saturday, february 8, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com
By Michael younge
Opposition 'Iron Lady', Debra Backer has officially tendered her resignation from the National Assembly as its Deputy Speaker and a frontbencher for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
Her departure has been described by Opposition Leader David Granger as “a serious blow” to the coalition, which will trigger what is being described as a premature reorganisation of his camp.
Granger, who simultaneously functions as APNU chairman and leader of Backer’s party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), confirmed receiving the resignation letter on Thursday, which took effect on Friday.
He said Backer resigned due to illness and he explained that she has not indicated what future role she will play in the partnership or the PNCR.
Granger said that he was expected to hold a “caucus with party leaders” to decide on the way forward and name a possible replacement for Backer.
“We are looking at a list of names and it would be prejudicial to name them because we can only choose one,” he said after being questioned by the media at his weekly party press conference held at the Office of Leader of Opposition on Hadfield Street, Georgetown. He declined to state the specific illness which caused Backer to tender her resignation, stating that she also did not reveal such information in the letter.
“Yes, it is a serious blow,” he admitted, before opining
that Backer was “respected”, “industrious”, “a good lawyer”, and his main advisor on the Standing Orders.
Backer was APNU’s shadow foreign affairs minister. The portfolio of shadow home affairs minister was wrestled from her with the entrance of Winston Felix into the partnership.
Granger told journalists that no one will be appointed immediately to the portfolio, but said that he and APNU backbencher Africo Selman will share the responsibility since they are both knowledgeable in the area.
Asked whether Guyanese can expect changes in the seating arrangements with Backer’s departure, he said, "We haven’t decided all of the movements”.
Granger however announced that backbencher Ronald Bulkhan would become a front bencher, as he is the shadow local government minister.
Questioned further on who will be replacing Backer as deputy speaker in the 65seat legislature, Granger said that no decision had been taken on the matter, but that the individual would come
from the opposition benches.
Backer became deputy speaker in the 10th Parliament after Clarissa Riehl served in the post in the Ninth Parliament.
There was much controversy over the post and that of the substantive Speaker of the National Assembly portfolio.
Scandalous
In light of reports, Granger has ruled out the withdrawal or replacement of any of his sitting parliamentarians with Ganesh Mahipaul or lecturer Tabitha Sarabo during the mid-term of the current Parliament.
The summersault by Granger comes in the face of a media release from APNU, which had stated that it was pursuing this course ahead of the commencement of the 10th Parliament.
“It is no longer a plan... it was never a plan... there may have been much talk about it, but there is no such plan on the table now,” he said.
When told about the press release from his party on the matter, the opposition leader said, “It might have been an error”.
He expressed the view that the party looks forward to Backer’s return and wished her a speedy recovery.
Backer is credited for her role in advising Granger on several key issues since he entered the 10th Parliament.
Among her peers, she appeared to be the most knowledgeable of the parliamentary Standing Orders and established norms.
She was seen as the “Iron Lady” of the opposition and was extremely effective in representing the portfolios of shadow home affairs minister and shadow foreign affairs minister.
Many believed that Backer was sidelined for many key posts within the PNC/APNU grouping because she took principled positions on several matters.
Backer, who is an attorney, will be missed, according to her peers, when the debates resume on the 2014 national budget for the energy she brought to the House.
Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said the weather is not precise science, as he defended the fact that his ministry predicting a heavy rainstorm on Thursday, and this did not happen.
He explained that this was because the storm shifted, giving Guyana just a part of the rainy experience.
The minister told Guyana Times on Friday that although the fact that storm did not occur, as predicted; this will not stop the Agriculture Ministry through the hydromet office, from relating information about the weather.
Public information
He explained that the hydromet team will continue to inform the general public of possible storms so that persons can make all necessary plans to ensure that they are not affected.
The minister said in the past, the hydromet team was hesitant in providing weather alerts to the general public, simply because not all of what is predicted actually comes true.
However, Dr Ramsammy said the team has adopted a policy whereby they will provide this information regardless, because in the event such a storm occurs, people would be better prepared to face it.
He said providing this information to the public will ensure that they take all necessary precautions, allow all local government authorities to ensure that they put systems in place to prevent flooding and to put other agencies on alert.
The Agriculture Ministry through the hydromet department had predicted that extreme rainfall would have hit Guyana, with possibility of massive flash floods. Regions Three to Five and northern Region Six are among regions that were predicted to have been affected by the rain storm.
However, Guyana was slightly affected as the country only experienced a few slight showers over the coastal region.
Minister Ramsammy explained that like many other country, Guyana has experienced difficulties with forecasting.
He said while the technology used in Guyana is better than those used in the past, it cannot be compared with forecasting technologies used in developed world.
Hence, the hydromet department may not be 100 per cent accurate.
He said too that the Agriculture Ministry has always notified the public about adverse weather patterns, but many entities and residents fail to take notice.
With just five days before the meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary takes place in Paris, the diplomatic committee is calling on all stakeholders to work together to ensure the passage of the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) (AML/CFT)Bill 2013.
It is unclear whether A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) will support the bill to prevent Guyana from being fully blacklisted.
Journalists on Friday left the opposition leader’s office with many unanswered questions regarding the bill, which is before a parliamentary special select committee for a second time.
Granger told journalists that APNU understands the importance of passing the legislation.
“We took this matter seriously from the time it was brought to us. It is not an easy matter, it is not a matter of approving anything that was put on the table, it is not a matter of swapping deals, but it is a matter of making sure that the people of Guyana are protected against draconian legislation that can harm human
rights,” he explained.
He, however, made it clear that the opposition at the level of the parliamentary special select committee is working with the government to equip the bill with the requisite clauses to apprehend and prosecute money launderers.
The committee chaired by People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Chief Whip Gail Teixeira has benefited from submissions by Professor Clive Thomas, Christopher Ram and the Guyana Bar Association.
Prepared
Following the opposition's walk out on Monday, the opposition leader said APNU members at the level of the parliamentary special select committee are prepared to work over to weekend to amend the bill.
However, Carl Greenidge and Jaipaul Sharma, who are sitting members of the committee, are not in the country, leaving the work of the committee in further jeopardy.
“The principal economic advisor to the APNU Carl Greenidge and his second Jaipaul Sharma are out of the country on an official training programme organised by the Parliament of Guyana. They are not on vacation, they are on official duties,” he said.
The two parliamentarians are expected in Guyana today.
“I am confident that the committee will be able to complete its work,” he said. But when asked if the committee will complete its work before the National Assembly convenes on Monday, he said the coalition is not concerned with deadlines.
According to him, several deadlines were purportedly set in the past. He made it clear that APNU is commit-
ted to a clean bill. “We are working to ensure that the bill that is before the special select committee is cleaned up and brought back to the National Assembly… but as far as we are concerned, it is dangerous to proceed with a badly drafted bill.”
Evasive
Questioned on the amendments APNU wants in the bill, Granger fell short of being specific. According to him, the members of the special select committee are making corrections to the bill.
He then lashed out at the PPP/C, stating that the AML/CFT Act came into effect since 2000, but for the past 14 years, it has not been effectively enforced.
This, he said is a major concern. As a result, he said major emphasis will be placed on strengthening the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), but he failed to disclosure what amendments will be made to effect the necessary change.
“What is the purpose of having a law without enforcement,” he lamented.
Additionally, Granger confirmed writing a letter to President Donald Ramotar indicating that APNU will not support bills introduced by the executives if bills passed in the National Assembly are not assented by him.
Granger in fact declined to state whether the opposition will support the bill if it is presented for a second reading in the National Assembly come Monday. “I am not prepared to answer that,” he said in his response.
Meanwhile the diplomatic community on Friday reinforced its support to the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill.
“We welcome the willingness demonstrated by
all parties to move Guyana toward compliance with international anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism standards, including updated legislation and enhanced investigative capacity,” a press statement said.
In the statement, which was signed by U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt, British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre, High Commissioner of Canada, Dr Nicole Giles and European Union Ambassador Robert Kopecky, the diplomatic community said it has met with all stakeholders, including from government, opposition, civil society and private sector on many occasions since 2012.
Support According to the diplomats, their governments will continue to support the anti-money laundering legislation.
“We encourage all stakeholders to work together to finalise anti-money legislation and ensure its effective implementation in order to prevent and combat money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as to avoid the serious consequences that would arise from blacklisting by the FATF,” the statement said.
On November 7, 2013, the opposition used its powers to vote down the antimoney laundering bill, resulting in Guyana being blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) on November 20. Guyana has been warned to align itself with the CFATF recommendations and thereby implement the legislative reforms by the next plenary meeting in May, or the country will have to face the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) International Review Group.
Editor: Nigel Williams
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The phenomenon has been called “noise pollution” and “noise nuisance” in other jurisdictions, but in Guyana, “noise assault” is the only label that even comes close to describing the damage inflicted by noise on the people of Guyana.
While some may quibble that an “assault” is a “physical attack” and noise is not physical, they could not be further from the truth. A “noise” is a sound that is either discordant or very loud. And sounds are as physical as you can get: it is the movement of air that hits your ears and body, with force.
For years, the authorities have been pussyfooting around the issue of noise assault, and not surprisingly, the assault has since intensified. The first attempt to deal with it was in the early 2000s, after minibus operators had bombarded their captive audience for almost a decade. The noise assault from a 2000+ Watt amplifier, within the confines of the 15x6 metal box that is a minibus, cannot be described but must be experienced: it is one in which every fibre of one’s body is assaulted.
In 2002, the bus operators went on a strike to protest a crackdown on the “boom boxes”. After a desultory campaign, the police evidently gave up, even though in an annual gesture, they threaten imminent “crackdowns” on the deadly noise. Last year, a man died after being ejected from a minibus because he complained about the torture from the noise assault.
In 2008, a law was passed in Parliament banning music in minibuses and hire cars. But the laxness in enforcing the law led to the practice spreading to private cars. It seems that the latest fad is to have the boom boxes installed in cars, turn the music up to its highest house-rocking decibel level and then drive through neighbourhoods at all hours of the night. The police will have to insist that all stereo amplifiers in any and all vehicles be removed forthwith.
And this brings us to the matter of even more powerful, full-fledged stereos being played in homes across the country, at top volume, at all hours of the day and night. Then there are the churches that have live, amplified bands belting out “praises to God”.
One letter writer was moved to point out that “God is not deaf”. In many communities, there is the tradition of “wedding houses” blasting out music for three days and nights in tandem with bars that are set up at the said dwellings. And of course, joining the ubiquitous “rum shops” are the now ritzier “bars” and “nightclubs”, which are only different from their forebears in that their noise is even more raucous.
Finally, there are the citizens who are unlucky to live within a two-mile radius of any cricket ground or the Stadium, who have to cope with the weekly visit of one singer or band or the other, accompanied by their “wall of speakers”. If all of this makes Guyana out to be an auditory nightmare, it is for most citizens.
But maybe help for the beleaguered, noise assailed citizen is on the way. Parliament’s Social Services Committee is in the process of taking submissions on “noise nuisance” and its chairperson, Indra Chandarpal, sounded appropriately concerned about the effects of noise on the people.
They began by listening to the fire chief and chief city engineer expatiate on their understanding and enforcement of “the Music and Dancing Licensing Act” as far as it relates to noise. One assumes that the two officials would have some answers in reference to the aforementioned, rum shops, bars, nightclubs, wedding houses, churches, etc.
Since the chairperson promised that there would be further hearings, we hope that the police would be asked what they have been doing about enforcing the law on “boom boxes” in vehicles.
Dear Editor, Taxi driver Dwayne Estwick has been carjacked, and nearly killed, seriously shot in his buttocks. The buttocks are a most difficult place to get injured with a hard boil, much less a bullet wound, which will take ages to heal.
This young man, a positive contributor to the nation, a working man, a father working to provide, could have lost his life, and the country a valuable citizen, at the hands of those who are desirous for the quick buck they have not worked for.
This has to be wiped out in this country, and these thieves and killers must be put where they belong – the cemetery or the prisons for life. Isn’t it time for any carjacker to be sentenced for life? I personally think so.
Any carjacker should get a minimum of 20 years, and if violence is involved, 25 years, and if they take a life, then they must be sent to visit the Creator. I believe in prisoner reformation but I do not sympathise with those who maim and kill the innocent because they are lazy to sweat and earn.
Carjacking could be avoided. The owners of the taxis will not invest in a satellite tracking system because they do not drive the taxis. This I find inhumane. While their lives may not be at risk, their drivers’ lives are and so is the comfort and safety of the drivers.
At the onset of an attack or even suspicion, the panic button could be pressed to send a signal to the base and other families and friends which will identify the ve-
hicle in trouble and ask for help via SMS.
The owner may not risk his life but he risks the lives of others, and the misery of their families, and of course the possible loss of his motor vehicle which is valued $1.5 million or more. I wish they would sink this thought into their hearts.
Even if they have to take part of or a one-week profit returns, why not invest in a satellite tracking system? It just confounds me! We have the best mapping and equipment with several systems, but they can go to others if they so wish for their service. I just wish for the safety and security of their families.
But we also have a mobile tracker, which can move from person to person or vehicle to vehicle. So why do taxi drivers not get one as a
personal investment? It is a one-time purchase price, and a very small monthly fee for the satellite tracking and SMS messages. We have reduced the costs phenomenally, even below cost to help the owner and drivers of vehicles. This is a great investment. In time, Guyanese will see the benefits, but sadly many more lives will be lost, many vehicles stolen, and many drivers hurt and/or families destroyed.
I suggest the Guyana Police Force and the Home Affairs Ministry help educate people on the benefits of satellite tracking.
Sincerely, Roshan Khan RK’s Guyana Security Services
I am fearful of the recurrence of the 1960s and the fiasco during the 1992, 1997 general elections
Dear Editor,
Over 50 years ago, my family and I were living in peace and tranquillity in the township of Linden, then known as Mackenzie. Without any prior warning came that sad and dreadful day! My parents, family members, employees, businessmen, women, children and investors – people of East Indian decent – were ordered by the highest political authority to leave Mackenzie immediately or face dire consequences.
At this time, the riot and race crimes had already started in Georgetown and quickly spread to other parts of Guyana, including Linden. We complied and left that hour without any belongings, with the exception of
the clothing on our backs and footwear.
On that outrageous day and the days which included the riot, I have seen things happen to innocent men, women and children that left indelible marks on my heart and mind, things that I cannot and would not mention in this letter. I saw senseless and barbaric violation of human rights in every possible shape and form which still flash across my mind and give me nightmares at age 75.
My parents worked hard, night and day to build for my siblings and me a fortune. We had 11 properties with businesses in Linden. We were ordered and compelled to vacate them, my parents grieved to death shortly
thereafter. My siblings and I remain poor until today. No one ever came from the political spectrum to explain anything or to even offer help or sympathy. This is one of the true realities of political leadership.
Two years ago, with much insistence and persuasion, a close friend took me back to Linden; I am so sorry I went.
I relived those sad, horrifying and life-changing moments. With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, I pointed out to my friend the properties that were my parents’ and he also became emotional.
Today, I am fearful of the recurrence of that 1960s era and the fiasco which erupted during the 1992 and 1997 general elections. I wish to caution and advise the lead-
ership and members of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Alliance For Change (AFC), and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to be very careful, choose good, sensible, constructive words in your writing and speeches, and do not incite violence. Be very perceptive in your vision and policies, exercise mercy and discern intelligently. Let us all work together for the good of our country and our countrymen in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. I pray that Almighty God shall guide your intelligence and make you ‘leaders’ that he will be pleased with.
Yours sincerely, Alvin Bacchus
Who is really in charge, Granger or Greenidge?
Dear Editor,
When the Winston Murray ‘breakaway fraction’ headed by Carl Greenidge was forced to unite with his adversary to prevent the weakening of the People’s National Congress (PNC) as they contested the 2011 General Election, the PNC’s newly elected leader David Granger faced the real danger of a coup d’état by the ambitious Greenidge.
There have been rumours from sources close to the party that a more radical approach is needed to sustain the pressure on the government. The more rational, statesmanlike approach employed by Granger, they say, is not producing the required results.
These PNC/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) hardliners are believed to have influenced Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon’s decision to organise the recent
protest action aimed at shutting down the bauxite mining town of Linden on February 3, when His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar visited Linden to officially commission the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) office there.
That building was burnt down by arsonists in July 2012 during the deadly protest that cost the lives of three ‘peaceful’ protesters. Fortunately, this plan to create yet another violent showdown with the authorities was soundly rejected by the people of Linden, who must be commended for allowing common sense to prevail.
The recent inconsistencies on the budget debate issue within the PNC/ APNU camp further demonstrate Greenidge’s determination to expose Granger as a weak leader.
According to PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee, “Due to
its antics, the APNU has been offering a plethora of excuses for the 2014 budget. First, they were not invited, then when the APNU leader directed Greenidge to engage, he said he needed more information, and then finally, to save face, Granger said it was too late for consultations. It is evident that Granger had instructed Greenidge to engage in consultations but Greenidge chose to disobey him… a high act of indiscipline.”
And most recently, Greenidge’s ‘no show’ at the meeting of the special select committee considering the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) (AML/CFT) Bill, cast further doubt on whether Granger has any control over Greenidge.
The official statement by PNC/APNU clearly states that “APNU is committed to amending the
The core of the ‘democracy problem’ lies in Parliament
Dear Editor,
The draft Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) project which the U.S. embassy is promoting to ostensibly strengthen democracy in Guyana has not been published, so the public (including myself) has no clear and accurate information as to what it is. The only information which the public has is what has been gleaned from sketchy and inadequate media reports.
The draft, from the sketchy reports, does not seem to confront the core of the ‘democracy problem’. The core of the ‘democracy problem’ in Guyana is located not in the lack of knowledge of voters or in the personnel of the representative institutions.
The core of the ‘democracy problem’ lies in the Parliament. Since the last national elections, Parliament has unfortunately become dysfunctional and it is this fact which has upset the democratic norms of the society and created the ‘democracy problem’.
This dysfunctionality of Parliament is almost determinist in character. That is, it had to be so. And the reason for this is that for the last 50 years, Guyana has had an executive-style government.
All the main politicians of Guyana were born within the last 50-60 years and as such, they only know government as being what the government should be. It is a concept deeply embedded in the psyche of Guyanese politicians.
Democratic governance
being a balance between the executive, the Parliament and the judiciary is known to local politicians only as a theory and in no way changes their deepset belief that functional government is always executive-style. Both government and opposition politicians share the same belief and are in the same paradigm.
Accordingly, after the last national elections when Parliament unexpectedly reemerged as a force, all the local politicians of all the political parties and of government and opposition were in a state of bewilderment and did not know what to do.
The opposition who were now in control of Parliament, began trying to act as the executive and not as the legislature, while the executive continued to act as the executive and this inevitably led to conflict creating the ‘democracy problem’.
The ‘democracy problem’ in Guyana could be solved if Britain is asked to send, and quickly sends, one of its topmost constitutional experts from either academia, Parliament or the judiciary for a day or two to speak with and answer all questions from politicians, especially those in Parliament.
All sessions would be fully covered by the media so that the public could also be educated. The electronic record of these sessions could have exhibited again and again and the written transcripts will have the status of precedents.
Once the parliamentarians are authoritatively reminded of the conven-
tions, procedures and even laws covering the three arms of the government, the Parliament would being to work as a Parliament, and the ‘democracy problem’ would gradually fade away. There would be no more gridlock.
Such expertise should be British and not American simply because the U.S. Constitution is basically the 18th century English Constitution as described by Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu and being a written constitution, its development has been different and sometimes halting.
The British Constitution, on the other hand, kept developing in the 19th and 20th centuries and is the kind of constitution which Guyana has. American constitutional assumptions are, therefore, somewhat dated as compared with the British whose constitutional assumptions are more relevant and analogous to Guyana’s.
I would, therefore, respectfully suggest that government ask for British help in this matter. This would not preclude a reworked LEAD project being used as a supportive measure since the British project would have solved the fundamental problem.
I would also call on the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to consider lending their support for the British project as well.
Yours sincerely,
P Ramlall
current AML/CFT bill of 2009 to ensure that it is effective”. Yet Greenidge, APNU’s shadow finance minister, was clearly defiant, and boycotted these meetings. How can APNU be committed to amending this act when they fail to turn up at the meetings to contribute to the discussions?
The question must now be asked, who is really in charge, Granger or Greenidge? As a highly trained professional soldier who understands the importance of having his instructions obeyed, how can Granger tolerate such behaviour from a senior member of his team?
It must be very frustrating for the retired brigadier general to have Carl Greenidge disobey a direct command. Rohee is right... Greenidge should be disciplined for insubordination, if only to clip his wings.
I am reminded of a statement by another for -
mer general, Alexander Haig who, in 1981, following the March 30 assassination attempt and hospitalisation of U.S. President Ronald Regan, asserted before reporters, “I am in control here,” indicating that while President Reagan had not “transferred the helm”, Haig was in fact directing White House crisis management until Vice President George Bush arrived in Washington to assume that role.
It is time for Granger to assert his leadership position in the PNC/APNU and work to ensure that 2014 is indeed the “Year of the Workers” as he had earlier declared. If Greenidge is allowed to bully his way and undermine Granger’s authority, he will evoke painful memories of a sad era in our nation’s history under the dreaded PNC rule. The very reason that caused that political party to change its name to APNU before contesting
the 2011 polls. No doubt, Greenidge’s stubborn refusal to even attempt budget consultations with Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh cannot possibly be in the best interest of the workers the PNC/APNU claim to be so concerned about. And APNU’s determination to cut the budget again in defiance of acting Chief Justice Ian Chang’s ruling, will only take away the ability of parents to provide food, clothing and shelter for their dependents.
The government creates jobs for its citizens, and the opposition takes them away. Every time this happens, desperate people are likely to do desperate things to survive, giving politicians who happen to be lawyers more young criminals to defend, courtesy of the obstructionist policies of the PNC/APNU.
Sincerely,
Harry Gill
BY DEBRA PELLETIER
Raising boys alone
Being a parent of boys is fun, busy, and very memorable. They can make you laugh one minute and drive you crazy the next. That is the joy of those adorable, mischievous boys. What happens, though, when boys are being raised without a father's influence in the home? Does it affect what kind of adult they become? What can you do, as a single mom, to provide your boys with positive male role models in their lives? These are some of the questions that we moms ask ourselves when we embark on raising our boys on our own. Here are some answers to those unending questions.
Helping your boys grow
So, you find yourself in a position of being a single mom with boys. What should you do to raise your sons to be welladjusted young men? Let us look at several ways to help your boys become confident and well-balanced adults.
A. One thing you can do is to get your boys involved in activities where they will have interaction with positive male role models. Every boy has different likes and dislikes, so find an activity that he enjoys. If you have an athletic son, then get him involved with a sport that he likes. If you go to church, get him involved with the youth programmes that
are available there. If your son likes the arts (painting, music, etc), find a place where he can take lessons from a male instructor. There are other activities as well, such as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Big Brother programmes, and many more. It is important for boys to have male role models to emulate.
B. Do not be afraid to teach your boys a female perspective on how they should act. You, as their mom, can teach them to open doors for girls. You can teach them the proper way to treat a young lady on a date (pay ing for them, asking what they would like, etc). You can teach them that it is okay to ex press their feelings to others. You can help them to understand what words and actions are proper when being involved in a re lationship. Too often boys are left to imitate the behaviours of others, which may or may not lead to acting in a manner that would be considered appropriate in a relationship. We need to promote those positive aspects from a female point of view.
and your boys, try to do activities with them often to give your boys more exposure to healthy relationships and strong male role models. You will often find that
to explore their own growth and understanding of how to behave.
Growing awareness
Single moms are amazing people. Somehow they juggle work, home, chores, transportation, holidays, and so many more things, without the help of another parent. Your boys see the trials and tribulations that often come with trying to handle all these responsibilities. Although you may feel that your boys should not see your struggles, it is an awareness that is not necessarily bad. Your boys will appreciate what they have and be more willing to take on responsibilities in the home, which are all life skills that will only aid them in becoming responsible and caring adults. Sometimes less is more.
that communication is the key to everything that will encompass their lives. There is no aspect in their lives that will not be impacted, either positively or negatively, by their ability or lack of ability to communicate. I think that single moms have an advantage here because our boys do not feel like they are competing for that much needed time to talk about things that are important to them. As a single mom, our efforts to communicate need to be much greater as our boys rely on us to lead them in the right direction. If you can teach your boys to communicate well, they will definitely be on the right track to being a responsible adult.
The end result
(CONTINUED FROM FRIDAY)
BY ROBERT KENNEDY
Fast forward to this century! Everywhere you look girls have terrific role models. Women are pilots, women are bank presidents, our [the U.S.] attorney general and secretary of state have been women, and so on. We need to coalesce of all these wonderful examples into a crusade to empower girls to become whatever it is they wish to become. Let the sky be the limit! Insist that your child’s school reinforce your wishes.
What can you and i do?
C. If you have family or friends that live close to you
for guidance. For example, some friends of ours have two boys of their own that are friends with my boys. The father of this family has become a role model for all of my boys, and he treats them like his own sons. These types of relationships are important for them
Constant communication
One of the most crucial things that all parents often forget is how important it is to communicate effectively with your children. Boys often struggle in the communication department, so you must teach them early on
Being a single mom is a lot of hard work, especially when raising boys, but the rewards and blessings are so much greater because of your effort. Your boys will not be emotionally inadequate because there is no male role model in the home, especially if the example from their own father was less than stellar. Surround your boys with positive male influences, help them to learn the proper ways a young man should behave, and encourage them to communicate. If you can do these things, your boys will grow up to be the fine young men that they were always meant to be. (HubPages)
Teaching Insist on materials which expose girls to non-traditional activities and careers. Even if your school’s curriculum is stuck in a time-warp, encourage your child’s teachers to allow girls to enjoy technology. Make them understand that technology connects with your daughter’s life and is not just something geeky boys do.
Always encourage your daughter to explore career options outside the box. Medicine, accounting and law are great professions in and of themselves. Yet technology has transformed these professions in ways unimaginable even a decade ago. Encourage your daughters to understand the possibilities for technology as a career emphasis in all they do and consider.
Where it stands
There simply is no excuse for any women of any age saying that she is not interested in computers or technology. That’s like the old days when women didn’t drive or go to business. Women of all ages can and must lead the way. They can and must be proactive in using technology in their daily lives and work. They can and must convince young women that technology is exciting and fascinating and that they can do it.
Point out examples of trail-blazers such as Mary Lou Jepsen who founded One Laptop per Child. Make them aware of organisations such as Girl Geek Dinners.
Change has begun. Progress is being made. Once young women realise that technology is not the exclusive domain of a bunch of guys tinkering on their computers, they will begin to explore the possibilities in whatever arena interests them. Only you and I can make that happen. (About.com)
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI) have expressed disappointment at the level of distrust among the political parties that has resulted so far in their inability to amend the anti-money laundering legislation to bring it in line with international standards.
The two bodies, in a joint release following a meeting on Wednesday on several issues, said their disappointment is further compounded when one considers recent reports that Guyana and Mozambique are rated as the lowest in the world in terms of their legislation dealing with antimoney laundering and countering of terrorist financing.
“As citizens, we cannot allow our country to be blacklisted for the failure to bring its legislation on the matter in line with international standards. The consequence of blacklisting and sanctions will almost certainly have a significant adverse impact on the activities of the business community and on the lives of ordinary citizens. We issue an urgent call to our political leaders: to set aside narrow political and partisan interests; to put the broader interest first, that is, the interest of the country; and to do whatever it takes to meet next week’s deadline for effecting the appropriate amendments to the existing legislation.”
On the democracy and leadership project, the PSC and TIGI said they are in full support of the initiative. In this regard, they urge the government to do everything possible to resolve with the United States embassy any outstanding issues to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
“We believe that legislators, polit-
ical parties and the general citizenry are likely to derive enormous benefits from the project. We also take the opportunity to express steadfast support for early local government elections that are an integral part of local democracy. We are indeed disappointed that since 1994, no such elections were held. We call on our political leaders to set aside their differences and take urgent measures to ensure that local government elections are held as early as possible to allow residents to elect their leaders among the local communities and to hold them accountable.”
Extremely disappointed
On a different matter, the two bodies said they are extremely disappointed that after 13 years, the Public Procurement Commission is not in place. They called on the Public Accounts Committee to expedite the selection of the five best candidates for appointment to the commission from among the list of 20 persons who have been nominated; and to present their names to the National Assembly for ratification.
“It is our sincere hope that once these two actions are taken, the president will be in a position to make the appointment,” the two independent agencies said.
Regarding the Integrity Commission, they observed that for several years now, the commission has not been functioning due to the failure to appoint the commissioners. The PSC and TIGI believe that a commission that is staffed with independent, and technically and professionally competent officials, and provided with adequate resources, is the single most important institution in any fight against corruption.
Guyana has signed on to two important international conventions – the Inter-American Convention against Corruption; and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
“We, therefore, have an obligation under these two conventions to fight corruption wherever it exists, especially given our low standing on the Corruption Perception Index. We urge the government to appoint the members of the Integrity Commission without further delay,” the bodies said.
Turning their attention to the 2014 budget and the implications of the acting chief justice’s ruling, the PSC and TIGI said they are aware of the differing views of the various stakeholders on the ruling on whether or not the National Assembly could reduce the estimates of expenditure as presented.
“Regardless of how we may feel about the ruling, we urge our legislators to respect the ruling unless a higher court decides otherwise. The country cannot afford a third year of political bickering over sums to be allocated for undertaking the essential services of the government and for infrastructure works. In this regard, we call on our political leaders to display magnanimity to each other, sit together in the spirit of compromise, and decide what is best for the country. It is not too late to engage in such discussions. In this way, the estimates will enjoy a smooth passage in the assembly. If there is any way the PSC/TIGI can be of assistance, we will welcome the opportunity to do so.”
The bodies also said, as civil society organisations, they are extremely disturbed at allegations of police brutality and involvement in criminal activities.
“While we acknowledge that the majority of officers carry out their duties diligently and in a professional way, there is a serious deficit in public confidence in the police force precipitated by the actions of undesirable elements in the force. For too long, these rogue elements have been allowed to operate with impunity. We call on the minister of home affairs and the commissioner of police to do whatever it takes to lift the standards of performance of the police force so that citizens can feel comfortable in the belief that the force is truly embracing its motto of service and protection to the citizens of this country,” the release concluded.
Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali has announced that under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), some two million euros in grant funds is available for local businesses to expand and raise the quality of services they offer.
The minister, who was at the time speaking at a press briefing at his ministry’s South Road, Georgetown office, called on eligible businesspersons to apply and take advantage of the opportunity.
The funds are made accessible to persons and companies who are already in businesses. These companies, the minister said, will have to match the amounts taken from the grant fund, dollar for dollar.
Businesses eligible for the grant must meet the criteria, which includes being an individual or company legally registered and operating in a CARIFORUM member state.
They must also be trading for at least two years and exporting or demonstrate their potential to export goods and services.
The minister added that the progamme has immense scope for economic tourism companies.
Grants awarded under the programme are at a minimum, $6000 euros and a maximum, 30,000 euros. The period to execute the project may not exceed six months from the signing of the grant contract and no extensions will be granted to beneficiaries. All proposed project activities must be completed within the sixmonth period.
Companies eligible to apply
The types of companies eligible include equipment modernisation, food safety standard, research, development and innovation, advisory services, product and service development, training programmes, implementation of information technology solutions (example website, e-commerce
and multimedia),market research and testing, packaging, design and intellectual property activities.
Ali added that a number of other Caribbean countries have already benefited immensely from the grant fund, including Barbados and Jamaica while in Guyana, only six companies have applied and benefitted. These companies included the Brass Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry and TCL Guyana Limited.
Businesses applying must meet the requirements which include financial and operational capacity and must be relevant to the scheme, that is, the objectives of the regional private sector development programme and the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme.
The deadline for applications is March 7, at 16:30h. Applications must be submitted via the dedicated email address: dags@caribexport.com on or before the stated deadline for the call for proposals.
Private Sector Commission Chairman Ronald Webster said the project is one that is welcomed by the private sector and also echoed the call for businesspersons to take full advantage of the opportunity to expand their businesses.
Tourism Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Dhaneshwar Deonarine said persons or businesses desirous of applying or getting more information about the project can visit the Tourism Ministry.
Twenty-five-year-old Hafraz Mangroo was on Friday arraigned for causing the death of 37-year-old hotel receptionist Lavena Evadney WilliamsTull when he appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Alex Moore.
Williams-Tull, of 180 Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was killed on Wednesday evening in the vicinity of Ocean View International Hotel, ECD after Mangroo, of Pradoville 2, Sparendaam, ECD, reportedly lost control of the red Nissan Titan, GMM 4626, which he was driving.
Mangroo was slapped with
The manager of a popular pawn shop at Bourda Market was on Friday afternoon shot to his left leg during a brazen daylight robbery committed by two teenage bandits.
three charges – driving under the influence of alcohol, driving a vehicle with an expired fitness certificate, and causing death by dangerous driving.
He was fined $75,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol and $20,000 for driving an unfit vehicle, but was remanded to prison on the causing death charge.
Williams-Tull had left her place of employment, City Holiday Inn, at Liliendaal, about 22:00h and was waiting on public transportation. Mangroo allegedly jumped the traffic lights at Conversation Tree and while in the vicinity of the Ocean View Hotel, he lost control of the luxury vehicle and slammed into Williams-Tull, who was tossed several feet into the air and landed on the roadway.
The vehicle then turned turtle after it toppled several
times, and ended up in a nearby trench. The driver was assisted from the wreckage. He was then whisked away from the scene by police and relatives.
As a result of impact of the accident, Williams-Tull’s legs were severed at the knees while her shoulder was forced out of joint and her hands and other parts of her body broken.
She reportedly died on the spot, but was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was officially pronounced dead on arrival. Mangroo was tested to determine his blood alcohol level, and was reportedly found to be over the legal limit.
Pooran Ramotar, 30, was being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Friday evening, but doctors were confident that he did not need to be admitted to the facility. According to information reaching Guyana Times Ramotar had just left the Bourda business place about
16:00h with a bag containing $200,000 in cash and about $75,000 in gold jewellery when he was confronted by a teenager.
Ramotar told media operatives that as he was walking towards a taxi, he heard a voice telling him to hand over the bag that he was carrying, and as he turned around, he saw the young man who whipped out a gun from his waist and without hesitation, pulled the trigger.
After firing the gun, the teenager jumped onto the back of a CG motorcycle and
his accomplice sped away. The accomplice was wearing a long-sleeved shirt and dark sunglasses.
Ramotar reportedly jumped into the taxi and ordered the driver to take him to the hospital where he was seen by a doctor after which he made a report to the police outpost. The police are investigating the robbery.
Only recently, 15-yearold Leon Mc Curdy was shot and killed as he and two cohorts robbed a businessman at Dazzel Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara.
Awoman was in the wee hours of Friday taken into police custody after she allegedly stabbed her reputed husband several times to his chest during an argument at their home in Kwakwani, Region 10. A male companion was also taken into custody.
The victim has been identified as Orin Anthony Ferreira, 43, of Airstrip Road, Kwakwani.
According to information received, the couple were heard arguing about 23:00h, during which time the woman collected a table knife and allegedly stabbed the man several times. The suspect then left the home.
From all indications, the injured man managed to make it out of the house and collapsed a few feet away. His body was later discovered by persons who were traversing the area.
The police were contacted and commenced their investigation, during which the woman was arrested, along with her male companion. Residents in the area told Guyana Times that the couple were in the habit of fighting as Ferreira suspected that his spouse was having a relationship with another man.
In a release, police stated that they are conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ferreira. However, the release said the man was found about 00:40h on Friday with only one stab wound to his chest on the Kwakwani Airstrip Road.
“A man and a woman have been arrested and are in police custody assisting with the investigations,” the release added.
...on Norton
There’s the old folk wisdom that a lot of people “talk the talk” but absolutely refuse to “walk the walk”. And it’s not a case where they can’t – they’re just sanctimonious hypocrites speaking with forked tongues. They think they’re fooling people – but like old Abe Lincoln said, you can fool some of the people all the time; all of the people some of the time. But you can’t fool all the people all of the time.
So we come to the case of APNU replacing the ailing Debra Backer – shadow foreign affairs minister and also deputy Speaker. Now Backer was obviously a heavyweight – not only in the titles but in the substance she brought to the job. So what should leader of PNC and APNU, David Granger, look for in finding a replacement? You’d think that it should be someone who can fill Backer’s shoes, no? After all, Granger and the opposition are always carrying on as to how the government keeps putting “square pegs in round holes”.
Aubrey Norton put his hands up for the position. And who’s Aubrey Norton? Well he can’t be accused of not being a “true blue” PNCite! From YSM to the PNC, he rose into the top ranks through working with the troops. The man became general secretary of the PNC, for goodness sakes! Only to be thrown out by Hoyte for hanging out with constituents on street corners. Hoyte, who’s now being extolled as “the great democrat”, declared Norton was his “creature” and he “could do what he liked with him”. But we don’t have to only go down memory lane on Norton. As recently as the last elections, most concede that it was he who did most of the organising on the ground to reduce the AFC’s support to a handful – and return them to the PNC/ APNU fold. And with all of that, Granger’s rejected Norton, whose professional day job was at foreign service – to replace Backer! And who’s his choice? An unknown medical doctor with no experience in politics, much less in foreign affairs or chairing the House.
And what’s Norton’s sin? That in the run for the leadership of the PNC, Norton supported Granger’s opponent, Carl Greenidge!! And there are still those that talk about Granger being a democrat who supports meritocracy! Delusional.
Guyanese are getting a taste of how Granger and the opposition would behave if they ever get their hands on the levers of power. It’ll be jobs for just THEIR boys and girls.
...on transparency
Basil Williams claims the reason APNU doesn’t want the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to observe the proceedings of the Special Select Committee on the AML/CFT Bill is that the PSC will want to tell them what to do!! There’s the old Donna Summer remix that asks, “Who do you think you’re fooling?” Williams should also heed the advice Donna offered – “You’re halfway up the ladder/or are you really halfway down?/you never know in this town”. He’d better watch what’s happening to Norton.
We have one simple question (even for Williams). Parliament allows observers when it deliberates on all and every issue; does this result in the citizens “telling” Parliamentarians what to do? Fact of the matter is that just as how observers can only “observe” and not participate in the deliberations in Parliament – so too in the committees of Parliament.
Observers are allowed to ensure transparency in the deliberations on the nation’s business. What’s going on (going down?) is that APNU’s scared stiff they’ll be revealed as talking from both sides of their mouths.
...on LEAD
There’s a whole lot of folks lining up to support the U.S. LEAD programme. What we’d like the IRI to do is tell us exactly what are the projects and who’ll be involved. Last time we looked, seems like there were only “constituents” from one side.
Apatient care assistant attached to the Linden Hospital Complex was on Friday morning arrested by law enforcement officers after she allegedly gave a high dosage of insulin to her two children, before injecting herself with the drug.
Once investigations are completed, the West Watooka nurse Gail De Young can be slapped with two counts of attempted murder and one count of attempted suicide.
The Child Welfare Department in Linden has been informed of the incident and has since visited the woman at the Mackenzie Police Station, where statements were taken.
The two children, a 10-year-old boy and a sixyear-old girl are in stable condition at the Linden Hospital Complex. Doctors are monitoring their conditions. The children reportedly suffer from sickle-cell and blood disorders.
The official stated that
the children were taken to the medical facility about 11:00h on Friday after they were found in the house by police ranks who received an anonymous call, informing them of their mother’s intentions.
The anonymous caller reportedly told investigators that she received a call from the 35-year-old young woman, who told her that she was frustrated and felt as if she could not take care of her sick children. De Young reportedly bought the insulin and mixed a large portion with the children’s food and fed them.
Drastic behaviour change
Guyana Times was told that the young woman has been working at the medical facility for a while, but of late, her colleagues have recognised a drastic change in her behaviour. When questioned, she was more or less concerned with her children illness and more recent, she was devastated with a court ruling which gave the father
of her children visitation rights.
The caller, who is also a friend of the woman, told this publication that after the court ruling, the young woman took on the issues and would sometimes wander off in her own world. She had expected that the court would have ruled in her favour, the woman added.
De Young, the woman added, went through a lot with the father of her children, who forced her to take legal action in the hope of getting full custody of her children. Apart from that issue, the young woman had to provide for her sickly children and herself under severely challenging circumstances.
Treatment for the children cost a lot and this might have been another factor which contributed to the woman attempting to end her life and those of her children.
The police have launched an investigation into the matter.
Seven of the companies bidding to construct Guyana’s first recycling plant have been invited to submit detailed proposals after being shortlisted by the Multi-Agency Evaluation Committee, acting Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker said.
He made this announcement at the ministry’s weekly press conference on Friday. The committee comprises representatives from a number of sectors and agencies, including the local government and regional development, finance, housing and water, and agriculture ministries as well as GOInvest.
Whittaker went on to say that the ministry has implemented Terms of Reference (ToRs) which the companies will have to follow in their proposals. He disclosed that the ToRs include: a Build, Operate, Own and Transfer (BOOT) private/ public partnership; and data on solid waste generation in Guyana, municipal solid waste, rice husk, and wood waste. In addition, the ToRs include the criteria on which the proposals will be evaluated.
Late last year, the government was forced to withdraw from an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Natural Globe Guyana Inc on November 11, to establish a US$30 mil-
lion recycling plant, after it was revealed that its chief executive officer Mohammed Osman had provided conflicting information . Among those discrepancies was the fact that his company had only ever built a prototype of the facility he would have been required to build under the MoU. It was also subsequently revealed that Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster’s daughter was a director of the company. Both mother and daughter said that either had influenced the process.
The company was one of nine companies that submitted proposals to the government. According to the ministry, it took a little more than 12 months for each proposal to be reviewed, along with extensive research on all the companies, before Natural Globe was given the nod.
No MoU yet Meanwhile, in response to queries, , Whittaker rubbished statements made by Canadian company Panther Recycling Corporation that it is awaiting the signing of an MoU with the government of Guyana. The acting local government minister pointed out that this company is one of the seven companies shortlisted, and there has been no talk of an MoU with anyone.
“We are far from anything close to an MoU, we
“We can complain, but we have to comply!” – Belize trying to dodge CFATF bullet
Belize parliamentarians gave rare bipartisan support to a raft of legislation in the National Assembly this week, as the country tries to avert major financial sanctions already being felt by sister Caribbean country, Guyana. This follows a call last November by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to its members to “consider implementing counter measures to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks emanating” from Belize and Guyana, where several Belizeans study law at the University of Guyana.
Gail Teixeira, an elected member of Guyana’s 65-member Parliament, and the chief whip for the government in the Parliament and presidential adviser on governance, told Amandala today that Guyana has already been feeling pain for not having yet passed the legislation. Towards the end of 2013, she said, Guyanese in the diaspora who had tried to send money back home via the banks or Western Union, to take care of their living expenses on their return home, found that their bank accounts in the U.S. were being closed because of their Guyanese connection.
Belizean parliamentarians said in the National Assembly Wednesday that the new suite of bills, the second such raft of legislation to satisfy CFATF’s demands on Belize, would mean the end of Belize’s offshore sector.
are only at the stage whereby letters have gone out asking them to submit their detailed proposals,” Local Government and Regional Development Ministry Permanent Secretary Collin Croal added.
He noted that the Canadian company may have submitted a detailed proposal in its expression of interest and may have misunderstood the process.
The shortlisted companies are a mixture of both foreign and local companies, but the permanent secretary declined to disclose any more information. He said the authorities do not want information to be publicised and the only reason Panther Recycling Corporation was mentioned was because the company would have already gone to the media.
Belize Opposition Leader Francis Fonseca said that the laws would inevitably lead to the complete undermining of the offshore industry in Belize – which is perhaps what is intended, he said.
“The reality is that the big boys don’t want us at the table,” he said, adding that the required changes must be made to protect Belize’s wider financial sector.
Fonseca said that this is the reality of life in 2014: “We can complain, but we have to comply.”
In speaking of the legislation Wednesday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is meeting on Monday, February 10, in Paris; and on the agenda is the subject of the possible blacklisting of Belize and Guyana.
“The passage of the legislation ought to put paid to that, but you can see that we are cutting it rather close. The reason for [this] special meeting today is to meet that dead-
line,” Barrow said. Those bills are the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2014; the Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2014; the Financial Intelligence Unit (Amendment) Bill, 2014; the Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Bill, 2014; and the Mutual Legal Assistance and International CoOperation Bill, 2014. They were approved by the House on Wednesday and by the Senate on Thursday. They should have been signed by Governor General Sir Colville Young by early Friday – after which Belizean officials intend to send a notification to FATF’s Secretariat in France, signaling the completion of the legislative process.
Time running out
Barrow said that those in Belize’s offshore sector know that the reason the government has delayed so long in passing the legislation is that they were trying to buy time, but now it is clear that that time is running out.
Offshore practitioners recognise that the sun is setting on that sector and this will deal a serious economic blow to our country, Barrow said.
Noting opposition resistance against the legislative changes in Guyana, Barrow went on to thank Belize’s opposition for supporting the bills: “I certainly appreciate, in any case, the sense of realism that the opposition is displaying and their support of the measures, even though both sides have said it will do perhaps fatal harm to the offshore industry…”
A gridlock between Guyana’s opposition (made up of two parties which hold the majority of 33 out of 65 seats) has meant that they were unable to get their legislative measures passed last November, when the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill was defeated; but the bill has since been taken back to Parliament there, given the huge national implications with which they will have to contend.
Unlike Belize, though, Guyana does not have to worry about an offshore sector. They have, nonetheless, come under major pressure to implement more stringent provisions, enshrined in the bill, ahead of next week’s France meeting.
“In the context of Guyana, what it will do is that foreign transactions will be put under
absolute scrutiny and the delay on some cases can lead to foreign bank accounts being closed,” Guyana’s chief whip told Amandala.
Teixeira added that the government will make another attempt on Monday to get the legislation passed. The special select committee on the bill, which she chairs, was due to meet Friday, that meeting was resheduled to over the weekend. She expressed the hope that this time around, the opposition members would come completely onboard.
Teixeira also said the main bill contains 80 per cent of the amendment, and it includes ancillary amendments in the same bill to six other pieces of legislation.
The private sector community and a large group of civil society members of Guyana are calling on the opposition to let the bill go through on Monday, warning of the dire consequences for Guyana, which exports primary products such as sugar, rice, gold, diamonds, and bauxite. Of note is that Guyana is also the home of the Caricom Secretariat.
Guyana’s chief whip said in her country, the level of remittances have been dwindling, as there has been increased scrutiny of persons sending money to the country. She said that due to the additional scrutiny now in place, people sending money will be asked by banks to pay additional fees – that is how ordinary people will be affected.
However, as for business and government foreign transactions, such as the purchase of goods and services, the private sector in Guyana is now screaming that it is now being asked by banks to fill out an inordinate amount of paperwork for overseas purchase of equipment— which has caused setbacks in the productive sector. If the FTAF does a prima facie review next week and decides to sanction Guyana, the country could face problems with its foreign currency reserves, as well as exports and imports, and foreign reserves could suffer a decline if they are unable to send money to Guyana, Teixeira said. One of the items on the agenda for next week’s FATF meeting is “Identifying jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies… and reviewing progress made by jurisdictions” – which include Belize and Guyana. (amandala.com)
The police have launched a manhunt for two men and a woman who are accused of kidnapping 16-year-old Philicia Carew, of Lot 474 North East La Penitence, Georgetown, on Monday, with the intention of taking her into the interior.
The teen was kidnapped in vicinity of Stabroek Market after leaving school, but was rescued late Wednesday evening and taken to the East La Penitence Police Station, where she told police ranks that she was perhaps a victim of trafficking in persons (TIP).
The young woman claimed that she was abducted by a group of men and taken to a house in Sophia, with the intention of taking her and four other young ladies into the interior, to work for them.
But fortunately for the teen, on Wednesday when the girls were due to travel to an interior location, the alleged trafficker was faced with some challenges resulting in a change in plan.
While on Camp Street, in the company of a suspect-
ed trafficker, one of Carew’s friends spotted her, grabbed her hand and told her that she was needed at the East La Penitence Police Station. Not realising what was happening; the man placed Carew in his minibus and drove away, leaving the suspect and a victim behind.
Recalling the ordeal, the teenager told Guyana Times that on Monday; she was receiving some strange telephone calls, but ignored most
of them. Carew said when she left school, she headed to the East La Penitence bus park, but again her mobile phone rang and upon answering, she was told by a male “someone was looking for her”.
While in the vicinity of Stabroek Market, she took out her phone to answer a call from her mother, but notice a car approaching with two male occupants.
“One of them jumped out the car and snatched my phone and ran away… I raised an alarm but no one pay any heed,” she said.
Carew went on to say that the driver of the car offered to take her to where the suspect was living, but she refused, and the driver came out and pulled her into the vehicle.
“He drove to the last street in Sophia and went into a street in a bushy area… I de fighting up with him and his phone dropped without realising… I immediately contacted my step father but by that time, the driver realised I had his phone”.
The suspect reportedly
dragged the teenager out of the car and locked her in a room with four other teenage girls. She said that upon inquiring from the other girls what was happening, she was told that they were being held to be taken into the interior.
The teen said that one of the men was heard making arrangements for them to be transported to the interior, but she was reluctant and put up a fight. Carew said the room was well secured, making it impossible to escape.
The young lady also related that while at the house, a woman who was assigned to the girls, provided them with clothes and food.
After relating her ordeal to the police, a search was conducted on the house and the other four teenagers were found locked in the bottom flat of the building.
The police, according to the teenager’s stepfather, have since established that the perpetrators also keep teenage girls at a house in Grove, East Bank Demerara and at another house in East La Penitence.
Some 24 school aged children on the Essequibo Coast who were not attending school were nabbed during a recent truancy campaign organised by Region Two school welfare officers.
Senior School Welfare Officer Haimraj Hamandeo said the campaign was aimed at increasing attendance as well as punctuality at the various schools. Most of the school aged children were found loitering in the streets.
Sixteen males and eight females were apprehended in the campaign conducted at Maria’s Lodge, Suddie and Riverstown on the Essequibo Coast.
According to Hamandeo,
He said the Region Two Education Department has issued letters warning employers about recruiting underaged workers and parents for not sending their children to school. A sawmill owner was also issued a warning letter by the regional labour officer for employing two teenage boys.
Some parents with financial difficulties were advised to visit the Schools’ Welfare Unit for assistance.
Hamandeo said the names of the truants were sent to their respective schools for their teachers to monitor their attendance.
Two of the 24 cases were referred to the Child Care Protection Agency (CCPA) for intervention.
Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Human Resources Director Jairam Petam disclosed that the two employees at the Uitvlugt estate, who protested their dismissal, were fired after they were found guilty of stealing a dead man’s money.
Petam told Guyana Times that the widow of the dead man discovered that something was amiss after she did not receive the money that was due to him.
Petam related that an investigation was launched and former Field Supervisor Ravi Dashrath and Field Foreman Asgar Ali Roshan were found guilty of theft, and as a result, were sent packing.
The men offered to repay the money, but the request was denied as the matter was under investigation. GuySuCo repaid the money to the widow.
tion of his services.
“They should have come and ask, I’m sure it was a mistake. I think it is a malicious act by management to dismiss us and accuse me of theft and fraudulent behaviour,” he explained.
The field foreman also vented his disappointment with the treatment he received.
“I struggled all my life for this estate and I am innocent… the decision is wrong, totally, I have no knowledge.”
Some people gettin accustom to tinkin, talkin and doin tings in de exact opposite of whah dem seh. It look like nuff a dem sayin one ting and doin another ting. De guvament seh dem want local guvament elections, but no elections ain’t happen yet.
De opposition seh dem want de country grow, but dem sayin no to every ting in Parliament. Worse yet, Green Jah and Rum Jhaat both seh dem gon win de next elections, but dem friken more than whah de night time pumpkin farmer friken de Eff-B-High to call a no-confidence in de House.
Nowadays, if a woman seh no, de men does tek that fuh a yes. When de women seh stop, de men don’t stop. If any body tell a thief man dem ain’t got money, de thief man does tell dem that ain’t so. Even when de bandits hear don’t kill, dem does still kill.
De Harding man seh one ting, and it turn out to be nutten like whah he claim. Then a lil boy jump up pun a roof and seh almost de same ting bout de police, but it turn out to be a bigger lie than de baton whah Hardin was talking bout.
On another note, a reporter pun Robb Street seh it had to be a special reason why de lil boy choose Hanand place to jump up. But then another reporter seh if that was so, de lil boy woulda done jump up pun another headitor building by a market long before he reach Robb Street.
In fact, de reporter seh de lil boy mighta never wanna leave de first building in de first place, because that is wheh dem boys does meet a lotta lil boys like de one who jump up pun de roof in Robb Street.
Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, it look like de M-Owe-A and de Met Office ketch de disease. Dem tell every body bout rain storm and flash flood. But de only ting that was flashin in de news was de lie whah dem tell de whole country. Now people still waitin fuh de rain!
The Guyana Police Force on Friday reported that serious crimes increased by seven per cent in January, with 17 murders recorded during the month.
In 2013, 10 murders were recorded in the corresponding period.
The police in a release said that of the 17 murders, four were of the disorderly type, three were committed during armed robberies, and three were domestic violence related, while the remaining seven are so far undetermined.
Again, most of the murders occurred in A Division, with five; C and F Division both recorded four each; B Division has recorded three; while one was recorded in G Division.
The statistics indicated that there has been a 50 per cent increase in the number of armed robberies, involving the use of firearms and a 30 per cent increase in armed robberies with instruments other than firearms.
Statistics on traffic incidents revealed that 11 road fatalities were recorded last month, compared to seven during the corresponding period.
Pedestrians continue to be the main road users affected, with six of them losing their lives at the end of January. In addition, three motorcyclists and two pedal cyclists have also met their demise.
Roshan claimed he gave in excess of 21 years of service to the estate, and he was surprised when he received a letter from management informing him of the termina-
On Wednesday, the two dismissed sugar workers, with the support of some colleagues, protested their sacking, calling the decision insane.
Meanwhile, Dashrath described the decision as hostile, pointing out that there is no organised way in which management pays the various gangs as persons would just come and collect their monies.
Some 341 reports of serious crimes were made last month, compared to 318 in the same period last year. Some of the offences include murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape and kidnapping.
With respect to robberies under arms in January, there has been a 44 per cent increase with 105 reports compared to 73 for the same period in 2013.
Nevertheless, January 2014 saw reductions in other categories of accidents that comprise serious, and minor damage.
The Guyana Police Force said it is also cognisant that speeding on public roadways continues to be a major contributing factor to fatal accidents.
Traffic enforcement by the police last month resulted in a total of 3946 cases being made against errant motorists, of which 1786 cases were for speeding. One fatal accident has been recorded thus far in February.
Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) (Guyana) Inc recently honoured valued customers with a cocktail-style appreciation ceremony held at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana. Trinidad Guyana Inc (TGI) executives, Plant Manager Mark Bender, and Marketing Representative Eric Whaul, both paid glowing tributes to those gathered, as they expressed grat-
itude for the loyalty their customers have showed over the years.
Adding voice to the messages of thanks was TCL General Manager Satnarine Bachew.
TGI’s customer base includes hardware owners and construction material suppliers.
Brief speeches were then followed by an award segment, during which trophies were given to TGI’s custom-
ers, including Toolsie Persaud Limited, BK International, David Persaud Investments, Ramdial Ramoutar, Bukhan General Store and Suresh General Store.
Also present at this ceremony were TGI staff members, along with representatives from the TCL Group subsidiary companies: TCL and Readymix, visited Guyana for a series of construction technology seminars.
The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) is still awaiting action from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration with regard to the establishment of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry.
WPA member, Dr Rupert Roopnarine, when contacted by Guyana Times said since the decision was made public by President Donald Ramotar and the PPP/C’s General Secretary Clement Rohee, the WPA is still to hear from the party or the government.
There have been numerous calls from the public and other organisations for the establishment of an inquiry commission, so that a full investigation could be launched into the circumstances surrounding the death of the late political activist and scholar, who was killed when a bomb exploded in his lap, while he sat in his car at John and Hadfield streets, Georgetown, some 33 years ago. President Donald Ramotar had first made the announcement last year at a Guyanese gathering in New York; eight years after a motion was passed in the National Assembly.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall when contacted on Wednesday told Guyana Times that he was at that time planning to engage President Ramotar on the very issue.
When contacted again, Nandlall said the president would soon make an announcement.
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Rashleigh Jackson, in a letter which appeared in another section of the press on Thursday, had also joined forces with others calling for the speedy establishment of the commission.
Jackson said he supports the call made by Rohee to “move expeditiously to establish the commission of inquiry”.
Immovable stain Rohee made the call a few weeks ago at the party’s weekly press briefing. He had said that the circumstances surrounding the death of the politician had left a stain on the shores of Guyana’s political landscape and the nation.
The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) within the next two weeks will commence production of an E10 blend of fuel at its US$85 million bio-ethanol demonstration plant.
The gasoline will contain 10 per cent ethanol.
Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy made this disclosure during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times
Meanwhile, the bioethanol demonstration plant has commenced production of hydrous and anhydrous ethanol for GuySuCo laboratories. It is also designed to produce ethanol for biomedical laboratories.
operation of the ministry’s kitchen.
On June 13, 1980, Dr Walter Rodney, along with his brother Donald was sitting in a car outside the Georgetown Prison, when a bomb in a walkie-talkie exploded in his lap.
He had gone there, upon the request of former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) electronics expert, Sergeant Gregory Smith, to test the device near the jail’s metal fence.
After the tragedy, Smith fled to French Guiana where he lived under the pseudonym Cyril Johnson until his death several years ago.
Twenty-five years after the incident, Smith was charged with murder in absentia.
Smith had said he would have returned to Guyana for a trial or inquiry only if amnesty would have been granted. However, France does not extradite persons to their native countries where there is a possible death penalty in the case of a conviction
There have been claims that Dr Rodney’s assassination was set up by the Forbes Burnham administration, which Rodney strongly opposed.
However, Burnham’s party, the People’s National Congress (PNC) had denied orchestrating the bomb blast. There have been widespread accusations and finger pointing over the years, thus the call for the commission of inquiry.
In December, a fuel blender was installed at the bio-ethanol demonstration plant funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and the Japanese Special Fund for Sustainable Energy and Climate.
According to the agriculture minister, during the period February 1522, the plant, using sugar cane, will produce bio-ethanol which would be later converted into the E10 blend fuel.
The mixed fuel will be used on 20 vehicles from the Agriculture Ministry and its supporting organs, including GuySuCo and the National Agriculture Research Institution (NARI).
When fuelled by the demo plant, the stickers will be placed on the vehicles, indicating that they are using a locally blend of fuel.
The plant was commissioned in August 2013 by President Donald Ramotar at the Albion Sugar Factory. It was designed to fulfil three primary objectives: demonstrate the production of fuel grade ethanol locally, provide fuel for future demonstration of the use of ethanol as a vehicle source and develop the facility for training of local personnel in biofuel technologies.
Demonstration plant
The demonstration plant is a two-component system – the first produces hydrous ethanol (95 per cent from molasses) and the second; anhydrous ethanol (99.9 per cent) using membrane technology.
These systems were designed by Green Bio of Porto Alegre in Brazil and the second by White Fox from Calgary, Canada.
But Dr Ramsammy said his ministry is not only pushing for the production of bioethanol, but biogas as well.
He said within days, the Agriculture Ministry will commission a biogas facility that will supply fuel for the
“So instead of using gas in the cylinder, we will use a locally produce biogas, using waste from our kitchen and also using products we bring from a farm in from Mon Repos.”
The agriculture minister said it is not an issue of saving money, but said it is a demonstration of what can be done with waste in Guyana.
He said the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) once used food waste from various hotels and restaurants for the production of biofuel. While expressing disappointment that the IAST has stopped this process, the ministry will be using its formula to produce the biofuel.
At the end of 2014, the Agriculture Ministry is anticipating that there will be 10 sites in Guyana where food waste from farms are utilised to produce fuel for cooking.
“So in addition to solar energy and biofuel for our transport sector, we can use this small scale from our biogas production to power rice mills, small agro-processing plants, kitchen and restaurants,” Dr Ramsammy said, noting that this move is necessary as it reduces Guyana’s carbon footprints.
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo has joined several high level officials, including former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan at the opening of the 14th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) in the Indian capital, New Delhi.
The occasion is being held under the theme, “Attaining Energy, Water and Food Security for All”.
Guyana was invited for a fourth year to participate by Nobel Prize Laureate and The Energy and Research Institute (TERI) Director General, Dr RK Pachauri. The DSDS 2014 is providing an important forum to discuss the critical issues of energy, water and food security for all.
The timing is key as there is a mounting call for greater action to address climate change and for the global community to move
towards higher efficiency in the use of resources.
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo participated in the first leadership panel which discussed the "Demographic Challenge".
The panel was chaired by TERI Distinguished Fellow Nitin Desai and included former Finland President Tarja Halonen, former Sweden Prime Minister Goran Persson and former British Deputy Prime Minister Lord John Prescott.
Global framework In his presentation, Jagdeo outlined the need to have a global framework to address the challenges of energy, water and food security.
He emphasised the need to cost the services that are provided from natural capital, citing the example of hydrological and other services forests provide and which do not factor in economic con-
siderations.
Jagdeo suggested that the time has come for societies to utilise available technology and innovation to use less and achieve more, while at the same time pursuing incentives to align profit with sustainable practices.
He also used the opportunity to reflect on the difficulties being faced in getting global agreement on climate change, citing the lack of urgency by developed countries in meeting their commitments.
The DSDS, organised annually by TERI since 2001, is an international undertaking that provides a platform for knowledge exchange and debate on all aspects of sustainable development.
Over the past 10 years, it has emerged as one of the most important forums on global sustainability issues, with a focus on developing world solutions.
The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry will be working with the Georgetown municipality to improve the environment, in preparation for the celebrations on Republic Day, February 23.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker said the ministry will work along with the municipality, in the days leading up to Mashramani, to clean the route of the Mash Costume and Float Parade.
The parade starts at Camp and Church streets,
heads east, and then turns north into Irving Street, then into Dr JB Latchmansingh Road, and west into Thomas Road before culminating at the National Park.
Minister Whittaker said that the exercise would target the issue of the solid waste dumping along the route, as well vegetation and flooding.
Independently, the ministry will also assist to clean-up the access road to the Haags Bosch land fill site at Eccles. This exercise is expected to take place within the next two weeks, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) will continue to benefit from further implementation support from The Energy and Research Institute (TERI) headed by Dr Rajendra Pachauri, Nobel Prize Laureate and chairman of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo held discussions with Dr RK Pachauri and TERI officials on the margins of the 14th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit 2014, which is currently being convened by TERI in New Delhi under the theme “Attaining Energy, Water and Food Security for All”.
Among the broad areas
Dr Rajendra Pachauri
identified for continued assistance include support for long-term strategy development and implementation in the energy sector, with focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Dr Pachauri, who has visited Guyana on several
occasions, has been a supporter of Guyana’s climate initiatives and the LCDS. He has facilitated collaboration with TERI to support and share expertise with Guyana in the area of climate change, energy, environment and sustainable development.
A team of specialists from TERI is currently working in Guyana on these priority areas. They have provided technical support for improvement in energy efficiency in the sugar and rice sectors and work is underway to pilot a programme for energy efficient street lighting.
The institute will soon be extending its support to Guyana’s private sector with focus on the manufacturing and services industry.
The extra effort needed by citizens to ensure a clean Guyana through proper solid waste management is still existent among Guyanese, despite the carelessness displayed by some in their reckless disposal of garbage.
This support for a clean Guyana is evident in the comments posted on the Clean and Green Guyana (CGG) Facebook page. The page was created on November 28, 2013 with the aim of forging behavioural change among Guyanese as it relates to the wanton disposal of waste.
CGG therefore believes that the use of this social media is a good platform to source ideas and gain feedback regarding the willingness of the general public to ensure a tidy environment.
Posting on the CGG timeline on January 6, Eddie Beresford commended the initiative, saying “A very good overdue idea which can only work if people at the community level view the environment in which they live as an extension of their own homes. They can then take personal responsibility for the health and safety of the
environment and collectively demand that government does the same by implementing procedures alongside practical and necessary services.”
The CGG believes that if all Guyanese shared similar sentiments and practised such beliefs, then the title ‘The Garden City’ can once again be considered suitable for Georgetown.
Welcoming initiative
Another fan of the page, Lylette Primell, made a suggestion on February 3, while welcoming the initiative.
“Great this is a much needed group... now we need to figure out a way to get rid of Styrofoam and return to using cardboard boxes for fast food... Styrofoam like plastic does not rot,” she said.
Many also welcomed the call by CGG to ‘team up to clean up’, by expressing their readiness to do so.
On February 3, Marlon Noel said, “We are happy to collaborate with you. Go Guyana Club will be planning out an environmental project. Let’s come together to make Guyana better. One People, One Nation, One Destiny –
just one.”
On January 3, Jacqueline Moriah-Jordon said, “I am so glad to see your site. Guyanese need to take responsibility for their environment! Will help in whichever way I can... awesome initiative!”
Joel Heywood, who posted on November 28, 2013, wrote: “The idea behind this page is great! Very necessary too!! A total turn around in the behaviour patterns of many as it relates to littering is very much needed!” and Jameel A Khan said, “It is excellent that you and others can focus attention towards this end.” CGG has accumulated a total of 531 supporters since November 28, 2013 to date. Persons can join in the campaign for a clean and green Guyana by liking the page at www.facebook.com/ gswmp and by practising proper solid waste management.
Clean and Green Guyana is an initiative that falls under the purview of the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry and is funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank.
$35M for religious channel
still in ministry’s possession – Dr Anthony
Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said the unspent $35 million allocated for a religious television station is still in the possession of the ministry, and will remain so until it is ready to be spent.
Dr Anthony said former president Bharrat Jagdeo had met with several religious leaders and gave them the go ahead for the establishment of a religious television channel.
The minister said the money was allocated to the ministry and he is awaiting the completion of the plan
by the committee for expenditure.
Minister Anthony pointed out that the last update he received from
the committee is that it has registered the channel.
Meanwhile, Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) Chairperson Bibi Shaddick said the authority is in receipt of at least four to five applications from religious organisations.
However, the board is still to look at these applications. The GNBA will also have discussions with each of the applicants to get greater details of their business proposals, and as such, will grant licences based on eligibility.
Anumber of persons on Friday received medical care at Freedom House’s Leonora branch, as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continued its massive health outreach programme in the West Coast Demerara area.
The fourth edition of the programme was able to attract a large number of persons despite the inclement weather. Dr Carl Niamatali, the attending doctor, revealed that most of the medical conditions treated during the programme are common ones that are present throughout Guyana. “…. it often reflects the age group and sometimes the ethnic make-up of the community.”
“It is a very helpful programme, because this substitutes for the care that people have available from the health centre, from the hospital, from other local doctors in the area. The underlying problem or premise is that people have to take more responsibility for their own health,” Dr Niamatali explained.
PPP/C’s Leonora group secretary Siddiqi Haniff noted that the exercise is part of the developmental programme the community is undergoing, thanks to the government.
“So far, with our medical outreach, we have served over 600 people in the four programmes, we are expecting to serve over 100 people today, and it’s been very helpful to the community, the community is very
happy about it, and it’s one of the developments that our community is going through,” Haniff said.
The programme will be expanded to serve the people more often – every six months.
The tarmac of the National Cultural Centre on Thursday evening almost seemed like a seraglio, as Digicel Guyana Inc unveiled its 2014 Mashramani costumes under the theme, “Arabian Night”.
For the fifth consecutive year, it was left to wellknown Guyanese designer Olympia Small-Sonaram to create just the right costumes to captivate and stimulate the minds and eyes of the public.
A fusion of pink and gold definitely did the job for the masterpieces that will outfit close to 300 revellers on Mash Day. The costumes cater for all sizes, from small to extra large.
The breathtaking pieces were excellently displayed by members of the Classique Dance Company and the La Face Model Agency as they partied to the soca vibes of Digicel’s music ambassadors, Jonathan “Lil Red” King and Kwesi “Ace” Edmondson.
Also in the midst of the unveiling were more than 100 participants of the Digicel Mash fit camp led by their mentor, fitness trainer Curtis McKenzie of the popular “Curtis Workout” television programme.
Digicel Guyana Public Relations Officer (PRO) Vidya Sanchara indicated her excitement in having Small-Sonaram on board for a fifth year. She reiterated that Digicel has been participating in the Mashramani celebrations, particularly the float parade, for the past seven years and every year, the telecommunications giant tries to top its game.
Expectations
She added that every year Digicel Guyana exceeds the expectations of the public, and its revellers are ready for the road. “Arabian Night” will undoubtedly create a stir and a buzz on the road come Mash Day, Sanchara told media operatives. “It is all about magic and the mystery… the dominant colour gold tells of the riches in
The establishment of effective trade facilitation offices, both at national and regional levels has been recommended as key to the region taking greater advantage of trade agreements with third countries.
Recommendations are contained in a draft report from a study commissioned “to identify and assess the underlying reasons affecting Caricom’s weak trade performance under the existing bilateral trade agreements with The Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba and Venezuela”.
The Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) mandated that the study be conducted. It was commissioned by the Caricom Secretariat, with technical assistance provided by the government of Spain, through the Caricom-Spain Joint Fund.
This study, launched last year, is seen as a first and important step for further decisionmaking and action to address an area critical to the region’s economic development. It aims to enhance the region’s understanding of the constraints and problems affecting Caricom’s export performance under the specific
Bilateral Trade Agreements (BTAs).
Once finalised, it will inform policy recommendations from COTED which would benefit the private sector in Caricom member states, allowing them to take advantage of the opportunities for the expansion of exports to those countries.
Over the past eight months,
BKP Development Research and Consulting of Germany lead consultant on the study, Dr Derk Bienen has conducted extensive data collection field missions to 11 member states and to three partner countries.
The draft report of the consultant’s findings and analyses has been submitted to the Caricom Secretariat and will be presented to senior region-
al trade officials for review and validation in mid-February.
The draft report notes summarily that “the key challenge to overcome is the divergence in interests between Caricom members, which is the result of vast differences in their economic structures”.
The recommendations contain both specific and general actions that can be taken to
address issues relating to ratification, implementation and further development of the agreements, as well as critical supply side constraints affecting regional exports.
In particular, the consultant highlights the need for improved communication with and assistance for regional exporters, to be facilitated by trade facilitation offices.
that part of the world and these costumes will not disappoint…”
The float to accompany the costumes is also extravagant, since it will comprise all of the elements of the Arabian Nights tales, including the genie, the magical carpet, “gold” and “diamonds”. Sanchara added that the float is near completion, but the final touches will be done close to Mash Day. Those who would like to win a costume for the Mash tramp can text the word “COSTUME” to 1557. Once that text is sent, subscribers will be given instructions which they will have to follow in order to win one of the elaborate costumes.
Meanwhile, SmallSonaram said her eyes are set on the Designer of the Year award as in the previous years. The talented woman stated that it took her and her team about three months to design the costumes, which will create a long-lasting impression on the Guyanese public.
She was happy to be back with Digicel for a fifth year, and explained that she came up with the concept and upon presenting the idea to the company, Digicel immediately ran with it. “Arabian Night” is all about magic, mystery and more so, trying to incorporate what Digicel is doing for Guyana.”
Dr Keith Rowley’s dark skin was cited as the only ground of “objection” to his leading Trinidad and Tobago as prime minister, former senator Fitzgerald Hinds said on Wednesday night.
Speaking at a People’s National Movement (PNM) meeting at Belmont Secondary School, held in support of the political leader’s candidacy, Hinds said: “I know this would break your heart but I will tell you this.
Dr Keith Rowley
and agreed that Dr Rowley had done an excellent job as political leader for the PNM for the last three years.... They thought he did a great job. And told me shockingly that the only issue that came up in objection was that we had never had such a dark-skinned prime minister...” he said.
“He said to me that he had just come from a meeting with a couple of other former ministers and some businessmen, and they were all ’round the lunch table
"One day, at about 1:30 pm., I was walking through the streets of Port of Spain and I spoke to a former minister of government from a PNM cabinet. And he told me something that troubled me deeply, almost broke my heart, and I am a tough man.
Hinds converted the issue into one of humour, saying “...I could never be a prime minister mehself.” Slamming the United National Congress (UNC) for seeking to classify Rowley as a racist, Hinds said he heard the “wotless” attorney general talking about Rowley not having wide appeal. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
At least three Caribbean countries have committed themselves to using renewable sources of energy like wind, solar and the earth’s heat to generate electricity.
St Lucia, St Kitts-Nevis, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the British Virgin islands (BVI), Thursday signed a pact that help islands implement near-term, demonstrative renewable solutions in schools, hospitals, public transport, tour-
ism and utility scale renewable energy.
The agreement was signed during the meeting organised by the Carbon War Room, a nonprofit organisation chaired by Sir Richard Branson, founder and chairman of the Virgin Group.
Sir Richard said islands in the Caribbean have extremely high electricity costs and the new renewable projects could help reduce those costs. “What we hope
to do is use Necker as a test island to show how it can be done. The only way we’re going to win this war is by creative entrepreneurship, to make the price of clean energy cheaper than that of energy from fossil fuels.”
Former Costa Rican president, José María Figueres, who is now president of the Carbon War Room, said Caribbean islands, like elsewhere, lack access to lowcost power because of the small size of the market. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)
Mexican police have found a mass grave containing at least 20 bodies in the small municipality of Tinguindin, in troubled western Michoacan state. In nearby Zacan, the severed heads of four men were discovered by residents early on Thursday.
Vigilante groups began an offensive in the area a month ago against the notorious Knights Templar drug cartel. A spokesman for the groups said the killings were probably a revenge at-
tack carried out by the drug cartel.
Forensic experts are trying to confirm when the bodies were dumped in the mass grave. The severed heads were found lying in the street close to a church, wrapped in rubbish bags and accompanied by a threatening note.
Mass graves of suspected drug gang victims are not uncommon in Mexico. But it is the location of this latest discovery which is of particular concern, says the BBC’s
A15-year-old girl has been charged with attempted murder. Police say the teen was charged on Wednesday in relation to a January 28 incident.
She is alleged to have stabbed another 15-year-old girl at Greenbay, following an altercation. Meanwhile, lawmen say they have made another arrest in the shooting incident that marred
Barbados can capitalise on what appears to be a growing interest in Caribbean markets by Chinese visitors. Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Richard Sealy, said figures outlined in a recent United Nations report indicated that one out of every five tourists would come from China.
“Over the next five years there will be over 500 mil-
lion Chinese looking to go outside. These will be people who are looking for a destination, and Barbados should be one of those destinations,” he said.
He was at the time speaking during a recent courtesy call with Chinese Ambassador Wang Ke, at the ministry’s office. During the discussion the minister suggested that matters related to convenience and fa-
cilitation be given to Chinese visitors, as they represented a very large segment of the market.
Wang said Chinese people were also looking at retirement facilities in the Caribbean for their elderly citizens because the weather was favourable. Bilateral relations between Barbados and China, and Barbados’ new cruise terminal were also discussed. (Caribbean News Now)
GWill Grant in Mexico City.
Federal troops were deployed in the state in midJanuary after the vigilantes advanced towards the Knights Templar headquarters in the town of Apatzingan.
In a matter of days, they managed to take over several municipalities previously controlled by the gang. The vigilantes say state and federal police had failed to provide security to them and their families. (Excerpt from BBC News)
the Carnival Last-lap Celebrations.
Twenty-four-year-old Cadaphy Evanson of Radio Range was charged with shooting with intent to murder.
He was charged after he allegedly shot and injured Judith Wynter of New Winthropes and Trevorn Francis of Greenbay on the night of August 6, 2013, the last day of the 2013 national carnival.
He was further charged with being in possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life; discharging a firearm; and malicious damage. (Antigua Observer)
renada celebrated its 40th anniversary of political independence from Britain on Friday with the traditional military parade and Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell acknowledged that despite some turbulent years, the island has emerged as a “stable democracy”.
Mitchell told Grenadians at home and abroad that the island should be “eternally grateful to God for his guidance throughout the years as he made reference to the “turbulent” years experienced during the 40 years of in -
dependence.
Grenada was the first English-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country to have a change of government by the bullet rather than the ballot, but the left wing People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG) headed by charismatic attorney, Maurice Bishop ended four years later in 1983 following a palace coup that involved a faction headed by Bishop’s deputy, Bernard Coard.
The United States-led military invasion of the country led to the resto -
ration of democracy and Coard and 17 others were given life imprisonment for their roles in the murder of Bishop and several other members of the PRG government. They were however later freed in 2009 after 26 years in jail.
“We are proud that in spite of some turbulent years, Grenada has emerged as a stable democracy and as a society where the rights of the individual are respected. We have come this far because the foundation was laid by the framers of our constitution,” Mitchell said. (Excerpt from Nation News)
A23-year-old Princes Town man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl who is now five months pregnant was denied bail. Richard Mohammed, an electrician, stood before Senior Magistrate Debra Quintyne in the Princes Town First Court charged with sexually assaulting the child on two occasions. The first charge is that Mohammed raped the girl at his St Croix Road home between September 9 and 10, 2013. The other charge alleged that on a date unknown between July 1 and
31, 2013, at Canaan Drive, Toradale, Ste Madeleine he committed grievous sexual assault on her.
Mohammed was arrested at his home on Wednesday. The child’s pregnancy was only discovered when she fell ill and her mother took her to the doctor, police said. The child then told her mother what had happened to her.
Mohammed’s attorney Russell Pina asked for bail. He said Mohammed had no previous convictions or pending matters and was not a flight risk. Pina said the accused was also willing to agree to any conditions imposed by the court. However, police prosecutor Sargeant Krishna Bedassie objected to bail because the accused had not been traced.
Owing to the serious nature of the offences, he said it was important to know whether the accused had other matters in court. The magistrate asked about the victim’s age, but the prosecutor said he did not have any details since the police complainant was not present, as she is in an advanced stage of pregnancy. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Demonstrators in Bosnia-Hercegovina have set fire to government buildings, as violent protests continue across the country for a third day.
Police have used rubber bullets and tear gas against protesters in the capital Sarajevo and the northern town of Tuzla. Black smoke could be seen gushing from the presidency building in Sarajevo.
The protesters are unhappy about the lack of economic and political progress in the Balkan country. About 40 per cent of Bosnians are unemployed. The unrest is the worst since the end of
the Bosnian war. At least 100 people have been injured in Friday’s protests in the capital.
Sarajevo-based newspaper Dnevni Avaaz says that police used water to disperse protesters who were throwing stones at the presidency building.
The fire brigade are unable to reach the burning building, the paper reports. A total of 13 fire service teams have been deployed.
On Thursday, clashes between police and demonstrators in Tuzla injured more than 130 people, mostly police officers.
The unrest began in Tuzla earlier in the week,
with protests over the closure and sale of factories which had employed most of the local population.
Demonstrators in other towns, including Mostar, Zenica and Bihac, supported the Tuzla workers and criticised the government for failing to tackle the rampant unemployment.
Hundreds of people also gathered in support in the Bosnian Serb capital, Banja Luka.
Local media are reporting that the premiers of two of Bosnia’s cantons – Sead Causevic of Tuzla canton and Munib Husejnagic of Zenica-Doboj canton – are to resign. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Germany’s Angela Merkel has said a United States official’s apparent insult of the European Union’s efforts to mediate in the Ukraine crisis is “totally unacceptable”.
Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland has apologised after she referred disparagingly to the EU’s role during a conversation said to be with the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt.
A recording of the exchange was posted online, with the U.S. hinting at Russia’s involvement in bugging and leaking it.
The EU and the U.S. are involved in talks to end months of unrest in
Ukraine. In Kiev, Nuland said she would not make a public statement on the matter.
She described the leak as “pretty impressive tradecraft. [The] audio quality was very good”. The State Department said she had apologised in private to EU officials.
Mass anti-government protests erupted in Ukraine in late November after President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign a far-reaching association and trade agreement with the EU – under heavy pressure from Moscow.
Russia has been widely accused of using its economic clout to persuade
Yanukovych not to pursue closer ties with Brussels.
Russia has itself accused Washington and the EU of meddling in Ukraine. German government spokeswoman Christiane Wirtz said Merkel fully supported the work done by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton to find a solution to the crisis.
“The chancellor finds these remarks totally unacceptable and wants to emphasise that Mrs Ashton is doing an outstanding job,” Wirtz said.
The alleged conversation between Nuland and Geoffrey Pyatt, appeared on YouTube on Thursday. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Turkey scrambled an F-16 fighter jet to accompany a passenger plane arriving in Istanbul from Ukraine after a bomb threat was made by a passenger demanding to go to the Winter Olympics venue of Sochi, Turkish officials said.
Television footage showed the Pegasus Airlines flight from the Ukrainian city of Kharkov arriving in Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen airport.
“People are still inside but the pilot called security and gave them a signal that they can enter the plane. There is
a translator – a Turkish man near the Ukrainian to calm him down,” an airport official told the Reuters news agency.
Al Jazeera’s Isil Sariyuce, reporting from Istanbul, said all the passengers were now safe and there were unconfirmed reports in the Turkish media that the man had been taken away.
She said that he had announced he had a bomb shortly after take-off.
“The cabin crew managed to convince him that they were flying to Sochi, but, in the meantime ,they had pressed the alert button,” our
correspondent said.
The passenger was believed to have drunk alcohol and was calmed down by the crew and persuaded to let the plane, a Boeing 737800, land in Istanbul at 1602 GMT, according to Dogan news agency.
An official from Turkey’s Transport Ministry said there were 110 passengers on board and confirmed that a bomb threat had been made, but said the plane had landed safely.
Security teams were continuing inspections on the plane, the ministry said in a statement. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Aconvoy of United Nations buses has arrived in the besieged central Syrian city of Homs and started an initial evacuation of 200 women and children from its most heavilybombarded districts.
The humanitarian breakthrough comes as the Syrian deputy foreign minister has said the government will take part in a second round of peace talks in Geneva.
Some 12 civilians came out on the first evacuation bus, among nearly 200 ex-
pected to be brought out during the day amid a heavy troop presence, an AFP news agency correspondent said.
State television reported that two busloads left Homs with a total of 35 people on board, mostly women, children and the elderly.
Footage broadcast on state television and other networks showed elderly and apparently frail men wrapped in blankets being helped into a bus by Red Crescent volunteers.
The convoy arrived on
Friday after an uneasy ceasefire came into effect after the implementation of a truce discussed at peace talks in Switzerland last week. An expected delivery of humanitarian aid and food has been delayed until Saturday.
Speaking to Syrian state television, Homs governor Talal al-Barazi said the atmosphere was “positive” ahead of the operation which began around midday. Al Jazeera’s Nisreen ElShamayleh, reporting on the evacuation from neighbouring Lebanon, said it was delayed due to logistical and technical reasons, including security concerns.
The besieged city remained largely quiet later on Friday, adding to hopes the truce would continue long enough for the initial evacuation to be completed, but there were reports of a shooting. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Greek divers on Friday recovered the bodies of four migrants who drowned while their boat was being towed by a coastguard vessel last month.
The bodies of two adults and two children were brought to the surface from the wreckage of their boat, 73 metres (240 feet) below the surface of the Aegean Sea, the coastguard said in a statement.
“There were also other bodies ... who could not be recovered,” it said.
Two people were confirmed drowned and 10 declared missing on January 24, when the boat capsized.
Greek prosecutors
launched an inquiry after the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, human rights groups and political parties asked whether the coastguard itself had caused the accident by trying to tow the boat toward Turkish waters, as some of the survivors have said.
Migrant drownings are not uncommon in Greece, a gateway to the European Union, but the latest incident has drawn accusations that Greece breached EU law by trying to push the 28 migrants back to Turkey, where they had set to sea.
The coastguard says they were towing the boat towards Greek waters, not to
Turkey. Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has made illegal immigration a priority for his government and for Greece’s six-month stint as the holder of the rotating EU presidency. Greece has long complained of being overwhelmed by migrants and its economic crisis has boosted anti-immigrant sentiment.
Criticism of the government’s handling grew after television footage showed survivors arriving at the port of Piraeus near Athens, recounting in tears how they watched their children drown as coastguard officials looked on. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Two explosions were heard in the space of two minutes in a busy district near Egypt’s capital.
Al Jazeera sources, quoting the security directorate, said the two blasts occurred in Giza and went off on Giza Bridge near where Central Security Forces vehicles were parked.
The AP news agency said six people were wounded in the attack, including four Egyptian policemen, citing an interior ministry official.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blasts.
Police cordoned off the scene, where a lightly damaged police truck appeared to have borne the brunt of the blast.
State television reported that the attack targeted a checkpoint set up to counter a scheduled protest by former president Mohamed Morsi’s supporters, who had called for rallies later on Friday.
It is thought the explosive
devices were homemade and detonated close to Istiqama Mosque and Giza Square.
The Health Ministry said it was too early for figures to be known. Egypt has seen a wave of attacks claimed by armed groups since the army last year removed Morsi as president and cracked down on his supporters.
Sinai-based groups have previously claimed responsibility for attacks in Cairo and elsewhere.
An Al-Qaeda-inspired group based in the Sinai said it carried out a car bombing outside Cairo police headquarters on January 24 that killed four people.
Two more policemen were killed in three additional bombings in the capital that day. Meanwhile, clashes between security forces and Islamist protesters left one person dead in the town of Fayoum, 80 kilometres southwest of Cairo. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Caribbean Aviation Training Centre (CATC) has expanded into providing a regular charter service, a move aimed at procuring a share of the domestic travel market while providing much-needed flight experience to young pilots in the airline industry in Jamaica.
The popular Tinson Penbased flight school, spearheaded by pilot and former Jamaica Defence Force offi-
cial Captain Errol Stewart, will offer on-demand shuttle services into five airports on the island – the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Montego Baybased Sangster International, Port Antonio’s Ken Jones, the Ian Flemming International Airport in Boscobel and the Negril Aerodrome. Stewart told Caribbean Business Report that the move was influenced by both the
need to fill a void for domestic airline services as well as a huge gap in flight hours for young pilots seeking jobs in an industry that is now demanding up to 10 times the amount of flight hours needed to get a commercial pilot licence.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made a ruling last year that raised to 1500 the minimum flight hours required by first officers for air carriers. (Jamaica Observer)
Shares in professional networking service
LinkedIn slumped by as much as 15 per cent in afterhours trading after it posted a weaker-than-expected outlook.
LinkedIn expects first quarter revenue of up to US$460 million (£282 million), which is below analyst projections for US$469 million.
The company has also seen sales growth slow for the fourth straight quarter.
Its poor showing comes af-
ter Twitter saw a steep sell-off in its stock following its disappointing first public earnings report.
LinkedIn chief executive Jeff Weiner said the company is currently looking for new sources of growth. “We are investing significantly in a focused number of long-term initiatives that will allow us to realise our vision to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce,” he said in a statement.
The California-based company also plans to further develop its mobile application and strengthen its jobs vacancy business. About one quarter of LinkedIn’s traffic now comes from mobile devices.
Weiner also said they plan to expand into China, the world’s most populous country, and recently appointed a new executive to head operations there. LinkedIn is the only major U.S. social network not blocked in China. (BBC News)
The head of the European Central Bank (ECB) has said deflation is not a threat to the eurozone economy. The ECB kept its benchmark interest rate at 0.25 per cent after its latest meeting. The rate was cut to its current record low in November.
ECB President Mario Draghi said: “We have to dispense with this idea of deflation. The question is – is there deflation? The answer is no.” Eurozone inflation slowed to
0.7 per cent in January from 0.8 per cent in December.
The figure fuelled worries about whether the euro bloc could suffer deflation, potentially de-railing economic growth.
However, the ECB believes the economies of the eurozone are recovering after the bloc emerged from recession last summer. In addition to holding its benchmark rate at 0.25 per cent, the ECB also left the rate it pays on bank
deposits unchanged at zero.
At a press conference to explain the ECB’s latest decision, Draghi said: “There is going to be a low level of inflation for a protracted period of time, but deflation? No.
“The modest recovery is showing encouraging signs. The demand side is getting stronger, not weaker. We have to treat the recovery with extreme caution. It is very fragile. It is starting from very low levels but it is proceeding.” (BBC News)
France has admitted that Niger’s demand for more revenue from uranium mining on its soil is legitimate. French-owned energy giant Areva is renegotiating the amount of royalties it should pay Niger for its mining operations there.
Areva operates two mines at Somaïr and Cominak in the north of the country and the uranium is vital for France’s nuclear power programme which provides the country’s electricity.
The company’s contract
with Niamey expired at the end of last year. Under deals signed in 1961 and 1968 Areva pays royalties of 5.5 per cent.
Niger wants to apply a 2006 mining law that ends tax breaks for foreign companies and would raise the tax rate to 12 per cent and negotiations between the compnay and Niger’s government are reported to have been “intense”.
French Development Minister Pascal Canfin, a member of the Green party, EELV, which in principle
opposes nuclear power told the French parliament on Wednesday that the two parties have set a deadline for of the end of February to sign an agreement and that the French government considers Niger’s requests to be legitimate.
Niger ranks last on the United Nations Human Development Index. Four Areva employees were freed last October after being captured in Niger and held for three years by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. (allAfrica)
Sony is to sell its personal computer (PC) unit and cut 5000 jobs as part of a plan to reverse heavy losses. The company will also split its TV division into a separate subsidiary as part of its restructuring programme.
The moves were announced as Sony forecast a net loss of 110 billion yen (US$1.08 billion; £665 million) for the financial year to March 31, revising its earlier
projection of a 30 billion yen profit. The TV and PC units have been a big drag on its earnings in recent years.
Last month, ratings agency Moody’s cited concerns over the two divisions as a key reason behind its move to cut the Japanese firm’s credit rating to junk status.
Moody’s said at the time that it expected earnings from Sony’s core businesses to continue to face “significant”
downward pressure. The annual loss forecast came despite Sony reporting a net profit of 27 billion yen for the October to December quarter, up from a net loss of 10.8 billion yen during the same period a year ago. Sony’s TV division has been hurt by increased competition and slowing global demand. A decline in TV prices has further hurt the profitability of the unit. (BBC News)
Middle East governments need to attract more foreign investment into the pharmaceutical sector in order to shift the cost burden of medical care from the public sector to employers and private insurance companies, a study has recommended.
According to a whitepaper released by drug maker Boehringer Ingelheim, the private capital outlay in the industry is anticipated to rise as governments across
the region plan to provide a range of incentives for domestic and international players to set up new production plants.
The region’s pharmaceutical industry is also expected to experience sustainable growth in medium to long term, the study revealed.
Saudi Arabia is the Gulf’s largest pharmaceutical market and was valued at US$5.1 billion in 2012 while the UAE’s market was worth US$1.6 billion in the same
year. “The pharmaceutical industry in MENA witnessed considerable progress over the years on the back of favorable demographic and economic factors, alongside strong government support for healthcare,” said Karim El Alaoui, managing director and head of prescription medicine, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Boehringer Ingelheim. (Gulf Business)
Tax-inefficient investments
Among the most tax-inefficient investments are junk bonds. Due to their high risk of default, junk bonds typically pay higher yields than better-quality bonds to attract investors. Since junk bonds are used primarily as speculative instruments, they also pay higher yields than other types of bonds. Consequently, the yields paid to junk-bond investors are taxed at the same rate as ordinary income. Straight-preferred stocks are relatively tax-inefficient. Generally considered hybrid instruments, straight-preferred stocks share characteristics of both common stocks and bonds.
Like common stocks, straightpreferred stocks are issued in perpetuity; like bonds, they yield fixed payments, which provide downside protection but limited upside potential. In addition, straight-preferred stockholders, like bond holders, are paid ahead of common stockholders. Due to their bond-like qualities and fixed payment, straight-preferred stocks are taxed at the same rate as ordinary income. Although institutional investors, which are the primary market for preferred stocks, may largely offset their tax bill using the dividend received deduction (DRD), this tax credit is
unavailable to individual investors. As with junk bonds, individuals must apply the current income tax rate to their dividend income from straight-preferred stocks. Some straight-preferred stock is convertible to a pre-determined number of the issuer’s common stock. The stockholder may decide to exercise this option at any time, enabling him to first lock in the fixed dividend payouts and then participate in the capital appreciation of the common stock. In exchange for this flexibility, the issuer usually pays lower dividends on convertible preferred stocks than on its straight-preferred stocks. (Investopedia)
An economic or productive factor required to accomplish an activity, or as means to undertake an enterprise and achieve desired outcome. Three most basic resources are land, labour, and capital; other resources include energy, entrepreneurship, information, expertise, management, and time.
The University of Guyana, in collaboration with the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School, will soon establish a degree programme in aircraft maintenance engineering.
University Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi made this announcement on Thursday during the fourth Public Works Ministry’s engineering conference at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
Students who complete three years of theoretical and practical training at the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School will subsequently complete the degree programme. Technicalities regarding the duration of the programme are being worked out. It is the hope of both the university and the engineering school that the programme will be on par with international programmes.
Currently, the two institutions collaborate to offer a diploma in technology (aeronautical engineering). Under the cooperation agreement, graduates of the aeronautical school can either complete a diploma in technology (aeronautical engineering) or
a diploma in technology (mechanical engineering) at the Faculty of Technology.
The engineering school, located at the Ogle International Airport, East Coast of Demerara, at present, has a population of 123 students.
In addition to partnering with the aeronautical engineering school, the university is looking to work closely with the Public Works Ministry, the vice chancellor said. The engineering conference was facilitated by the two institutions, and, according to Dr Opadeyi, that was just the stepping stone. “The value of collaboration to UG is a value that cannot be underscored, it is a value that the whole country will benefit,” he said.
Human resource development
The vice chancellor noted that the university stands willing to facilitate engineering programmes involving students and engineers, and will make available the required resources.
Dr Opadeyi then challenged the government of Guyana to invest in the development of the human resource. “I ask that 0.1 per cent of the budget be diverted to human resource development in engineering.”
Only 2900 students en-
rolled in the Faculty of Technology during the period 2009-2013, from a total of 31,090. This represents 9.3 per cent of the university population over that period.
In highlighting some of the steps taken to boost that figure, Dr Opadeyi said a few years ago, the technology programme was underresourced, noting too that the building was in “bad shape”.
However, the World Bank-funded project is helping to boost the Faculty of Technology. The UG Science and Technology Support Project (UGSTSP) started in January 2011 with a US$10 million soft loan. It was designed to improve science and technology education and infrastructure over a five-year period. Guyana has contributed $1.36 million, and will commence repayments to the World Bank from 2021. Payments are expected to be made over a 20year period.
The infrastructural component of the project will be completed at a cost of US$6.2 million and would result in the upgrade of existing science laboratory buildings in the targeted faculties of agriculture and forestry, natural sciences, technology and the School of Earth Environmental Science.
The Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) first recruitment cycle for 2014 has received significant response from youth across Guyana. One hundred persons submitted applications to be trained as officers on the standard officers’ course (SOC) number 47, while another 700 youths have applied to be trained as soldiers on the basic recruit course.
Forty-eight potential offi-
cer cadets are currently completing their assessments. This includes those who will be selected for training at U.S. military institutions during 2014.
Four hundred and seventeen of the recruits, who have passed the entrance examination, are completing documentation. They will also complete a physical fitness examination, prior to being sent on training.
The National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) plans to start early wage negotiations with the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL), so says General Secretary of NAACIE Kenneth Joseph.
He said the union will be joining forces with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), to start negotiations with management of the power company.
Joseph told Guyana Times on Thursday that NAAICE plans to tackle this issue as early as possible, to ensure that workers receive their best benefits.
He said for too long negotiations have been pushed back to the latter part of each year.
“Our members are complaining that they would have to wait every year until the last part of the year to be paid for the first of the year,” he added.
The NAACIE general secretary said last year, the union was given six weeks to deliberate on a proposal, which GPL had counterproposed.
He explained that the time was too limited, given the fact that the clauses placed in the agreement
were too technical to deal with in such a short time. The union accepted an across the broad increase for all of its members.
Joseph said given this fact, the union plans to go back to the table to ensure that they can fine-tune the proposal, so that workers receive a good package before year end.
He told Guyana Times that based on the proposal to have both NAACIE and GPSU tackle the issue; the unions are likely to get positive results from the negotiations.
It was also mentioned that based on that proposal, GPL had raised some concern over both unions being part of the same negotiation. However, Joseph noted that this is nothing new as a similar approach was used in negotiations with Demerara Distillers Limited.
“We would like to start negotiating as soon as the budget is presented, because we want to have this process going.”
He said negotiations have to begin soon so that both unions can go through each clause of the agreement. This is to ensure that
workers receive the best. Joseph pointed out that one of the issues he has raised regards the proposal is to have some workers receive a two per cent annual increase. This, he said, is “most disgraceful” and NAACIE will not accept such low increases for its members. NAACIE and GPL have had constant battles over wage negotiations and other human resources matters. The union has accused GPL of placing workers concerns on the back burner and trying to remove its members by placing them on contract jobs. NAACIE represents approximately 700 senior and junior staff at GPL.
The Caricom member states played an active role during the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Summit (CELAC) during January 28-29, in Havana, Cuba, under the theme “Eradication of Hunger, Poverty and Inequality”.
Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips is upbeat about this development, saying that the response by Guyana’s youths is a testimony to the fact that the GDF continues to be a strong national institution in which the people of Guyana repose their confidence.
Phillips said the GDF will continue to offer a robust and stable environment in which the youths of Guyana can find a place not only to develop personally, but, more importantly, as professionals to serve the GDF and Guyana.
“Joining the Guyana Defence Force is all about building your careers and during your service, we will utilise the academic education programme and offer opportunities to develop trade skills, through technical education and vocational training within the GDF and at the GTIC, GTI, and other training institutions,” he said.
This also applied to their role during the preceding preparatory meetings of national coordinators on January 25-26 and of foreign ministers on January 27, the Caricom Secretariat said in a statement.
The recognition of the community’s participation as an equal partner in the CELAC integration process was reflected in the summit decision to transform the leadership mechanism of the troika plus one (past, current, and incoming pro tempore chairpersons plus the Caricom chairperson) into a quartet.
Caricom member states tabled several special declarations, which were endorsed and now form part of the outcome documents of the summit. These special declarations touched on matters of priority interest to Caricom. These included the issue of Small Island Developing States (SIDS); climate change; the challenges of middle-income
countries, reparations for slavery and native genocide, illegal and unregulated fishing, and the permanent memorial in honour of the victims of slavery and the slave trade.
On the issue of the illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons to which a special declaration was devoted, Trinidad and Tobago offered to host the secretariat of the Arms Trade Treaty.
A special declaration was also tabled on the nationality ruling of the Constitutional Court of The Dominican Republic in September 2013, arbitrarily and retroactively stripping nationality from a large number of Dominicans, predominantly of Haitian descent. This led to frank exchanges of views at both the meeting of foreign ministers and during the summit retreat.
Regionalisation process
The issue was also addressed in the presentations by Caricom member states in the summit plenary sessions, in particular by the Caricom chairman, in the course of which it was highlighted that the ruling was neither a migration nor a bilateral issue but a violation of the human and nationality
rights of Dominican citizens. Unfortunately, time did not permit the negotiations required to finalise a document on this sensitive, important and contentious issue.
In addition to the Havana Declaration and the CELAC Plan of Action, many of the other special declarations touched on issues of prime interest to the community – drug trafficking, relations between states and transnational companies, migration regularisation, the empowerment of women, Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, and CELAC international outreach.
The second summit of CELAC underlined the increasing dynamism of this new regionalisation process as well as the profound systemic changes taking place in the geopolitics of the hemisphere. In this regard, the venue of the summit, the first visit of a secretary general of the Organisation of American States (OAS) to Cuba, since the suspension of that country from the organisation in 1962, as well as the first visit to Cuba by a president of Costa Rica, the incoming pro tempore president, were of symbolic and historic importance.
By Bernice Bede Osol
Ask, and you shall receive. Someone who has something to offer will give you a choice that could ease your stress. Weigh the pros and cons and proceed with caution.
20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
Pursue activities or events that include people from different age groups. Sharing ideas will help you make better decisions. Self-improvement will lead to compliments. Don’t stop until you reach your goals.
(June 21July 22)
Keep your secrets tucked away somewhere safe. Sharing information will work against you. Focus on what you have to offer and protect your position. Stick close to home.
(July 23Aug. 22)
You’ll attract attention. Get involved in activities that allow you to strut your stuff and show off your talents and skills. An invitation will lead to a special offer.
20-March 20)
Emotions regarding domestic situations are likely to flare up. Someone is likely to pose a problem if you aren’t willing to compromise. A decision regarding an institution should be made.
Hold your temper. It’s not worth getting upset over something you cannot change. Walk away if someone is being impossible. Your absence will make a greater statement in the end.
(April 20-May 20)
Money matters will be a concern. Avoid a venture that could leave you facing instability or uncertainty. Be careful not to make unrealistic promises.
(May 21June 20)
Put things in perspective and don’t take criticism too seriously. An objective outlook will help you balance what other people say or do. Don’t lose sight of your personal goals.
23Sept. 22)
Stick to what you know is safe. Now is not the time to make a change that can upset your income. Protect your reputation and be sure to finish what you start.
23Oct. 23)
Collaborate with others and check out other options that can contribute to something you want to pursue. The way you talk about your plans will attract serious interest.
24Nov. 22)
Refrain from taking on unnecessary responsibilities. Focus on what counts and what will help you get ahead. Plan your actions carefully to make the most of your time.
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
Focus on nearby family and friends who need your help. Kindness, consideration and generosity will impress someone you want to work with in the future.
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Ateenager charged with simple larceny appeared on Friday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Godfrey Perreira, 19, was accused of stealing, on Thursday, February 6, one Samsung Galaxy cellphone valued $120,000 from Rodney Cooper.
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge, unaware of the consequences, which he later found out from Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry. He
appeared bewildered after learning that he was about to be sentenced to three years for his actions.
Prosecutor Michael Grant noted from statements received, the defendant works at a car wash to which Cooper’s car was taken for cleaning. At the end of the wash, the virtual complainant noticed that his phone was missing and later made a report at the police station.
Acting upon the information received, the police apprehended Perreira and recovered the phone from his house.
Attorney Peter Hugh subsequently represented the teen pro bono (for free) and pleaded with the magistrate for leniency for his client, pointing out that he was a first-time offender.
The defendant then abjectly apologised saying it would not happen again.
The chief magistrate granted the defence’s plea and told the defendant to report to the court’s clerk who will inform him of the duration of his probation. The teen will return to court on February 21.
Ahomeless man appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with breaking and entering.
Monty Adams, 51, a street dweller, was brought up on the charge which stated that on Wednesday, February 5, he broke into the premises of one Debbie Griffith.
Adams pleaded not guilty to the charge. He said he did not steal the items, but he saw some persons fleeing the yard leaving several items behind, which he picked up to sell.
The virtual complainant (VC) said the defendant took one toilet bowl valued $25,000 and other articles. Police prosecutor Michael Grant said on the night in question, the VC was
awakened by a loud noise and saw the defendant on her premises. She later made a report to the police and the accused was subsequently arrested. Grant noted that the defendant assisted in the recovery of all the stolen items except the toilet bowl. The defendant, who was unrepresented by an attorney, was sentenced to nine months in jail.
A23-year-old man accused of robbery appeared on Friday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Oslin Robinson, of Lot 13 East La Penitence, Georgetown, pleaded not
guilty to the charge which states that he robbed Denise Jackman of a BlackBerry torch valued $100,000 in the vicinity of Robb Street, Georgetown. The virtual complainant reported the incident to the police who subsequently arrested Robinson, based on the information given. The unrepresented defendant has no pending matters, according to reports, and has been granted $100,000 bail. He is expected to make another court appearance on March 7.
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Two men were brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on counter charges of unlawful assault.
Hazlyn Richards, 40, a taxi driver of Lot 302 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown and Andre Moonsammy, a contractor of Lot 209 West Ruimveldt, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.
The men, who are neighbours, pleaded not guilty to the charges read to them. Police prosecutor Michael Grant stated that from the reports received, on Wednesday, January 15 at approximately 23:10h, Moonsammy was making noise which led to Richards coming out of his car to find out the reason for the noise. The men then became embroiled in a scuf-
fle, during which Richards used an implement to inflict injury. Richards claimed that he used a pen, but Moonsammy said it was actually an ice pick that was used.
Both men were placed on bail – Richards on $50,000 and Moonsammy on $25,000. The matter was transferred to Court Six for February 17.
ABartica man was sentenced to six months community service and fined $3000 by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry after he pleaded guilty to a cannabis possession charge on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Nicholas Macby,
21, who is originally from Grove, East Bank Demerara but, now lives with his aunt in Bartica, Region Seven, was placed before the courts after he was caught red-handed with cannabis.
On Friday, ranks of the Guyana Police Force apprehended Macby in the
vicinity of Georgetown and found one gram of cannabis in his possession for smoking purposes.
Prosecutor Michael Grant had no objection to the sentence handed down by the chief magistrate. The defendant is expected to report to the Palms every Tuesday.
Kumar Sangakkara eased, almost casually, to a 35th career hundred in a Test match already heaving with his runs, completing a feat only Graham Gooch had achieved before him. A whip over the midwicket ropes took him over 100 in almost the same fashion he had brought up his triple century in the first innings, and raised his matchtally to 424 - the third highest in Tests. Thanks in large part to his epic labours, Sri Lanka have almost certainly made themselves safe in the Test, with one full day remaining to chase a 2-0 result.
A resurgent Dinesh Chandimal registered a measured ton of his own, to stretch Sri Lanka’s advantage on the fourth afternoon and evening. The declaration, at 305 for 4, came upon his entry to triple figures, leaving Bangladesh with one day and 25 minutes to bat out. They went to stumps unscathed after eight tense overs, 455 runs adrift of the visitors.
Sangakkara’s numbers against Bangladesh have now moved into a superhuman realm. In his last eight innings against them, he has hit 994 runs, never failing in that stretch to cross 50. In fact, only six times in 21 trips to the crease against Bangladesh, has Sangakkara failed to notch a half-century.
An average of 95.57 is unsur-
prisingly his highest against any team.
On this occasion, Bangladesh can blame their torment on a fielding error.
On 36, Sangakkara attempted to blast over the deep midwicket rope, but mis-hit a ball from Shakib Al Hasan to Nasir Hossain, who only had to run a few metres to his left. Shakib had built significant pressure alongside Mahmudullah to provoke the
stroke and, upon seeing the catch grassed, he scratched his head in extreme frustration, holding back fury.
Sangakkara’s progress took an irritatingly familiar form for Bangladesh, who employed various fields against him but could not stem the effortless flow of runs. With Sri Lanka having lost three relatively cheap wickets, Sangakkara only pursued the poor balls with aggres-
sion - sliding back to slam the short deliveries with particular disdain. Mostly, he busied himself with strike rotation, giving constant nuggets of advice to Chandimal, who was fighting for form. It was not until he neared his ton that he began to assert himself. Until then, he had collected his runs almost on the sly.
Chandimal was similarly averse to belligerence, and just as efficient at risk-free accumulation. He hit only four fours in nearly three hours at the crease, yet scored his runs at a strike rate of 63. Shakib had troubled him in doses throughout the innings, spinning some past his blade and striking him on the pad, but the grit that had been absent from his game returned. His 145-run stand with Sangakkara was the flesh of Sri Lanka’s second innings, after the two had been joined at 78 for 3.
Perhaps aware Chandimal was short of some self-confidence ahead of two months of less-favoured limited-overs cricket, Angelo Mathews delayed the declaration until the batsman had reached his third Test century – all of which have come against Bangladesh. Chandimal may now look with more enthusiasm at the task of leading his team in the World Twenty20 in six weeks.
The hosts’ only breakthrough in the middle-
session had been Mahela Jayawardene’s wicket for 11. Shakib pitched one on off and got it to straighten, striking Jayawardene on the front pad in front of middle. Jayawardene felt the ball had not turned sharply enough to hit leg stump, but replays did not offer a conclusive answer. Again the most aggressive among the hosts’ spinners, Shakib would have felt he bowled better than figures of 1 for 80 suggest.
The morning session had belonged to Mahmudullah, however, even after he had hit the fourth ball of the day straight to short leg, when his side would have hoped to whittle their first-innings deficit down to 150. After the Sri Lanka openers had begun tentatively against Al-
Amin Hossain, who delivered a spell of seaming deliveries that generated surprising bounce, Mahmudullah arrived to dismiss both of them. Dimuth Karunaratne ended a frustrating series by edging a cut shot to slip, and Silva underestimated the turn Mahmudullah would generate with one of his few aggressive balls of the day.
Suranga Lakmal also got the ball moving in the afternoon, and although Shamsur Rahman followed him with his hands more than any batting coach would advise, the opener managed to account for the movement through hand-eye co-ordination. Shamsur and Tamim Iqbal survived close shouts before stumps were drawn, with the team score on 12. (Cricinfo)
Sri Lanka 2nd innings FDM Karunaratne c Nasir Hossain b Mahmudullah 15
Brendon McCullum narrowly missed improving his best Test score, but his second doublecentury formed the bedrock of New Zealand’s strong firstinnings total after being put into bat at Eden Park. His seamers then complemented his effort by nipping out India’s top order cheaply before Rohit Sharma stemmed New Zealand’s progress with an attractive array of shots that fetched him a half-century. He took India past 100 without further damage until bad light brought an early end to play.
McCullum was measured instead of cavalier during a century stand with Corey Anderson, scoring only 53 out of 133, which ensured New Zealand resumed in the manner they had finished on the first day. He stepped it up after the partnership was broken.
On 192, McCullum charged the third delivery of the last over before lunch, from Ravindra Jadeja, and cleared the fielder at longon. He then swished the last delivery through square leg to end the first session on 202. McCullum was the last man dismissed, caught on the boundary by a surefooted Jadeja, giving Ishant Sharma his sixth wicket. Ishant had managed to take a five-wicket haul after 19 Tests, but he was expensive as New Zealand racked up 174 runs in 31.4 overs on the second day.
McCullum had resumed
seven short of his 150 and reached the milestone with a well-timed straight drive in the third over. His next boundary – a whiplash cut through point off Ishant –came eight overs later. The
score, though, had been boosted by a series of boundaries by Anderson.
Had India learned from the first day, they would have noted how the New Zealand batsmen had feasted on short deliveries. Their approach seemed to have changed on the second, when Zaheer Khan and Ishant started with fuller balls, drawing thick outside edges in the first few overs.
The short delivery, however, made a re-appearance after only five overs and was duly dismissed with a powerful pull from Anderson. The force of the shot did not seem to make an impression on Ishant, who repeated a bouncer in the same over only to be dismissed through square leg again.
Anderson had been circumspect at the start his innings on the first day, but the power of the batsman who owns the record for the fastest ODI century was in full show as a mis-timed drive off Ishant rocketed to the long-on boundary. Anderson racked up eight boundaries in the 31 balls he faced on the second day. The second of those – a dab through gully – brought up his second 50-plus score in Tests; the third brought up New Zealand’s second consecutive century stand.
Against benign bowling, Anderson looked set for his second hundred but was cut short by a poor decision from umpire Steve Davis. He was struck above the
knee roll by an Ishant delivery from round the wicket and replays indicated the ball would have missed the stumps on both line and height. The innings, and the partnership with McCullum, however, meant that New Zealand continued scoring at frenetic pace.
Bowling an extended spell, Ishant picked up his fourth wicket when he had BJ Watling caught at third slip. He used the short-ball attack again in search for his fifth only to be hooked for a couple of sixes by Tim Southee. His nine-over spell cost India 60, and Ishant returned to complete his fivefor with the wicket of Ish Sodhi.
The pitch that had seemed dormant during the first innings sprang to life once New Zealand began bowling. Trent Boult overstepped off the first ball of the innings but compensated by striking twice in the opening over. Since that 187 on debut, Shikhar Dhawan had scored only 132 runs in his next six innings. His fortunes plummeted further in Auckland, where he fell for a three-ball duck. Aiming to hit Boult through midwicket, Dhawan was squared up by the seam movement and caught at gully.
Boult then made the big breakthrough with the last ball of the over, the extra delivery drawing Cheteshwar Pujara into an uncharacteristically loose drive. The batsman could only edge
it to the wicketkeeper and India were 3 for 2.
Tim Southee compounded India’s problems by bowling a nasty bouncer that flicked Kohli’s thumb, hit the helmet and lobbed to second slip. The batsman appeared unhappy at the decision, but hot-spot and the snickometer confirmed the dismissal.
That was the ball of the day, until Neil Wagner’s delivery to dismiss M Vijay. Batting with the poise he showed in South Africa, Vijay was making progress. He had hit five delightful boundaries before Wagner, bowling from round the wicket, angled the ball in and got it to straighten just
enough to hit the top of off. The batsman thought he had his stumps covered, but was beaten on the outside edge. India were 51 for 4 and had it not been for Rohit, their situation could have been worse. He made the customary slow start, scoring 1 off his first 24 deliveries, but then hit eight boundaries and a six. Three of those came in one Wagner over: a pull in front of square followed by a punch through covers and a late cut over the slip cordon. With Rahane, Rohit added 79 at more than four an over. However, with India still 174 short of the followon mark, they have a mountain to climb. (Cricinfo)
New Zealand 1st innings
PG Fulton lbw b Khan 13
HD Rutherford c Rahane b I Sharma 6
KS Williamson c †Dhoni b Khan 113
LRPL Taylor c Jadeja b I Sharma 3
BB McCullum* c Jadeja b I Sharma 224
CJ Anderson lbw b I Sharma 77
BJ Watling† c Dhawan b I Sharma 1 TG Southee b Mohammed Shami 28
IS Sodhi c RG Sharma b I Sharma 23
N Wagner c Kohli b Jadeja 0 TA Boult not out 1
Extras: (b 1, lb 5, w 5, nb 3) 14
Total: (all out; 121.4 overs) 503 Fall of wickets 1-19: (Rutherford), 2-23 (Fulton), 3-30 (Taylor), 4-251 (Williamson), 5-384 (Anderson), 6-398 (Watling), 7-434 (Southee), 8-490 (Sodhi),
V Kohli 1-04-0, RG Sharma 3-0-12-0
India 1st innings S Dhawan c Williamson b Boult 0 M Vijay b Wagner 26 CA Pujara c †Watling b Boult 1 V Kohli c Fulton b Southee 4
RG Sharma not out 67
AM Rahane not out 23
Extras: (b 5, lb 1, nb 3) 9
Total: (4 wickets; 39 overs) 130
Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Dhawan), 2-3 (Pujara), 3-10 (Kohli), 4-51 (Vijay)
Bowling: TA Boult 10-1-202, TG Southee 12-3-27-1, CJ Anderson 2-0-9-0, N Wagner 7-0-46-, IS Sodhi 6-0-130, KS Williamson 2-0-9-0
– company plans to invest millions, once cricket crisis is resolved
By Rajiv Bisnauth
The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday secured sponsorship for another under-19 tournament from the Elizabeth Styles worth $214,000.
Elizabeth Styles also donated $240,000 to the board for the sponsorship of six cricket clinics for cricketers from the Ancient County.
Both agreements were sealed when Elizabeth Styles representative Bissoondyal Singh handed over the sponsorship packages to officials of the BCB.
The presentation ceremony was held in the
boardroom of Hand-inHand Insurance Company Limited.
At the presentation ceremony, chairman of the Special Events Committee of the BCB Hilbert Foster, in brief remarks, expressed gratitude to the company, while reaffirming the board’s commitment to the development of cricket, not only in Berbice, but nationally.
Singh stated that the company was pleased to be associated with the BCB and the development of cricketing talent in Berbice as a whole.
He also expressed confidence in the ability of the
BCB to organise the tournament, stating the track record of the board is one of success and progress.
Meanwhile, Singh also advised that the company is willing to invest more into the sport countrywide, once the cricket crisis locally is resolved.
“Once the cricket crisis is sorted out, we at Elizabeth Styles are willing to invest, not only in Berbice but the entire country.
“What we want to see is a proper constituted Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) and also a proper Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).
"We want to have people who we can work with, people who are trustworthy and people who have the game at heart,” Singh concluded.
Under-19 tournament
Further, this year’s tournament will be played in several sub-zones and played on a round-robin basis among 40 clubs.
The champion team will take home $50,000 and a trophy, while the runnerup will collect $43,000. The man-of-the-final will collect be $10,000.
The cricket clinics will target primarily batsmen, bowlers and wicketkeepers. Senior coaches, Michael Hyles Franco, Albert Smith and Winston Smith will be the facilitators, with sessions to be conducted in all sub-zones.
– call for the defunct BFA to start kicking again
One of Guyana's Premier Football organisations, the Hearts of Oak Masters Football Club, has expressed dissatisfaction the state of football in Guyana.
Speaking at the club's recent 2013 review, president of the club Neil Humphrey expressed his disappointment saying that the newly elected executive of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has hardly achieved much since it coming into being last year.
The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday launched its second division Hand-inHand 40-over cricket competition with the aim of fulfilling its mandate of identifying every available talent to take Berbice cricket to the next level.
The knockout competition will start shortly and will feature teams from Bath, Bush Lot, Cotton Tree, D’Edward, Rosignol, Blairmont, Young Achievers and Rainbow Generation.
Speaking at the launch of the competition in the boardroom of Hand-in-Hand, chairman of the Special Events Committee of the BCB Hilbert Foster said the board is once again pleased to partner with Hand-in-
Hand Insurance Company Limited.
“I must say that the most pleasing aspect of the tournament was the advent of new talents. We would like to assure the Hand-in-Hand Group of Companies that the tournament, like last year, would be well organised,” Foster said.
Human Resources/ Administration Manager, Zaida Joaquin, said she is grateful for the opportunity to work with the BCB, adding that “the company recognises the importance of sports and culture to society”.
“We also recognise the importance of investing at this level since this is where new talents emerge,” Joaquin said. She also said
“the company hopes that the tournament will grow in to something mutually beneficial to both parties”.
The champion team will take home $60,000 and a trophy, while the runnerup will collect $40,000. The man-of-the-final will be awarded $10,000. Also present at Thursday’s launch were Hand-in-Hand Life Manager Omadatt Singh, Hand-inHand Marketing Coordinator Andrea Jodhan-Khan, Business Development Manager Vivek Joshi, former West Indies batsman Basil Butcher, BCB’s West Berbice representative Rabindranauth Saywack and BCB executive member Malcome Peters. (Rajiv Bisnauth)
Humphrey added that the current administration seems heading for disarray with resignations and suspensions, highlighting the GFF's list of non-achievements under the current administration.
Humphrey said Hart of Oak Masters is however more concerned with the development of the game on Berbice. "They are not doing anything for football in Berbice despite having all the facilities like an office and paid staff," he said.
He was referring the the Berbice Football Association
"That particular body which has been in place for less than one year and came into being with much fanfare, promised to take football to higher heights. We have not seen any change and the GFF has not lived up to expectations of Berbice players," he said.
(BFA), which has an Office in New Amsterdam. "The BFA has not organised a single activity for the past two years and we think that an investigation should be launched. They keep paying staff, for what?" Humphrey asked. "We want Christopher Matthias to walk the walk and live up to his promise."
According to Humphrey, football in Guyana seems heading for the same destination as football in Berbice. "Nowhere."
He said that is not in a fight with anyone, but he wants to see the game being played. "When public funds are involved, people should be accountable." (Andrew Carmichael)
Basketball players in Berbice are being encouraged to apply themselves and to be more committed to the sport. Newly elected president of the Berbice Basketball Association (BBA) Keith Myers is encouraging players to be dedicated to the sport. Speaking with players from Fyrish, the president said that basketball in Berbice will become as popular as cricket in the region.
“This will only be possible if you are committed to the game. You can’t expect it to happen overnight but you have a great role to play. When people see you they must look up to you because you are a basketball player, and I don’t
mean because you are tall they will have to look up to you,” he said.
Myers and others executives of the association were at the time meeting with the players during an outreach. According to the BBA president, the executive will continue to have similar outreaches with the players.
The association will first focus on clubs on the Corentyne.
Myers told the players that each club will have to be duly constituted in order to be affiliated withthe association.
“You have to have a proper constitution and have elections and players will have to pay dues…,” he said.
The BBA has organised
four tournaments for the year. One will be held in each quarter, with the first commencing later this month. The association also plans to have similar interactive sessions with players on the West Coast of Berbice.
Meanwhile, last Monday, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sport Club (RHTY&SC) presented the BBA with 13 balls and a quantity of reading material, along with bandages and water utensils. On Wednesday, the Trophy Stall presented the association with three trophies for the upcoming tournament. Myers expressed his gratitude to both organisations on behalf of the association.
By Rajiv Bisnauth
Both Guyana and Jamaica have already booked semifinal berths in this year’s West Indies Cricket Board (WIVB) NAGICO Super50 competition, but there are still many pressing issues to address, as they seek to advance to next Saturday’s final.
Both teams enter today’s game with two wins each, but will still hope to iron out their flaws and keep the momentum going for the huge game ahead.
Both the teams will know very well that a win will guarantee a spot in the final.
Guyana trashed Ireland by 114 runs in their opening encounter before gaining close 22-run win over defending champions the Windward Islands in their next outing.
Jamaica, on the other hand, disposed of the Windward Islands in their first game and sent Ireland packing in the second, allowing them to qualify for the next stage.
The clash today will be a battle between many players who are quite familiar with each other’s game strengths and weaknesses.
Guyana, with a starstudded and in-form batting and bowling line-up, will definitely start as favourties, whereas Jamaica are a team on the ascendancy with an air of unpredictabil-
ity that always keeps the opposition on tenterhooks. With eyes firmly set on the final berth and from an overall team perspective and build-up, Guyana look stronger on paper. Their batting looks near impeccable and free of any obvious weaknesses with the elegant Ramnaresh Sarwan leading from the front with 151 runs.
Veteran left-hander
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who missed the second match due to injury, is expected to be up and ready for today’s match and will remain a key figure in Guyana’s top and middle order.
Chanderpaul, fellow Test batsman Assad Fudadin, opener Trevon Griffith, skipper Christopher Barnwell and Leon Johnson have been effective so far, but applica-
tion and pitch occupation will again be crucial.
On the other hand, despote being without Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, Jamaica have three of its batters in the top 10 list.
Tamar Lambert is third on the list with 115 runs, Andre McCarthy fifth with 94 runs and John Campbell sixth with 87.
However, much will depend on the skills of opener Horace Miller, allrounder Andre Russell, wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh Jr and Nkrumah Bonner to strengthen the middle order.
The bowling departments of both teams are experienced and resourceful, with Jamaica’s skipper Dave Bernard Jr swinging the ball up front and former West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor and experienced regional fast bowler Andrew Richardson supporting.
Nikita Miller, who has been in great form with the ball as well as the bat, will be called upon to perform in a double capacity if needed.
Guyana will continue to place their hopes in the hands of Ronsford Beaton, Veersammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Paul Wintz and skipper Barnwell, who have all been among the wickets.
The game is a day/night encounter and will be played at the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago from 14:00h.
By Treiston Joseph
Twenty-four
Georgetown high schools will have a chance to showcase their talent and earn their school a top prize of $500,000 when the second edition of the Milo under-20 school football tournament kicks off February 15.
At the launching on Friday, director of the Petra organisation Troy Mendonza, thanked his sponsors and support organisations.
“One of the things that encouraged us to do this tournament is that, when we reflected on the Digicel tournament, we recognised that the Georgetown teams didn’t did so well, and we look at it and said that those schools have not being having any competition in Georgetown, so we got the sponsorship to move from the club level to the schools,” said Mendonza.
He noted that the Petra Organisation was interested in the development of the sport at the youth level.
Brand manager of the Milo brand Renita Sital noted the reason for Milo’s continued support of the tournament.
“With this tournament, we are giving the youths
an opportunity to showcase their football talent and become champions with Milo, because Milo is the food drink of champions,” Sital stated.
Representative of the Education Ministry Inga Henry believes that the relationship between Petra and the ministry can bode well for the young men involved.
“When you have a marriage between sports and academics, it is always a success, as long as support is given from the adults that are around and hope that this relationship continues,” Henry said.
In addition, the Petra organisation will also be teaming up with the Health Ministry throughout the tournament to spread the word on non-violence against women.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry Trevor Thomas indicated that, due to football being deemed as a tough sport, it is the perfect opportunity to deliver such a message.
Meanwhile, eighth teams will square off on Saturday, following which the final four will advance to compete for the top monetary prize, which will go to special project of the school’s choice.
$600,000
Second Division cricket teams in the East Canje/East Coast Berbice area will have a chance to prove their worth when they meet each other in the Mashramani Cup.
Mashramani Cup, which is organised by the Young Warriors Cricket Club, is being promoted to develop young cricketers and also as a fund raising event for the club.
Mashramani Cup 2014 will be the second edition of the competition and will be held on February 23.
Ten teams will once again vie for the top price of $60,000 plus a trophy.
The second place team will collect $30,000 and trophy; third place finisher will collect $15,000, while the fourth place team will be presented with a trophy.
There will also be incentives for the man-of-thematch in the final.
Speaking at the launch of the tournament, secretary/treasurer of Young Warriors Cricket Club Anil Beharry explained that the proceeds from the first com-
petition were used to purchase a number of things to spruce up the venue and improve the facilities, includ-
ing acquiring a large cover for the pitch and square. This year, he added, the club hopes to continue im-
proving the facility which is being touted as the second best ground in Berbice, second to Albion.
Ten teams have accepted the invitation to participate in the tournament. These are Gangaram Strikers,
Betsy Ground Triple Stars, Goed Banana Land, Young and the Restless, Rose Hall Community Centre, Canefield, Young Warriors, Bristol Warriors, Number Two Cricket Club and Number 19 Combined. Seawell Cricket Club will not be participating this year and their place has been taken by the Rose Hall Community Centre Club, which has been recently resuscitated.
“I am suggesting that when you receive your prize money, at least some should go back to the club to purchase new gear and help develop your clubs,” said Beharry, as he addressed captains of the various clubs who attended the launch. The tournament will be played on a five over per side basis and teams will be allowed to field one first division player.
“We will be using the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) rules, which do not consider a player over the age of 40 as a first division player,” Beharry concluded.
The Guyana Sports and Development Foundation in collaboration with the Guyana Coaches Association will commence the first of three coaching sessions, for teachers/coaches participating in the 2014 Scotia Bank/Pepsi Schools Tournament on Monday.
The first session will be held in Georgetown at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue, while similar sessions will be conducted on Tuesday, February 11 in New Amsterdam and Wednesday, February 12 in Linden. All sessions will be facilitated by veteran coach Stanley Harmon from 09:00h daily.
The course is a comprehensive one that covers all aspects of coaching, team management, care and treatment of athletic injuries and sports psychology. As in previous years, it will be a blend of classroom and field sessions. This year field sessions will dominate, since the course is scheduled for one day.
All teachers/coaches will be provided with a handbook to be used as a refresher after the course is completed.
The aim is to provide broad-based knowledge on the principles of the game and hopefully the participants will gain enough knowledge to properly instruct students, to ensure they perform creditably on the field.
Teachers/coaches are expected to act as role models for their students and display respect for the pro-
Top West Indies women’s all-rounder
Stafanie Taylor is predicting a tough tour of New Zealand.
The teams, who are both preparing for next month’s fourth ICC Women’s World Twenty20 championship in Bangladesh, are scheduled to meet in five Twenty20 internationals and three oneday internationals, starting later this month.
However, according to Taylor, given the Kiwis unsuccessful tour of the Caribbean late last year, it is her opinion that the Kiwis would want to exact some form of revenge, and as such West Indies will need to be at their best.
The New Zealanders lost a three-match oneday international series against the West Indies 2-1 at Sabina Park, while in a subsequent tri-nation Twenty20 international series in Barbados, which featured England, they failed to make the final.
“It should be a difficult series as after failing in their two series in the Caribbean, it is likely that New Zealand will want some form of revenge,” said Taylor.
“However, we are not daunted by that as we will be going there with one intention and that is to play
the best cricket that we can, and get into the best shape that we can heading into the World Twenty20.”
Taylor, who late last year held the coveted honour of being ranked number one on the ICC Women’s batting, bowling and all-rounder listings, is one of five Jamaicans named in the 15-member touring squad.
Other members
The others are world-rated all-rounder Shanel Daley, emerging opener Natasha McLean, middle-order batter Chinelle Henry, and uncapped off-spinner, Vanessa Watts.
The tour is set to bowl off with the one-day series beginning on Saturday, February 21 and ending on Wednesday, February 20 with the Twenty20 series set to commence on Saturday, March 1 and finish on Sunday, March 9.
The Women’s World Twenty20 is slated to bowl off on March 16 with West Indies drawn in Group B alongside England, who won the tri-nation series, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, who are hosting the tournament for the first time.
New Zealand are drawn in Group A with Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ireland. (WICB Media Release)
gramme and their school.
In the final analysis, the aim is to produce well
rounded individuals that can be an asset to their families and the society.
Dear Editor, Can someone tell me why Guyana is not a member of the Latin America Amateur Golf Championship (LAAGC)? All other Caribbean countries are members, including all our neighbours.
This is the biggest thing that ever happened to promote and encourage golf in the Caribbean. I am the only Guyanese golfer representing Guyana in the U.S.A. I won several tournaments in the Golf Channel Amateur (GCAM) Tournament and had my last win only three weeks ago at the world class TPC Sawgrass Open.
If anyone wishes, they look it up on the GCAM tour website. You will see the Guyana flag next to my name, I wish if I can be able to represent Guyana at the LAAC. I would be happy to know the reasons why Guyana is not a member of the LAAGC.
Sincerely,
Crisendat Guyadeen
By Rajiv Bisnauth
oth Guyana and Jamaica have already booked semi-final berths in this year’s West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) NAGICO Super50 competition, but there are still many pressing issues to address as they seek to advance to next Saturday’s final. Both teams enter today’s game with two wins each, but will still hope to iron out their flaws and keep the momentum...
