood of being blocked is a bit higher

than usual.

Like the Ravens, who have guard that can penetrate and pass to open shooters, the big men of the Retrieve Raiders can bully their way in the paint and pass the ball if need be.

Where the difference might come is that the Raiders might be playing without their best big man in Dwayne “Brown Sugar” Roberts, who happens to be their leading scorer and rebounder and this might cause a dent in their offensive ability.

On the other hand, the team giving the best effort on the defensive end is likely to walk away with the victory and the title as the best club in the country.

Meanwhile, the third place playoff will be between the Bounty Colts and the Amelia’s Ward Jets, which will be another Georgetown versus Linden match-up.

The game is expected to be up tempo, especially with the guards of the Bounty Colts running the ball.

Further, the support game will see the Media United team going up against the Diplomatic Core in what is expected to give the fans a few laughs.

India v West Indies, World T20, Group 2, Mirpur…

Friendly foes bank on familiarity

If you put the names of players from both these squads in a hat, pulled them out into four random teams, added a few Indian domestic players, placed a few Bollywood stars and many hangers-on on the sidelines, and changed rules on the fly, you would have yourself an IPL. India and West Indies have played each other only thrice in international Twenty20s, but the players of these two teams are more familiar with each other’s Twenty20 skills than any other set of two teams.

West Indies cricketers are the life of the IPL. Nine of their first XI play in the tournament, and this is a side missing Kieron Pollard. All of the Indians do too. They either net with each other or play against each other day in and day out for two months every year.

men the short boundaries. Some of the familiarity has flown in how Suresh Raina thinks West Indies batsmen struggle to rotate the strike against spin. West Indies might have a thing or two to say about Raina’s general ordinary average against West Indies.

What you can’t argue about is the fact that this is a match between the ODI champions and the T20I champions with huge implications, which you expect of every league match when two out of five progress. The teams will have to keep an eye towards the skies though; it rained in Dhaka on Saturday and more wet spells are forecast for Sunday afternoon.

Watch out for…

No Indian has scored more runs, nor has an Indian taken more wickets. He will not be pleased with his work against Pakistan: a dropped catch, a 13-run over, a poor shot to get out for 1. Write him off at your own peril, though.

Team news India have said that three spinners hasn’t yet become the winning combination that shouldn’t be tinkered with, but Amit Mishra is a good bet to play.

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If Virat kohli can share Chris Gayle’s weaknesses with the India team, Dwayne Bravo will surely know how to bowl to MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina. Indian batsmen are the most exposed to Sunil Narine, West Indies know Amit Mishra better than any other batsmen in the world.

Conditions, too, suit both these teams. The spinners love the slowness, the bats-

Since he scored 75 in the semi-final of the last World T20, Chris Gayle has had a bit of a lean patch, which features five single-digit scores in eight matches, and no fifty.

He began warming up against England, though, scoring 43 and 36. If he carries on for longer, there might not be many singles required against spinners.

Yuvraj Singh has been India’s most influential Twenty20 international since the last World T20.

India: (possible) 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Suresh Raina, 5 Yuvraj Singh, 6 MS Dhoni (capt. & wk), 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Amit Mishra, 10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 11 Mohammed Shami Andre Russell should take Pollard’s place in the XI as he did in the T20s against England unless West Indies want another specialist pace bowler in Krishmar Santokie. West Indies: (possible) 1 Dwayne Smith, 2 Chris Gayle, 3 Marlon Samuels, 4 Lendl Simmons, 5 Dwayne Bravo, 6 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 7 Darren Sammy (capt.), 8 Andre Russell/ Krishmar Santokie, 9 Sunil Narine, 10 Ravi Rampaul, 11 Samuel Badree (Cricinfo)

England v NZ, World T20, Group 1, Chittagong…

New Zealand take rain-hit game

McCullum and Stuart Broad

off at the rain break, with New Zealand

England lost to New Zealand under the Duckworth/Lewis method as their World Twenty20 group match in Chittagong was abandoned because of a thunderstorm.

Moeen Ali (36) put on 72 with Michael Lumb (33) as England made 172-6.

Brendon McCullum struck a six to put the Kiwis ahead of the rate at 52-1 when the rain descended and his team were awarded victory by nine runs.

“We should have come off earlier, that was distinctly average by the umpires,” England captain Stuart Broad said.

It was a galling way to start the tournament for England, who posted a competitive total and restricted New Zealand to 31-1 after four overs to be ahead on points in boxing parlance.

Five overs needed to be bowled in the second innings to constitute a match and that fifth over was not only completed but brought about a complete contrast in the outcome.

England will hope for better fortune in the second of their four group matches, also under the floodlights, against Sri Lanka at the same venue on Thursday. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD

England Innings

Lumb c Anderson

b McClenaghan 33

Hales c Anderson b Mills 0 Moeen c McClenaghan

b Anderson 36 Morgan c B McCullum

b Southee 12

Buttler b Anderson 32

Bopara not out 24

Jordan c Southee

b N McCullum 8

Bresnan not out 17

Extras: (6-w, 4-lb) 10

Total: (for 6 wickets; 20 overs) 172

Bowling: Mills 4-0-36-1, McClenaghan 4-0-22-1, Southee

4-0-46-1, Anderson 4-0-322, N McCullum 4-0-32-1

Fall of wickets: 1 (Hales), 73 (Moeen), 76 (Lumb), 103 (Morgan), 129 (Buttler), 148 (Jordan)

New Zealand Innings

Guptill c Jordan b Dernbach 11

Williamson not out 24

B McCullum not out 16

Extras:(1-lb) 1

Total: (for 1 wicket; 5.2 overs) 52

Bowling: Moeen 1-0-7-0, Dernbach 2-0-13-1, Bresnan

1-0-10-0, Broad 1-0-160, Jordan 0.2-0-5-0

Fall of wickets: 29 (Guptill)

South Africa v Sri Lanka, World T20, Group

Tight bowling disrupts South Africa

SLeft-hander Kusal Perera hit 17 in the first over and made 61 with six fours and three sixes as Sri Lanka posted 165-7, spinner Imran Tahir taking 3-26.

Quinton de Kock (25) gave South Africa a similarly fluent start and JP Duminy hit two sixes in his 39 from 30 balls.

They needed 19 off the last two overs but David Miller (19) was run out in the final over and they closed 160-8.

It was fitting that the two strongly fancied teams in the

group, which also includes England, New Zealand and the Netherlands, produced a highcalibre contest.

In one of the more remarkable starts to an international match, the world’s premier fast bowler Dale Steyn was struck disdainfully for two off-side fours and then a flick over midwicket for six by Perera, playing in only his 12th match.

Steyn completed the opening over by rattling Tillakaratne Dilshan’s stumps for a golden duck.

Perera, a 23-year-old natural right-hander, re-mod-

elled his technique to emulate his childhood hero Sanath Jayasuriya, and there were distinct similarities with the former Sri Lanka opener as he reached his fifth T20 fifty from 29 balls.

However Tahir applied the shackles with a spell of 2-16 in three overs, deceiving Kumar Sangakkara and Perera into top edges, and it needed a workmanlike 43 from 32 balls by Angelo Mathews to take the Sri Lankans to their highest T20 total in five matches against South Africa. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka Innings K Perera c AB de Villiers b Tahir 61

Dilshan b Steyn 0

M Jayawardene c Steyn b M Morkel 9

Sangakkara c Tsotsobe

b Tahir 14

Mathews b Steyn 43

Chandimal st de Kock

b Tahir 12

T Perera b M Morkel 8

N Kulasekara not out 7

Senanayake not out 1

Extras: (7-w, 3-b) 10

Total: (for 7 wickets; 20 overs) 165

Bowling: Steyn 4-0-37-2, Tsotsobe 4-0-31-0, M Morkel 4-0-31-2, Duminy 2-0-13-0, A Morkel 2-0-24-0, Tahir 4-0-26-3

Fall of wickets: 17 (Dilshan), 42 (M Jayawardene), 83 (Sangakkara), 106 (K Perera), 137 (Chandimal), 152 (T Perera), 160 (Mathews)

South Africa Innings de Kock b Malinga 25 Amla c Dilshan b Senanayake 23 Duminy c Dilshan b Senanayake 39 AB de Villiers c Sangakkara b Mathews 24

Miller run out (Chandimal) 19

A Morkel c Chandimal b A Mendis 12 Behardien c M Jayawardene b N Kulasekara 5 Steyn run out (Mathews) 0 M Morkel not out 0 Tahir not out 8

Extras: (2-w, 3-lb) 5

Total: (for 8 wickets; 20 overs) 160 Bowling: N Kulasekara 3-023-1, Mathews 3-0-21-1, Senanayake 4-0-22-2, Malinga 4-0-29-1, T Perera 2-0-180, A Mendis 4-0-44-1

of wickets: 32 (de Kock), 82 (Amla), 110 (AB de Villiers), 119 (Duminy), 133 (A Morkel), 148 (Behardien), 152 (Steyn), 152 (Miller)

Big money at stake in KMTC post-Phagwah meet

Over $6 million dollars will be at stake today when the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) stages the post-Phagwah horse-race meet.

The meet is slated for the club’s Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, headquarters from 12:30 hours.

Eight races are billed for the day with the ‘A’ and Lower Class being the marquee event over a distance of six furlongs. The top prize is

$1 million, while the secondplaced finisher will receive $500,000. Horses that place third and fourth will receive $250,000 and $125,000 respectively.

The other six-furlong races are the ‘D3’ and Lower, ‘I’ and Lower, ‘J1’ and Lower and Three-year-old for Guyanabred horses. The winners of those four races will pocket $400,000, $250,000, $200,000 and $250,000 respectively. The ‘G’ and Lower race of-

Milo U-20 Schools football…

fers a first prize of $300,000, while the Three-year-old event for Guyana and West Indies bred horses has a top prize of $400,000. Both races will last a distance of seven furlongs.

The final race of the day is for ‘J3’ and Lower horses for a top prize of $150,000 over five furlongs.

The race is being conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and would be rigidly enforced. Admission to the venue is

$1200 for adults, $600 for children, while parking ticket and programme cost $300 each. Meanwhile, organiser of the event and president of the KMTC, Cecil Kennard told this publication on Saturday that the weather on the Corentyne is “excellent.” Kennard stated that the meet will be of a high standard, especially since the majority of the country’s top horses will be participating. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

Kingston High booted as unbeaten streak ends

By Treiston Joseph

The lads from Kingston High School suffered their first loss to Charlestown Secondary which means they would no longer be part of the Petra organised Milo Under-20 Schools football tournament.

The match was part of round of 16 action, which commenced on Saturday at the Education Ministry ground, Carifesta Avenue. Kingston, going in on a high with an unblemished record during their group stage, being winners of four straight games, suffered the most heart wrenching of losses when Charlestown needled them 1-0.

The game was heading to a draw with the full time mark (70

minutes) approaching as both teams searched for that golden goal before the wind in the sails of the Kingston team was knocked out with a swift kick from Aroydy Branford in the 63rd minute. That clearly broke the spirit of

the Kingston team as their efforts seemed meaningless after the goal from Branford. Meanwhile, Queens College (QC) will be moving on in the tournament after drubbing North Georgetown 5-0 to make the quar-

ter-finals.

Jaydev Mona opened the scoring early with a goal in the sixth minute for Queens College that would send the game to half-time still pegged 1-0.

The second half saw a totally different level of energy from the QC players as Aftab Crandon wasted no time in putting his school up 3-0 with back-to-back goals in the 46th and 48th minutes.

Shemar Britton, who is one of the best national table tennis players, showed his versatility with a strike that rocked the back of the net in 55th minute that pushed QC 4-0 up before Stephen King hammered in the exclamation point just before full time in the 68th minute.

Lodge Secondary will also feature in the quarter-finals as they

downed South Ruimveldt 3-0 to move deeper into the tournament.

Travis Jonas scored in the 21st minute to open the scoring for Lodge, while Shemar Smith’s 55th minute goal and Ryan Hackett’s goal in the 64th minute made the win official.

Dolphin Secondary also came out victorious to fill four of the eight slots in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win of St Mary’s High School.

The game was mainly passive until Samuel Hunte struck in the 55th minute to seal the deal for Dolphin Secondary.

The second half of the round of 16 will be played today at the Education Ministry ground where the final four teams for the quarter-finals will be decided.

Braithwaite, Nurse floor T&T

SCOREBOARD

BARBADOS 1st Innings (overnight 243-5)

*K Brathwaite lbw b Gabriel 0

O Phillips c Barath b Khan 67

K Edwards b Gabriel 41

J Carter lbw b Mohammed 45

R Chase c wkp Katwaroo

b Khan 12

+S Dowrich c Augustus

b S Gabriel 53

C Brathwaite c Emrit

b Mohammed 109

J Holder lbw b Gabriel 5

A Nurse not out 130

Extras: (b-6, lb-8, w-1, nb-2) 17

TOTAL (8 wkts decl., 124.5 overs) 479

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-73, 3-155, 4-164, 5-202, 6-284, 7-289, 8-479

Bowling: Gabriel 22-869-4, Emrit 23-5-79-0, Cruikshank 15-2-72-0, Khan

36-5-132-2, Cariah 10-0-520, Mohammed 18.5-2-61-2

T&T 1st Innings

A Barath c Nurse

b C Brathwaite 20

E Lewis run out 5

D Bravo c wkp Dowrich

b C Brathwaite 4 J Mohammed lbw b Benn 43

J Augustus lbw b C Brathwaite 0

Y Cariah c Carter b Benn 3

+S Katwaroo c Chase b Benn 1

D Cruikshank c Nurse b Benn 0 I Khan c Phillips b Nurse 5 *R Emrit not out 25

S Gabriel c & b Nurse 5

Extras: (b-4, nb-5) 9

TOTAL: (all out, 37 overs) 120

Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-33, 3-45, 4-45, 5-54, 6-60, 7-64, 8-90, 9-94, 10-120

Bowling: Holder 5-2-100, Cummins 7-0-33-0, Benn 14-6-31-4, Brathwaite 7-315-3, Nurse 4-1-27-2

T&T 2nd Innings (following-on)

A Barath not out 6

E Lewis not out 37

Extras: (nb-1) 1

TOTAL: (without loss, 14 overs) 44

Bowling: Benn 7-4-17-0, Cummins 2-0-9-0, Nurse 4-0-17-0, Chase 1-0-1-0

Carlos Braithwaite and Ryan Nurse starred with bat then ball as Barbados drove home the advantage against Trinidad and Tobago by stumps on day two of the fourth round West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional Four-day match.

Resuming on their overnight position of 243-5, Barbados blazed to 4798 declared, a total built on a huge partnership of 190 between Braithwaite and Nurse.

The pair both got hundreds: Braithwaite 130 not out and Nurse 109. Shane Dowrich made 53.

Shannon Gabriel bagged 4-69 for T&T, who folded for 120 in just 37 overs. Left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn claimed 4-31, while Braithwaite had 3-15 and Nurse 2-27.

Forced to follow-on, T&T reached 44 without loss by stumps, still in arrears by 315 runs, with Evin Lewis on 37 and Adrian Barath on six.

Alpha United win in CFU Club Championship

Alpha United Football Club secured their first victory of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championships on Friday evening at the Harbour View Stadium in Jamaica.

Alpha United toppled the Trinidad Defence Force 2-0, despite throwing away more chances, according to coach of the Georgetown side, Wayne Dover.

Andrew Murray Jr. netted the first goal for the Alpha in the 19th minute, while Kitson Baines was the other goal scorer in the 48th minute.

Dover also noted that his side could have won by a larger margin had Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson converted what the coach termed as two simple opportunities.

However, Dover in his comments, praised Alpha’s keeper Ronson Williams for his outstanding work with the gloves.

George on pace for second CARIFTA gold –

Sampson, Yaw dominate 400m

By Treiston Joseph

CARIFTA Games gold medalist Cassey George is looking in top form to defend her gold medal at this year’s Games to be held in Martinique after her blistering performance on day one of the CARIFTA trials

held at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, on Saturday.

George dominated her competition, winning the Girls Under-18 1500 metres by approximately 100 metres, clocking a time of 4:47s, while Shontel Hinds finished in 5:07.40s. CARIFTA bronze medalist Andrea Foster finished a disappointing fourth with a time of 5:16s.

Jevina Sampson looked her old self as she dominated the Girls Under-18 400

metres with a fast time of 57.7s leaving no questions as to who is the better youth 400 metres female in the country after suffering defeat to Natricia Hooper and Avon Samuels two weeks ago in a developmental 300 metres clash.

Samuels finished a distant second in 58.50s, while Hooper was third in 59.60s as the girls made it a Running Brave Athletics Club sweep.

Dominant Yaw

CARIFTA bronze medalist Jason Yaw had one of his most dominant races, winning the event after the first 50 metres.

He blazed to a fast 49.4s in the Boys Under-18 400 metres. Kwesi Blair was a distant second in 52.90s, while Carlson Whyte was third in 55.90s.

Tirana Mitchell, who is a CARIFTA bronze medalist, made a triumphant return to the track after a right

quadriceps injury, claiming the Girls Under-18 100 metres in 12.00s. Linden’s Onasha Rogers was second in 12.20s, while Cassie Tixey was third in 12.60s.

The Boys Under-20 100 metres was won by Kevin Abbensetts in 10.4s, while Samuel Doris clocked 10.70s for second. Quacy Simpson was third in 11.00s.

Tevin Garraway, who was a favourite for the event, did make the final but pulled out after experiencing soreness in his hamstring during his warm-ups. Arinze Chance took the Boys 400 metres easily with his smooth style of running, clocking 50.00s to win ahead of Quacy Simpson, who took second in 52.10s. Leon Blair was third in 53.20s.

The Boys Under-20 1500 metres was won by Grivon Grant in 4:22.60s, while Orin Prince finished second in 4:28.00s.

The Daniels twin ruled the Female Under-20 sprints as Shoquan ran away with the 100 metres in 12.10s, and Shomane clocked 1:03.10 to win the 400 metres.

The Boys Under-20 long jump was won by Jabary Joseph with a distance of 6.57 metres, while Miguel Williams was second with 6.09m and Damon Williams third with 6.05 metres. Clarence Greene won the Boys Under-20 Javelin throw with an excellent 52.59 metres, while Damon Williams was second with 46.19 metres.

Meanwhile, day two of the trials will be held today at the Police Sports Club ground from 10:00 hours.

WICB announces schedule for NZ, Bangladesh tours of Caribbean

The Board of Directors of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) held its first meeting for 2014 in Port-of-Spain on Friday and Saturday.

At a media conference on Saturday, following the meeting, President Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron announced that the Board of Directors approved the schedules for the West Indies versus New Zealand and West Indies versus Bangladesh series for the 2014 international season.

The New Zealand tour of the Caribbean sched-

uled for June and July will consist of three Tests and two Twenty20 Internationals.

Significantly, West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle has appeared in 99 Tests and his 100th Test appearance is expected to be in the Jamaica Test.

The WICB is preparing to celebrate the event and will announce further details in this regard subsequently.

The West Indies versus Bangladesh tour will consist of two Tests, three ODIs and one Twenty20 International.

The West Indies opened the international season of cricket in the Caribbean for 2014 in when they played England in three ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals in February and March. The West Indies won the T20 Series 2-1 and the result was reversed for the ODI series. These matches were played in Antigua and Barbados.

The 2014 international cricket season in the Caribbean will comprise of a total of five Tests, six ODIs and six Twenty20 Internationals.

Think you’re strong?... then bring it on!

– Arm wrestling competition to start next month

By Avenash Ramzan

Do you think you’re strong and want an avenue to prove it? Then count yourself lucky.

Believe it or not, you… yes you, could very well be on the way to becoming the strongest person in Guyana.

The country’s newest sports bar, 704 Sports Bar, located at Lamaha and Albert Streets, is providing that opportunity by laying the platform for aspiring arm wrestlers to prove their worth at the first-ever “Ultimate Arm Wrestling Championship 2014.”

The innovative event was launched on Saturday at 704 Sports Bar where key stakeholders divulged the nature of championship, the categories and the format that would be used when action powers off on April 14.

Project Manager of 704 Sports Bar, Dustanni Barrow, said the event will provide an alternative means of entertainment to the sports loving Guyanese public.

Barrow reflected that from since ancient Egyptian times men always wanted to find new ways of testing their strength against each other. He added that over time arm wrestling has gained popularity around the world with the first tournament being held in California in 1952.

est watched series “Game of Arms.” It is with this is mind that we at 704 Sports Bar look to host live competitive sports events at a sports bar, thus giving birth to Guyana’s first Arm Wrestling Championships “Ultimate Arm Wrestling Tournament 2014,” Barrow explained.

Ross elated

Patron of the tournament, Guyana’s world renowned and award-winning bodybuilder Hugh Arlington Ross, in endorsing the activity, said arm wrestling is one of the purest ways of proving one’s strength.

registration forms will be available from Tuesday at the entity’s location, as well as leading gyms across the country. The deadline for the submission of forms is April 11.

Ramsingh highlighted that each competitor is required to pay an entrance fee of $1,000 upon submission of completed registration form.

The championship is open to everyone 18 years and older in three categories: Males over 200lbs, Males under 200lbs and Female open. The organisers are hoping to attract a minimum of 48 competitiors per category.

The top three finishers in each category will receive $100,000, $75,000 and $50,000 respectively, along with gift certificates from Fitness Express, Guinness hampers and products from the other sponsors.

Under the format, three matches from each category will be contested on each night, with each match being a twobest-in-three.

The event will be last for approximately one month with all matches being held at the 704 Sports Bar.

HRC hosts successful athletes/ managers meeting

The Hugh Ross Classic (HRC) Committee

Chairman, Hugh Ross, has described Saturday’s athletes/managers meeting, which took place in the boardroom of main sponsor Banks DIH, Thirst Park, a resounding success.

The meeting, which was interactive in nature, sought to address a number of issues relating to this Saturday’s fourth Malta Supreme Hugh Ross Classic Bodybuilding and

Fitness Show to be held at the National Cultural Centre.

Areas of focus were the final week of preparation, training, diet, water, tanning, posing, grooming, attire, music, weighin process, contest attire, punctuality and backstage expectation.

President of the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Keavon Bess, and other executive members were also present at the meeting, including a

number of the judges that will be working on competition night.

Time was dedicated to a discussion on the judge’s expectation on competition night. There will be three female categories: bodybuilding (females who are of a more muscular body type); Miss Figure (athletes who are symmetrical and toned) and the Miss Bikini (for the softer and more feminine eye pleasing type of figure).

The male categories are: Bantamweight- up to 65kgs (143lbs), Lightweightup to 70kgs (144-154lbs), Welterweight- up to 75kgs (155-165lbs), Light Middleweight- up to 80kgs (166-176lbs), Heavyweight (176 and over).

The respective category winners will then face off in the Overall battle to decide Mr. HRC 2014.

Mr Hugh Ross Classic 2012, Kerwyn Clarke, will be defending his title and will face stiff challenges from a number of seasoned and not so seasoned athletes. Tickets are on sale at the National Cultural Center at $1500 each.

HRC guest poser to arrive here Monday

“The arm wrestling phenomenon has taken over the television with blockbuster movies like “Over the Top” and one of the high-

He expressed elation at 704 Sports Bar embracing the concept and being bold enough to stage a competition in this regard. Ross wished the organisers and the prospective competititors well, noting that an exciting championship is envisaged.

Public Relations Officer of 704 Sports Bar, John Ramsingh, revealed that

Manager of 704 Sports Bar, Mark Ferreira, who also spoke at Saturday’s launch, encouraged Guyanese to come out and be part of the fun, whether it be as a competitor or a mere spectator.

The event has attracted corporate support from Diesel Craft, Pure Guard, Golden Brook, Guinness, ATS International and Fitness Express.

Islam clinches Category C title

Anthony Islam continued his winning streak on Friday night to clinch victory in Category C of the Kraft Junior Skill Level tournament organised by the Guyana Squash Association through the corporate support of reliable sponsor Digicel Guyana.

The much improved Islam twin overcame Jael Gaskin in an intense battle that lasted four games 9-11, 11-3, 11-3, 14-12. Anthony lost the first game 9-11, but came right back to win the second and third games, 11-3 in both instances. Gaskin put up some resistance in the fourth game and pushed Islam to the limit. Nevertheless, the

12-year-old Islam triumphed 14-12 in the fourth game to extend his win streak to four wins in four matches. Islam’s closest challenger was Michael Ramroop, whom he defeated on night two of the tournament.

Savannah Mendes completed a stunning win against Makeda Harding 11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 7-11, 11-7 in the tightly contested Category C. Earlier in the week, Harding had secured a commanding straightgame win against Sarah Lewis, and Lewis had comfortably defeated Mendes on night two. Nevertheless, Mendes upped the ante and captured the first two games before Harding battled right back to level the match. Harding was hit by

the swing of Mendes’ racquet in the fourth, but still managed to win that game. Mendes reclaimed the momentum and won the fifth and final game to claim her second straight win of the tournament after losing her first two matches.

After losing a crucial battle against Category B’s top contender Shomari Wiltshire, Alex Cheeks suffered another tough loss on Friday night, this time at the hands of Matthew Phang 9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9. Phang rebounded after losing the first game 9-11, to win three straight and sink Cheeks.

Rebecca Low also secured an emphatic straight game win against Mahendra Khusial 11-6, 11-5, 11-6.

The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro athlete, Jeff “Classic” Beckham, the guest poser for the fourth Malta Supreme Hugh Ross Classic Bodybuilding and Fitness Show will arrive in Guyana on Monday ahead of Saturday’s event slated for the National Cultural Centre from 19:00 hours.

The 32-year-old, who packs 280 pounds of muscles on a very aesthetic frame, said he is very excited to come to Guyana on the invitation of his long-time friend and colleague, Hugh Ross.

“I am looking forward to being in Guyana and I can’t wait to travel around and enjoy your beautiful country. The planned visits to schools among other things would be exciting for me as I intend to savour every moment of it,” he said.

Beckham also stated that he has something special in store for the fans on compe-

night, “But of course,

McCalman is new president of Guyana Tennis Association

Long-serving administrator Grace McCalman was elected president of the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) on Thursday when the association held its Annual General Meeting at the Georgetown Cricket Club pavilion on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda.

McCalman created history by becoming the first female to hold such a position in the association.

Six tennis clubs were represented at the meeting, including Georgetown, Roraima, Diamond, Le Ressouvenir, Non Pariel and Park Players.

In her inauguration speech, McCalman expressed great appreciation for the vote of confidence by the electors. She committed herself to continuing to work tirelessly for the development of tennis in Guyana.

McCalman also noted that although she is aware of the challenges, which include the need for the GTA to have a permanent home, improving discipline among players and making the coaches association function better, is very optimistic of clearing these hurdles and taking our tennis to a new and higher level.

She recounted her path from helping to re-establish the GTA with others in 2004 and reiterated that her position of presidency is not intended to change plans because those in place have been sound.

McCalman said she will strive to ensure that her executive provides her with the same level of support

that she provided over the last few years and that the strength of the executive does not decrease so that the plans can be implemented successfully.

She noted that 2013 was the first year in recent tennis history that the association received support from the government and this is significant for the game going forward. A major item on the agenda of the new executive shall be the hosting Inter Guianas tournament that is slated to be held in Georgetown in late October this year.

Rambarran reflects In the outgoing president’s report, Ramesh Seebarran reflected on his term as head of the GTA and pointed to the many tournaments that were held, including those sponsored by companies such as Assuria Insurance, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Trophy Stall

Crawford memorial cricket set for Saturday

The Berbice Bar Association and the Guyana Bar Association will compete in two friendly cricket matches on Saturday at the Albion Community Centre, starting at 10:00 hours. The two associations will first engage in a 10-over softball game, followed by a 20-over hardball match.

According to a release

from the organisers, the matches are being hosted by the Berbice Bar Association in memory of the late Senior Counsel Marcel Crawford, who passed away last December.

President of the Berbice Bar Association, Deena Panday, said the public is invited to witness the games, noting that admission to the venue is free.

and Courts and the annual training camp that was sponsored by P&P Insurance Brokers.

He gave a comprehensive account of all activities the GTA participated in between January and December 2013, as well as the first two months of this year.

He thanked the ITF

for their unwavering support which was the key to bringing the association thus far and his colleagues on the outgoing GTA Board. However, the outgoing president lamented the need for Guyana to have new and better tennis training facilities especially a facility that meets international standards

for the hosting of regional and other tournaments with at least six courts along with proper accommodations for players and spectators.

McCalman will have Andrew Sawh as the first Vice-president and Seebarran in an acting capacity as the second Vicepresident.

India v West Indies, World T20, Group 2, Mirpur…

Thomas’ century puts CCC in control at tea

Abelligerent hundred from Shacaya Thomas led the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) to a commanding position at tea on day two of their fourth round West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional Four-day game against Guyana.

Replying to Guyana’s 1st innings 265, CCC cruised to 154-2 from 52 overs by tea in the day/night encounter at the Three Ws Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Earlier, Anthony Bramble scored his maiden fifty at this level, an unbeaten 64, as Guyana, resuming on 209-6, added just 56 runs to the total.

Wicket-keeper Bramble, who has been consistent all season with the bat, notched up his 50 from 51 balls and 79 minutes with eight fours and a six.

Bowling for the CCC, off-spinner Ryan Austin claimed 5-73.

Thomas was aggressive from the on-set, dominating an opening partnership of 86 with Anthony Alleyne, who made just 12. Thomas brought up his fifty in just 39 balls and 44 minutes, and then didn’t let up, racing to a hundred from 143 deliveries. His unbeaten 115 at tea had included 11 fours and two sixes.