Guyana Times, November 3, 2014

mondAY, noVEmBER 3, 2014 | guYAnAtimEsgY.com

“Chinese not here to take over” – Association

By Alexis Rodney

The Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana has said that the notion that Chinese citizens are seeking to take over Guyana is far from the truth; in fact, the Government of China is seeking to invest its some US$4 trillion surplus in countries outside the United States.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, President of the recently-established organisation, Andrew Chin said that the association has been formed to assist large-scale entrepreneurs here in Guyana.

These, he related, include the Baishanlin, China Trading, China Harbour, and China Railway. He said China has huge foreign reserves and the Government of China wants to spread its portfolio.

“We spend a lot of our reserves buying from the United States,” he said. “So instead of investing heavily in the United States, an already developed country, it expands to many regions, including Guyana”.

Chin said China remains number one in the world as it relates to foreign reserves. It leads Japan which has about US$2 trillion. The high surplus in his country, he said, is a push for Chinese companies to make investments in other countries around the globe. He stated that it all falls under the evolution of the economy and globalisation, which cannot be avoided.

Chin related that currently Guyana does not see such major investments from other countries. “If you have money, you want to spend money. So that is why there is a tide of Chinese investments here.”

The Association’s President noted that the organisation is working along with the chambers of commerce here. The organisation currently has 12 large-scale members and is considering accepting medium and small-scale busi-

nesses since a number of them have applied to become members.

“So the service we can provide to them, we have to deal with their issues, because many of the Chinese businesses operating in Guyana, their primary concern include crime rate and security issues and the work permit.”

He said local Chinese business owners have been complaining of the hassle they go through to secure their work permits. “They say they apply for work permit and wait for over a year and find it difficult to get it.” According to information he received, they are sometimes forced to pay large sums of money to secure their work permits. If this is indeed true, it is unfair, Chin said. According to him, a person obtaining a work permit is required to pay taxes and be registered and so, in acquiring a work

permit, should not be forced to endure such things.

The organisation, he noted, which is closely connected to the Chinese Embassy here, will be making representation to have discussions with the Home Affairs Ministry and the

this country. You just can’t come here and just operate without paying attention to paying your taxes and so on.”

He said the organisation is working with the businesses to keep them informed about the rules to be

“If you have money, you want to spend money. So that is why there is a tide of Chinese investments here.” –

recently-formed Association of Chinese Enterprises President Andrew Chin

Immigration Department to understand the requirements needed to obtain a work permit.

“We try to provide the protection to the members and while we do so; we make it plain that if they are operating in Guyana, they do have a responsibility to obey the laws of

observed. It also provides a platform where members can get together and share their experiences.

The Association is hoping to establish a longterm office in Guyana, since there are more Chinese companies that are expected to come to Guyana, Chin said.

New Amsterdam Multilateral gets new school board

The New Amsterdam Multilateral School (NAMS) has a new Board of Directors as the Department of Education in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) takes steps to improve conditions at the institution.

In July of this year, more than 100 students of the school approached the local Education Department seeking transfers, with most wanting to go to Berbice High School (BHS).

This was after reports that teachers were not doing what they were being paid to do reached the Regional Education Committee.

New Head of the Board of Directors, Zamal Hussain, who is also Chairman of the Regional Education Committee, said the body has met with parents, students, and teachers in an effort to iron out some of the difficulties affecting that school.

“The school will get back on top,” he told this publication. “We will not slack up on discipline.”

Only 27.83 per cent of students of NAMS obtained grades one to two at the 2014 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. This compares with 28.43 per cent of students of BHS

that obtained grades one to two and 31.15 per cent of students of JC Chandisingh Secondary School that obtained grades one to two. Overall, 93.88 per cent of NAMS students obtained grades one to four while 94.78 per cent of BHS students did the same as did 96.41 per cent of students at JC Chandisingh. Only one student from NAMS was registered in the top 50 students in the country at the 2014 CSEC examinations while Skeldon Linepath Secondary had four students in the top 50 and JC Chandisingh also had one.

Meanwhile, the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has rejected an application from acting Principal of NAMS, Narinedatt Dhanraj, to fill the vacant post of Principal. Dhanraj and Deputy Head Shondell Philips have been at loggerheads resulting in the school’s staff splitting into two factions.

According to Hussain, the Regional Education Committee has recommended that Phillips not be appointed as head of the school.

According to Hussain, several new systems have been implemented at the school, many of them to do with financial accountability.

and 0.65 metre.

Govt blasts “unethical” Kaieteur News

...says outfit steeped in lies, homophobia

Government on Sunday said Kaieteur News has been engaged in an unwavering and institutionalised policy of unprofessional journalism, which has deteriorated to such levels that the newspaper is now “making up” stories.

The Government statement comes in wake of statements by the International Press Institute (IPI) and several other organisations that have criticised comments allegedly made by Attorney General Anil Nandlall in a recorded conversation between him and a reporter of the Kaieteur News recently.

Noting that the newspaper lacks professional and ethical tenets, Government said the media house is “steeped in fabrications, distortions, character assassination and homophobia”.

It said its prime targets have been the Government, Government Ministers, senior functionaries of the State, sections of the business community, religious organisations, sections of the labour movement and sections of the civil society supportive of the Government “and indeed anyone with whom the newspaper Publisher has a personal grievance”.

According to the Government, headlines are frequently enlarged and inaccurately sensationalised to scandalise issues and persons and are often times, not borne out by the stories to which they relate, even as distorted and inaccurate as those stories themselves are.

Vilest, most libellous

“A column within the newspaper which is supposedly satirical, bearing the colloquial caption “Dem boys seh” has been used as an instrument to publish the vilest, most libellous and homophobic sentiments of and concerning hapless citizens.”

Government said attempts by those aggrieved by these offensive publications to solicit apologies, retractions or clarifications are met with further abuse and sometimes with greater intensity in subsequent publications.

“In those circumstances, aggrieved persons are forced to approach the Court for protection. Even in those instances, injunctions issued

by the Judiciary restraining offensive and libellous publications are ignored with impunity, causing another proliferation of legal proceedings for Contempt of Court.

To date, not once has the Government ever attempted to muzzle or interfere with the way this media outfit operates,” the administration asserted.

Ducking from audit

The statement added that in recent months, in anticipation of an audit by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) which is a statutory obligation of the GRA and carried out on a routine basis on taxpayers, as a result of criminal charges filed against the owner of the Kaieteur News and his relatives for evasion of taxes on the importation of two vehicles, the Commissioner General of the GRA and the Attorney General became Kaieteur News' subject of attacks.

“As a result, these high ranking officials were

forced to seek legal protection from the Court. Both obtained injunctions, but in vain, as the attacks persisted. Both have filed contempt of Court proceedings. Yet, rather than the attacks ceasing, they have been aggravated.”

Government said the situation deteriorated to such a level, where Kaieteur News has resorted to fabrication, hacking of email exchanges purporting to come from these two functionaries and publishing them verbatim, as news.

Recently, Kaieteur News has revealed the transcript and tape of a conversation which purports to be that of the Attorney General and

an employee of the Kaieteur News.

“This conversation was private; it was illegally recorded, distorted, manipulated and taken out of context to reflect a different dialogue,” the statement said. Government said the Attorney General has since filed legal proceedings and the matter is currently sub judice.

Any further commentary thereupon may be interpreted as at attempt to prejudice those proceedings. The matter is also being investigated by the Guyana Police Force.

“We believe that these extreme measures are resorted to by this newspaper to avoid being subject to the Rule of Law and constitute measures of blackmail designed to force a withdrawal of the charges and freezing the impending tax audit.

“ This newspaper also fabricates and concocts damaging news about businesses that do not patronise it with advertisements.”

Additionally, the Government said it cannot and will not sanction a press being unleashed in this manner on the populace. “All are equal before and must operate within the confines of the law and the norms of civil society.”

Press freedom record

Government said since its assumption to office in October 1992, it has recognised, embraced, cherished and actively promoted press freedom in all its forms and facets.

“Indeed, we regard press freedom as a fundamental freedom and right which is enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana. We view freedom of the press as the cornerstone of our democracy.

“In recognition of the fact that prior to our assumption to office, freedom of the press and indeed free expression as a whole was denied to the citizenry; we have worked tirelessly over the years to create an atmosphere which is conducive to an environment where freedom of thought, expression and freedom of the press can flourish.”

According to Government, its policy over the years is reflected in the fact that over 20 television stations have established operations and two privately-owned daily newspapers enjoying national circula-

tion have been added to two which were in existence.

Additionally, there are numerous Internet generated news agencies, disseminating news on an almost hourly basis.

Significantly, Government said the radio spectrum over which the State enjoyed a monopoly since Independence (1966) was liberated under this Government and currently there are 13 radio stations in operation, 11 of which are privately-owned and their operations are evenly spread right across the country.

“The Government does not in any form or fashion muzzle or interfere with any of the aforementioned press outfits. Journalists attached to these media entities have equal and ready access to all members of Government and indeed, to every public officer.

“This Government has never been accused of intimidating or has in any manner intimidated journalists or compromised their ability and capacity to report freely and fairly,” the statement added.

Government said too that it has signed on almost every major international agreement and convention which canvas, promote and protect individual rights and civil liberties.

“The Government will continue to take every measure to ensure that journalists and media operatives operate in a safe and free environment and one which is free from any form of fear or intimidation.

“This Government will not, in any form of fashion encourage or tolerate any act or omission which will expose journalists and media operators to any danger whatsoever.”

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

An evolving UN

The United Nations (UN) was formed as WWII drew to a close, and its declaration emphasised the concerns of the time: “We ,The Peoples Of the United Nations, determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war…to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human persons, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small… and for these ends to practice tolerance…to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security…”

The focus on preventing wars was understandable and while there has been any number of conflagrations since 1945, none were allowed to escalate into another “world war”. In a world populated by states that still hone to the maxim of “big fishes eating little fishes”, war avoidance or containment alone convinced UN sceptics that the institution was necessary.

For smaller states like Guyana, the UN provided the forum in which they can at least articulate their concerns. And through lobbying to the best of their abilities – and their vote in the General Assembly – even be in a position to influence events.

The Guyana-Venezuela Border controversy was an issue that was taken to this forum and is still being addressed through the Good Officer process of the UN Secretary General. The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDG’) that were established in 2000 to be achieved by 2015, focused the disbursal of aid to less fortunate counties, and were also a significant achievement of the UN system.

But there have been widespread and long-standing calls for the UN, which now has 193 members, to be “reformed”. Moves in this direction, such as shifts in the sanctity of the “sovereignty” of states, which in the beginning was defined as inviolable, followed. For instance, there is now an evolving “Right to Protect” (R2P) doctrine in which the UN can sanction interventions into states if there are domestic humanitarian imperatives such as genocide, etc. The Rwandan genocide in 1994 helped convince sceptical states that the status quo could not continue.

The UN’s necessary role in addressing emergencies that involve more than one state has recently been highlighted by the Ebola epidemic engulfing several West African states. But that intervention once again exposed one of the major weaknesses of the institution – bureaucratic layers that are removed from ground realities and which inhibit rapid responses. Another reason for the UN becoming somewhat out of step with present realities is that the ultimate decision-making apparatus – the Security Council – is still dominated by the victors of WWII – especially the US.

For a while between 1945 and 1989, smaller countries such as Guyana could manoeuvre within the system by playing off the two competing superpowers in the Security Council – the US and the USSR. But with the collapse of the latter in 1989, there were justified fears that living in a unipolar world would simply mean rubber-stamping decisions of the last superpower standing.

However, the financial crisis that hit the latter and its allies in 2008, and from which they have been unable to extricate themselves, has created hope that the UN itself will now be reformed to deal with the growing inequalities that had always characterised the world state-system. The inequalities had now percolated even within the developed countries and could not be avoided.

Another factor pushing fundamental structural changes in the UN are the rapid shifting in the relative economic strengths of the organisation’s members. As countries such as China and the rest of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) become more powerful, they will certainly challenge what they dubbed “American hegemony” of the UN and its institutions.

The UN Group of 77 in which the BRICS (as well as Guyana) are members have already proposed the contours of what a new economically driven UN would look like. Welcome to a brave, new UN.

New York City Marathon

Concerted action needed to address suicide

Dear Editor,

In terms of population, the number of suicides in Guyana is alarmingly high. This situation is most distressing and sad, and it represents a clarion call for ACTION. Now mere words are no longer enough.

There has to be concerted action at the national and local level to address and directly confront this rising scourge. Silence is not an option. But the silence of our pandits, priests, and national civic and religious leaders (including well-known pandits in the USA) is almost deafening.

To what avail are our many yagnas if we cannot save our youths from this utterly dark and eternally destructible path. On Diwali night, we lit so many lamps, but did we pause to reflect that so many homes are now in real darkness, because a very dear one has extinguished the lamp of his precious life by his own hand.

We cannot brush this aside as an issue not of our making or concern. In the words of our national poet Martin Carter, “all are involved, all are consumed.” Educators have a crucial role to play in stopping this rising tide of suicide.

While academic excellence is commendable, teachers have to inculcate in their students the equally important ‘life skills’ that will ensure that they can cope well with the pressures of growing up and be able to face the bitterly cold, selfish, harsh and cruel winds of the real world.

Gone are the days of the strict disciplinarian who was ever ready to use the cane with a certain sadistic glee and satisfaction. Teachers have to be facilitators for the growth and development of their students in all facets of their personality.

They should earn the trust of their students so that when these youngsters are going through intense emotional pain, they will not be afraid or feel ashamed to disclose their problems to them.

Young people can become so fixated on their immediate pain and suffering that their thinking can easily become distorted, and so it can become very difficult for them to see possible solutions to their problems or to connect with those who can offer support.

Teachers have a critical role here in that they can intervene at the appropriate time and provide the needed support, resources, counselling, etc that may prevent the student from taking this most dangerous course of action. It is so sad that the events or circumstances that trigger most suicides can be easily fixed with the appropriate help, guidance, therapy, etc.

But because suicide is so final, so permanent, it is the one definite area where human INACTION spells complete irreversible disaster. Our lives are interconnected and interwoven in the fabric of humanity and, therefore, the suffering, pain, and despair of others are very much our own.

It is the very epitome of selfishness to think that we can prosper and be wholesome while our fellow beings are in the grip of deep torment and hopelessness.

Many victims of suicide cried out for help in manifold ways; we never had the time to fathom the depth of their pain and sorrow; their anguished hearts revealed their plight to our very eyes, but we turned away, and in our own hardened hearts we give meaning to their belief that humanity is selfish and cruel, the world a dark prison of endless pain and suffering and that the sure remedy is the quick embrace of death.

Suicide is not just another form of human behaviour. It is an act that is devastating to all of us because it speaks of a profound rupture between an individual and the community, between an individual and us, even if we are thousands of miles from him, and we do not personally know him. In the words of the great writer GK Chesterton, “The man who kills a man kills a man. The man who kills himself kills all men, for as far as he is concerned, he wipes out the world.”

To commit suicide is to retreat from the battlefield of life before the battle drums have even sounded; to cease drinking from the cup of life while there are still many more drops to be tasted; to leave the book of life itself unfinished because the ominous decision has been made to write with an eraser.

In all existence, nothing is more valuable and precious than life itself. All the magnificent wonders of the world emanate from the interplay of the forces of life; the astounding achievements of mankind spring from life and serve life. Science, justice, education, government, morality have no meaning if they do not serve and support life.

The possibilities of life are endless because life is a gift from God Himself. And the human life, in particular, is doubly precious because it is the veritable gateway to ultimate peace and freedom [moksha or nirvana].

From the Vedantic perspective, it is a great transgression to commit suicide and abruptly end this unique opportunity to approach moksha through a righteous, selfless life.

Our ancient seers have warned us that suicide is not an escape from suffering but an entrance into an exponentially greater degree of pain and torment, it does not resolve karma but further complicates and intensifies it, and because it represents the wanton destruction of the human body, the individual is subjected to a countless series of lower births until he comes to that exact point in the evolutionary scale where he committed suicide and from where he still has to resolve the then existing karmic entanglements. Therefore, to commit suicide is to put one’s spiritual clock in reverse.

continued on page 5

Navin Chandarpal was a popular PPP/C figure

There is need for a spirit of patriotism, cooperation

Dear Editor,

The Guyanese community in New York who know Navin Chandarpal, friends in Trinidad where he visited frequently and interacted with the large Guyanese community, and myself are saddened by the news of the passing of this remarkable person.

Those of us who worked with him during the anti-dictatorial struggle will not forget his role and his contribution to the liberation of Guyana. He was a terrific guy with a broad smile never to hold spite against anyone.

He has made sterling contributions to various fields of endeavour in the nation, including serving as Minister. His contribution to the PPP cannot be measured. He served his country with dedication and honour.

For his hard work and commitment to party and nation, he deserves the highest honours and accolades. It is unfortunate that the country has not formally recognised him for his work.

I know this gentleman very well having interacted with him for well over 25 years in several countries. I met him several times in NY, Trinidad and Guyana; Navin was present at several fundraisers in Trinidad including in October 2011 and in NY.

It was only last July at an academic conference in Trinidad that friends enquired about his health. I had hoped to see him during my three trips to Guyana this year, but he was away receiving medical treatment and he was in no condition for visitors when I was there the weekend before Diwali.

Friends cannot believe that Navin is no more. Everywhere, they spoke fondly of and reminisced about him.

I met Navin, as friends fondly called him, for the first time during the late 1980s prior to which I read his articles and learnt about his activism as a freedom fighter in the then Opposition PPP/C.

We had lengthy exchanges at the height of the anti-dictatorial struggle during the late 1980s and through the early 1990s when he was made Presidential Adviser on Science to Dr Jagan.

He was very familiar with the activism of a handful of us (Mel Carpen, Chuck Mohan, Baytoram Ramharack, Ravi Dev, Vishnu Bisram, Arjune Karshan, etc) in America to restore democratic governance. He lauded our contributions to free and fair elections and he showered glowing praise for my reporting on the Guyanese diaspora and my numerous commentaries on varied issues.

Navin had a professional approach to everything, and I remember him fondly visiting his Freedom House office numerous times to acquire political literature during the 1980s through 1992.

And at times I would also meet my friend Moses Nagamootoo. What brilliant and articulate minds they were, the latter more intellectually gifted especially in writing and social analyses! The two were bosom friends who contributed significantly, like other stalwarts including Clem Rohee, Feroze Mohammed, Donald Ramotar, etc, to the growth of the PPP/C and restoration of democratic rule.

I assessed Navin as a battle-hardened freedom fighter, like some of my peers in New York, who gave much of his life to struggle against the dictatorship. And like his colleagues and those of us who were activists against the dictatorship, he suffered tremendously at the hands of thugs and goons put up by the dictatorship.

Navin, as he was popularly called in Trinidad, Guyana and in North America, was a very terrific guy. He always found time for an exchange and never shied away from a debate defending the PPP/C even when critiqued by commentators like myself.

I recall his smiling pleasant face at many events and locations I visited in Guyana during my numerous trips to the homeland over the last 25 years. He

I bounced up with him at various social events in Guyana and in Trinidad (at weddings, Jhandis, cocktail receptions, birthdays, anniversaries, fundraisers, funerals, book launches, etc).

was never one to be angry with people. He was a down-to-earth, grassroots individual. On a few occasions, he provided me with a lift to my hotel after social events late in the evenings.

Navin and I exchanged views about the anti-dictatorial struggle at a time when he was a Physics tutor at UG. He was very articulate in political affairs and we also exchanged discussions on scientific matters when he was adviser on science for Cheddi – my undergraduate college training being that of a biochemist.

His impact on the promotion of science in the country is immeasurable serving all the democratic Presidents of Guyana – Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Sam Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo, and now Donald Ramotar. He made many contributions to the country’s development in the field of science and in agriculture.

Navin was a very popular figure in Guyana among PPP/C supporters. I was amazed at the respect and admiration the business community, professionals as well as the grassroots had for him when I conducted surveys in Guyana, especially in 2011 when the party was choosing a presidential candidate.

Several professionals told me he would have made an excellent President though he showed no interest in that office and he avoided the subject when I broached it with him in 2010 and again in early 2011.

Navin’s passing leaves a void in the PPP/C that will not be easily filled, for few commands the kind of respect people (including from the AFC Moses and Khemraj Ramjattan) have had for him.

Navin’s life, as foes and friends would attest, remains an outstanding testimony to professionalism and selfless service to community and country. My sympathies go out to his widow Indra and two children and all those who mourn him.

May he rest in peace!

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Concerted action needed...

An individual does not [with rare exceptions] suddenly commit suicide by the stress of a single or even a series of traumatic external events. The suicidal thought had long been secretly fostered and nourished in the inner recesses of the heart, and dwelled upon more than a few times, just waiting for the hour of opportunity to reveal its gathered strength and momentum.

Events and circumstances can be extremely traumatic and painful, but the way we perceive them can make a substantial difference in terms of their impact upon us. The person who has committed suicide has in the armoury of his own thoughts forged the weapon which he placed in his own hands and then used against himself with unerring precision.

Thoughts emanate from the mind and Shri Krishna in Bhagavad Gita beautifully sang thus, “For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for him who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy.”[6:6]. We may be very far from conquering the mind, but we must never, never allow events and circumstance to sink us into the dark pit of despair and helplessness that we see no clear way out but through the

infinitely darker pit of suicide.

My friends, please ponder on the fact that there are thousands upon thousands of individuals in this world who were born deaf, dumb, or blind or who are severely handicapped, and yet they see the joy and beauty in living.

Few lives have been richer, more joyful, peaceful and serene, or endowed with greater wisdom and insight than that of Helen Keller, yet she was both blind and deaf. Life is beautiful like a full blown lotus, but it is also full of thorns, disappointments, dashed hopes and shattered dreams, injustice and cruelty.

It seems that the longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us; let your mind quickly pass through them like a galloping horse. No one is exempted from suffering and pain; it is courageous to bear them with manly dignity rather than choose the cowardly route of suicide.

Never underestimate the power of the human will to rise above and conquer circumstances, pain and suffering, because our own will is the offspring of the deathless Atma [Soul] and, therefore, it can carve a path out of any dreadful situation though walls of granite may stand in the way.

But if dark and dangerous

thoughts still cross your mind, be mindful of the words of the Sufi poet Jelaluddin Rumi, who wrote, “When you feel you cannot ever bear one more minute/ NEVER GIVE UP! /Because it is the time and place that the course will divert.”

And when all seem hopeless and lost and there is overwhelming darkness all around, there is still the infallible and unfailing power of prayer, the miracle of miracles.

But we must pray in such a manner as is so beautifully expressed by the great spiritual master and poet, Rabindranath Tagore, who wrote, “Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless in facing them/Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain but for the heart to conquer it.” Life has meaning and purpose. Every life is sacred and infinite in beauty and majesty.

Each one of us has a role to enact in this cosmic drama of life and death. Play your part well; no one has been better gifted to do it than yourself. Never quit the act before the allocated time.

We are not helpless, limited beings floating around the universe. We are greater than all the powers of the universe, because we are life itself. Therefore, accentuate life, negate suicide.

Dear Editor,

It must now be absolutely clear that as long as the various essential forces in Guyana carry on their relentless attacks on one another, our country will make no further progress, and in effect will only go backwards in all aspects of our existence.

This is further compounded as each of these “antagonists” try to nullify the efforts of another in whatever area they operate.

With the Government and Opposition being about even in the support they command, then a simple application of arithmetic will show why we are making zero progress.

It is most unfortunate that legislators who occupy the nonGovernment benches in our Parliament have been deemed the “Opposition”, making them naturally believe that all they are obligated to do is to oppose the Government.

What is most devastating is that recently personality clashes have entered this arena, and this must certainly have a destructive effect on their individual endeavours in performing their respective functions.

The resources they expend to defend themselves and counter-attack, as well as the traumatic experiences they have to bear, must be having serious consequences by lessening the energies and other resources that they have available to serve in their respective areas.

In my letter last week, I sought to make it clear that we all have an obligation to cooperate to build our country, as well as acquire the means we need to utilise to effect this.

While we need to be vigilant and ensure that others do their duty, we have to remind ourselves that we must always be constructive, and make positive efforts in a cooperative spirit to address the problems that crop up. None of us is the holder of the whole truth, none of us is all bad or all good, and any drive towards improvement will not succeed unless it includes this spirit of togetherness.

On a personal level, every problem that arises is a challenge for each of us to surmount our differences and break down the barriers between us and work together to solve it. Whenever we use these instances as a means of bringing down one another, we are not fulfilling our sacred obligations. Also, whenever we fail in this effort to arrive at a result acceptable to all, we must refrain from casting stones at one another and view it as a personal and collective failure, and be prepared to examine ourselves and use the resources at our disposal to work towards a solution.

It is clear that most of those involved in the various aspects of our existence are failing in these as we grow further and further apart and become more and more antagonistic and fragmented.

I, therefore, call for a renewed examination of our individual actions and a revival of the spirit of patriotism and cooperation, which I see as the only path to our survival as a stable and progressive nation.

Sincerely

Sincerely, Cecil Ramkirath

Roy Paul

Parenting For Success

Moving beyond delinquent behaviour

- ChildLinK’s vision is a Guyanese society where every child enjoys the right to a childhood in a safe and caring family, free from poverty, violence, and exploitation

Let me be a child

Let me know when I make you proud. And Help me to have pride in my own accomplishments. Let me earn your trust. Then trust me. I won’t let you down. Let me try my wings. If I fail, let me know it’s OK. And encourage me to try again. Let me know you love me. With a hug. Or a pat on the back, or when I need it, with a firm but gentle “no.” Let me be. Let me change Let me grow. Let me tell you when I’m feeling bad... or

Successful intervention

Case Study – Names have been changed to protect persons’ privacy.

Shawn, now 17, lived most of his younger years with his father and mother and siblings; however, his father was physically and verbally abusive towards his mother especially whenever he consumed alcohol and this caused a split in the marriage.

Shawn and his family made a drastic change in their lifestyle when they moved to live with his stepfather. Shawn worked in the shop and helped his stepfather and stepsiblings around the home. Things fell apart when Shawn stole

angry… Even at you. And let me know that even on my worst days, you still like me. Let me dream. Share my joy when my dreams come true.

Share my tears when they don’t. Let me feel secure in my home. Help me realise that love is always there … that I can depend on you no matter what. Let me run … let me laugh … let me play. And most of all, let me be a child! —Anonymous

his sister’s wedding ring and was asked to leave the home. He was able to find lodging at a family friend in the neighbourhood and, subsequently, he decided to leave high school. This situation pushed Shawn even further into the streets where he often found odd jobs around the city.

Resentment

Shawn was picked up by the authorities while picking up bottles on the road and his case was referred to ChildLinK for support. Meeting Shawn for the first time he seemed like a typical teenager who was just going through the normal phases of being a teenager. However, the counsel-

lor, during an assessment session with Shawn, realised that he held resentment against his stepfather for not giving him part of the business he worked in and helped build. He feels entitled to an inheritance from his stepfather. He believed this was the only way of making things right and he used smoking as a way to escape his anger and frustration. Most of his anger was directed towards his father who he believes favours his other siblings over him and for being abusive towards his mother.

Shawn’s mother gave him a chance to move in with his grandmother, but he was asked to leave a few weeks later after stealing his uncle’s wife’s phone. Shawn, when questioned, stated that he was “studying his belly” when he carried out the act. This may have been a case of old habits dying hard, since at his grandmother’s home, food was readily available to Shawn. The phone was recovered, but Shawn was asked to leave the home. He now lives with another community member.

Shawn’s relationship with his mother is one of love and affection on her part, where she wishes to reintegrate him with his family if he stops smoking and stealing; however, he states that he dislikes restrictions. He feels secure in knowing that

his mother loves him and wants only the best for him in life. And because of this, he wants to make a change in his life. However, he believes that he needs to be in a new environment away from his current friends who smoke and gamble in order to improve himself.

The counsellor realised that Shawn was seeking a way to be independent and improve his current situation and he started to build a relationship of trust with the counsellor. The environment was created for Shawn to open up and freely express his feelings and thoughts. It did not take very long before Shawn expressed his hurt concerning his father and stepfather which led to him seeking acceptance within the wrong company. Beyond Shawn’s good intentions to stop smoking, gambling and stealing, he really didn’t know what to do other than just leaving his current environment. However, a means of maintaining himself financially would be a problem since he is an early highschool leaver. An agreement was made between Shawn and the counsellor to get him enrolled in a skills or trade programme. The counsellor engaged the trade training programme and efforts are being made to enrol Shawn in the program for welding which he indicated he was interested in pur-

suing. He is still a work in progress, but with his present attitude and determination for change, he will be able to lead a productive life. Please contact us on telephone number 231-7174 or programmes.childlink@net-

worksgy.com for any support you may need on parenting and any other challenges that you may be experiencing with your children. Or call the Child Care and Protection Agency on 2274082.

When a loved one has ebola, how can you reach out without touching?

In the West Point slum of Monrovia, Liberia, at a holding centre for those suspected of but not yet confirmed as having Ebola, photojournalist John Moore witnessed a man stagger, fall and hit his head on the floor. The man’s wife was with him, but because of the highly contagious nature of the Ebola virus she could not reach down to embrace him, even touch him, without risking infection herself. She was left helpless, unable to do anything but

stand over him. “It was especially hard on the eyes to see,” Moore says.

Similar scenes play out with cruel regularity in West Africa as family members caring for loved ones suffering from Ebola weigh self-preservation against the basic human desire to touch and hold a loved one in mutual comfort and compassion. The Ebola virus is spread through contact with the blood, sweat, and other bodily fluids of those already ill from the disease. That makes the direct, hands-on contact we equate with tender loving care highly risky. In addition, because touching the body of someone who has died of Ebola can also transmit the disease, various traditional Liberian burial customs (which include washing and laying hands on the body) have had to be curtailed, which has led to further emotional anguish.

With the stringent dangers of touch posed by Ebola, “we’re asking people to overturn all of their instincts because of the risk.”

Yet even without touch there are ways family members can express those feelings, including just being there. “Even when they are at their lowest point, fighting for survival, patients can still sense the presence of loved ones,” says Dr Isidore L Berenbaum, a psychiatrist at Boston Medical Centre and assistant professor of psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine. “The patient is well aware of that glance, that look, that voice,” he says, “The patient feels safe, and that is the key thing.” And when they recover, they will remember that.

(Excerpt from National Public Radio)

Electroconvulsive therapy being mulled

… to help fight depression, suicide

BY JOMO PAUL

The Health Ministry is looking at reintroducing Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) as a way of treating depression.

ECT is a procedure in which electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental illnesses. It often works when other treatments are unsuccessful.

This form of treatment was available in Guyana

trical signal to be applied to the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain that is connected to mood.

Lead researcher, Dr Sujay Patel in a recent interview with Guyana Times explained that in a nutshell the process is simply a reboot of the body’s nervous systems and is used as a last resort.

He explained that ECT is one of the fastest ways to relieve symptoms in severely depressed or suicidal patients, noting that it is also very effective for patients who suffer from several other forms of mental illnesses. However, Dr Patel contended that ECT

their risk of committing suicide or attempting the act. In attempts to eradicate the emotional pain associated with depression, some turn to alcohol, drugs, and other harmful behaviours that endanger them even further, Psychologists say.

In September, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that Guyana had the highest estimated suicide rate for 2012, even as it disclosed that around 800,000 people die each year as a result of the scourge.

Suicide has been a major issue here for a number of years with Government

some time back but the programme was abandoned by the Government after some human rights concerns were raised.

Much of the stigma that was attached to ECT is based on early treatments in which high doses of electricity were administered without anesthesia, leading to memory loss, fractured bones and other seriously detrimental side effects incurred by the patient.

However, with all the advancements in medicine, ECT is much safer today and is given to people while they are under general anesthesia.

Although ECT still causes some side effects, it now uses electrical currents given in a controlled dosage to achieve the desired purpose while significantly minimising the risks attached.

When medication fails to ease the symptoms of clinical depression, there are other options to try. Brain stimulation techniques such as ECT, for example, can be used to treat major depression that has not responded to standard treatments. According to online medical journals, the least invasive of these techniques is called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), in which a magnetic field is created by a device held to the forehead, causing a weak elec-

is generally used when severe depression is unresponsive to other forms of therapy.

Already the team has managed to acquire an ECT machine and once the results of the research are conclusive, they would be able to donate it to the Health Ministry.

Prior treatment

Prior to ECT treatment, a patient is given a muscle relaxant and is put to sleep with a general anesthesia. Electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp and a finely controlled electric current is applied. This current causes a brief seizure in the brain. The team’s Anesthesiologist explained that because the muscles are relaxed, the visible effects of the seizure will usually be limited to slight movement of the hands and feet. The doctor further noted that all patients are carefully monitored during the treatment and usually regain consciousness minutes later. It was noted that patients do not generally remember the treatment or events surrounding it, and are most times confused but this is sporadic and only lasts for a short period of time before all cognitive senses are fully restored.

Depression poses many dangers, burdening people with a sense of hopelessness and which in turn heightens

Gunmen blitz St Philip's Anglican Church goers

Three armed men on BMX bicycles carried out a brazen early morning robbery on a group of Parishioners on Sunday during their Mass at Smyth Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown.

The incident reportedly took place about 07:30h. According to reports received, one of the men armed with a hand gun held up the congregation and ordered them to hand over their monies and personal belongings.

The members reportedly obeyed and handed over their personal belongings including cash, mobile phones and jewellery, among other items.

The other two were in the yard robbing members as they enter. Guyana Times understands that a taxi driver was relieved of

struggling to deal with the issue. Suicide occurs all over the world and can take place at almost any age. Globally, rates of suicide are highest in people aged 70 years and over. In some individual countries, however, the highest rates are found among the young. Notably, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among 15 to 29 year olds globally.

In general, more men die by suicide than women. In countries of the Americas, rates range two to six times higher for men than for women.

Pesticide poisoning is one of the most common methods of suicide, especially in lowand middle-income countries, and accounts for one-third of cases globally.

The relatively high proportion of suicides by firearms in high-income countries is primarily driven by high-income countries in the Americas, where firearms account for 46 per cent of all suicides; in high-income countries outside the Americas, firearms account for only 4.5 per cent of suicides. Evidence shows that limiting access to the means of suicide can help prevent such deaths, as can a commitment by national Governments to the establishment and implementation of coordinated plans of action.

his mobile phones when he attempted to warn a woman not to exit his car after he realised what was happening.

The men then made good their escape through a small adjoining street from the church yard into High Street. From all indications, the perpetrators were all youths. When Guyana Times visited the church on Sunday morning, the church members were still in shock and disbelief about the entire incident.

One man who sells at the entrance to the church explained that as he went out with his selling trays, he saw the three boys on their bicycles patrolling the area which was highly unusual.

He went on to say that the church mass would start at 07:00h and mem-

bers were already making their way to the place of worship.

Soon after he stated that the boys rode in the yard and disappeared.

It was after they would have committed the act, he was made ware. He said too that he can recognise them.

“I didn’t know who would go into a church and rob the members,” the man stated.

Priest of the church, Father Oswald Barnes told media operative that he was preparing the items for communion when he heard a commotion in the church and sent one of the members to enquire.

After a few seconds, the member returned and informed him that a robbery was in progress. Out of fear, he locked himself in the vestry and remained there until the ordeal was over.

This did not stop the Mass from going on but the Priest took time to address the crime situation in Guyana during his sermon. He reiterated that criminals have stooped to the lowest and it was unbelievable that they would now turn to places of worship to commit their heinous crime.

The Police have since been called in and they have launched an investigation into the robbery.

East Bank Berbice groups protest against contractor

Residents and hire car drivers in the East Bank Berbice community have commenced protest actions against the impending award of a contract for the resurfacing of the East Bank Road to a contractor.

Sources close to the Public Works Ministry say Cabinet is expected to award the contract on Tuesday. The contract would see the road from Marks Bridge to Light Town being resurfaced. The contractor will be expected to scarify, place crusher-run, clean drains and road shoulders and then pave the road with a two-inch thick sand-stone asphalt surface.

In the past, Government has been issuing maintenance contract for remedial works to be carried out on the road, which has been in a deplorable state for more than a decade. The road, which runs parallel to the Berbice River, has been an eyesore and a heated topic of discussion between residents and public officials as residents are of the opinion that they are being neglected, a view shared by Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) Chairman David Armogan.

Most of the maintenance contracts which totalled $60 million were carried out by H Nauth and Sons Civil Engineering Contractors and was heavily criticised by residents and regional officials.

“Government has been wasting money giving Nauth to do the road,” the Regional Chairman once said.

In September, the Public Works Ministry published an advertisement in the local print media, stating that eight firms had tendered for the contract which is expected

to be awarded on Tuesday.

They are BK International ($674.8 million), China Railroad ($505.6 million), Dalip Enterprise ($405.6 million), H Nauth and Sons Civil Engineering Contractors ($394 million), KP Jagdeo ($531 million), E&S General Construction ($428 million), Colin Contracting Service ($466.8 million) and Associated Construction Service ($386 million).

Based on information received, the East Bank Berbice Hire Car Association (EBBHA) and the East Bank Berbice Road Users Association (EBBRUA) have expressed concerns over the awarding of the contract, which is expected to take place on Tuesday.

EBBRUA President Samuel Mona says H Nauth & Sons Civil Engineering Contractors should not be given the contract as the company appears to be operating like its name.

“Nauth has been wasting Government’s money,” he said in an invited comment.

Mona also made mention of the most recent contract which was awarded

to Associated Construction Service, stating that it was the first time that remedial work lasted for any considerable period of time. He noted that since work was done to the road between Glasgow and Everton, the only problem encountered is ‘speeding cars’.

Concerns raised

In July when Engineers from EXP Engineering Consulting Firm of Canada, the Caribbean Engineering and Management Consultants (CEMCO) and the Works Services Group (WSG) of the Public Works Ministry met with residents to look at a design for the new road which the International Development Bank (IDB) will be funding, residents did express their concerns about one contractor.

“We are not going to ‘rock back’ and accept any more slipshod works on the road.” One resident, Linden Joseph said while challenging CEMCO, EXP and WSG officials to a site visit.

“You people should come and have a look at some of the work that they (road building firms) do, and call it ‘road repairs’… utterly disgusting and no

respect for taxpayers.”

Another resident told the forum that “The contractor is name and nature…. The Government should adopt a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach against him, because he is on ‘nought’ (nothing).”

In January of this year, Armogan told reporters that the local administration will be moving to blacklist a contractor who had done work on the East Bank Berbice Road in the past.

Meanwhile, on June 27, the Public Works Ministry published on its website a story about the East Bank Berbice Main Access Road.

“Stakeholders including East Bank Berbice residents, vehicle operators, the East Bank Berbice Hire Car Association and persons who have businesses along the East Bank of Berbice expressed concern over the possibility of the interim contract being awarded to H Nauth and Sons Civil Engineering Contractors.

“They asked for the company to be disqualified as a bidder. H Nauth and Sons Civil Engineering Contractors had been awarded a contract to maintain the road as measures had been put in place to make the road useable, as efforts had been made to construct a new East Bank Berbice Road.

“The construction company had issued a statement to the Public Works Ministry earlier this year that it was a waste of money to continue repairing and trying to maintain the road, because it was beyond repair and accepting another such contract would not do well for the image of the company.”

It was after this that Associated Construction Service was given the contract to repair the road.

Wife of Policeman found dead in bed

The wife of a Police Constable was found dead on her bed Sunday morning at Princetown, Corriverton, Berbice.

The dead woman has been identified as Shirlochnie Charlie, 34, of Pricetown. Based on information received, the woman partied all day on Saturday and was last

seen consuming Guinness and Absolute Vodka on Saturday evening. The Police Constable, who is attached to the Whim Police Station, told investigators that he and his wife left a party on Saturday evening and went home.

While at home, he admitted that they became intimate after which they

both fell asleep. He said he woke up in the wee hours of Sunday morning to use the washroom and called out his wife, but she did not respond.

Constable Charlie reportedly touched the woman and it was then he realised that she was partially stiff. He raised an alarm and summoned the Police and upon inspection,

there were no mark of violence about her body.

As such, foul play was ruled out. It is suspected that due to her alcohol consumption level, it might have triggered a cardiac arrest. She was taken to the Skeldon Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Her body is at the mortuary and is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Eyew tness

The

case of...

...Missing Mace?

The Parliament’s being reduced to a "Theatre of the Absurd" by an Opposition hell-bent on grabbing power. The term originated back in the post-war 1950s to describe some plays in which logic and common sense were replaced by irrational outpourings that end finally in silence.

Faced with ignorance and empty posturings, what can you say?? The plays were supposed to be commentaries on the meaninglessness of life. Here we have the meaninglessness of Parliament!!

Right now, we're in the middle of a battle between the Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly over the Parliamentary Mace!! The Speaker wakes up one morning and suddenly announces to the press that the Mace has been stolen!! Now the Mace isn't just some ordinary bulbous object you used to bop people over the head with, back in the Dark Ages.

In Parliament, it represents the authority of the State... represented in England by the Queen and here by the President.

Being a former MP, Speaker Trotman would know the importance of the Mace and be alarmed at its disappearance. But being a lawyer also, one would suspect he'd have SOME inkling that in a case of suspected larceny or any other crime, he should call in the Police first, no?? By rushing to the media, wouldn't the thieves be alerted that the purloined Mace has to be either melted down or spirited away?? Getting rid of the evidence and all that??

But then we find out that the Mace and all the other property of Parliament are actually the responsibility of the Clerk – even though it is stored in the Speaker's office. Turns out that when the Clerk learnt about the Speaker's raising of the alarm, he revealed that he'd sent the Mace out for cleaning!!! The Speaker hadn't even asked him about the Mace, even though they both have their offices in the Public Buildings!!

The Clerk dubbed the hue and cry raised by the Speaker to the media "nonsense". We call it an instance of the Theatre of the Absurd. So what's really going on?? Well, one of the Opposition apologists (now looking for "wuk" as the "Cultural Adviser to the AFC) has a "conspiracy theory". The Government had conspired with the Clerk to "disappear" the Mace!! More Theatre of the Absurd!!

The question is why didn't the Speaker just cross the hall and enquire of the Clerk the whereabouts of the Mace?? If we were going along with the Theatre of the Absurd theme, we'd say he's been distracted by the Sword of Welshman hanging over his head.

But we'll just retire into silence!!

...the

$30 million bribe claim

The Muckraker's Mook Lall's throwing up all kinds of smokescreens and red herrings over the taped conversation he and his reporter entrapped the AG into. They've taken what's a regular caution – "even a cornered rat will attack" – and used it as a directed death threat for which the AG must resign!! But while they can run – they can't hide forever. We wonder if they'll see this observation as a "death threat" also!!

But what makes the pappy-show even more grotesque is that Lall's being represented by AFC's leader-by-default (Trotman resigned and Holder passed away) Ramjattan!! This is the same fella who claimed he had evidence the PPP/C had "bribed three Opposition APNU MPs" to not vote for his no-confidence vote. But can't produce squat up to now!

Isn't Lall concerned at this desecration of the reputations of at least APNU's MPs, if he doesn't give a hoot for the PPP/C’s??

Why the silence?? Don't Granger and his troops also bleed??

...the obscene obsession

Moses Nagamootoo has an anal fixation. He'd accused the PPP/C of having “political diarrhoea”. Now he's carrying on about the AG being "caught with his pants down". What a dirty old man!!!

Public servants complete training in monitoring, evaluation

The 13th batch of public servants on Friday concluded training in the area of monitoring and evaluation, bringing the number to more than 600 persons who are more capable of effectively managing state resources.

World-renowned authority on monitoring and evaluation, Dr Ray Rist has been the facilitator for the workshop over the past few months, which targeted all Government agencies responsible for managing state funds. At the closing ceremony of this last exercise, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh reminded the participants of the importance of being able to effectively manage resources

evaluating capacity.

”I want you to understand that this training is not the end of the M and E crusade, it’s part of a long, ongoing effort to build a framework to manage for effectiveness and to hold agencies and persons more accountable.”

Also addressing the participants was Minister within the Finance Ministry Juan Edghill, who spoke on the importance of such training for Guyana at large.

“You are part of a noble group of Guyanese professionals in excess of 600 adding to your tool kit this new and effective tool of monitoring and evaluation.”

Minister Edghill point-

eficial.

“Only recently, you would have heard the term that we are putting money into black holes. When we decide to invest, to fund it, it must be because the case is made and we must be able to have the data and empirical evidence.”

Further, the Minister noted that such training provides the opportunity for persons to learn from each other’s experiences as they build on expertise and knowledge.

It also generates reports that contribute to transparency and accountability as it allows for lessons to be shared more easily and reveals mistakes and offers path for learning and im-

with the aim of achieving maximum output.

“You do that in your everyday life, you are deploying a mix of assets every day to achieve the best possible outcome, each decision will affect the longterm output of your schools, or whatever setting you are in.”

Given the fact that public servants are confronted with decision-making on a daily basis, the Minister told the participants that they are part of a wider crusade in building the country, and monitoring and

ed out that the training provides the only consolidated source of information that clearly shows project progress.

“I would have said this several times at functions like this, learning is by repetition, there is no other way for us to be able to have empirical evidence. It takes away from us the uncertainty, and gives us hardcore empirical facts.”

Minister Edghill also informed the participants that the Government will not ‘fund failure’ in terms of projects that are not ben-

provements.

According to Minister Edghill, participants should also use the training as a means of building network among agencies as they all seek to incorporate their new found knowledge into their policies and dayto-day practices.

Minister Edghill also underscored the importance of being able to establish crucial links between implementers and beneficiaries, as well as decision makers as it adds to the retention and development of institutional memory.

Simply the Truth

Terror in Canada

Iwas forced to return to Canada in April. For months on end, I felt that I was wasting away, but still felt good about writing this column. For several months, I looked at my family members looking at TV. They would be very upset that I had the TV on the classical music channel. Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner, and so on were to them almost insulting and foolish.

Or I would be watching CNN or some international news channel. It was as if it was all so much rubbish! Watching the Toronto Blue Jays (a baseball team) was much more important.

At one point, I was cussed down for watching “that American nonsense on CNN! Why do you look at that American garbage! You live in Canada!!” This is what it is like, being a relatively new “Canadian”.

There was “deep” discussion about some chap named Rob Ford, seemingly caught on video smoking crack, uttering nasty things about women, and being generally obnoxious. It seemed to me to be criminal behaviour, but my family raged in support of this fellow.

I have enough respect for law and order to refuse to support in any way that which I think or know to be criminal behaviour, especially not from a community leader.

But the worst crime I could commit was to speak of Guyana! The anger is raw from members of my family. The sheer rage against my care and love for this country always surprises me.

It was as if Mother Guyana expunged them as still-born Canadians. For all my psychology and such, I could not fathom this rage against Guyana and this anger at my mere mention of what is my country.

I speak of the development that has taken place and the work that is left to be done. Rage! I speak of the great law enforcement officers that I was honoured to meet and engage. More rage! I speak of the land and the kids and/ or cricket. More rage!

It is true that there were times when I was provocative, saying truths like this: Baseball is a combination of cricket and rounders, and the first written

mention of cricket was in the early 1700s, long before the sport of baseball was spawned.

I also say that baseball is an important sport only because it is an American sport. Canada has one baseball team. More importantly, baseball is great because of this fabulous American ability to weave mythologies. Great civilisations do that, and America is great.

There is more writing on baseball than there is on any other sport. Great stuff, greater than the game itself. But I get provocative and say things like: “What is ‘amazing’ about that catch? The man has a big glove, bigger than a wicket-keeper’s glove! Cricketers do better with their bare hands!” People get very vexed indeed.

I was bold enough to warn that all this terrorism stuff that plagues this planet is just around the corner of these baseball-watching folk, these people that get their ideas from people in pubs in Toronto.

It seemed that for me to claim Guyana was almost a criminal act. And it seemed that when I warn against this new-immigrant complacency about Canada, it was another crime. There are very few Canadians that I have met who understand what it is to be Canadian. None of them live in Ontario! No one has done the work.

And I have met very few Guyanese who can tell you what it means to be Guyanese or West Indian. To analyse ourselves

as a society and as individuals within that society takes a lot of work! A lifetime of work. People make sentimental statements on Facebook and such things that have no meaning. It is an embarrassing display of vacuity.

And after all the talk and the insults, we have a Canadian soldier murdered by what is called a “recent convert”. Then we have the Canadian Parliament itself invaded by a gunman, endangering imminently the lives of Federal Canadian political leaders! Yet another “recent convert” we are told.

This is all very dangerous stuff, and the horror gets ever closer. The beheadings, the kidnappings, the rapes, the rapes in the name of marriage! And we refuse to take a stand in the name of political correctness. The crimes will continue because we refuse to stand up and speak what is the Truth.

We want to turn away and pretend it all never happened. Watching baseball or cricket or so is an act of turning away! Not thinking and not acting and not speaking out against evil only serves to embolden evil.

I have said this very clearly before and will say it again. No religion brings goodness into the heart of a human being! None! It is the good human being that brings goodness into religions.

When I came back home to Guyana in October of this year, I met some really good people, including the great Imam Moses of New Amsterdam Mosque. He brings goodness to Islam, as Pastor Geer and Father Edwin bring to Christianity, as Pundit Dinish brings to Hinduism.

Brother Moses hugged me, and I felt blessed. He pointed to the grave in the compound of the mosque and reminded me of my roots. The grave of my great grandfather.

My roots are there indeed, but they are also in the Khali Ma temple at Albion foreshore, also in the Anglican Church in Port Mourant, and also in Batu Caves in Malaysia, and also in the Taoist and Buddhist Temples of Asia and Southeast Asia.

Electricity contractors benefit from training to minimise theft

Persons operating in the electrification sector received training to raise awareness on the role of the sector to aid in better electricity services for Guyanese.

The Public Works Ministry, the Hinterland Electrification Unit, Office of the Prime Minister, Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Guyana Fire Service and the Works Services Group attached to the Public Works Ministry collaborated to participate and host the seminar at the Transport and Harbours Sports Club on Friday.

Addressing participants, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn asserted that it is “time to review where we are with respect to improving, maintaining and modifying electrical standards”.

He stated that since accepting the electrification laws in 2008, there has been ample time for everyone in the industry to be well aware of what is required to promote better and safer standards with respect to electrical installation.

Electrical workers and companies were then urged by the Minister to do proper electrical installation. In addressing the issue of il-

legal connections, Minister Benn said persons question whether persons who disconnect electricity are actually GPL officials among other issues. Electrical practitioners were then advised to work with integrity in all aspects of the electricity supply industry.

The need for skilled and certified workers in the sector was emphasised by Minister Benn. “We have to work to develop an apprenticeship system; so that we can ensure we have knowledgeable workers, so that the field can be developed,” Minister Benn suggested.

Deficit

He stated that Guyana has a deficit in disciplined, knowledgeable, assertive and willing workers in the technical area.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in comparing Singapore to Guyana, said in1960, the two countries were on par with Gross Domestic Product income per person, per year.

However, the Prime Minister said in more recent years, Singapore has surpassed Guyana, implying the lack of skilled certified workers for Guyana.

But, on the brighter side, Guyana has improved in Gross Domestic Production per person annually from US$ 300 to US$ 3750 and the Prime Minister said there is much need for im-

provement in this figure. “We have the opportunity to improve our practices here in Guyana. People need to focus on improving their work,” he said.

Minister Benn said “when we see the number of applications coming in for new certificates to certify buildings, it is indeed a measure of the amount of growth we have had every month in terms of new buildings. We can use it as a marker for growth that is happening all over the country when people make new homes, business places etc”. Minister Benn firmly believes that the availability of cheap energy will aid in curbing the issue of electricity theft and illegal connections by persons.

He then cited the recent

distribution of thousands of solar panels to the hinterland communities.

“We will continue to be poor and continue to steal if we do not reduce the cost of power in Guyana,” Minister Benn said while calling for the realisation of hydropower in Guyana.

Prime Minister Hinds joined Minister Benn in calling for hydro-power, stating that with the realisation of Amaila Falls Hydro Project, over a 20/25year period the expected cost to produce one kilowatt hour of electricity would be 12 cents.

Thereafter, production cost per kWh is expected to be seven cents and after the capital cost would have been paid off, production cost is anticipated to become three cents per kWh.

Banks DIH donates cash to National Library

Banks DIH Limited has made a monetary donation to the National Library for the “Gillian Thompson Reading Challenge” held in honour of the late Chief Librarian who died in a motor vehicle accident last year.

The Reading Challenge has been organised to promote reading among young adults and adults, an initiative started by Thompson.

The cheque was presented by DIIH Limited Communications Manager Troy Peters to acting Chief Librarian Emily King during a simple ceremony at the National Library on Church Street.

King said the late Thompson whose 48th birth anniversary would have been celebrated this week had a keen interest in promoting reading among young adults.

“She had a very keen interest and that is something

most needed in our society today. It is with the efforts of the staff of the National Library and me, that we will continue to work hard to see that, that dream is realised and increase the literacy level among young people and our entire population,” the acting Chief Librarian said.

King expressed grati-

tude to Banks DIH and stated that the company has always been supportive of the work of the National Library.

Peters, who also made a financial contribution, said the programme was timely and he encouraged young people to capitalise on programmes being offered by the National Library to fos-

ter the growth of literacy in Guyana.

The challenge was held during September and October and was opened to two categories of readersyoung adults (14 to 18 years old) and adults (persons above 19 years). The presentation of prizes will be made shortly following the announcement of the winners.

Paper man got more speed than de Pullice

De paper man run to de Pullice de other day wid one speed. Now he running from de Pullice wid more speed than whah he run to de Pullice, just like how he had a lotta speed to run to de embassy years ago.

De paper man movin wid so mucha speed that not even de Pullice radar can pick he up. Well, we know de paper man vehicle – both of dem – get tek way de other day and he speedin every day to get a lil peep. So is not even vehicle speed whah this is all bout. This just got to do wid pure animal speed.

De paper man speed faster than dem Pullice dog and Pullice horse, and even faster than dem new Pullice pick-up. De paper man speedin so much that de wind mek water fall down from he eyes and run down he face.

Old people seh speed does thrill and then speed does kill. But in this case, de paper man speed does mek he spill. That is why de paper man spillin all dem sounds files now from dem phones whah he tap.

James Blond had wish he was James Bond when de paper man had start to spill out some of dem. And some body seh that is whah mek James Blond move wid a different kinda speed to he Facebook page.

Now de paper man movin wid a lotta speed to tell people he want free speech, but when he getta chance wid free speech, he back down wid a lotta speed. That is, why when de reporter call de paper man, he cuss out wid one speed and hang up de phone wid more speed.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Talking bout speed, some body speed up de man kisser head, so he wanna know how come de Guvament never ask he to stop writin dem sh*t whah he does write in de sh*t paper. But de man kisser so stupiddy he ain’t realise that people just don’t give a sh*t bout he or whah he write.

Bandit shot during shootout with Police

Abandit was shot twice during a shootout with Police at Plaisance Market, East Coast Demerara as he allegedly attempted to commit a robbery Sunday morning.

Quacy McPherson, 32, of Plaisance Squatting Area was shot once to the head and once to the left foot by Police ranks who were patrolling the market at the time.

He is presently under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital. According to the information received, about 11:35h, McPherson attacked vendor Hardai Rodrigues, 51, of Martyrs’ Ville, Mon Repos, ECD, demanding that she hands over the money she accumulated from the morning sales.

He reportedly held onto the woman’s bag while pointing a gun at her.

Rodrigues put up a fight during which she was struck to her head by the bandit. Luckily, while this was unfolding, a Police Patrol Unit was passing at the time and

responded. In retaliating, McPherson discharged several rounds at the Policemen who returned fire, hitting him twice. An unlicensed .38 revolver with three rounds and a spent shell were recovered by Police.

As the gunshots rang out, persons in proximity ran to safety. <<Guyana Times>> understands that Rodrigues operates a small grocery stall in the market and has been doing so for a number of years. After the incident, the woman told reporters that she is thankful for life and that it could have been worst. She stated that while she was aware that the man was armed, she was not afraid to put up a fight to protect her hard earn money.

The woman was alone at the stand when she was attacked, but those around only became aware after the Police arrived on the scene and gunshots were fired. Rodrigues was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was treated and sent away.

US: Wrong and strong?

For the 23rd time, the United Nations has voted in favour of a resolution urging the USA to end its embargo against Cuba. For the 23rd time the USA will ignore the overwhelming condemnation that comes from countries across the globe.

Given the political situation in the USA, President Obama will not be able to conjure up the courage and political will to end the travesty of the Cuban embargo.

The Cuban embargo will go down in the annals of world history as one of the more sustained of all wicked acts and a grievous crime conducted by one nation against another. Worst, this criminal act has been sustained by legislative fiat for more than 51 years.

Time will absolve Cuba. Time will not be kind to the USA. When the history of the world is studied by people 20 years or so from now, people will be in awe at how this immoral and wicked act could have been sustained for so long. People will wonder how it was possible that the USA so shamelessly committed this act against such a small nation as Cuba.

Not only has Cuba suffered throughout the last 51 years, the USA itself has suffered self-inflicted wounds. The embargo against Cuba has cost the US economy between US$2 billion and US$5 billion annually for the last 50 years.

Dauntless Cubans

But the greatest wound America has suffered is that it could not use its might to suffocate Cuba. This small Caribbean nation has withstood the mighty barriers America has placed before it and has never buckled.

In the meantime, Cuba stands as a giant in health care, education, the arts, sports, science and technology among developing countries. One wonders what greater things Cuba might have accomplished without the American embargo.

The greatest insult America has suffered with its embargo against Cuba is being witnessed today in West Africa where an Ebola outbreak is ravaging at least three West African countries.

The WHO was at least six months late in calling attention to the outbreak.

The USA has been even tardier in recognising the human plight in West Africa and the threat Ebola poses for America and the world.

But Cuba was out front, sending personnel and medical supplies to help in Liberia, Sierra Leone

Cuba has been out front, sending personnel and medical supplies to help in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea with the fight against Ebola. Cuba began assisting other nations just after the revolutionary victory of 1959 and since that point in time 325, 710 health workers have offered assistance in 58 countries of the world. In the case of Africa, said Morales, a total of 760, 744 Cuban health workers have offered their services thus far in 39 nations

and Guinea. Now in desperation America has decided it is better to work with Cuba to fight Ebola in West Africa. Cuban medical personnel work alongside American medical personnel to save lives and stop Ebola in West Africa. This week, American experts joined others in Latin America at a Cubanorganised Ebola meeting.

Finally, America can see some good in Cuba, but it has done so being dragged, kicking and screaming.

The American collaboration with Cuba is a welcome and much-needed initiative.

Ebola has killed almost 5000 Africans in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and has caused great trauma among people all over the world. Should the present collaboration between Cuba and America help to bridge the divide between a big powerful country and a small proud country, at least one good thing would have resulted from the 2013/2014 Ebola outbreak.

Hope for partnership

This in no way justifies the death of anyone that Ebola has caused. But in the process of ending the outbreak, we might very well have seen the beginning of a new platform to end the immoral and wicked war waged on the Cuban people. This potential for good in the future might well be the legacy of the 2013/2014 Ebola outbreak.

Health diplomacy and partnerships have created friendships and a platform to work together in the past. America and Vietnam eased tensions by agreeing to fight HIV and AIDS in Vietnam. Uganda became a part of the global family of free countries through the fight against AIDS.

In the Global Fund, many countries agree to work together despite many politically tense relationships in order to com-

are working together to end polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Nations working together to fight common enemies demonstrate a more peaceful world and one that promotes justice and better lives for citizens wherever they are born. There are many injustices in the world to correct, by working together as nations.

Inequity

Why is it countries are working so assiduously only now to develop medicines and vaccines against Ebola today? Ebola was first discovered in 1976 and there have been more than 16 Ebola outbreaks before.

But now that Ebola has threatened America and Europe, the resources to develop medicines and vac-

cines have been quickly found. This is a good thing, but the question still needs to be asked. There is clearly an inequity that exists in the world and the American embargo against Cuba is a good example of how powerful countries try to use their might against smaller, less powerful countries.

Guyana and Caricom must stand resolute in this world of inequity to demand that the American embargo against Cuba comes to an end now. Enough is enough and for the 23rd time, the world at the UN has insisted that America listens. Will America continue to deny justice to a proud Cuban nation and people?

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times. notebook@gmail.com.

Ramotar hails Muslim contributions to Guyana

President Donald Ramotar, speaking at a post -Youman Nabi luncheon, which was held on Saturday on the lawns of State House, expressed his gratitude to the Islamic population for their contributions towards the development of the country. The event was hosted by the President and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar.

He extended best wishes to all the attendees, as he pointed out that he was informed that this celebration is usually held to commemorate the New Year. He said that this activity means a lot and sacrifices are made for good causes.

The President also reiterated that there are common approaches across the board using philosophy and teachings to make sacrifices to achieve important goals. He added that Guyana is a country that promotes multicultural lifestyles and shared his family story with the gathering, noting that of his six brothers, two are married into Islam, two into Hinduism and two into Christianity, while noting that his family is not extraordinary or unique as there are many such families nationwide.

Further, President Ramotar noted that the country has gone a fairly far way over the past two decades and there is capacity to go further and faster ahead. He pointed out that there is the capacity, the resources and cooperation with international partners to ensure that this is a success. The event which was chaired by Minister Irfaan Ali, also saw words of encouragement and gratitude from the Minister, who noted that Guyana is one of the countries that

practice Islam in a peaceful manner. He alluded to the harmony among citizens of different ethnic and cultural beliefs. Also present at the ceremony were Prime Minister; Samuel Hinds, Ministers of Government including Minister within the Ministry of Finance; Juan Edghill, along with other members of parliament and members of the Diplomatic Corps, and Islamic leaders and other members of the Islamic society. (GINA)

allegations: Welshman seeking international assistance for justice Caricom meeting on Tuesday to discuss Ebola

Johnny Welshman, the 22year old, who has accused the Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman of sodomising him as a child, has disclosed that he is seeking international assistance to get justice, even as investigations are continuing here.

The young man has declared that he is prepared to take the matter further if it falls through in Guyana. He had said he is confident that the law will rule in his favour given the overwhelming evidence he has. He noted too that he was prepared to take his case to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) if Trotman is not held responsible for his alleged action.

In the meanwhile, Welshman stated that he is concerned about the continued sloth in which the investigations. He told Guyana Times that he is surprised at the length of time it is taking for a decision to be made on whether or not to charge Trotman.

According to reports, the file was sent to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and legal advice is being awaited.

Welshman said the sloth in the investigations is frustrating him and is impeding his pursuit of justice against those individuals who wronged him years ago. He previously told this newspaper that all his social networks were hacked. “A lot of things are done deliberately, but I will not give up, I will fight this to the end until I get justice,” he reaffirmed.

On September 21, Trotman

had secured an injunction restraining Welshman junior – who has alleged that Trotman raped him when he was just 12 – from making any statements or publishing any materials about the issue. Welshman however has since challenged this decision and since then it has been a back and forth with Trotman’s Attorney Nigel Hughes delaying the process in court.

However, when the matter was last called up in chambers before acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, Attorney Hughes requested and was given time to respond to the documents filed by the defendant. The matter has been scheduled to be called up again on November 4,

when arguments are expected to commence.

Speaking to Guyana Times recently, Crime Chief Leslie James revealed that, while the Police have not been able to contact the young man’s father, who is another of his alleged abusers, Trotman and another accused man, Colin Wilson, were interviewed by the Police.

Trotman has so far denied the allegations made by Welshman.

However, Welshman has alleged that years of being raped and physically abused as a child have left serious emotional scars.

Depression, post traumatic stress disorder, behavioural problems, poor self-esteem and

thoughts of suicide are the key psychological effects of childhood sexual abuse, and Welshman has evidently been through all of that.

Welshman had detailed that he was first sexually molested by a close relative at the age of eight while he was a student at the St Agnes Primary School. But this, he said, was just the beginning, contending that the relative’s friend, from Yarrowkabra, used him as a “toy” for sexual gratification.

He alleged that at the age of 12 that Trotman sodomised him, after becoming knowledgeable of the acts committed on him by the close relative and the other man. The young man said that as a child he, along with his brother, was encouraged to visit Trotman’s office on South Road, Georgetown.

The 17th Special Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) will be held in Trinidad on Tuesday to discuss the global virus, Ebola, as well as the Chikungunya disease, which is affecting people within the Caribbean Community.

The meeting will take place at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, from 16:00h. A release from the Office of the Prime Minister states the primary purpose of the meeting is to review action being taken regarding the current challenging public health issues facing the Caricom region, namely the Ebola and Chik V diseases, and to agree on a way forward.

In September Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar called for the special meeting of Caricom to discuss the public health issues. This call was made even before the United Nations discussed the Ebola disease at its 62nd General Assembly Meeting in New York in late September.

Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Denzil Douglas, and Lead Head of Government for Human Resource Development, also called for discussions regarding these significant public health challenges, given the implications for the Caricom community. Expected to attend the meeting are Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Health in the region. At the meeting, Caricom Heads will also seek to arrive at a consensus with regard to the Caricom candidate for the post of Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Two held for Albouystown execution

By Bhisham mohamed

Two men are now being grilled by investigators in connection with the execution-style killing of Lloyd Bourne, 27, of Lot 57 Barr and James Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown which occurred on Saturday evening in Cooper Street, Albouystown.

The father of two was allegedly shot twice to his chest by an occupant of a motor car which suddenly sped through the street. From all indications, Bourne was targeted, since he was among a group of men when the shooting occurred, but no one else was injured and the gathering scampered to safety.

The injured man was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Police believe that a stallholder and the person who rushed Bourne to the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital are withholding information about the drive-by shooting which occurred about 20:30h, about 15 feet from where the “sweetie” vendor operated his small stand.

mained tight-lipped.

At the former home of the dead man, his reputed mother-in-law, Marcia, told the Guyana Times that she received the news that her son-in-law was shot and taken to the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital. “My niece tell me that Lloydie get shoot to his chest and them tek he to the hospital… I left and went to the hospital, but on my way, meh niece call back and tell me that when she visit the hospital, the security tell she that they gone with he to Georgetown Public Hospital.”

with whom Bourne lived for more than four years died two weeks ago of cancer.

She further stated that Bourne did not have any enemies and she too was unsure of the motive behind his killing, noting that he was not someone who would get into trouble.

Donna Harris, the dead man’s mother who operates a bread stand at Light and Cummings Streets, Georgetown, explained that she was at home when she received a call stating that her son was shot.

Awoman who is accused of breaking into stalls at Pitt Street, New Amsterdam and removing footwear was placed on $30,000 bail on Friday by Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs-Marcus when she appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on two charges of simple larceny.

stalls and left for home on the day in question.

He said the accused, who was passing through Pitt Street about 18:00h, broke into the stands, removed the articles and placed them in a bag which she was carrying and walked away.

One of the young men related that it was not customary for Bourne to ‘lime’ in that street; hence, the shooting leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Another young man explained that the Police retrieved at least two spent shells at the scene.

The Police subsequently returned on Sunday morning to further investigate the matter, but did not get much since persons re-

On Sunday morning, a group of young men who were standing at the spot where the shooting took place told the Guyana Times that the person who pulled the trigger had to be a marksman in order to have identified Bourne within the gathering and shoot him twice.

Bourne’s reputed mother-in-law went on to say that in the same breath, her niece informed her that the security at the private medical institution told her that Bourne was dead.

Double tragedy

Marcia said when she arrived at the hospital, she met his mother and brother and they were baffled as to who would want Bourne dead and more so, the motive behind the shooting. She added that she was told that he was shot twice and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

In a trembling voice, she related that her daughter

Harris lives in South Ruimveldt and by the time, she arrived at the Georgetown Public Hospital, she was told that her son was no more. In tears, the woman said that her son was determined to look after his last child who would be one year old, in a week’s time. She recalled his spouse died only a couple of weeks ago as a result of cancer and that was a major blow to the family and now her son was dead, further devastating the family.

She last saw her son a few days ago.

The man leaves to mourn his mother, two children, three siblings and other relatives. (bhisham@guyanatimesgy.com)

Two injured after car topples into trench

Two persons are now patients at the Suddie Public Hospital following an accident on the Abram Zuil Public Road, Essequibo Coast on Sunday.

Injured are Avinash Ram, 28, and Moneshwar Chandardeo, 22, of Affiance Village. The accident occurred around 07:00h.

According to Avinash Ram, the driver of motor vehicle PLL 8882, he was proceeding to Affiance when he got into the accident.

He recalled that rain was pouring heavily and the road was slippery when he lost control of the vehicle. Ram was picked up in an unconscious state and was rushed to the Suddie

Public Hospital. He sustained injuries to his right ear and was crying out, saying that the pain in his head is too much to bear. His friend suffered internal injuries from the impact of the accident. Ram received several stitches to his right side ear. Information reaching Guyana Times states that it was raining heavily when the driver of the private car lost control, resulting in the vehicle toppling into the creek. The loud impact from the accident attracted score of residents who rushed to the scene and assisted the driver and lone passenger.

The driver and the passenger were taken to the hospital by public-spirit-

ed citizens. Guyana Times was told that Ram is not the owner of the motor car. He reportedly borrowed the car from his friend to make a trip to Adventure. He was on his way back when the accident occurred. The car was pulled out of the trench by an excavator and placed

on the drying floor at Abram Zuil. The owner of the car is asking for compensation, threatening legal action if this is not done. The Police visited the scene and took statements from both the driver and the passenger. They are continuing their investigations.

Abiola White, of no fixed place of abode, is accused of removing a quantity of artificial hair and rubber slippers from a stall belonging to Natoya Smart on October 22.

The articles were valued at $40,000. White is also accused of breaking into a stall belonging to Leslyn Smart on the same day and stealing four pairs of sandals and eight pairs of rubber slippers totalling $12,000 in value.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Godfrey Platter told the court that each of the Smarts secured their

The Prosecutor said she was stopped by a male in the vicinity and could not give an account for the articles she was carrying. An alarm was raised and the Police were summoned.

Magistrate IsaacsMarcus offered White $15,000 bail on each of the two charges after Platter did not object to bail. The defendant will have to return to court on December 1 for trial.

Recently, several vendors in Pitt Street have been reporting breakins attheir stalls and items being removed. Most of these vendors claim to have been losing footwear.

Woman in court for stealing shoes Government commits to make Guyana CFATF compliant

Government will continue to work with all stakeholders, the private sector and significantly the international community to make the country ready and to avoid blacklisting.

“That is all we can do as a Government,” Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said.

The Attorney General recently represented Guyana at the Paris meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) where Guyana’s financial status was examined.

After putting forward Guyana’s case and its political peculiarities, the decision was taken to grant an extension to Guyana for Government to get itself in compliance with the regulations of the international financial body.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Caribbean Bankers Association and many other international and regional bodies, along with the local private sector members have called on Guyana to pass the outstanding Bill, and become compliant in the interest of trade in the region.

Minister Nandlall explained that “many are calling for the Bill to be passed;

the only persons who don’t seem interested in passing the Bill are the 33 members who sit on the other side of the Parliament”.

Despite these pleas and several interventions by the groups mentioned, the Opposition members have refused to support the internationally accepted legislation.

“In Guyana, we have a unique situation where the Government is prepared to implement the legislation, is prepared to implement the measures, but Parliament is unprepared,” he said.

The Attorney General, under President Ramotar’s directive has implemented regulations, guidelines and ministerial directives as he is empowered to do under the Principal Act; however, these measures cannot be enforced as they do not have the force of law.

In May, Guyana was referred to the Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG) to be subjected to a targeted review. Together, the AARG and the Government of Guyana worked out an action plan for the country to rectify the technical deficiencies that currently exist in its existing anti-money laundering legislation.

Argentina asks Spain to arrest 20 Franco-era officials

An Argentine judge has asked Spain to arrest and extradite 20 former officials accused of abuses during the military rule of General Franco.

They cannot be tried in Spain because of an amnesty law, but the officials could be prosecuted in Argentina.

The families of alleged victims asked Argentina for help because it has an extradition treaty with Spain. In April, Spain’s High Court refused to extradite to Argentina a former Policeman accused of torture.

Judge Maria Servini de Cubria issued the arrest and extradition warrants for two former Ministers of General Franco’s regime, and 18 other officials, invoking “universal jurisdiction” – a legal doctrine that authorises judges to try serious rights abuse committed in other countries.

Using the doctrine, Spain briefly detained Chile’s former dictator

Augusto Pinochet in 1998.

The two most prominent suspects in Judge Servini’s investigation are Rodolfo Martin Villa, 79, who was Franco’s Interior Minister, and Jose Uteri Molina, 86, who was Housing Minister.

After Franco’s death in 1975, the amnesty agreement was seen as essential to avoid score-settling as the country moved towards democracy.

The United Nations

Trinidadian sentenced for failing to declare US$ at J’ca airport

ATrinidadian man who failed to declare US $45,000 at the Norman Manley International Airport in Jamaica has been sentenced.

The Financial Investigation Division (FID) says Kevin Anthony Dyer,29, an apprentice Custom Clerk from Chaguanas, pleaded guilty and was fined or sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for failure to declare the money.

According to the FID, officers of the Transnational Crime and Narcotics Division intercepted Dyer

has asked Spain to revoke the amnesty law, but the Spanish authorities have so far refused.

Last year, Judge Servini issued warrants for a Spanish policeman, Antonio Gonzalez Pacheco, accused of torture, but the Spanish High Court refused arguing that the statute of limitations had run out on the accusations against him. Pacheco has denied torturing prisoners. (BBC News)

Dominica Opposition emphatically rejects opinion poll results

The Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) in Dominica has emphatically rejected Barbadian pollster Peter Wickham’s claim that the results of his October opinion poll were favourable to the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) in upcoming national elections.

The UWP pointed to the fact that, in the 2009 general elections, the DLP polled 62 per cent of the votes and, according to the Wickham poll of October 2014, the trend is against the DLP, to the extent that voter support for DLP has fallen by 19 percentage points to only 43 per cent.

The UWP, therefore, contends that the Wickham poll points more towards a UWP victory in this election, since it is virtually impossible for the DLP to close such a wide

gap of 19 percentage points in the few weeks to the election.

Speaking in conjunction with UWP political leader Lennox Linton on the issue, Dr Thomson Fontaine, economist and UWP candidate for Grand Fond, challenged Wickham’s credibility, noting that before the 2013 Barbados elections, the pollster did two polls in two days and both were wrong.

Fontaine pointed out that Wickham’s record as an ‘elections prophet’ showed that his correct predictions tended to occur in cases where one party is so popular that the results of elections are a foregone conclusion. He also cited the pollster’s failure to correctly pick winners in the December 2006 elections in St Lucia and the July 2008 election in Grenada. (Excerpt from caribbeannewsnow)

Registration begins for Uruguay cannabis growers’ clubs

Uruguay has started registering cannabis growers’ clubs as part of the Government’s plan to legalise the drug.

Licensed clubs of up to 45 members will be allowed to grow a maximum of 99 plants each year. In August, growing up to six plants of cannabis at home became legal.

Uruguay legalised the production and sale of cannabis last December and the Government hopes to sell it from pharmacies in the New Year.

Under the legislation, each club member can produce no more than 480 grams of cannabis home each year and the club’s growing fields cannot be within 150 metres of a school, college or a drug rehabilitation centre.

Legalising cannabis has been a sensitive issue in Uruguay, where voters will be going to the polls in a second round of presidential elections on November 30.

Both presidential candidates have said they will tinker with the new laws if elected.

The legislation has been the brainchild of the

outgoing and outspoken President Jose Mujica, who has argued that if the state controls the growth and sale of cannabis production, it can weaken and disarm an illegal drug trade which damages lives across Latin America. The Government estimates there are 150,000 frequent users of cannabis in Uruguay. (BBC News)

on Tuesday as he was about to check in to board a Caribbean Airlines flight destined for the twin island republic.

A preliminary interview was conducted with Dyer during which he indicated to the Police that he only had US$2000 in his possession.

A suitcase which he had was searched and the US$45,000 found. The Trinidadian indicated that he won the money at a recent sound system clash in the southern parish of St Elizabeth.

The cash was seized and he was charged with fail-

ure to declare under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Meanwhile, FID is conducting a separate cash seizure investigation regarding the case and an application will be made for the forfeiture of the cash.

Acting Chief Technical Director of the FID, Albert Stephens, says in keeping with the Proceeds of Crime Act anyone who transports more than US $10,000 in or out of the country must declare it.

The declaration should be made to the FID before the person enters or leaves Jamaica. (Excerpt from CMC)

Antigua and Barbuda to benefit from EU grant funding

The European Union (EU) has officially launched a programme that will see Antigua and Barbuda benefiting from a multimillion-euro grant for disaster management.

The 20 million euro grant, which was launched in Barbados on Friday, will be shared among 19 Caribbean countries.

The funding will span a five-year period (20142019) and will be managed by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA); the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB); and the Dominican Republic.

“It is expected to support the strengthening of National Disaster Offices

and CDEMA in the implementation of the 2014-2024 Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy,” a CDEMA release said.

“In addition to capacity building, early warning, national risk profiling and community-based risk reduction systems are expected to be bolstered locally and regionally.

The EU intervention is also expected to strengthen critical infrastructure in the transportation and water sectors in CARIFORUM countries, to make them more resilient to natural hazards and the climate change and climate variability phenomena,” it added.

Head of the European Union Delegation to

Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mikael Barfod said: “The flash flooding which occurred in St Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as St Lucia, last December, should be a wake-up call for the Caribbean. It should send the signal that the Region should be prepared, not only for the hurricane season, but for any disaster related eventuality.”

Other beneficiary countries are The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, Saint Lucia, St Christopher and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

OECS nationals free to drive in St Lucia

The St Lucia Government says citizens from the nine-member Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will no longer need a driving permit to drive motor vehicles on the island, as the Economic Union of the sub-region strengthens. Parliament has passed the necessary legislation authorising the implementation of a non-visitor driving permit for citizens of OECS member states in St Lucia.

Deputy Prime Minister Philip J Pierre said the new arrangement is in compliance

with the free movement provisions within the OECS Economic Union agreement.

“If someone comes to St Lucia from protocol member states of the OECS, they do not need to go to the Ministry and purchase a visitors permit; they can use the valid licence from their country to drive in St Lucia,” he said.

The OECS groups the islands of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts-Nevis, St Lucia, Montserrat and St Vincent and the Grenadines. (CMC)

Dozens killed in PakistanIndia border blast

Asuicide blast close to the Pakistan-India border has killed at least 55 people and left more than 150 wounded, Police have told Al Jazeera.

The explosion took place at the Wagah border crossing near Lahore. It happened at the end of a daily flag-lowering ceremony as people were moving back to their cars.

The bomber set off his explosives at a security checkpoint outside the parade area, and about 500 metres from the actual border, the Director General of the Punjab Rangers, Tahir Khan, said.

Khan added that it was a “success” that the Rangers had been able to stop the at-

tacker at the checkpoint, as he had been seeking entry into the actual parade area, where scores of people were seated.

“The blast has taken place about 500-600 feet from the parade venue ... people were standing there and many people were leaving there at the time,” Khan told reporters.

“When the bomber saw that there was very strict checking at the security checkpoint, he decided to detonate his explosives as he began to pass through it.”

The Rangers are a paramilitary force that is responsible for border security at Wagah.

The Indian Government

requested the flag-lowering ceremony, which attracts spectators on both sides of the border, be suspended for at least three days.

Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder, reporting from Islamabad, said that eight members of the same family had been killed in the explosion.

“The ceremony normally has a very festive atmosphere and it seems that there were larger crowds than normal because it was a Sunday. We have been told the death toll is likely to rise,” he added.

Two Pakistani Rangers, who perform the flag-lowering ceremony, were reportedly among the dead. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

UN climate panel warns of irreversible damage

Governments can keep climate change in check at manageable costs, but will have to cut greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2100 to limit risks of irreversible damage, a United Nations panel has said.

In a report released on Sunday, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said global warming is causing rising sea levels, a warmer and more acidic ocean, melting glaciers and Arctic sea ice and more frequent and intense heat waves.

“Science has spoken. There is no ambiguity in their message. Leaders must act. Time is not on our side,’’ UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said at the report’s launch in Copenhagen.

With fast action, climate change could be kept in check at manageable costs, he said, referring to a UN goal of limiting average temperature rises to two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times. Temperatures are already up 0.85C.

To get a good chance of staying below two degrees, the report says that world emissions would have to fall to “near zero or below in 2100”.

The report, summarising 5000 pages of work by 800 scientists already published since September 2013, will be the main handbook for 200 nations which are due to agree on a UN deal to combat global warming in Paris

Around the world

Protests hit Burkina Faso after army takeover

The army takeover in Burkina Faso after President Blaise Compaore’s resignation has prompted protests in the capital and international condemnation.

Thousands of people gathered in a square in the centre of Ouagadougou on Sunday to denounce the army’s power grab.

Gunfire was also heard at the state television headquarters in the capital, according to a report from the Reuters news agency. The shots were fired into the air as Sara Sereme, the Leader of Opposition party PDC, arrived in the area with a

throng of supporters.

Compaore’s 27 years in charge of the landlocked West African country ended on Friday following two days of violent protests against his bid to change the constitution to extend his rule.

A power struggle ensued and on Saturday, Presidential Guard commander, Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida was appointed as transitional leader, trumping a claim by the chief of staff.

A United Nations official on Sunday joined the United States and the African Union in rejecting the army’s seizure of power, but expressed

cautious optimism about a return to civilian rule.

“We are hoping for a transition led by civilians in line with the constitution,” Mohammed Ibn Chambas, head of the United Nations Office for West Africa, said.

“He [Zida] said he will reflect and try to work with the UN, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States to find an acceptable agreement which conforms to the constitution,” he said.

Under Burkina Faso’s constitution, the head of the National Assembly should take office if the President resigns.

Pro-Russian rebels vote for leaders in eastern Ukraine

Pro-Russian rebels elected a separatist leadership in eastern Ukraine on Sunday in a vote President Petro Poroshenko called “a farce”.

Mining electricianturned-rebel leader Alexander Zakharchenko won over 81 per cent of the vote, according to the exit polls of an election that has worsened a standoff between Russia and the West.

The United States and European Union have already denounced it as illegitimate, but Russia has said it would recognise the result, deepening a crisis that began with the popular overthrow of a Moscow-backed President in February.

Poroshenko said the vote was “a farce, (conducted) under the barrels of tanks and machineguns”.

“I hope Russia will not recognise the so-called elections because they are a clear violation of the September 5 Minsk protocol, which was also signed by Russia’s rep-

resentative,” he said, referring to an international peace agreement meant to end months of fighting between the separatists and Ukrainian troops.

In Donetsk, eastern Ukraine’s former industrial capital and the separatists’ political and military stronghold, Soviet music blared out of speakers in front of a central voting sta-

tion carrying the separatist’s red black and blue flag. Across the region suffering from years of neglect and months of conflict, Russian speakers wary of the new pro-European Government in Kiev stood in freezing temperatures to cast their vote, some near the remains of shrapnel from mortar bombings. (Excerpt from Reuters)

British man charged after Hong Kong deaths

Police have laid a holding charge of two counts of murder against a 29-year-old British man following the deaths of two women in Hong Kong.

in late 2015.

“Scientists have really tried to find the strongest possible words to describe the world we would be facing,” Kaisa Kosonen, a climate policy adviser at Greenpeace International, told Al Jazeera.

“They are talking about severe, irreversible and extreme damage to both humans and species if we don’t act fast. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Rurik Jutting was arrested after Police found the victims in his apartment in the Wan Chai area early on Saturday. The women, who have not been officially named by Police, are believed to be sex workers of Indonesian origin.

Jutting will appear before the territory’s Eastern Magistrates’ Court today.

The women both had

wounds to their necks. One was found with stab wounds and the second was found inside a suitcase.

Jutting resigned from a job at Bank of America Merrill Lynch a week ago. A LinkedIn profile under his name suggested he was a Cambridge University graduate.

Officers were called to the luxury residential building where he lived at 03:42 on Saturday (19:42 Friday GMT).

Police said they had retrieved a knife from the apartment in the J Residence block, which is

situated in an affluent area and popular with professional people working in the financial sector.

Assistant District Commander Wan Siu-hung told reporters that the woman whose body was in the suitcase had been dead “for quite some time” and had neck injuries.

Historically Hong Kong has enjoyed a relatively low crime rate. According to the Hong Kong Police website, there have been 14 homicides between January and July, down from 56 over the same time period in 2013.

Navin Chandarpal cremated

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

Top Government of-

ficials, friends and relatives paid tribute to late Presidential Advisor on Science and Technology, and stalwart of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Navin Chandarpal at a moving funeral service held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Sunday.

Hailed not only as a Political Scientist and Physicist, but also as a grassroots individual who championed the cause of the working class, Chandarpal died last week after losing a battle with stomach cancer.

Just before the funeral service commenced, his casket draped with the PPP/C flag was in full view in front of Freedom House, Red House and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) Headquarters.

Before hundreds of mourners, President Donald Ramotar reflected on the life of Chandarpal. According to him, “Comrade Navin was a product of the times”. He explained that Chandarpal was born at a time when Guyana was experiencing significant changes with

built on the foundation that was laid by his father. At an early age, he became a student activist and by 1974 led the University of Guyana Student Society UGSS).

Describing him as a “political thinker” and a “strategist”, the President recalled that Chandarpal

discipline and stood by the party through the most difficult of times.

Optimist

Describing him as a Scientist, Mathematician and Physicist, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee said Chandarpal nev-

all of the revolutionaries, he contributed actively and passionately to all the critical policy-making debates, these include transforming our party from a loose mass party to a more discipline type of party, the debates on whether the party should contest in rigged elections, boycott or not to boycott Parliament, the debates on whether we should extend critical support or unconditional support to the PNC regime, the debates on the establishment of a National Patriotic Front and a National Front Government,” Rohee recalled.

Shortly before his death, Chandarpal, despite his illness, actively participated in discussions at the leadership of the party on the issues of governance, elections and parliamentary strategies.

Additionally, he penned

shifted the protest from only demonstrations against the Government’s refusal to hire Dr Walter Rodney as a Professor at UG to public lecture sessions.

The PPP/C stalwart was also remembered for the role he played in the development of the Community for the Defense of Democracy

er allowed himself to fall victim to “pessimistic nor fatalistic thinking”.

As a “complex thinker”, Rohee said his comrade could have laboured in any area of scientific endeavour. “In other words, while he played an integral role in a historically dynamic revolutionary force… he

the emergence of the PPP, led by former President, the late Dr Cheddi Jagan. It was a time when the party had placed Independence high on its agenda, having gained majority support.

President Ramotar recalled that Chandarpal’s father was a part of the “struggle for Independence and freedom”. It is believed that Chandarpal at a tender age

(CDD), the 1980 debate on whether the PPP should contest in the elections and GAWU’s 1977 strike.

Though Chandarpal has lost the battle to cancer, President Ramotar said he has left a long trail of examples worthy of emulation. Though he did not agree with all the decisions taken in the party, Ramotar said Chandarpal who was always

closely followed development in the fields of the environment, climate change and challenges facing small island developing states,” he said.

Similarly, he placed major emphasis on the development of curriculum for both secondary and tertiary institutions in the fields of Mathematics and Physics.

“But Navin was above

uate in Physics to a youth leader, to a Government Minister and lots of other responsibilities,”said Chand.

Humble man

He added that Chandarpal was known for having the rare attribute of being equally at ease in an

and Jilly Sookhdeo also paid tribute to him, in addition to his children Gitanjali and Rabindranauth Chandarpal. He was the husband of Indranie Chandarpal.

In 1975, Chandarpal successfully read for a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Guyana. In

intellectual environment in the same manner he would be among the grassroots.

Given his love for the working class, Chandarpal played an integral role among the unions dating back into the 1980s when he served as a lecturer on a plethora of topics during sessions organised by GAWU, in addition to education

several articles for the Mirror Newspaper and completed an “impressive” historical review of the refusal by the People’s National Congress (PNC) to appoint Dr Rodney as a Professor at UG.

His death, the PPP/C General Secretary said, is a great loss to the working people of Guyana and the ruling party.

“Navin embodied all that is good, healthy and positive in the PPP/C.” In moving ahead, Rohee said PPP/C leaders and supporters should follow in the footsteps of Chandarpal by upholding the party’s Constitution.

Similar tributes flowed from GAWU’s President Komal Chand.

“The workers have loss a friend and a champion. For the progressive forces, a place among the frontline activists has now become vacant. I t will be felt not only by his family, relatives and friends, but also by many of his comrade in arms who shared with him many struggles for betterment and a prosperous future for Guyana,” he said.

According to Chand, Chandarpal has left a memorable record of personal involvement; a record worthy of emulation.

“His life’s record shows that he was a comrade with multi-dimensional interests which ranged from being a grad-

1978, he married Indranie Dhanraj and their union produced two children. In his early years, he lectured in Mathematics at the Cyril Potter College of Education and Physics at the University.

At the same time, he nurtured his political career, becoming a member of the Central Committee and

programmes sponsored by the Guyana Public Service Union, the Guyana Labour Union and the Critchlow Labour College. In 20102011, he served as Principal of GAWU’s Labour College.

According to Chand, many of Chandarpal’s peers would remember him as a steadfast believer in and a consistent advocate of the Maxist Theory which alludes to the liberation of the working class from the shackles of exploitation.

His friend and colleague Andrew Bishop, sisters Salo Bishop, Vijaya Chandarpal

Executive Committee of the PPP in 1979. He pioneered numerous national initiatives on sustainable development through his post as Advisor to the President on Energy, Natural Resources, Science, Technology and Environment from 19922001.

During the period 2001-2003, he served as Agriculture Minister and a Member of Parliament. Over the last 10 years, he reassumed the role of Advisor to the President on Sustainable Development, Science and Technology.

Safe use of ICTs can help children better exercise rights

The safe use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) by children and adolescents in the region can help ensure the fulfilment of their rights, according to two documents released last week by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

ICTs, and the Internet in particular, have a direct and indirect impact on the guarantees established in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), such as freedom of expression and the rights to information, freedom of association and identity, according to the report Children's Rights in the Digital Age: Latin America and the New Technologies (Spanish only), published jointly by both organisations.

In a context of growing ICT use in the region, where an estimated 60 per cent of boys and girls get their first mobile telephone (with or without an Internet connection) by the age of 12, and where one in five uses the web more than two hours a day, the organisations propose a series of policies oriented towards taking advantage of these tools' potential for the development of children and adolescents, while minimising associated risks, like cyberbullying.

These policies should address the need to ex-

The safe use of ICTs by children and adolescents in the region can help ensure the fulfilment of their rights, according to two documents released last week by

pand children's access to ICTs and encourage their use beyond the educational sphere; promote activities oriented towards using the Internet safely and identifying threats among all the actors involved; recognise the role and influence of peers in the development of programmes related to these technologies; and compile empirical and contextualised evidence in the region.

Ever present

Although the structural inequality of Latin America and the Caribbean means that not all children and adolescents are digital natives, ICTs are present in their everyday lives, as shown by the level of access to computers, the Internet and mobile telephones in their homes, according to ECLACUNICEF's Challenges

Bulletin Number 18, which also explores children's rights in the digital age.

The region's children mainly access the Internet from their homes (49 per cent) and schools (46 per cent), according to various studies. Internet cafes have also appeared as an alternative. In Colombia, school is the main point of access for boys and girls, while in Costa Rica (56 per cent), Mexico (60 per cent), Ecuador (64 per cent), Peru (67 per cent) and El Salvador (81 per cent) it is the home.

In Chile, 80 per cent of adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 have mobile phones, a percentage that falls to 65 per cent in El Salvador and 64 per cent in Mexico. Meanwhile, figures from Brazil show that more children aged nine to 16 years use social networks

there than in Europe.

The Internet is mainly used for communicational and informational purposes, which translates into multiple activities, ranging from searching for relevant content while studying to using chat and e-mail, visiting social networks, downloading music and films, and playing online games. The possibility of creating and sharing their own content in a great variety of formats gives children and adolescents social and communication skills and encourages creativity and interactivity, ECLAC and UNICEF stressed in the documents released, noting that these activities also entail risks.

Those risks include the prevalence of content not suitable for children, such as websites dedicated to pornography, gambling and sexual grooming of children by adults. The most common risk is cyberbullying, which constitutes an attack on a child's honour and reputation, as protected under articles 13 and 16 of the CRC.

"Further reflection is required on the role of schools in providing guidelines and protocols on how to use the Internet safely in order to take advantage of the benefits and minimise the risks," ECLAC and UNICEF emphasised, underscoring the importance of having comparable information among countries on the role of ICTs in the lives of the region's children.

Nabaclis main road is a mess … residents blame NDC, Region 4 RDC

The village of Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara has had road ailments for the past 10 years and residents have expressed disgust and frustration over the deplorable condition of the main access road.

They blame the Gove/Haslington Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) as well as the Region Four administration.

The main road in the village has had two craters alone this year.

According to Superintendant of Works (SoW) for the Haslington/ Golden Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) L De Santos, the state of the roads have been reported to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and should have been fixed in July; however, it is slated to be repaired “before year end”.

He explained that his jurisdiction covers 19 villages and there are bad roads, but unfortunately, there is no way all the roads can be done.

However, the roads in dire need of repairs are usually selected to be fixed.

He elaborated that the RDC puts notices in the newspaper for contractors to tender for the job of doing roads as roads are done “throughout region”. The NDCs have capabilities or should

have capabilities to cover up potholes and other little fixes, but nothing major. He said that the tender process does delay action.

Power

Power is basically the ability that we have to influence the activities of other people. Generally, people draw power from an organisation who controls resources for example.

This is essential to make sure an organisation is functioning smoothly. The organisation’s objectives are achieved usually by a few people through the activities of those involved which are usually channelled and coordinated in a particular way.

Usually the way to do this is by exercising power over our subordinates to basically direct and control their activities. However, other members of any organisation sometimes exercise power in some form over their peers as well.

Personally for me, I more believe in the power of a community. In other words, we should not do everything alone regardless of what ‘power’ role we are playing. The reason being none of us knows all of the answers to everything.

Regardless of the amount of experience we may have, consulting with others who are experts in their own right is always going to give us better results. Sometimes we so much believe in ourselves that we push our limits.

When we work on our own, it’s much easier to give up when things are not going right or when we face challenges. Whereas when we are surrounded by other people working toward a similar goal, it is easier for us to get motivated to move forward and put ourselves back on track.

If we choose to take too much advantage of power, support from others might be limited. And this is an opportunity we don’t want to lose out on. For example, there will be days where our goals just seem impossible to achieve and perhaps we want to give up.

In moments like this we need to lean on our community the most, because sometimes our community can believe in us more than we believe in ourselves.

When we open the power of opportunity to others, there is that chance of innovation, because I strongly believe that when we work within a community of like-minded people, we can achieve more than if we were to do it on our own.

Regardless of how much power we have, we all need some motivation at times, because on the days when doing what needs to get done can seem overwhelming, we can look around our community and be inspired and feel that sense of hope.

There is an accountability factor as well. For example, if for some reason we can’t get something done, we may not want to admit it to people who we care about and who are always there to support us, which makes it so challenging to face the fact that we fail.

However, though allowing others to help is sometimes hard, at the end of it all, we are not alone. So to come back to my point I made earlier about power.

De Santos informed Guyana Times that work has been done in Nabaclis, Haslington and Golden Grove, clarifying that some streets in Nabaclis have been done, but the main road is yet to be fixed.

He said more can be done if the residents will pay their relevant rates and taxes. He noted that some residents do pay, particularly land owners overseas or those with certain land issues.

Acting Chairman William Frank was contacted about the roads and told Guyana Times that there are plans ahead to repair the bridges and “patch” up the main road of Nabaclis.

Frank nonetheless complained that the Region Four RDC seems to be doing work within their jurisdiction of the 19 villages under their NDC “without notifying us”.

Frank indicated that the Haslington/ Golden Grove NDC Councilmen have made plans to go to the Public Works Ministry to query this as there is no communication between the various local authorities on such things.

The Chairman remarked too that the NDC do not have meetings with the villagers, but there are the statutory meetings with the Council on the third Monday in every month and resi-

I would like to say that power can be exercised by both individuals and groups to achieve their personal objectives. It is important for us to understand the nature of such power and adjust to it accordingly.

For questions, comments or feedback, email to mcnarine@rogers.com.

dents come to air their concerns. He mentioned that there has not been much from residents at these sessions.

Corletta (only name given), a resident of the village said out of frustration she has gotten quite accustomed to the state of the road as it has only been fixed twice in the over 30 years she has been living there.

Another resident Sharon Benn also shared that she remembered the road was fixed once since being born and raised in Nabaclis. Benn has been living at Nabaclis for the past 38 years. She said the roads are quite strenuous for her as she pushes a cart that has her snacks and other goodies that she sells around the village.

Benn said she has only been to the NDC once to complain about the roads, but did not go back as she did not think anything can be done about it.

“They promise but never fulfill their promise.”

She said one of her friends had reported the issue and was told that something will be done, but nothing was done. She too said a number of taxis do not take trips into the village due to the bad state of the roads and if they do, they charge more.

When residents were questioned about their rates and taxes, they claimed that most persons are quite “up to date” with their payments.

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Problems will surface if financial matters are not handled properly. Gather the relevant parties in your household and allocate who is responsible for what.

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

Give your morale a boost. A trip to a flea market or local shopping area will help to break up the routine and reduce your stress level.

If you spend extra time at work, make sure you clear it with someone who counts on your assistance. You will face unwanted demands if you don’t use your time wisely.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

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

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

You should make time for family today. If you have been too caught up with your own needs, someone you love will feel left out. A day trip will help bring you closer together.

Rely on the help of friends and relatives to help you complete everything on your to-do list. The feeling of accomplishment will make you realise the importance of your relationships with others.

You will discover some unsettling news. Don’t judge or criticise before checking out the source of the information to determine if what’s being said is fact or fiction.

Resist the urge to flare up in the heat of the moment. Jealousy will cause you to judge a situation in the wrong light. Don’t look for problems where none exist.

A demanding family member may not be aware of your situation. Express your feelings and take a moment to re-evaluate your position. Resentment will ensue if you aren’t open and forthcoming.

You have several choices to make, but before you take a leap of faith, ensure that you have all the information needed to make the right decision. Turning back won’t be an option. Keep your priorities in order. You have a creative project to work on, but make sure you take care of your primary responsibilities first to avoid interference once you start it.

Don’t let lethargy drag you down. Spark your enthusiasm by taking a trip or educational course, or beginning a creative project. The longer you sit, the harder it will be to get motivated.

Look for people who share your interests. There is no shortage of groups you can investigate. Find something that appeals to you and make a point to get involved.

Cran-water 50-miler takes over from Island Mist

The annual Guyana Beverage Company 50-mile cycle road race in Berbice will be held under a different brand this year.

NBA Roundup…

This was revealed when the event was launched on Saturday at the company’s Palmyra Branch. The race will now be labeled as the

Cran-water 50-miler.

Country Manager of Guyana Beverage Company Robert Selman explained the reason for the change in name, “We are no longer going to be Island Mist again. We have Cool Runnings Cran-water and we have Cool Runnings Plainwater.”

He said the company decided to make the switch because one of its competitors in Trinidad produces a beverage with a similar name and that brand is now being distributed in other Caribbean Islands.

The Cran-water 50-miler will be held on November ninth with riders rolling off from in front of the Guyana Beverage Palmyra Branch at 14:00h.

The race will proceed to Number 36 Village

where cyclist will turn around at Nand Persaud Rice Mill to head back to Palmyra for the finish.

The first six finishers will receive prizes while the first three juniors will also be awarded.

Eight sprint point prizes will be up for grabs while there will also be awards for the first four cyclists from the Flying Ace Cycle Club to complete the distance. Meanwhile females will race from the University of Guyana (UG)Tain Campus to the finish line at Palmyra. The first three to cross the finish line will receive prizes.

The event which is opened to cyclist countrywide is being organized by Coach of the Flying Ace Cycle Club Randolph Roberts. (Andrew Carmichael)

Mavericks win 2 in a row

Chandler Parsons scored 20 points and the Dallas Mavericks won their second straight, 109-104 over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 17 despite foul trouble, making a 12-foot fade over Anthony Davis that gave Dallas a 109103 lead with 49 seconds left.

Monta Ellis also scored 17 for Dallas. Parsons’ performance was highlighted by a momentum-swinging 3-pointer from well behind the arc that gave Dallas a 101-96 lead in the middle of the fourth quarter.

Davis had 31 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks for New Orleans.

ATLANTA – With President Jimmy Carter and rap star T.I. among the sellout crowd, Jeff Teague scored 25 points and Al Horford in the Hawks’ home opener.

Indiana closed to 9592 when Donald Sloan was fouled in the corner by Horford and knocked down all three free throws with 1:13 left. But Teague answered with a jumper, Sloan missed and Teague made a pair of free throws with 26.6 seconds left to clinch the victory.

Teague scored 11 of Atlanta’s first 22 points and came up big at the end.

ORLANDO, Fla. –DeMar

DeRozan scored 26 points, Kyle Lowry added 21 and the Raptors beat the Magic for the eighth straight time.

The Raptors held the Magic to 35.8 percent shooting in the final quarter and put all five starters in double figures to win their second in a row.

Evan Fournier scored 18 points for the Magic, who have lost three straight. Rookie point guard Elfrid Payton had 16 points and nine assists.

PHILADELPHIA –Chris Bosh had 30 points and eight rebounds for the Heat, which won its second straight. Mario Chalmers scored 18 points, and Dwyane Wade had nine points and 10 assists.

Tony Wroten had 21 points and 10 assists for the Sixers, and Brandon Davies scored 18 points for the winless Sixers.

Expected to challenge the 82-game mark for worst record in NBA history, the Sixers are 0-3 and could add to that winless streak with three more home games in the next week.

WASHINGTON – Paul Pierce was tossed before halftime in his first home game with the Wizards, and Otto Porter picked up the slack with a career-high 21 points.

Starting the third quarter in place of Pierce, second-year forward Porter — essentially a nonfactor as a No. 3 overall draft pick as a rookie — scored 19 points in the second half and finished 7 for 11 from

first time.

The Hornets (1-1) were led by Al Jefferson, who scored 19 points on 8-of-19 shooting.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had 11 points and 12 rebounds, but the team’s big free-agent ac-

the field and 6 for 7 from the free-throw line.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. –

Marc Gasol scored 22 points, Zach Randolph had 12 points and 12 rebounds, and the Grizzlies opened 3-0 for the

quisition, Lance Stephenson, scored two points and didn’t play in the fourth quarter.

Charlotte trailed 51-46 entering the fourth quarter, but Kemba Walker, who had been limited to one field goal

all game, knocked down a 3-pointer from the wing for a 65-62 lead.

AUBURN HILLS – Joe Johnson scored 15 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter as Brooklyn got its first win.

The Pistons (0-3) got 18 points and 11 rebounds from Greg Monroe, who was making his season debut after a two-game suspension for a drunk-driving arrest, but he was 1 for 17 on 3-pointers.

Kevin Garnett added 18 points and 14 rebounds for the Nets (1-1), while Deron Williams scored 15 points.

HOUSTON – James Harden had 26 points and eight rebounds, and Houston took a 37-22 lead after one quarter in starting 3-0 for the second straight season.

Harden was 5 of 14 from the field, but he was 14 of 14 from the free throw line. He also had six assists.

Terrence Jones added 25 points and 10 rebounds, and Dwight Howard had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Rockets.

OKLAHOMA CITY –Perry Jones and Serge Ibaka each scored 23 points to help short-handed Oklahoma City wins its first game this season.

Already without MVP Kevin Durant for at least

a month because of a broken right foot, the Thunder said star point guard Russell Westbrook had surgery on his broken right hand Saturday and also will miss at least a month.

The Thunder led 29-17 at the end of the first quarter, earning a standing ovationy. Kendrick Perkins scored 17 points and Steven Adams added 13 for the Thunder. Ty Lawson scored 20 of his 25 points in the second half for the Nuggets.

MINNEAPOLIS – Jimmy Butler made a surprise return to the starting lineup and made two free throws with 0.2 seconds left to help Chicago weather another absence from star guard Derrick Rose.

Butler scored 24 points on 6-for-12 shooting in his season debut, and Pau Gasol added 29 points and six rebounds for the Bulls, who missed Rose because of a sprained left ankle.

Kevin Martin scored 33 points and made a 3-pointer for a 105-104 lead with 2.9 seconds to play. But Butler got rookie Andrew Wiggins in the air on the other end and forced contact to get to the line. He calmly made the free throws. (Macomb Daily)

Aguero helps Man City needle Man United

Manchester City won a chaotic derby at Etihad Stadium as Sergio Aguero’s secondhalf strike gave the Premier League champions victory over Manchester United.

Aguero’s 10th Premier League goal of the season finally breached a depleted United defence after Chris Smalling had been sent off in the first half and Marcos Rojo taken off on a stretcher after the break with shoulder damage.

It also brought a shaft of light to a disappointing week that had seen manager Manuel Pellegrini’s side lose at West Ham in the league then see their Capital One Cup defence ended at home by Newcastle.

In a game that was played on the edge of illdiscipline and often strayed into it, Aguero’s goal will have felt like vindication to City and their fans, infuriated at seeing a succession of presentable penalty appeals rejected by referee Michael Oliver.

Most significantly, it kept leaders Chelsea in the champions’ sights, albeit with a six-point advantage and four ahead of secondplaced Southampton.

This was a compelling derby, the first for new United manager Louis van Gaal, who saw his defence stripped bare and the attacking riches of Angel Di Maria, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney - returning from suspension - fail to fire.

The Dutchman will be furious at the unnecessary way in which Smalling was

dismissed, while the hosts will be happy their mini-slump was ended by a sixth win in the last seven Manchester derbies in the Premier League.

Nerves and tempers were frayed towards the end as United mounted a recovery of sorts and while this was not the sort of display to have Jose Mourinho and Chelsea looking anxiously over their shoulders, victory was all that mattered to City after recent mishaps.

Such was the combustible nature of the first half, with quality at a premium, that it was inevitable players from both sides would be running the risk of a red card.

Rooney harangued referee Oliver to demand a booking for Pablo Zabaleta while England keeper Joe Hart was right in the official’s face when Daley Blind kicked the ball away having

already been booked.

Amid the mayhem, United keeper David de Gea demonstrated his growing stature with a superb reflex save from Jesus Navas before diving bravely at the feet of Aguero, both players collecting an injury in the process.

When the red card came, it was in the most irresponsible manner imaginable. Smalling had been needlessly booked for charging down Hart’s clearance then launched himself at James Milner in a manner that was only going to end one way.

The centre-half was studiously ignored by United’s management team as he made his way off, Michael Carrick replacing Adnan Januzaj as Van Gaal was forced into a defensive redesign.

Temperatures were rising on and off the pitch as

referee Oliver refused to answer several home demands for penalties, particularly when Fellaini clashed with Aguero before half-time and again after the interval when he attempted to dart between the Belgian and Carrick in the area.

United’s defensive resources were further reduced when Rojo was taken off on a stretcher after damaging his shoulder diving into a challenge on Martin Demichelis. Teenager Paddy McNair came into a makeshift rearguard.

It was impossible to see the visitors keeping City out - and they did not. The breakthrough came after 62 minutes when Yaya Toure’s pass cleared space on the left flank for Gael Clichy, whose cross was met expertly by Aguero, pulling away from defenders to flash a powerful finish high past De Gea. (BBC Sport)

Jeptoo fails doping test

Kenyan marathon runner Rita Jeptoo has become the latest athlete from the country to fail a doping test.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) informed Athletics Kenya of traces of a banned substance in Jeptoo’s ‘A’ sample.

An Athletics Kenya statement on the 33-yearold read: “The result of the ‘A’ sample for the athlete has indicated the presence of prohibited substances.”

Thirty-six Kenyans have been confirmed as failing tests in the past two years.

Moses Kiptanui, one of most successful runners in Kenyan history, claimed last year doping is rife

among the country’s athletes.

Kenyan marathon runners Wilson Loyanae Erupe and Nixon Kiplagat Cherutich tested positive for banned substances in February 2013 and were both suspended for two years by Athletics Kenya. Athletics Kenya said its medical and anti-doping commission will meet next week with Jeptoo “to establish whether she would wish to exercise her right to order for testing of the ‘B’ sample”.

Jeptoo has won the previous two Boston and Chicago marathons and also previously won the Stockholm, Paris, Milan and Lisbon marathons. (BBC Sport)

Hamilton wins United States GP

Lewis Hamilton caught and passed Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg to win the United States Grand Prix and extend his World Championship lead.

Hamilton took his 10th victory of the season thanks to a late and brave move down the inside of Rosberg at Turn 12, after erasing the German’s lead.

The result extends Hamilton’s lead over Rosberg to 24 points with 75 available in the two remaining races.

Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo drove superbly to beat the Williams to third.

Hamilton’s victory will be another psychological blow for Rosberg, who arrived in Austin, Texas, admitting he needed “three strong races” to have any chance of beating his team-mate to the title.

The Briton looked the quicker of the two through the practice sessions, but Rosberg took pole after his team-mate hit trouble with his brakes in qualifying.

Rosberg converted that into a lead at the first corner but the fact Hamilton was able to follow within a second of him through to their first pit stops suggested the Englishman did indeed have a pace advantage.

The German’s lead gave him the strategic advantage of making his first stop before Hamilton, on lap 15. Hamilton was in next time around and rejoined 2.8 seconds behind.

Five laps later, Hamilton was within a second of the leader and on lap 24 he made

the decisive move.

He set the fastest first sector time of the race to that point, to put himself closer to Rosberg’s tail as they entered the hairpin before the long straight.

Hamilton then dived for the inside at Turn 12, the hairpin at the end of the straight.

The move seemed to catch Rosberg unawares. He initially moved to defend, before realising that doing so would breach the rule that forbids changing line in the braking zone.

Hamilton, on the inside and alongside, ran his teammate out to the kerbs, ensuring he held the lead.

Rosberg kept the gap between them stable at 1.4 seconds for a few laps before Hamilton extended it by a second over laps 30 and 31 to give himself some breathing space and then controlled the race to the end.

It was Hamilton’s fifth victory in succession, 10th of the season, and the 32nd of his career, which means he has more career wins than any other Briton, pass-

ing Nigel Mansell, and has equalled the tally of his great rival Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton and Alonso are now equal fifth on the alltime F1 winners’ list.

“I’m really grateful to be up front,” he said. “It is such a privilege to be representing my country and to be at the top of the driver wins is quite special. The car was great today.”

Behind the dominant Mercedes, Ricciardo fought back after dropping to sixth at the start from his fifth place on the grid.

The Australian passed Alonso’s Ferrari at the restart after an early safety car period caused by Force India’s Sergio Perez crashing into Sauber’s Adrian Sutil on the first lap.

Ricciardo then passed Valtteri Bottas’s Williams by making his first stop a lap earlier than the Finn, and did the same to the lead Williams of Felipe Massa at their second stops.

It was another stirring performance by Ricciardo,

who has emerged as a major star in his first season in a leading team, putting teammate and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in the shade.

Alonso took sixth, running a very long middle stint in the Ferrari, and holding off the fast-finishing Red Bull of Vettel on the last lap. Vettel fought through the field after a late stop for the faster soft tyre, gaining seven places as a result after a pit-lane start and a strategy that required patience and care to do two long stints on medium tyres before his final push.

McLaren’s Kevin Magnussen took eighth and Toro Rosso’s JeanEric Vergne ninth ahead of Lotus’s Pastor Maldonado.

But the Frenchman faces an investigation for an aggressive pass on teammate Romain Grosjean, who finished 11th. McLaren’s Jenson Button dropped from eighth to 12th in the final laps as he struggled on worn tyres. (BBC Sport)

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Ever heard the one about when Misbahul-Haq thrashed Australia for the equal fastest Test hundred of all time? What about the one where the Pakistan cricket team, at their home in exile, battered powerful Australia by margins unmatched in Test history? Didn’t think so.

Pakistan’s UAE flattening of Australia entered totally unprecedented dimensions on day four in Abu Dhabi, as Misbah’s second century of the match occupied just 56 balls - the same tally required by Viv Richards against England in Antigua 28 years ago.

Michael Clarke’s team were left speechless by the hail of runs, and slipped meekly to 143 for 4 by the close in a nominal pursuit of 603 to win. Chris Rogers, Glenn Maxwell and Clarke all fell cheaply, while David Warner squandered a sound start with a miscued slog. Steven Smith and Mitchell Marsh fought gamely through the final hour, momentarily halting the procession.

The symbolism of Misbah’s innings was immense, utterly humbling Australia in a series where they have conceded all manner of records for differentials between two teams. Foregoing his usually obstinate tendencies, Misbah took 22 runs from one Steve Smith over and needed just 21 balls to reach 50, bettering the record 24 deliveries taken by Jacques Kallis to set the previous record, before going on to match Richards. He had been dropped second ball by Peter Siddle off Smith’s bowling.

Amid records for Misbah, Azhar Ali’s second hundred of the match went by almost unnoticed, but his achievement of three figures moved Misbah to declare. Their dual hundreds were the first time two batsmen had scored Test centuries in each innings for the

and here he was turned inside out on the crease by Babar. It was a decent ball, but Clarke’s leaden feet contrasted sharply with those of his not-so-much younger self, which would likely have danced their way out of trouble. The difference with his opposite number Misbah was equally stark - it is the Pakistan captain who has looked and acted as though the younger man, despite his 40 years.

Misbah’s innings had begun with a generous Smith full toss that was slapped down the ground, but next ball a miscued attempt to swing the legspinner over the fence resulted in an edge that floated towards Siddle, who grassed the chance.

same team since Greg and Ian Chappell against New Zealand in 1974.

Younis Khan was the only wicket of the day for Pakistan, his lbw the signal for a somewhat overdone reaction by Warner, who clapped mockingly in the face of the series’ highest run-scorer. Azhar Ali was also dropped by the substitute Phillip Hughes in the gully as part of a bedraggled Australian performance in the field that did not bode well for their time with the bat.

Rogers duly perished when he nibbled Zulfiqar Babar to leg slip, before Maxwell completed what could be the only match he may ever play as Australia’s No. 3 batsman by missing another straight delivery from Babar to fall lbw on review. In a 12-ball stay, he had also nearly been bowled after missing a highly ambitious attempt to reverse sweep Mohammad Hafeez.

Clarke’s poor series has been another major factor in the gulf between the teams,

From there, Misbah took fearsome revenge on Smith for dismissing him twice in the series, collaring decently pitched balls with near impunity, seemingly oblivious to where Clarke posted fielders. His half-century arrived from the final ball of the morning, and he and Azhar left their gloves and bats by the boundary’s edge.

After lunch, Misbah’s pace slackened only mildly, and it took a fine over of fullpitched reverse swing by Siddle to ensure he did not beat Richards. As it was, a slog to midwicket then a fortuitous edge to third man took Misbah level with the Master Blaster, a proud moment for Pakistan’s captain and the latest indignity inflicted upon Australia in this lopsided series.

Mitchell Johnson ended Pakistan’s innings out of the bowling attack and off the field nursing a sore hip, while Brad Haddin did not keep wicket at all due to what has been revealed to be a hideously bruised shoulder. That being said, it looked better than the scoreboard. (Cricinfo)

Australia outplay Windies women for T20 win

SCOREBOARD

West Indies Women

c Jonassen

Kycia A Knight

b Farrell 3

S Taylor c Cameron b Beams 52

D Dottin c Lanning

b Jonassen 24

H Matthews run out

(Jonassen) 0

B Cooper st Healy b Beams 18

S Daley not out 5

M Aguilleira*+ c Cameron

b Coyte 1

S Quintyne run out (Cameron) 3

Total: for 7 wickets 113

Extras: (b 4, w 3) 7

Did not Bat: A Mohammed, T Smartt, S Selman.

Fall of Wickets: 1-10 (Kycia A Knight, 2.6 ov), 2-62 (Dottin, 11.2 ov), 3-67 (Matthews, 12.2 ov), 4-98 (Cooper, 17.1 ov), 5-101 (Taylor, 17.5 ov), 6-104 (Aguilleira, 18.4 ov), 7-113 (Quintyne, 19.6 ov).

Australia Women Bowling:

R Farrell 4-0-13-1, J Jonassen

4-0-27-1, S Coyte 4-0-17-1, E Perry 2-0-16-0, K Beams 3-015-2, E Osborne 3-0-21-0.

Australia Women (Target; 114)

E Villani c Quintyne

b Mohammed 19

J Jonassen c Selman

b Mohammed 46

M Lanning* c Selman

Australia Women pulled through to a four-wicket win in

b Matthews 24 J Cameron c Selman

b Matthews 1

E Perry c & b Mohammed 3

A Blackwell c Quintyne

b Matthews 11

A Healy+ not out 11

E Osborne not out 1

Total: for 6 wickets 117

Extras (lb 1) 1

Did not Bat: S Coyte, R Farrell, K Beams. Fall of Wickets: 1-32 (Villani, 4.4 ov), 2-82 (Lanning, 12.5 ov), 3-87 (Cameron, 14.4 ov), 4-91 (Perry, 15.3 ov), 5-104 (Blackwell, 16.5 ov), 6-108 (Jonassen, 17.5 ov). West Indies Women Bowling: S Daley 2-0-13-0, T Smartt 1-0-8-0, S Selman

2-0-11-0, A Mohammed 4-0-25-3, S Quintyne 4-017-0, D Dottin 2-0-16-0, H Matthews 3.5-0-26-3.

Result: Australia Women won by 4 wickets

Toss: Australia Women won the toss and elected to field

Series: Australia Women 1-0 West Indies Women

Player of the Match: Jess Jonassen (Australia Women)

Umpires: Greg Davidson & Tony Wilds

Match Referee: Steve Bernard

the penultimate over despite a late stumble against West Indies Women at North

Sydney Oval.

The victory was set up by Australia's bowlers, who restricted West Indies to 113 after Meg Lanning chose to bat. The visitors had made a sound start, reaching 1 for 62 in the 12th over, when Jess Jonassen broke the 52run stand between Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor. The innings foundered after that as wickets fell at one end, while Taylor completed a half-century at the other. West Indies slipped from 3 for 98 in 17 overs to 7 for 113 in 20.

Australia made a strong start to their chase, with

their openers adding 32 inside five overs. Jonassen had a 50-run stand with Lanning for the second wicket, and at 1 for 82 in the 13th over, the hosts were cruising. West Indies staged a late fightback through offspinners Anisa Mohammed and Hayley Matthews, who took three wickets each.

Australia lost five wickets for 26 runs but the collapse had come too late for West Indies. Jonassen was Australia's top scorer with 46 and the last batsman dismissed in the 18th over, six runs short of victory. (Cricinfo)

spurs stun aston Villa

Harry Kane scored his seventh goal in seven games for Tottenham to send Aston Villa to a sixth straight defeat. Andreas Weimann had given Villa a deserved halftime lead with their first goal since 13 September.

But after Villa’s Christian Benteke was sent off for pushing Tottenham’s Ryan Mason in the face, Nacer Chadli swept in Erik Lamela’s corner to equalise.

And substitute Kane, prolific in cups this season, came on to score with a last-minute deflected freekick.

The England Under-21 international stepped up his claims for a first Premier League start of the season after following up a hat-trick in the 5-1 Europa

League win over Asteras Tripolis with another goal in Wednesday’s 2-0 League Cup win over Brighton.

He began on the bench at Villa Park, but looked a significant threat after replacing Emmanuel Adebayor with little more than half an hour to go.

Defeat increases the problems for Villa manager Paul Lambert, who had acknowledged before the match that he was not “bomb-proof” despite only signing a contract extension in September.

Roberto Soldado had two early chances to give Spurs the lead, fizzing a 20-yard shot just wide in the first minute and then heading past the post after a scramble in the penalty area.

But after Benteke hit the angle of post and bar

from Aly Cissokho’s low ball in, Villa found a way to end a goal drought that had lasted nine hours and seven minutes of playing time.

Charles N’Zogbia, recalled to the starting lineup in place of the dropped Gabriel Agbonlahor, got clear down the right and crossed low for Weimann to sweep in from 15 yards.

The home fans showed they had not lost their sense of humour, greeting the goal with a chant of “we’re Aston Villa, we score when we want”.

But Adebayor should have equalised before halftime, finishing weakly after being sent clear by Christian Eriksen and allowing keeper Brad Guzan to push the ball aside.

The match turned when Benteke was sent off 20

Kipsang easily wins New York Marathon

Wilson Kipsang, a former world-record holder, needed to force himself to slow down.

The Kenyan star had entered his first New York City Marathon to challenge himself on a hilly course with no pacemaker. A windy morning made for quite the test Sunday, and Kipsang proved he can win a strategic race.

“I had to really exercise a lot of patience,” he said.

Kipsang pulled away in the final mile for his third major marathon title in just over 13 months. Mary Keitany also took the lead late in the women’s race for a Kenyan sweep.

Kipsang’s record-setting victories in Berlin and London were on flat courses with the aid of a pacemaker, very different from Sunday, when winds were gusting at more than 30 mph at the start. The contenders adjusted by cautiously sticking to a slow pace.

“It was very tactical,” Kipsang said. “So it was not easy.”

He finished in 2 hours, 10 minutes, 59 seconds -- the slowest winning time in New York since 1995, and more than 7½ minutes off the world record he set just over a year ago in Berlin.

Keitany tried a very different tactic in her previous NYC Marathon, surging ahead to a huge early lead in 2011. She was caught that day and had to settle for her second straight third-place finish.

This time, Keitany held back. She and countrywoman Jemima Sumgong entered Central Park side by side, and Sumgong appeared to be pulling away with just over a mile left.

But Keitany had one last burst left and won by 3 seconds, matching the tightest finish in the history of the women’s race. Keitany, a two-time London Marathon champ, hadn’t run a 26.2mile race since 2012 because of the birth of her second child.

Kipsang and Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa, the 2013 Boston Marathon champ, had separated from the pack when they entered Central Park. Desisa at one point accidentally bumped into Kipsang, who turned to ask what happened considering how much space they had. Then Kipsang decided this was a good time for his finishing kick. He had been saving his energy exactly for this moment.

“I really trusted myself,” he said.

Kipsang wound up beating Desisa by 7 seconds. Another Ethiopian, 2010 NYC Marathon winner Gebre Gebremariam, was third.

The reigning Boston Marathon champ, American Meb Keflezighi, took fourth. It was the fourth top-four finish in New York for the 39-year-old Keflezighi, who won in 2009.

Geoffrey Mutai, seeking to become the first man to win three straight NYC Marathons since Alberto Salazar in 1980-82, faded

Wilson Kipsang

back to sixth.

Bronx resident Buzunesh Deba of Ethiopia was ninth in the women’s race after finishing as the runner-up at the last two NYC Marathons. She was seeking to become the first New Yorker to win the race in 40 years.

minutes into the second half for raising his hands after a scuffle involving Mason.

Television replays suggested the Tottenham midfielder pushed his head into Benteke’s face first - but the Belgium striker’s reaction left referee Neil Swarbrick with no option but to show him a red card.

A man short, Villa began to tire as Kane’s energy caused them problems.

The equaliser came with six minutes left as Chadli rose at the far post to nod in Lamela’s corner for his fourth league goal of the season.

And Kane struck right at the end with a freekick that flicked in off defender Nathan Baker to leave Guzan stranded and Lambert in despair. (BBC Sport)

“I worked hard for this opportunity,” she said. “I’m happy because I have a victory today, because I know I’ve been coming to New York two times, and I was in that position. So I’m happy today because it was a good day and I win.”

A record 50,881 runners started the 44th edition of the NYC Marathon, which had the millionth finisher in its history Sunday. It was so windy that the wheelchair race started at the 3-mile mark because it was too dangerous to roll across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

Keitany and Kipsang each earned $100,000. Kipsang also clinched the $500,000 World Marathon Majors bonus with the victory. He set a course record in winning London in April.

Had Kipsang finished second Sunday, the prize would have gone to occasional training partner Dennis Kimetto, who broke his world record five weeks ago in Berlin.

Keitany won in 2:25:07. In 2004, Paula Radcliffe also beat Susan Chepkemei by just 3 seconds. Portugal’s Sara Moreira was third Sunday in her marathon debut.

American Desiree Linden took fifth.

Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, running her first marathon at the end of a grueling season, finished in an impressive 3:26. Sumgong is still seeking her first major marathon title; she was also second in Boston in 2012 and in Chicago in 2013. She was originally supposed to run Chicago again in mid-October but pulled out because of a hamstring problem. Instead, she decided to make her NYC Marathon debut, joining the field after defending champion and training partner Priscah Jeptoo withdrew because of a leg injury.

“In the closing miles, my target was to win,” Sumgong said, “but it was Mary’s day.” (ESPN)

Deo dethrones Sukhram in Digicel’s Guyana...

– Persaud wins 5th title

By TreisTon Joseph

An intense second day of golfing finished with Joaan Deo creating one of the biggest upsets of the year by unseating Christine Sukhram as the top female golfer in Guyana when the Digicel Guyana Open golf tournament concluded on Sunday.

At the packed out golf club at Guyana’s lone golf course in Lusignan, Deo made an array of focused shots to register a net of 141 for the big win.

Shanella Webster who had the longest drive of the day finished second with a net of 146 as defending champion fell all the way to third with a net of 149, having one of her worse tournaments so far in her career.

Meanwhile on the male side of things Avinash Persaud was easily the top golfer with a gross of 144 for the win. Last year’s winner followed closely behind with a gross of 153.

Events and Sponsorship manager of Digicel Gavin Hope was impressed with

the level of golfing on the day while noting that it was the ‘best crowd” since Digicel got involved with the sport.

Hope also lauded the management of the Lusignan Golf Course and Club for the preparedness of the ground as well as the organization of the tournament.

The players received their trophy and prizes at the presentation ceremony held immediately after the tournament concluded.

Djokovic captures 6th title of 2014

Novak Djokovic eased to his sixth title of 2014 with a comfortable win over Milos Raonic in the final of the Paris Masters.

The Serb, 27, prevailed 6-2 6-3 in one hour and 23 minutes.

The victory increases Djokovic’s lead over Roger Federer at the top of the ATP world rankings.

“It’s beautiful to win my first match after becoming a father,” said Djokovic, whose wife Jelena gave birth to a son last month.

“I played my best match of the week. I’m very happy to have the opportunity to stand here with the trophy.”

The world number one has now reached 600 career wins - a feat achieved by only four other active players.

He has won 20 Masters titles, while Wimbledon semi-finalist Raonic’s wait for a breakthrough success at this level continues.

The Canadian doubled his tally of wins over topfive players in reaching the final, beating Roger Federer

Phillip George Legacy Basketball C/ships III... Pacesetters, Colts look strong on opening night

Behind 30 points from guard Travis Burnett, the Trinity Grid Holding Pacesetters demolished Rockers out of Berbice in a 99-61 blowout on Saturday evening at the Burnham Hard Court.

Burnett diced the defence for easy buckets in the paint while Travis Williams, Michael Turner and Randy Richardson quietly scored 14, 12 and 10 points for the Pacesetters in the lopsided win.

Neil Wills was the Rockers high point man with 23 while Jason Fraser had 14 points in the game as well. Meanwhile in the fea-

tured game of the evening, host of the tournament Bounty Colts was as equally as dominant as Pacesetters with a 99-65 win over the Melanie Patriots.

Dave Causway scored 24 points while the big man traversing on the inside Shane Webster punished the defence of Patriots with a bruising 21 point effort.

Rayon Cummings also had18 points while Quacy Lindo dropped 12 points to add to the Colts big offensive night.

Floyd Arthur scored a game high 26 points for the Patriots while Sherlon Legal had 20 poinst as well in the loss. Ashton Adams was

the other player that scored double digits with 12 points. In the other game of the evening the Linden team, Victory Valley Royals, defeated Knights 74-63 after the Knights ran out of gas down the strectch. Forward, Harold Adams netted 26 points to lead Royals while Chris Williams and Marlon Pollydore scored 12 and 10 points in support. Jacob Lowe had a team high 13 point might for his losing side with Omadele Phillips supporting with 10 points.

The tournament will continue on Saturday at the said venue.

school nationals moved to gDF

and Tomas Berdych.

But he was on the back foot from the start against Djokovic, dropping his opening service game with a poor netted volley.

The Serb saved three break points before breaking Raonic again to clinch the first set.

Another break early in the second set was enough for Djokovic to extend his winning streak in indoor matches to 27, ahead of the ATP Tour Finals at London’s O2 arena next week. (BBC Sport)

For the first time, the National School Championships will be contested at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground, Base Camp Ayanganna.

While details are slow, the event which is scheduled for November 17-21 according to a number of district heads who are preparing their athletes for the

event, it has been confirmed by multiple sources familiar with the organizing of the event.

With regional cricket penciled for the National Stadium during the month of November, the Organisers were left with limited options.

However, news is circulating that GDF is con-

cerned with cycling being held on the 400 metre track.

Normally the National School Championships would have already been launched as customary over the last couple of years. However, it seems as though a number of issues, the ground being the biggest has caused the launching to be delayed as well.

Deo dethrones Sukhram in Digicel’s Guyana golf open

– Persaud wins 5th title

Sarwan comfortable in new environment

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Overlooked Guyanese, stylish right-handed batsman, Ramnaresh Sarwan, has arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, where he will be a part of the country’s line-up for the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League’s (PCL) Regional four-day tournament.

However, he told Guyana Times Sport on Sunday that he is comfortable with the new environment.

Sarwan, 34, is one of only two who will play for teams based outside the country of their birth following the inaugural West Indies Cricket Board’s draft in Barbados recently. The other is Barbados all-rounder Raymon Reifer, who was chosen by Guyana Jaguars as a first- round pick.

“I’m pretty much happy and comfortable at the moment. Its good environment

to be in – nice and relaxed,” said Sarwan. Sarwan arrived in Trinidad and Tobago last Wednesday and was involved

class championship bowls off November 14 and runs until March 23, 2015. Sarwan, who has not played a Test in three years

in a number of net sessions.

He will get a workout this week in T&T Cricket Board three-day practice match. The newly revised first-

and an international match in over a year, says his objective is to achieve big scores to put himself in contention for a recall to the West Indies

team.

“My main objective is to try to get myself fit to try to play in the 2015 World Cup,” said Sarwan.

Red Force plays their first game against the Barbados Franchise from November 14 at the Queen’s Park Oval, in Trinidad.

Sarwan’s omission form Guyana team has raised more questions than answers among the cricket fraternity.

While the majority of people in almost any part of Guyana feel that Sarwan has been wronged, Cricket Guy Inc (CGI), the company formed to take charge of the Guyana franchise, has a different position.

Many cricket fans are calling for the local officials to come clean on the real reasons for Sarwan’s omission, since from all indications, there seems to be a personal grudge lingering between one official and the out-of-favour West Indies batsman.

RIO Exec comfortable with Pistorius competing at 2016 Olympics if eligible

Brazilian Olympic and Paralympic organizers would welcome Oscar Pistorius to compete at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro if the South African runner is declared eligible.

The double-amputee athlete began a five-year jail sentence last week for killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, but he could be released after 10 months.

Both South Africa’s Olympic committee and Paralympic officials say, however, that Pistorius can’t compete for the full five years of his jail sentence.

“It’s not for us to judge him personally,” Rio communications director Mario Andrada said on Tuesday in London. “He was judged by the South African judicial system. As soon as he fulfils his obligations with that system he will be a free man and a free man is entitled to compete wherever he wants.

“We have to keep in our prayers and thoughts both families. It was a tragedy ... but he will be welcome in Brazil like anybody else. On the sidelines of the

Host City Bid to Win conference, Andrada stressed that “all the athletes are welcome” in Rio in the “Olympic spirit.”

Pistorius, who was found guilty of the negligent killing of Steenkamp, was the first amputee to compete alongside able-bodied runners at the Olympics when he ran in the 400 meters and 4x400 relay in London in 2012.

The “Blade Runner” then ran at the Paralympics, winning gold in the 400 meters and the 4x100. But there was controversy when Pistorius lost his 200-meter title and complained that winner Alan Oliveira gained an unfair advantage by using lengthened blades.

A renewal of that rivalry would be welcomed by Rio organizers.

“If both of them are there to race, that will be a great re-match,” Andrada said. “This would be maybe be a homage of the race they had in London. This would be one of the greatest events of the Paralympics.” (ESPN)