APNU against sending AML amendments to CFATF for approval
Work to start soon to activate FOI – Ramson
Rohee calls for revision of data collection
Man crushed by truck on Soesdyke/Linden Highway
Sod turned to rebuild One Mile Primary School
The hearing of court cases is expected to be accelerated with the passage of the Recording of Court Proceedings Bill 2014 in the National Assembly on Monday. This bill paves the way for the electronic verbatim recording of proceedings, moving away from a tradition of manual note-taking which eats up time in the courts.
In presenting the bill for a second reading, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall told the House that the bill has been long overdue. “We have heard for a very long time lamentations expressed about the delay which affects our system and the consequential injustice, which flows from the administration of the criminal justice system, as well as the civil aspect of our justice system,” Nandlall said in his opening remarks, pointing out the importance of the bill.
In recent times, the government has provided resources and embarked upon initiatives to address the chronic and the systematic failures of the judicial system.
The legal affairs minister said the bill was brought to the House with a view of bringing expediency and efficiency to the justice system, in terms of accelerating the rate at which cases are disposed of.
He told the House that though the US$25 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Modernisation of the Justice Administration System was not conceived with the bill in mind, it has been amended to facilitate the bill.
It was explained that under the project, Guyana has acquired modernised equipment that will help the country to fulfil the objective of the bill when it is enacted. He boasted that
the technology acquired through the assistance of the IDB is superior, putting the country on par with developed countries.
Although judges and magistrates would be allowed to make their own records, the electronically garnered information would be the property of the courts.
The electronic recording equipment would be initially installed in three courts: the Court of Appeal, the Chief Justice’s Court and the Commercial Court. “We will start with these three, see how it works and eventually, install the system in all of the courts in Guyana,” he disclosed.
Skeletal
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament James Bond told the House that the bill is a “small” step in the right direction. Bond said APNU had long called for the technological
advancement of the legal system.
However, he charged that the bill has many loopholes, lamenting that laws must be “certain and definitive”, leaving no room for uncertainty within the jus-
er of the recorder, it does not state where the record should be kept and no consideration was given, general or specifics, to protect the integrity of the record,” he pointed out.
The Recording of Court Proceedings Bill 2014 was tabled for the first time on January 16 in the National Assembly.
Clause three, of six, establishes the power to record proceedings by electronic or other means while clause four gives the registrar of the Supreme Court or the clerk of the Magistrate’s Court, the authority to prepare a transcript of the recorded proceedings.
tice system. “The bill before this House, I dare to say, appears to be a skeleton. Mr Speaker, a skeleton is without flesh… this bill does not state who shall be the keep-
The bill also addresses the issue of verification with regard to the record of proceedings via certificates by those responsible for its accuracy; and provides for access to the transcript and recordings upon payment of a fee, which is to be determined.
The two suspects who were wanted in connection with the slaying of local fashion designer Trevor Rose were arrested over the weeks but they were granted bail on Tuesday evening, according to crime chief Seelall Persaud.
Persaud did not give any details with respect to the granting of bail to the two men. After the lapse of the 72-hour detention period, a decision was taken to allow the men to walk after they would have posed bail in an undisclosed sum.
A police rank explained that if investigators had any substantial evidence against the men, they would not have hesitated to approach the chief justice for an extension of the legal detention period.
Rose, 32, of Lot 232 East Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, was executed two Sundays ago when a lone gunman opened fire on the taxi in which he was travelling near the traffic lights at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.
During the shooting, Troy Nieunkirk, 30, the taxi driver and the mother of Rose’s two-year-old son, Latoya Towler, 29, were also injured. Towler was reportedly shot to the buttocks while Nieunkirk sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm.
It was reported that Rose, a father of eight, was heading into the Eccles Housing Scheme to drop
off Towler and as they approached the traffic lights in the area, a heavily tinted motor car drove up alongside theirs and the driver taunted Nieunkirk about the way he was driving. The men began to argue, and the other driver exited his vehicle before opening fire. Rose was shot five times with a .9mm pistol.
Nieunkirk managed to drive away and go straight to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but it was too late for Rose.
Days after the shooting, an injured Nieunkirk recalled that Rose seemed to have known the man and instructed him to reverse the car during the argument. There were reports that his vehicle was trailed when it left the city.
Attempts to get a comment from Towler proved futile. When contacted, she said she was traumatised and could not speak at this time.
By Bhisham mohamed
In light of the revelations resulting from an undercover drug sting operation, which linked cocaine traffickers in Guyana to the Italian mafia in the United States of America, President Donald Ramotar on Wednesday said that he asked his Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee to seek international help to go after local connections. “I have directed the Minister of Home Affairs to write to the United States to ask them to give us the information that they probably have and to extend to them our commitment, our full cooperation to fighting these and bringing any of these to justice in our country. Guyana must not be a safe haven for any of these types of criminals,” Ramotar said while addressing a Guyana Defence Force event.
The recent sting operation led to the arrest of almost two dozen people in the U.S. In an invited comment, Rohee told media operatives that he has not received a report on the matter and is waiting on the law enforcement agencies to furnish him with the necessary report. He also expressed optimism about the recent drug sting operation, noting that whenever large volumes of cocaine are seized in any part of the world, the fight against drug trafficking advances. The minister is calling on the U.S. authorities to provide any available information to Guyanese law enforcement authorities, noting that if there are drug links to Guyana, the government will join them in dismantling the connections.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader, retired Brigadier
David Granger met with the hierarchy of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Wednesday morning and expressed concerns about the extremely grave reports linking Guyanese narco-traffickers, the Mexican drug cartels, and the Italian mafia. Granger as such is calling on the government to replace the National Drug Strategy Master Plan, which expired more than five years ago. And the Guyana government said it is awaiting a report from its security agencies on the issue.
Moments after leaving Camp Ayanganna, Granger said the situation was one that required an immediate and forceful reaction from the government of Guyana. Granger explained that the meeting with the GDF top brass was to call attention to the gravity of the situation and to give support to the defence force in filling a void that was opened in the national anti-narcotics strategy.
He added that the administration seems to be in no hurry
to implement a new National Drug Strategy Master Plan. “Everyone knew when it expired in 2009, it would have had to be replaced and there is no justification for waiting five years for a replacement,” Granger added. The opposition leader believes that the absence of the plan facilitates the continuation of the cocaine trade in Guyana. Granger recalled the 2000-2008 period when well-known international narco- traffickers brought in sophisticated weapons which allegedly led to the demise of several Guyanese in Buxton, Lusignan, and Bartica. He said he would not want to see a reoccurrence of the deadly period.
The APNU leader has asked GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips to indicate to the coalition through the National Assembly what assistance it can render to strengthen the technical arms of the army, particularly in the field of aviation, coastguard and land assets which can lead to the interdiction of narcotics coming into Guyana.
Referencing an illegal airstrip that was built on the Corentyne a few years ago, Granger said the person who built the facility is walking free in Guyana. The opposition leader added that his coalition is aware that narcotics are entering Guyana by the planeloads, but unfortunately only the small couriers are intercepted.
He noted that with the recent report in the international press that cocaine is leaving Guyana in large volumes in fish, pineapples, wood, and
other products, APNU is calling on the GDF to employ its assets to do what the Home Affairs Ministry seems incapable of doing.
Granger said the army chief-of-staff promised to discuss the issue with senior ranks, while confirming that he has already taken guidance from the Disciplinary Forces Commission (DFC) which calls for the strengthening of the GDF’s technical arms (air and maritime).
Inadequate resources Phillips also revealed that they are also in the process of acquiring a number of vessels, but Granger noted that these are classified as insured patrols and are not capable of tracking down narco-traffickers and contraband dealers on the high seas. “He does not have sufficient assets to cover the entire land borders and internal part of the country,” the retired brigadier said. He added that the APNU is committed to supporting any legitimate actions or requests by the defence force in whatever measures are brought in the budget to bring an end to narco-trafficking in Guyana.
“We call on the government to promulgate a National Drug Strategy Master Plan… consultation or no consultation; we are going to prevent mafias from having a foothold in this country.” (bhisham@guyanatimesgy.com)
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
he issue of noise nuisance is once again engaging the attention of the relevant authorities here. Noise nuisance is becoming unbearable and citizens are crying out for stronger action to be taken against persons disrupting the peace and quietude in their communities.
Schoolchildren are prevented from studying for their exams, workers who come home after a hard day’s work want to relax and prepare themselves for the next day’s challenges, and the sick and the elderly too want to relax in a peaceful and quiet environment, but in some cases they are unable to do so due to loud noises emanating from huge speaker boxes.
This newspaper has received several letters to the editor where citizens expressed how disgusted and frustrated they are about the level of noise nuisance in their neighbourhood. This excessive noise comes from parties, Bar-B-Ques, wedding houses, rum shops, minibuses, hire and private cars and even private individuals who show no care or concern for their neighbours’ comfort.
No one dares to object to this level of disrespect that is being foisted upon citizens. When there is a complaint made against a particular liquor shop or individual blasting their music to the fullest, the person making the complaint is verbally or even physically abused. Out of fear, citizens remain quiet and are left with no other choice but to endure the level of discomfort.
The police have not been very proactive in addressing these concerns. Letter writers have expressed the view that even after calls to the police station for action to be taken against the perpetrators, the lawless behaviour still continues. Is it a case that the follow-up was not done? Even after a warning is issued by the police, the perpetrators comply for a while, but not long after engage in the same behaviour.
The Parliamentary Social Sector Committee and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has brought the issue again under the spotlight, lamenting the fact that more needs to be done to address the issue of noise nuisance, and this would mean revisiting the necessary legislation that deals with the issue.
The Home Affairs Ministry has adopted a “name-andshame” method of dealing with noise nuisance, but this approach has not been very effective. Higher fines and stricter penalties are needed to curb noise nuisance, once and for all. Hence, serious consideration should be given to revising the necessary laws accordingly.
Several issues must be considered when updating the legislation. Among them are the limits as to how many permits and licences should be granted within a zoning area, the overall operations of liquor shops and how they are constructed etc, guidelines for hosting social events, criteria used to issue permits for those events or businesses which are in close proximity of each other, and fines to be imposed when there is a breach of the law. With recent technological developments, it is necessary to go back to the drawing board.
We certainly agree with the home affairs minister that curbing noise nuisance in the society is a constant struggle which must continue, and all stakeholders must play their part. As pointed out by Chairperson of the Social Sector Committee Indra Chandarpal, policymakers must look into the discomfort of the people and amend the laws to alleviate this.
Policymakers must not be allowed to feel helpless. They must be able to think out of the box as to how they should protect and represent the interests of their constituents.
In the meantime, we urge citizens who are affected to continue lodging reports of noise nuisance at the nearest police station or divisional headquarters, so that some form of action could be taken against those found culpable. Citizens should also form themselves into groups and lobby their representatives to revise the necessary laws as part of helping to build more decent, peaceful and modern society.
Dear Editor, The entire Caribbean region is facing major challenges as it relates to curbing domestic violence, particularly against women. Recently, it seems as though violence against women has become the norm, and is even now, being considered as one of the leading causes of injury and death to women. What makes this situation even more perturbing is that this
violence is inflicted at the hands of their spouses. Cases of domestic violence over the years have all suggested that it is always a jealous man who manifests rage in a particular situation, resulting in him physically lashing out at his female spouse. Ironically, most women in abusive relationships fail to report or press charges against their partner, making it extreme-
ly difficult to really address the issue of violence against women.
Many men subscribe to the traditional expectation that a man must be in control and must be aware of his spouse’s whereabouts. These men possess qualities of being volatile, jealous, and insecure and quickly become threatened at the mere thought of his partner being vulnerable to the stares of
other men. Male abusers often share much more commonalties and it would be interesting to know of the details surrounding the real reason for violence against women. Personally, I would like to be made aware of matters pertaining to violence against women.
Respectfully,
Artie Gopaul
Dear Editor,
Not so long ago, the Labour Ministry established a new mandate governing the new minimum wage rule. However, several companies are still refusing to adhere to the new rule and I am pleased to know that three security firms have been identified and are expected to face severe consequences for their negligence and non compliance.
I must compliment the respective authorities and
further express how impressed I am with the kind of follow up work that is being done. According to the ministry, some 2218 inspections were done at various businesses countrywide, during which those noncompliant businesses were singled out.
The findings will now ensure that the said businesses adhere to the national policy hence forth and will further bring justice to those workers who were not being
paid accordingly. I sympathise with the security workers from the various firms, since I am fully aware of their plight. Many of them are pushed to the max and I know of some instances where they are not relieved of their shifts and sometimes even have to work double shifts. Additionally, their hours of work are also not always conducive, thereby making transportation arrangements another cause for concern.
It is every employee’s right to raise any concerns with their employers that they may have pertaining to the flouting of the country’s constitutional rights. Moreover, in the event that employers fail to address such concerns, it is important that employees expose the illegalities of their employers by informing the Labour Ministry.
Yours faithfully, Azeeda
Haniff
The cutlass should be a tool, not a weapon
Dear Editor,
The cutlass has over the years been used by many professions including cane cutters, coconut vendors and butchers to earn an honest living. However, this particular instrument has also been known to have claimed many lives and caused serious injuries to those who have been under its attack.
Cutlasses are easily accessible and because of the potential harm that it can cause to people, I strongly be-
lieve that those individuals who need it for the purpose of work, should be issued with a permit. Otherwise, anyone found with a cutlass and no legal supporting documents should be charged for unlawful possession of the weapon.
Over the years, there have been several incidents where individuals have violently attacked innocent people, inclusive of their family and friends.
Moreover, not so long
ago, I encountered a vagrant, possibly of unsound mind who was traversing the street with a cutlass in his hand and I thought to myself this was a disaster just waiting to happen.
Just recently, a constable from the Brickdam Police Station was seriously injured when he was attacked by his neighbour who wielded several chops about his body with a cutlass.
The officer was immediately rushed to the
Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted and had to undergo emergency surgery to remove bone fragments from both of his knees and his lower back. There have been multiple cases of cutlass attacks in Guyana and it is time for the relevant authorities to clamp down on this form of violence. The cutlass should be a tool, not a weapon.
Sincerely, Randolph Cummings
Dear Editor,
For as long as I could remember, there has always been stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. Nevertheless, I am quite anxious to know how people will respond to the new labour laws established to protect HIV positive victims at the work place.
It is a personal decision for someone living with HIV/ AIDS to choose to disclose their status to their co-workers and employer. However, though there are several pros and cons to doing so, it is im-
portant to keep in mind that workplace discrimination based on one’s HIV/AIDS status is illegal.
There have been cases where the disclosing of one’s status has managed to create supportive relationships between the victim and their coworkers.
However, when such an outcome fails to be positively acknowledged, it is important for the human resources manager to address all matters of discrimination.
These individuals are expected to be mature and pro-
Dear Editor, I commend those individuals who are always willing to embrace the opportunity to engage themselves in gainful, rewarding activities, rather than do nothing with their free time.
For those people who weren’t fortunate enough to garner a proper education, the option of acquiring technical skills or other forms of training is often made possible by programmes such as those made available by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Initiative.
Not so long ago, the BIT initiative, in collaboration with the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) and the Single Parent’s Programme provided the opportunity for several persons to undertake training in engineering, welding, health servicing and several home economics related fields.
As it relates to the employment aspect, the Labour Ministry’s Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency is responsible for assisting those qualified and skilful applicants in the process of securing a suitable job. To date, the agency has been able to find jobs for approximately 2548 persons.
I must commend the efforts of the multiple technical training institutions and the government’s recruitment agency for their interest and concern to provide our not so fortunate people with the guidance and training that they need, to earn an honest living and to live a life free of criminal or illegal intent.
I encourage the relevant authorities to continue to offer such rewarding initiatives in order to ensure the betterment of our people.
Yours sincerely, Drepaul Harrichand
fessional in their decision making.
The recently amended Occupational Safety and Health Act stipulates that any place of employment, with more than five HIV positive workers, must be given a written copy of the policy on HIV/AIDS.
This policy is meant to manifest all particulars for protection and consideration for those living with HIV, further ensuring that those who discriminate against HIV/ AIDS victims will be disciplined.
On the whole, employers are prohibited from making any form of HIV testing compulsory and they are not allowed to terminate the services of any employee on the grounds of HIV/AIDS.
I am happy to know that such a sensitive and often bias matter can be addressed with utmost respect and maturity. I urge the Labour Ministry to keep up the good work and follow through with the newly implemented regulations.
Sincerely,
Annalisa Ally
Dear Editor,
It always amazes me how and why people choose to live a lifestyle associated and tainted with drugs, whether for personal use or for the purpose of trafficking. Health wise, many people fail to realise the potential harm that hard drugs can have on the body, including death.
Aside from impairing people’s judgment and ability to think rationally, it can also contribute to the spread of diseases, such as the HIV virus, for those drugs which require and involve the use of needles.
Using drugs affects the way people think and their ability to undertake functions. Drug addicts have been known for destroying family bonds and for causing emotional distress to loved ones. Unfortunately for the man found guilty, he now has to live a lonely life in prison, away from his family.
At the academic level, many people’s path to edu-
Dear Editor,
cation and careers has been cut short because of their involvement with drugs. The life that they could have had is now forfeited because they chose a path of self destruction.
Many drug addicts when given the opportunity to confess and share their experiences, often express sorrow and remorse. Some of them even indicate that if given the opportunity again, they would choose to live a drug free life.
Regards, Coreen
Noble
During December, yet another clean-up campaign was hosted by several ministries, in collaboration with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). Though I applaud these agencies for their enthusiasm to keep our environment clean; if I must say, another clean-up campaign will not put a stop to our growing garbage situation.
In order for any substantial change to come about, it is the mindset of our citizens that needs to be changed. Their current behaviour and habits needs to be addressed and should further allow for a new culture to be adopted. In fact, people should become so fearful of the consequences of littering that they will surely think twice before doing so.
This concept of being able to change the culture and
mindset of our nation in order for change to be effective is no easy task. It’ll require significant time and effort, but when inherited, its end results will be rewarding, since a new culture will be practiced, further allowing for a better and more clean environment.
Lastly, due credit has to be given to those hardworking, environmentally conscious people who help to maintain the city. However, it is only fair that their efforts be further acknowledged by ensuring that the responsible authorities monitor the city and that proper laws are put in place for those who dispose of garbage irresponsibly.
Change is inevitable and so we must start now.
Yours truly, Leila
Kanhai
Setting the tone
In addition to being steadfast in the belief that it is important to have children complete chores, your attitudes can help set the tone that will increase possible cooperation in your household. You can consider how you look at your “chores” –you are your children’s most important role model. As Barbara Coloroso suggests in her book Children Are Worth It, if parents “do chores with a sense of commitment, patience and humour, our children will have a model to do likewise.” You can send the message that chores are a bore and something to be avoided at all costs. Conversely, you can send the message that these are the tasks that need to be completed in order for your household to run smoothly and that everyone in the family is encouraged and expected to participate. Young child naturally want to be a part of the family and want to help. Ideally, you will encourage their participation (even if it takes more work on your part in the short run). By the age of three, youngsters can be assigned their own tasks, for which they are responsible, such as pulling up the sheets on their bed or placing the napkins on the table or sorting the laundry. The size of the task does not matter; it is the responsibility associated with it that does.
For those parents who did not begin a chore regimen when their children were little, you can still start a plan now. You can take some time to think about what tasks you
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need help with, what life skills your children need to learn, and what are each child’s interests and abilities.
As your children grow, it is important to re-evaluate your chore plan. Some families use birthdays as natural markers for examining what responsibilities as well as what privileges their children are receiving.
your children for their input. Children are more cooperative when they have a say. Also, brainstorm ideas for overcoming any obstacles you have faced in the past, such as children not following through, arguing, or not doing a thorough job. Many parents hold a family meeting to discuss chores and when and how they will be starting, revising, or re-instating them. Such times together can build morale, improve relationships, and facil- itate creative problem solving.
Other, naturally occurring breaks that lend themselves to instituting or revisiting a chore plan include the beginning or end of the school year or returning from vacations. Consider:
* What chores do you want completed in your home?
* Are the ones already selected the best fit for each of your children and ones that are most meaningful to the running of your household?
* Are there life skills that a particular child needs to learn?
* Are you happy with your decision to tie/not tie allowance to chore completion?
* As you contemplate these decisions, you can ask
One question that parents frequently ask is whether allowance should be tied to the completion of chores. This is a personal call, with experts weighing in on both sides. Some parents feel quite resentful of handing their children money if the youngsters do not assist with the running of the household. For these parents, the money is an incentive for a job well done. Just as adults must learn to complete a job satisfactorily in order to be paid, some parents want to instil that same work ethic in their children. Under these circumstances, parents
would want to pay the child an allowance as compensation for a job well done.
Other parents want their children to help around the house as a contributing member of the family, not because there is money or other external rewards associated with it. These families believe that it takes a lot of effort for a household to function smoothly and that their children should participate without pay because they are a part of the family. These parents would not want to tie an allowance to chores.
In addition, some families want their children to learn to be financially responsible and are concerned that if the chores are not satisfactorily completed, then their children will not receive pay and will not have the opportunity to budget or make spending choices. These families may want to separate chore completion from allowance.
One alternative to paying money may be to have children earn privileges for completing their chores. For example, a teen may earn the right to use the car on the weekends by washing the automobile. A school-age child may earn the privilege to have friends over to play if he throws away the trash and puts away the games after a previous gathering.
Providing an allowance and under what circumstances is an individual decision, one that parents can revisit and alter during any of the re-evaluation sessions they hold as a family. (centerforparentingeducation.org)
BY MELISSA MATTERS
I’m a firm believer that it doesn’t take a lot of money to show you care. Every year, I get my children a small Valentine’s Day gift. Typically, I raid the dollar bin at the store and put together a creative gift for a small price. This February, surprise your children with one of these inexpensive Valentine’s Day gifts for children.
Jumpin’ for joy
A simple gift such as a jump rope can provide a child with hours (or maybe minutes) of fun! You can choose a basic jump rope, Chinese jump rope or one with a counter. On a gift tag write “You Make my Heart Jump for Joy.”
You make my life colourful
Purchase a small pack of crayons and markers. Short skinny markers and eight count crayon boxes are great choices. You could also add some watercolours. On a label or piece of
vivid card stock write “You make my life colourful.”
You’re pawsitively delightful
Purchase a small stuffed animal (perhaps your child’s favourite animal) and place a note around the animal’s arm that says “You’re Pawsitively Delightful, Valentine.” You could also purchase one or an assortment of animal finger puppets for children to play with.
Jack pot Does your child have a favourite arcade, fun zone or merry-go-round? Fill up a bag with tokens and give them to him or her on Valentine’s Day. Include a note that says, “I hit the jackpot with you as my daughter/son!” Another idea to print up some family bucks to redeem for things like for a favourite breakfast, get out of chores free day coupon or pick a movie for family movie night.
Seeds My children love growing plants. You can find flower pots with little seed pellets that are very easy to grow. Another idea to purchase several different flower, fruit, vegetable or herb seed packets and tie them together with a bow. Attach a tag to the bow that says “My heart “grows” fonder of you each year.” Put the seed in a terra cotta pot and a small bottle of paint so your child can personalise the gift.
Make my heart sing
Older children may appreciate an iTunes gift card in a homemade card. Draw some heart music notes and then write “You make my heart sing!”
You’re sweet
If you have a child who likes to bake, consider getting him or her a baking cookbook for children. Then, purchase a heart shaped baking pan, a frosting spatula and some heart shaped cookie cutters to complete the gift. A simple “you’re sweet” note is a great way to tie the present together.
These inexpensive Valentine’s Day gifts for children are a wonderful way to show you care! (Yahoo!)
Some 444 pounds of beef unfit for consumption was on Tuesday discovered when officials from the Food Hygiene Department and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) swooped down on Rahaman’s Meat Centre.
A search conducted on the storage facilities of the butcher shop located at Lot 7 James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, revealed that the meat was salvaged from the carcass of a cow that had drowned.
The search was conducted after officials received information that uninspected meat was being sold at the establishment.
The meat was reportedly covered in faeces and vegetative matter, and was uninspected and unstamped.
Investigations later revealed that the cow which belonged to Chander Bhagwandin of Kitty, Georgetown, had died some days prior.
Proprietors of the butcher shop Junior Rahaman and Seudia Halder allegedly confirmed this information.
The uninspected meat was taken to the Municipal Abattoir on Water Street,
cident, Sooba had related that the M&CC’s Fit For Consumption stamp was not found on any of the meat that was checked during the raid.
Sooba also said the meat centre was not following the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for meat storage and sale. Jeyes fluid was reportedly thrown on the seized meat in the presence of Police Superintendent Errol Watts, City Council’s Chief Meat and Food Inspector (CM&FI) Jackdeep Singh and JAPS’ meat centre shop assistant Ameer
A senior City Council official, who spoke with this publication, said the meat centre was buying meat from countries that was not compliant with the standards of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department.
“They have removed the meat and they are going to burn it,” the source said, adding that it posed a serious threat to the lives of Guyanese.
The award-winning Melsha furniture store on Wednesday gave back to its customers through its Annual Christmas Bonanza, which was drawn at its main branch located at 15 Public Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
Peter Singh, supervisor at the main branch, in his remarks, stated that Melsha takes great pride in providing high-quality furniture at the lowest prices, to suit everyone’s budget, and this would at no time be compromised. “Despite the competitive market that exists, we know it would be imperative for us to maintain our high standards at all times,” he shared. In expressing congratulations to the winners, who were all first-time shoppers, he said: “… I know it is a joyful moment for you, and while everyone cannot be prize winners, you are still winners in a special way.”
Taking home the grand prize of one complete bedroom set was Arif Ally of 27 Shieldstown Settlement, West Bank Berbice; the second place prize of one queen chair went to Alexis Williams of 9 Canefield,
East Corentyne. The thirdplace prize of a centre table was won by Natasha David of 119 Buxton Village, East Bank Demerara. The prize for fourth and fifth place was a pouffe and Odessa Adams of 74 Supply, Mahaica and Ishmael Khan of 58 Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara both took one home. All prize winners were present at the ceremony to accept their prizes with the exception of Ally and Williams, who were represented by family members.
The winners said they had never before shopped at Melsha and expressed great satisfaction with the products they had purchased. They expressed gratitude to the management and staff of Melsha, and promised to continue to shop at Melsha. One of the store’s principals, Mrs L D Mahadeo, in closing remarks, thanked the customers for their patronage and promised to continue on the quest of producing the top-quality, creative pieces Melsha is renowned for.
Information obtained from a report compiled
vealed that the meat tre
Town Clerk Carol Sooba related that the proprietors of the meat shop are related to the principals of the JAPS meat centre, which was recently involved in a similar incident.
In November last, some 589 kilograms of decomposing meat was confiscated from JAPS meat centre in Robb Street, Georgetown. The decomposing meat was found among the parcels that were in 11 freezers at the establishment.
Shortly after that in-
owned and operated by a People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) city councillor.
Reports into that incident alleged that after receiving information of imported meat that was not stamped being sold at the facility, the Guyana Police Force sought the assistance of the City Council to launch an investigation. Subsequently, several vehicles filled with armed police ranks flocked the meat centre and began to search the premises.
Opposition Leader David Granger said there is no need to send amendments made to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2013 to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
On Monday, President Ramotar wrote Granger, suggesting that the coalition’s amendments to the anti-money laundering bill be sent to the CFATF and the FATF for a determination on whether they are practical.
Granger, however, has not responded to the president, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. According to him, the AML select committee is competent enough to determine what will be in the best interest of Guyanese. Guyana should report to the CFATF and the FATF when the work of the committee is completed, he opined.
The APNU leader dispelled allegations now levelled against the coalition that it deliberately waited until the 11th hour to put forward its amendments. “It was not a deliberate delay.”
Late Sunday night, APNU tabled three primary amendments which include the establishment of an AntiMoney Laundering Authority. Additionally, the amendments if approved will give the police and the customs authorities the power to seize large amounts of cash and jewellery anywhere, once there is reasonable suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing. Additionally, it gives the National Assembly the powers to appoint staffers of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
According to Granger, it was only on Sunday, the committee arrived at the pivotal point to make such amendments. It was explained that the opposition at the level of the committee was “going through the clauses” step by step. “We
did not reach that stage until Sunday night, it was not deliberate,” he maintained. Granger said too that the opposition was also awaiting key presentations from Christopher Ram, Clive Thomas, and the Bar Association.
The delay in the passage of the bill has garnered the attention of the international community. Russian Ambassador to Guyana Nikolay Smirnov is among the diplomats who have written the opposition leader in concern.
In a letter dated February 6, 2014, Smirnov called on Granger to take stock of the concerns raised by the people of Guyana and the developed world. The Russian ambassador said the AML bill has captured the attention of countries around the world.
“The issue has been discussed at the G8 Summit at Lough Erne, United Kingdom in June 2013 and G20 Summit in St Petersburg, Russia in September 2013,” he reported. Since July 1, 2013, the Russian
Federation has been presiding at FATF, hence the country strongly upholds efforts of the organisation aimed at effective implementation of FATF standards, he said. On this ground, he encouraged the opposition leader to take the necessary steps to ensure the enactment of the outlined standards.
“I have noted concerns expressed by the government of Guyana and various stakeholders, including the Private Sector Commission and the Georgetown Commerce, international experts about the lack of agreement in the Parliament on the passage of the proposed amendment on the AMLCFT Act.”
It is the hope of the Russian ambassador that the opposition leader acts in the interest of Guyana’s development. Of recent, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and Caricom called on the National Assembly to pass the bill, explaining that the country is at risk of being further sanctioned by the CFATF and the FATF.
Work to start soon to activate FOI – Ramson …says he deserves a higher salary
By Samuel Sukhnandan
Commissioner of Information Charles
Ramson said that while the opposition seemed to be concerned over his monthly income, he believed that he deserved way more. His comments come on the heels of a recent revelation that he earns a gross monthly income of $1.2 million.
Justice Ramson told Guyana Times on Wednesday that he was not at all troubled by the comments made by opposition members, regarding his salary or the work of the commission. This is especially, since he believes that the salary is somewhat inadequate for the post and the work of
the commission is likely to kick start soon. “It’s not very welcoming for people to be making remarks about salary and allowances. In fact, I can claim to be underpaid. Because if I had remained the AG [Attorney General], my salary would have been much larger than it is now,” he said. The former legal affairs minister added that he does not receive benefits like a minister.
Ramson noted that had he been in private practice as an attorney, he would have made way more than he is currently working for. He said he was called out of retirement to serve and he will do exactly that. In responding to a recent article that sought to bring him in line with the head of the e-
governance project and son of the president, Alexi Ramotar, Ramson said, “I don’t think it’s fair to compare that young man’s expertise to the work I do.”
In providing an update on the work of the commission, Justice Ramson said: “Imperceptibly, we have been making a lot of progress, but it takes time, because it’s such a new dispensation.” No request for information is yet in receipt of the commission. The commissioner said that nothing like this existed before and the ministries are not prevented from giving information to the public. Rather, the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, which was passed in September 2011, has added a next tier, where
the commission is responsible for ensuring that those agencies deal fairly with requests from members of the public.
Justice Ramson told Guyana Times he is of the belief that persons responsible for supplying the commission with information are not aware of the statutory partnership created by the act. He explained that the president has the power to remove him from office based on the same laws that govern the removal of a judge from his seat. Basically, he can only be removed from office for wrongdoing or a legal conviction.
It was further noted that the commission only received a few days ago, a copy of an electronic disk for work to be done. However, this information was requested since August.
Asked about whether there are provisions for educating the public about the work of the commission, Justice Ramson said the process has started and is likely to expand. “Provision is made for that and I have the power to do so, but it must reach a stage where publication has been made in the Official Gazette and in a daily newspaper, so that the public can become aware that certain things are a prerequisite for an understanding of the act.”
As it relates to the staffing of his office, Justice Ramson hinted that his two full-time employees may not be competent enough to carry out the job. He referred to a recent statement made by Guyanese Professor and Vice Chancellor of the University of West Indies Mona Campus (Jamaica), Nigel Harris, that students graduating from that university have not been able to apply themselves to the job. This, he said, is a problem being experienced here too. “Some of them are not functionally literate,” he added.
Based on a request from Alliance For Change Member of Parliament Cathy Hughes, Ramson’s salary was revealed. The former AG was sworn in as commissioner of information on July 15, 2013.
APNU’s Chairman Dr Rupert Roopnaraine is worried about the “shadows” in Parliament. Now there are all kinds of shadows he should be worried about. As a fella with more than a passing acquaintance with literature, he should know that “shadows” represent those negative aspects of our own personality we like to project onto others. Iago and Othello? So when his newfound buddy Khemraj Ramjattan rails and rants (and sputters) about corruption in the PPP/C, he should be very worried since the fella’s merely revealing what’s in his own (twisted) heart.
Ditto when his comrade Granger goes on about “profligacy” in the government spending. He should know that the man’s only waiting to get his hands on the Treasury. But there’s also the kind of “shadow” that’s cast when you have a questionable past. Like when some people with whom Roopnaraine’s now thick, might’ve helped create the dictatorship that brought Guyana to its knees.
Like Greenridge, for instance. Has there been a finance minister with a more dismal record when in office, still running for the presidency? We doubt it. The shadow that man has cast in the financial and economic realm, is still giving the present finance minister fits. And we’re talking 30 years after he was captain of the Titanic they’d made Guyana into. That’s some long (and dark) shadow.
And Granger is no slouch when it comes to the business of casting fearsome dark shadows. Burnham didn’t remove the incumbent and make Granger commander of the army for a lark in 1979. Roopnaraine should know – he was there: in jail along with Rodney for burning down Congress Place (the old one). And that brings us to the biggest shadow that should terrify Roopnaraine in Parliament – the assassination of Rodney, after he’d promised the Guyanese people a “Christmas present” in 1979. That shadow should be worse than the ghost of Banquo that haunted Macbeth. Was not Rodney his friend? Is his family not deserving of closure on why he was plucked from them? So why does Roopnaraine only speak of the problem of “shadow ministers”? What is this nonsense he spouts that these dark, smoky creatures don’t have funds to do research? So what about the four Sectoral Committees in Parliament they control and which can investigate (with all resources necessary) any and all aspects of governmental operations? Truth is, they’re just too damned lazy. And that’s why they’ll never graduate from being “shadow ministers”.
...of
One of the most debilitating features of Guyanese politics is its absolute refusal to call a spade a spade. Everybody who’s spent five minutes in Guyana (taking a ride in a taxi from the airport, say) will know our politics is dominated by race and ethnicity. But if you go by the public discourse – you’d never guess. It’s probably our deep, dark, shameful secret. Excepting, of course, it’s no secret. So why the presence?
But maybe we’re making progress. A decade after we launched an “Ethnic Relations Committee” (ERC) –a Constitutional body at that, according to the Chief Justice of the land – we’re finally going to have “ethnic” representatives on it!! We had representatives of women, children, labour, business, Amerindians and God knows who sitting on the ERC – but no “ethnic” representative.
It’s either that people were not willing to accept they were “ethnic” representatives or else those who set up the ERC thought the mixture might be too combustible or something. But it shouldn’t have surprised anyone that we’re still at square one where ethnic relations are concerned.
Maybe it’ll change now. Maybe.
...of too much liquor
Less than three years after every police division received a breathalyser to test drunk drivers, the minister revealed only three breathalyser kits are working. Why is anyone surprised? The way Guyanese drink and drive, we’re surprised three kits survived.
Like those fancy cars, those things weren’t made for “Guyanese conditions”!!
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said agencies tasked with data collection on drug-related issues should examine in greater detail the social factors in order to get more accurate and in-depth information for policy-making.
The minister made this comment at the opening ceremony of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) seminar on Wednesday at the Police Training Centre.
The seminar is being hosted by the Organisation of American States (OAS) in collaboration with the Home Affairs Ministry under the theme “Implementing a standardised data collection system for drug and alcohol-
“So this data collection exercise, as we examine it carefully from a technical perspective, must take into consideration certain national peculiarities (because) what may be relevant in one country may not be relevant in another,” he said.
During the seminar, representatives from over six Caricom member countries and the OAS will engage in dialogue with local stakeholders on the theme.
He pointed out that data collection is often sporadic or cannot be recognised. This, he added, must be changed, since institutions such as academic, research, financial and many international organisations rely on information gathered from data col-
systems in place to facilitate the harmonisation and the standardisation of the data… and so it is necessary that we extrapolate from the national experiences in the regional experiences so that the regional perspectives can be better understood by the policy-makers at the national level and vice versa,” he highlighted.
Benefit
The home affairs minister explained that the local participants will benefit from the experiences and progress of those countries where the project has already been implemented.
“I believe Guyana could benefit enormously from this exercise which will help in
ic treatment agencies in the Caribbean”.
Rohee pointed out that if the methodologies used to gather data, are not consistent with the culture and traditions of a country, then that information gathered will be flawed.
lection.
Rohee went on to say that even locally, there is no coordination and harmonisation in data collection among the relevant institutions. “So even if we lack the capacity and even if we have the capacity, we do not have the
capacity building,” he stated.
This seminar has been organised to address questions of standardising data collection in order to address drug and alcohol consumption in various parts of the Caribbean and among the various agencies involved in
the exercise.
Rohee added that fighting the issue of illicit drugs is costly, given the fact that while there are measures in place to tackle the issue, it calls for an enormous amount of money to be pumped into the fight against drugs trafficking and trade, treating drug addicts and dismantling drug cartels.
“In several countries alone, billions of dollars have been invested in institutions, law enforcement agencies, equipment, land and water transportations to fight drug trafficking… so these things have an economical and financial cost,” he said.
The issue of legalisation of marijuana was also brought up at the ceremony and the home affairs minister noted that the Guyanese society has been divided on several social issues, including the marijuana issue. “It is hardly likely that there
is going to be a consensus on this matter,” he said. He stressed that while the seminar has its own agenda, this matter should also be given some importance.
Also present at the seminar were representatives from OAS, Caricom and other local agencies. OAS representative Jean-Ricot Domenus told the small gathering that the seminar is the first of its kind to be held in Guyana after a long time. He lauded the efforts of the government in hosting the seminar in order to boost the fight against drug and alcohol abuse.
Domenus noted that the seminar, which had sessions in several other countries, is about sharing strategies, building capacities and developing effective procedures to strengthen security and foster development in member states.
“I believe these workshops will equip you to improve your approach to drug and alcohol treatment. That
alone, could be a significant contribution to the development of our country. We need to protect our people as best as we can against the scourge of substance abuse,” the OAS representative stressed.
Meanwhile, chairperson of the ceremony, Michael Atherly said that the changing social and economic climate in the Caribbean and further afield, coupled with increased availability and promotion of drugs, and their demands, have contributed to the magnitude of the global drug abuse issues and associated societal ills.
“There has been an increase in the social and economic factors which makes people, especially young people, more vulnerable and likely to engage in drug abuse and drug-related behaviour,” he said.
The former army chiefof-staff noted that extensive measures have been made by governments of the region to suppress the production, use and trafficking of drugs.
Aman, who is still to be identified, was on Wednesday afternoon killed after he alleged walked into the path of a sand truck in the vicinity of Ideal Road, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.
The accident occurred about 16:30h and is the second fatal accident recorded in February.
Based on reports reaching this newspaper, the now dead man, who was suspected to be in his 20s, might have been under the influence of alcohol and stepped into the path of the truck as it was approaching him. He reportedly sustained severe injuries to the head.
It was too late for the driver of the truck to swerve
According to information received, the sand truck was travelling on the eastern carriageway and was heading in a northern direction when the accident occurred.
since there were other vehicles approaching in the opposite direction. Guyana Times understands that the man was not a resident on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
The police have since launched an investigation and the driver of the truck has been detained.
Last Wednesday, Lavena Evadney WilliamsTull, 38, of 180 Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara was killed in the
vicinity of the Ocean View International Hotel after a drunk driver lost control of the vehicle he was driving and ended up in her path.
Williams-Tull was tossed several feet into the air and landed on the roadway, resulting in her legs being severed from the knee. She also suffered shoulders and other injuries.
The driver of the luxury vehicle, Hafraz Mangroo, 25, of Pradoville
2, Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, was subsequently charged.
The Guyana Police Force recently revealed that there has been 11 road fatalities in January 2014 compared to seven in January 2013. Deaths were recorded in 10 accidents on public roadways.
Pedestrians continue to be the main road users affected, with six of them losing their lives at the end of January 2014. In addition,
three motorcyclists and two pedal cyclists have also met their demise.
The Guyana Police Force is also cognisant that speeding on public roadways continues to be a major contributing factor to fatal accidents.
Traffic enforcement by the police during January 2014 resulted in a total of 3946 cases being made against errant motorists, of which 1786 cases were for speeding.
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on Tuesday rubbished sentiments which suggested that the government did not want the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill to be passed.
PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee, who is also the home affairs minister, pointed out that if government was not dedicated to the passage of the bill, it would not have allocated all the time that it has into working along with the opposition to make amendments to the bill in order for it to be passed.
Rohee’s comments came after a question was posed to him at the party’s weekly press conference, on the government’s reluctance to set up a Public Procurement Commission as requested by the Alliance For Change
(AFC). “Why would a government shoot itself in the foot by going through all these measures – going to such great pains – if it was a question of it not really wanting it (passage of the bill),” he questioned rhetorically.
The general secretary noted that the government has been aggressively pushing for the passage of the bill. He then questioned the opposition’s motive in putting forward conditions for their approval for the passage of the bill.
The AFC had stated that it would only support the bill if the government establishes a Public Procurement Commission. On Monday, AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan reiterated his party’s position. “If there is no procurement commission established and operationalised, we are not going to support the anti-money
laundering bill,” he stated.
Select committee to meet today
Asked why government has not considered granting the concession to the opposition in order to get their support for the passage of the bill, Rohee said government and its representatives have spoken ad nauseam on its position. He explained that the opposition party is seeking to remove from Cabinet, its “no objection to contracts” power.
“This is a major concession; you are seeking to remove the Cabinet’s role from even foreign-funded projects and to put it in the hands of an unknown quantity,” the party’s general secretary stated.
After three referrals to the special select committee, the AML/CFT Bill has not been approved by the National Assembly.
During the past week, the committee had planned to complete its mandate; however, the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) members of the committee staged a walk-out on Tuesday as a result of their objections to a proposal to have the Private Sector Commission observe the committee’s work. The following day, opposition members of the committee did not show up.
On Sunday, the committee held what was supposed to be its last meeting, but during this session, the opposition proposed 11th hour amendments in the bill.
The bill was supposed to engage the National Assembly’s attention on Monday; however, because the committee failed to complete its work, this was not done. The special select committee is expected to meet today.
The guardian of the two-year-old boy who was found bound, malnourished and dehy-
drated in a house in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown last week was recently released on bail, a Child Protection
Agency (CPA) official said.
Doctors have also found that the boy appeared to have been badly beaten as
several broken bones were found in his body following a medical examination.
The guardian, who has been charged, is due to make her second court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on March 6, to answer to charges of neglect, child abuse and child endangerment, among others.
Meanwhile, the toddler is still a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital undergoing treatment and observation.
The official stated that the length of the child’s stay at the institution is not yet known, as a number of deficiencies and injuries were discovered.
During a number of tests conducted by doctors, it was found that the boy had old broken bones, two concussions, a stomach infection and one of his arms was broken in two places.
In light of these findings, doctors are set to conduct additional tests to ascertain the extent and severity of the boy’s injuries.
According to the official, no biological relative of the boy has so far been found, and anyone with information of the whereabouts of any of the child’s relatives is asked to contact the Child Care Protection Agency.
The child was discovered last Wednesday in a bedroom on the upper flat of a two-bedroom house on Hummingbird Street, Festival City, Georgetown.
The toddler was reportedly found under a bed, with his hands tightly bound behind his back. The female guardian claimed she has been taking care of the child ever since his mother left for the interior about a year ago.
According to reports, the child was frequently seen by neighbours with the woman at the house.
Obsession is a sickness. It ain’t got cure. Especially when de obsession is wid some body. It gotta a lotta people in this world who obsess wid other people and can’t get dem off dem mind. Dem does tink bout dem, write bout dem, dream bout dem and cuss dem.
But deep down in dem heart, dem does admire dem, and wanna be like dem. No matter whah dem try, or how hard dem try, dem can’t be like dem. Bright daylight and dem still does can’t get dem off de mind. That is obsession and desperation all in one.
Right now Obummer can’t get Snow Den off he mind. And Snow Den can’t get all dem people and tings whah he see when he was spyin off he mind. That is one kinda obsession. Cling Tongue coulda never get Lews Kinky off he mind. That was obsession and fornication all in one.
A certain man in Guyana – well so dem seh he is, and so he does dress, and so he does call he self, but then all a dem does call dem selves boys – who can’t write a certain column wid out mentionin a certain name.
Day in and day out that person name deh pun dem mind, and dem can’t get that name outta dem system. It burnin dem. It hurtin dem. De more dem talk is de more dem burn. De more dem talk is de more dem hurt.
Now dem boys accustom to hurtin and burnin, but not this kind. This one does tek place in de brain. De more success is de more dem obsess. In fact, more and more de success mek dem more and more obsess. De harder dem try to bring down is de harder dem fallin down. So dem gon forever have to look up to that name.
Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Old people seh yuh can talk name, once yuh don’t call name. De Bell Crier ain’t call name. Who de cap fit gon have to wear it! But look out fuh de obsession and de depression!
Calypso showdown set for Friday night
The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry in association with Banks
DIH Limited will host the National Mashramani Adult Calypso finals sponsored by Banks Beer Friday night at Demerara Park (obliquely opposite Thirst Park).
The reigning champion Lester “De Professor” Charles will put his title on the line against a formidable line up of seasoned calypsonians as well as the 2014 Junior Calypso Champion Shontelle Gittens, Banks DIH said in a release.
The other contestants are 2012 champion Roger “Young Bill Rogers” Hinds, Karen “Queen Makeeba” Bennett, Dawn “Lady D” Edwards, Garfield “Mighty Roots” Campbell, Derrick “Bright Colours” Mangal, Darcia “Queen Davey” Barrow, Lindon “Mighty Sniper” Thomas, John “Ras Marcus” and Kenny “Mighty Believer” Fraser.
The calypsonians will be backed by Mingles Sound Machine.
Guest artistes will include Tennisha De Freitas and the X Factor Dance group.
Banks DIH Limited Sales and Marketing Executive Carlton Joao said the company was extremely delighted to sponsor the National Senior Calypso finals for another year under its flagship Banks Beer brand.
He has urged calypso fans to come out and support what is expected to be a Valentine’s night to remember, featuring top class entertainment. The winner will receive $600,000 first prize with $400,000 going to the first runner-up, $250,000 to the second runner-up and $100,000 to the third runner-up. Starting time is at 20:00h.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) said a proposal for soldiers injured in the Camp Grooves explosion some 14 years ago, to be paid benefits as if they have already retired, has been approved by the defence board.
However, the army said a recomputation resulting in improved benefits for them, is currently being verified to ensure payment, shortly
The GDF made the announcement in wake of an article published in the Kaieteur News on Tuesday, February 11 titled “Camp Groomes survivors still await word on meaningful compensation.”
The defence force in a release on Wednesday assured the claimants that their benefits are forthcoming.
“The further amendments, which were necessary to give them more money, resulted in the delay. Their benefits when paid will be effective from 2014-01-01. High ranking officials of the GDF met with the survivors this morning and explained the delay in processing. Additionally, the ranks were assured that the force is in touch with all involved agencies to have the process completed by February 28. They were each given an advance payment to take care of their expenses until they receive the promised gratuitous payment. In the meantime, the force is prepared to continue addressing the welfare concerns of
the soldiers until they are in receipt of their benefits,” the GDF said.
The army said it regrets the inconvenience caused due to the delay and will seek to make any interventions to ensure a speedy conclusion of the matter.
“The force wishes to assure the soldiers that it values the contributions which they have made and remains committed to serving past members,” the release concluded.
Chief-of-Staff (CoS), Brigadier Mark Philips had said he had no knowledge of the matter until he was notified by the media, contending that it was very disappointing news, before offering an apology on behalf of the force.
Camp Groomes, located on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, was a GDF underground ammunition/ artillery bunker (bond). On December 18, 2000, 14 soldiers were on duty when the bond exploded, sending shock waves throughout the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. Three soldiers died in the blast.
Qualitest, an internationally-linked laboratory testing facility which recently opened in Guyana, is expanding its services to Diamond, East Bank Demerara, with the establishment of a new facility on February 14.
The company’s head office is located at 21 First Street, Alberttown, Geogetown.
The company, specialising in state-of-the-art laboratory testing, is headed by Chief Executive Officer Yvette Irving, who has distinguished herself as one of the country’s leading practitioners in laboratory research after serving as the Health Ministry's national director of labora-
tory services with responsibility for all lab testing facilities (both public and private) across Guyana.
The new facility is geared specifically at meeting the needs of the expanding Diamond community and will allow for speedy testing and access to the company’s wide range of services.
Crime chief Seelall Persaud on Wednesday disclosed that the two police ranks who were implicated in the murder of 17-year-old Eccles resident Shaquille Grant are still on the run.
After the fatal shooting, two of the three lawmen charged with the teen’s murder, Lance Corporal Warren Blue and Special Constable Jamal Lewis fled the jurisdiction.
Their cohort, Police Constable Terrence Wallace, who is alleged to have been the one that pulled the trigger, killing Grant in Third Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara on September 11, has been committed to stand trial in the High Court.
On the day in question, at Caesar Street, Agricola, about 12:10h, the three policemen, who were on an operation in the community, observed that there were some young men under a shed in a yard and proceeded towards them. Grant was shot some time later to his head, stomach and buttocks. The ranks had said that on the day of the shooting, they were shot at and returned fire.
Police said a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver was recovered at the scene. They added that the force had received information that a gang in Agricola was planning a robbery on a business entity located near the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
By Samuel Sukhnandan
As Guyana’s rice industry continues to harvest record-breaking yields, government may soon move to establish several facilities to help store excess paddy. This is according to Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy in a recent interview.
Dr Ramsammy told Guyana Times that this move was triggered by the fact that recent rice production continues to exceed production targets, and “storage will become a problem, so we need to start looking at the issue now”.
He said last February when the crop was being harvested, there was a build-up of traffic at various rice mills across the country, especially in the Berbice region, as farmers had excess paddy to dry and process for sale. At present, rice produced here is usually shipped out, not very long after harvesting.
“We don’t have builtin storage. We have some, but not for the large amount like silos, used in the United States of America,” Ramsammy stated. The minister said he planned to discuss this issue in greater detail with Cabinet.
Premium markets
Another challenge faced by the industry is finding premium markets. Dr
Ramsammy told Guyana Times that while Guyana has several markets for its rice, there is still need to find premium markets. “If we are to increase production, then we need to increase the size of the market. We also want access to markets that would offer premium prices and this is where the challenges exist,” the minister asserted. This issue is now being discussed among industry officials and the administration.
Dr Ramsammy added that the current weather pattern is another challenge. Nevertheless, the Rice Producers Association (GRPA); the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB); and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) have been managing all weather-related issues. So far, during this crop, there has not been any immediate challenge with the weather,
except for a breach to the Airy Hall Conservancy. “235 acres of rice fields were destroyed by the breach, but rice were later re-cultivated… so cultivation for the first crop should begin any time now,” he added. The periodic need for irrigation water in Regions Five and Six is another issue that is constantly monitored by the ministry and related agencies.
The ministry is also on high alert for paddy bug infestation. Based on previous experiences, the ministry has moved to train farmers and extension workers to identify paddy bug infestation, the minister said. He noted that these persons are on high alert and, therefore, paddy bugs should not be a huge issue. “We are keeping a close eye on this,” he added. Paddy bugs last year infested a significant number of rice fields, mainly in Berbice, damaging several acres in the process. The infestation was, however, arrested, and farmers were able to replant soon after. Rice production for last year exceeded the target of 412,000 tonnes, 535,000 tonnes produced. The target for this year is 470,000 tonnes, which is expected to also be surpassed. The first crop this year is also expected to be the largest in terms of acreage. Presently, close to 90,000 hectares is under cultivation.
Police have launched a manhunt for two suspects who they believe are responsible for breaking into Jackie’s Fashion located at Lot 26 Public Road, Grove, East Bank Demerara and carting off items and cash to the tune of $3 million between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
Based on reports received, a window to the northern side of the two-storey business was found opened on Wednesday morning about 06:30h by the landlord, who immediately contacted his tenants.
After checks were made in the presence of the police, it was discovered that $254,000, which was hidden in a drawer was missing, along with laptops, a DVR player and a quantity of fashionable clothing and other items.
The bandits reportedly gained entry into the business by wrenching opened the window and by breaking the grill that served as protection.
Ferlin Pedro, who owns the business with his wife,
Jacqueline Pedro, told Guyana Times that he received a telephone call from his landlord about 06:30h, informing him that a window was opened, which he claimed was unusual.
He said that he rushed to the scene only to see the grilled window broken and as he looked inside of the building, he recognised it was ransacked. The businessman said he went to the Grove Police Station where he made a report and was accompanied to the scene by two ranks.
Money missing
Upon entering the store, Pedro said a pair of scissors which the bandits used to cut the cable from the surveillance camera was on the ground as well as a computer monitor that was used to view the captured footage.
He added that after closer checks, he noticed the drawer that the money was kept in, was broken and the money missing. The burglars also went away with three
laptops and other electronic devices, including a number of tape decks and cordless phones.
The business has been in existence for the past three years, and it was the first time it was burglarised. Neighbours and the landlord claimed that they did not hear any unusual sounds during the night.
The police, the frustrated businessman said dusted the area for fingerprints and took statements from a number of persons as they continue their investigations.
When asked about suspects, he disclosed that on Saturday evening, two men went to the store to purchase some items, but when he checked the money, he realised that it was counterfeit.
He said that the men were caught on the camera and he believes that they are responsible for the robbery.
The photos of the men were printed and given to the police.
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with the North Rupununi District Development Board facilitated a two-day first aid training for tour guides at Bina Hill, Annai, Region Nine.
The training, which was conducted on February 8 and 9, 2014 was conducted by Railton Evelyn of St John’s Ambulance Brigade.
Forty-three tour guides from nearby villages and lodges participated in the training session which touched on topics such as burns, bleeding, sprains, strains, heart attack, chocking, unconsciousness and fractures, among others. Guides also participated in practical sessions conducting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and demonstrating techniques on tying a sling for fractures.
The objective of this train-
ing programme was to ensure that registered guides are capable of providing firstaid assistance to visitors and tourists in the event of any emergency while conducting tours. It is also a requirement of the tourist guide regulations that all guides must be trained in first-aid and able to provide valid certificates before licensing.
The Rupununi, being a high traffic location for tours and with the largest number of tourist guides, was ideal for this training programme; the authority also facilitated similar training in 2013 for guides in Georgetown.
Other training programmes to be facilitated by the GTA in 2014 are conversational Spanish and Portuguese training programmes for immigration personnel, culinary training, customer service, pack-
aging, frontline, business/ operations management and tour guide training. In order to boost the level of hospitality skills in the industry , the GTA organised and trained 442 persons last year, in the areas of housekeeping, front desk management, customer care, first-aid and CPR, kitchen procedures, food and beverage, frontline, servers training, restaurant awareness talk, community-based tourism and crisis communication
The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry and the GTA are committed to capacity-building and institutional strengthening by facilitating training programmes and providing opportunities for the development of skills, thereby contributing to the development of the tourism industry.
ome Affairs Minister
HClement Rohee has disclosed that some 209 persons were tested with breathalyser machines last year, 141 of whom were later charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
Rohee made the comments in a response to questions posed by Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian Cathy Hughes. Rohee further stated that out of the 141 charged, 134 were convicted of the offence and another seven persons were reprimanded and discharged.
The E and G divisions have the least recorded instances of breathalyser tests – zero. The D Division (West Demerara) recorded the highest number of tests with 121 and the highest number of prosecutions and convictions – 89. The A Division (Georgetown and the East Bank of Demerara) recorded a total of 20 tests with eight convictions, while the B Division (Berbice) recorded some 50 tests and 25 convictions. C Division recorded 17 tests, with 11 convictions. F Division only recorded one test, with that motorist being convicted.
The home affairs minister also noted that only three divisions were equipped
with functional breathalyser kits – A Division, B Division in Berbice and D Division.
Rohee added that plans are afoot to acquire 40 additional kits and adequately equip the remaining police divisions. This, he said, will be done after the 2014 budget is tabled and approved in the National Assembly.
There was some controversy over the use of the breathalyser test after issues were raised with regard to the police officers who would administer the tests.
Persons were concerned that the officers who were administering the tests were not adequately trained to do so. The issue, however, was subsequently resolved after special officers were trained and assigned to conduct breathalyser testing.
There were also concerns arising from the reluctance of police officers to administer the test to drivers involved in recent road accidents.
In the absence of the breathalyser test, the police have engaged the services of the Health Ministry to determine if a driver is under the influence of alcohol. This is done through a blood sam-
ple test which is administered by a medical practitioner who can then testify in a court of law. Minister Rohee had been provided with a list of medical practitioners who will perform such duties at a special laboratory, and complete a prescribed document which will be tendered in the court.
In 2012, a former magistrate, Haymant Ramdhani was charged after he failed a breathalyser test. Reports were that motorist Victor Adams had parked his car on his front lawn and was about to open his gate when Ramdhani’s car, which was proceeding at a fast rate, slammed into it.
The car subsequently struck Adams, hurling him into a nearby trench where he remained until he was rescued by public-spirited citizens and taken to a nearby hospital. Ramdhani was subsequently taken to the station where the police attempted to have him undergo a breathalyser test.
The police said Ramdhani flat-out refused, citing that the instrument was not properly sterilised. The former magistrate was subsequently suspended after settling the matter with the victim outside of court.
The Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventist handed over cheques worth close to $500,000 to three charitable organisations at the launch of its 2014 Harvest Ingathering Campaign on Wednesday. The church’s Community Services Director, Pastor Jumoul Sancho said the money donated to the charities was from funds gathered during the 2013 campaign.
He added that in February, the church goes into communities and conduct awareness programmes, and look for those in urgent need.
The three charities that benefitted are the Dharm Shala, the Camals Home for Battered Women and Children and the Positively United to Support
Humanity (PUSH) project, which comes under the Davis Memorial Hospital. Representatives of the various charities expressed gratitude for the donation made by the organisation.
The Camal Home for Battered Women was formed in March 1977. The founder Carmen Kissoon in a previous interview with Guyana Times related that she observed the need for such an organisation in the country, owing to the alarming rate of domestic violence. Kissoon said the name “Camal’ was chosen because in Hinduism, the word refers to a flower of extensive beauty.
The Dharm Shala, is a humanitarian charity founded by the late Pandit Ramsaroop Maraj in 1920. The organisation has several centres countrywide and caters primarily for se-
Hemant Narine Silchand, 39, of Champagne, Mahaicony, Berbice, was sentence to 36 months imprisonment after he was found guilty of pretending to be a welfare officer.
Silchand appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Wednesday at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.
He was charged for false pretense but pleaded not guilty to the charge. Silchand was arrested on January 2, 2014 by police officers for conning Vishnudatt Deonarine of Henrietta on the Essequibo Coast.
Police alleged that between April 3-14, 2013, he pretended to be a welfare officer, trying to help Deonarine with a welfare matter at his Henrietta home.
The Berbice conn-man was not represented by an attorney.
Prosecutor Krishnadatt
Ramana said many other persons were fooled by the Berbician man. The offence was deemed a serious one.
nior citizens.
The PUSH project was formed in 2011 and is a syndicate of three faithbased organisations that have united under a cooperative agreement with the Centres for Disease Control to provide HIV prevention, care, support and treatment to more than 1000 HIV-infected and affected individuals and families in Guyana.
Pastor Sancho related that throughout the year, seventh-day churches countrywide conduct humanitarian outreach programmes, including medical outreach projects which are sometimes done in conjunction with the
Health Ministry. He said too that the church sponsors mobile feeding projects, whereby they would go out into the streets three days every week and distribute boxes of food to the homeless dwellers in Georgetown.
According to Sancho, the church spends some $2 million every year on outreach programmes, noting that these programmes are not only based in Georgetown, but throughout the country.
He said in the instance of a fire, where persons lose their formal place of abode, the church would donate at the minimum $50,000 to the victims.
Asubstantial number of books from the Kaleidoscope edition were on Tuesday donated to several schools by the SKYE project, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The items were handed over at a ceremony held at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown on Monday. The institutions that benefited from the donation included the Adult Education Association, the New Opportunity Corps, the Volunteer Youth Corps, the Georgetown Reading and Research Centre and the Critchlow Labour College.
The books, which are a part of the Kaleidoscope Collection of literary resources, are designed to help below average students. The collection is designed to enhance phonics, fluency, comprehension and writing skills.
Adult Education Specialist Murray Greenidge, who handed over the reading materials, said the books were a part of SKYE’s ongoing drive for literacy enrichment in Guyana. He added that the donation was made possible through the generosity of some overseas donors, namely the Brothersin-Arms Foundation.
Critchlow Labour College Administrative Manage Shawn Austin said the books
will be of great use to the institution. He added that it will be very effective in the college’s strive for literacy and the enhancement of students' intellectual capacity.
Austin added that the college is grateful for the donation which includes teacher guides, simply because the ability to read and write is of fundamental value.
The SKYE project is a four-year initiative which seeks to equip youths with market- driven skills to improve their ability to transition to the workforce.
The project is funded by USAID under the Caribbean Basin Security initiative and executed through the Education Development Centre (EDC), a U.S.-based global education and training institution.
The SKYE Project works with high risk teens, primarily young men who are school dropouts, notably those who have completed some amount of formal education, but still do not possess the requisite skills to find gainful employment.
The project also engage youths who are based at juvenile centres in the justice system.
Under the project, a total of 1500 high risk youths in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and 10 are slated to receive work readiness training by August 2015.
Anasty episode of name-calling, jeers and shouts of abuse characterised most of the approximately hour-long interlude during which Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller answered questions about her frequent overseas trips in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
House Speaker Michael Peart fought to keep order during most of the period as Opposition Leader Andrew Holness posed some followup questions emanating from the 61 page document tabled by Simpson Miller with her answers to his original questions. There were only a few
copies of the document available. The opposition had to make do with two copies, and the government members with probably two more. No copies were available for the press.
The prime minister’s answers said that full cost of overseas visits by members of her government, including junior ministers, was J$117.8 million. The cost of trips paid for by the Office of the Prime Minister was J$25 million for staff, and J$15 million for the prime minister alone on her 25 trips.
Holness was greeted with laughter and derision when he rose to ask additional questions. Leader of Opposition Business Derrick Smith suggested that the Speaker ensure that the opposition leader was protected by the chair, but Peart said the jeers were not confined to one side. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Police in Brazil have arrested the main suspect in the death of Brazilian television cameraman Santiago Andrade. Andrade was fatally injured when a flare exploded next to his head during clashes between police and protesters in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday.
Doctors declared Andrade brain dead on Monday and his employer has since said that he died shortly afterwards. The suspect is accused of throwing
the flare which hit Andrade. He is the second man to be arrested in the case.
Caio Silva de Souza, 23, was detained in the northern state of Bahia. Police say he is the man who can be seen on TV footage throwing the flare which caused Andrade’s death.
They had been searching for Silva de Souza since he failed to follow a police order to turn himself in. Officers found him at a hostel in Feira de Santana, some 100km (60 miles) from the
city of Salvador, in the north of the country.
He is being taken to Rio de Janeiro, where he could face murder charges.
Another man is already in custody for allegedly handing the flare to Silva de Souza. The case has prompted angry reactions in Brazil, with President Dilma Rousseff saying it had caused “revulsion and was saddening”.
Andrade was in a coma for four days before doctors said he was brain dead. (Excerpt from BBC News)
The Haitian National Police (HNP) has established a new police brigade called the Biking Police Brigade in police precincts and substations in the metropolitan area of the Caribbean country’s capital of Portau-Prince to help secure the population.
The members of the first
brigade of police officers on bicycle were deployed in the streets of Croix-desBouquets, in the West department. There are several dozen biking policemen who came to strengthen the community police already in place.
The new brigade was introduced by the director general of the police and op-
erating cycling techniques are now part of the special courses offered to police recruits at the National Police Academy in Haiti , as well as courses related to the traffic police introduced in the curriculum of the academy.
“This is a brigade that makes prevention work. These policemen roam the streets, will remain in some fixed areas so that they may be in contact with the population in order to provide results in terms of their safety,” a spokesman for the police, Commissioner Frantz Lerebours said.
Police and police recruits are trained by French and Canadian instructors and their training is based on 10 per cent theory and 90 per cent practice, according to police authorities. “The training focuses on the technical course and a two-wheeled patrol which is an outreach work,” Lerebours said. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)
Barbados’ first ever Drug Treatment Court opened Tuesday and with it a promise of a similar set-up for domestic violence. Decades after it was first recommended, the court was launched by Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson at the Supreme Court Complex on Whitepark Road, St Michael.
“Nowadays courts are in problem-solving mode... We are not just about writing decisions,” he said.
The court, a pilot project, is expected to be in operation
by monthend, sitting in the afternoon, one day a week in Supreme Court Number Three. Chief Magistrate Pamela Beckles will be presiding over the court, which is expected to be fully implemented by May.
Additionally, Barbados should also soon be seeing an “integrated domestic violence court”, the chief justice said.
“We don’t need to have women going from pillow to post,” he said. His plans for the judicial system also include a single court to take care of issues such as maintenance, divorce and domestic violence complaints. (Excerpt from Nation News)
The court is expected to offer an alternative to non-violent offenders, whose drugaddiction was a factor in the commission of the crimes. However, persons charged with committing any offence involving drug-trafficking, the use of violence, a weapon or any indictable offence cannot be part of the programme.
For the editors of Venezuela’s oldest newspaper, going webonly is not a commercial strategy to reflect dwindling circulation figures. El Impulso halved its print edition from four sections to two in October, and on Friday it will be reduced to one, because the regional daily is running out of paper.
A wave of shortages in
Venezuela over the past year have left people scrambling to find anything from toilet paper to cooking oil and car parts. The shortages have been blamed on strict currency controls put in place more than a decade ago to prevent the flight of capital. Experts say the controls have crippled the economy and led to inflation reaching 56 per cent, the highest in the world.
“We have been circulating for 110 years. We will not die for lack of paper. We will come out every day even if we are down to one page”, said José Angel Ocanto, editor-in-chief at El Impulso.
But not every newspaper has survived the newsprint shortage. According to the Institute for Press and Society, six local newspapers have shutdown entirely and nearly 30 have been obliged to reduce their sizes or eliminate weekend editions and magazines. Even some of the country’s leading newspapers have warned they are weeks away from halting publication. El Nacional, one of the two largest dailies and a critic of the administration of Nicolás Maduro, said that since May it had not received any foreign currency that would allow it to import printing paper. It said it had enough newsprint to last only until the end of February. (Excerpt from
For the first time since the limited State of Emergency in 2011, the police have instituted charges against four people, including a mother and her son, under the controversial Anti-Gang Act. The group was remanded into custody after they appeared before Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar in the Port of Spain Eighth Court on Tuesday to answer a total of seven criminal charges re-
lated to gang activity in Port of Spain between July and August last year.
Anton “Boombay” Boney, 30, of Africa Road, John John, Laventille, faced five charges, including one for being a gang leader. The other accused are Nigel Sandy, of Oropune Gardens, Piarco; Jameel Earle, 24, of Nelson Street, Port of Spain, and his mother Denise Earle, 42, of Las Alturas, Lady Young Road, Morvant.
Boney, Sandy and Earle were jointly charged with being gang members, conspiring with others to murder Kevon Cooper on July 13, 2013, the attempted murder of Gregory Goodridge on July 26 and coercing a man to join a gang at Duncan Street, Port of Spain. Denise Earle was not accused of being a member of her son’s alleged gang but was charged with assisting and supporting gang activity. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
CPresident Juan Manuel Santos would be re-elected during a second round of voting in presidential elections this year, according to pollster Gallup, leading with a wide margin against his closest rival.
Santos, who is running for a second straight term, would beat right-wing candidate Oscar Ivan Zuluaga by 34.7 per cent to 10.8 per cent in the first round on May 25, forcing a second vote three
weeks later, according to the poll. A candidate must garner more than 50 per cent of the ballot to avoid a runoff.
The survey, carried in newspapers El Espectador and La Republica on Wednesday, showed firstround support for Santos slipped from 36 per cent in the previous poll in December.
The second biggest block of voting remains the socalled “blank vote” in which
28.1 per cent of the electorate say they would mark the ballot sheet as none of the above. The protest vote is unusually high less than four months before the election but is expected to fall significantly.
Centre-right Santos would beat Zuluaga to the presidency by 47.1 per cent to 22.8 per cent in the second round on June 15. While campaigning has been slow to start, the election is expected to be particularly bitter. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Syrian warplanes have pounded a rebelheld town near the Lebanese border, as peace talks between the government and opposition continued in Geneva.
The talks have been accompanied by a sharp rise in violence on the ground in Syria. The Britainbased Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Wednesday that at least 4959 people had died in Syria in the three-week period since January 22, when the first round of talks began in Switzerland.
The group, which docu-
ments the fighting on the ground through a wide network of activists, said the period has seen the highest death toll since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad started in March 2011.
The observatory reported at least 10 air strikes on Yabroud, the last rebel stronghold in Syria’s mountainous Qalamoun region, on Wednesday. Backed by Lebanese Hezbollah fighters, the Syrian army has been on a crushing offensive there since early December.
Officials in Arsal, on the Lebanese side of the border,
said more than 300 Syrians had crossed the border to escape violence.
Meanwhile, in the central city of Homs, more than 200 civilians were evacuated from besieged rebel-held districts, Governor Talal alBarazi said.
“The operation went well and smoothly,” Barazi told the AFP news agency.
A ceasefire in the city was due to expire at midnight on Wednesday. Food aid has been delivered and hundreds of civilians evacuated since Friday, when the UN-brokered humanitarian truce went into effect. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
‘Money no object’ in flood relief, UK’s Cameron says
British Prime Minister David Cameron cancelled a planned trip to the Middle East and said his government would spend “whatever money was needed” to deal with widespread flooding that has left some homes under water for weeks
British Prime Minister David Cameron cancelled a planned trip to the Middle East and said his government would spend “whatever money was needed” to deal with widespread flooding that has left some homes under water for weeks.
“Money is no object in this relief effort, whatever money was needed for it will be spent,” he told a news conference in London, after spending 24 hours visiting flood-hit areas in south-west England, where major rail
links have been destroyed.
England’s wettest January since 1766 has left Cameron battling to defend his government’s response in the face of criticism that it did not do enough to prevent the flooding in the first place and then was too slow in its response to help those affected.
Britain’s two-party coalition government has faced increasing pressure over the situation, with critics saying the problem has been exacerbated by years of underinvestment in river dredging
World Food Programme aid director on the ground in Syria described to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Tuesday the desperate situation of civilians in war-ravaged Homs – something he said he had “never seen” before in his career.
“Nobody is able to actually feed themselves, feed their children, feed their families, with anything but the weed, the grass that they can pick on the side of the curb and what little that they can eke out from what
they’ve saved over time,” Matthew Hollingworth, Syria director for the World Food Programme, said on the phone from Homs.
“They’re living in tunnels, they’re living in basements of apartment buildings which are otherwise destroyed, basements of shopping centres.”
“They are barely, and they have been barely, existing,” he said. “I’ve never seen levels of deprivation such as this.”
The UN is taking advantage of a rare, and very shaky ceasefire to deliver
aid to civilians in the warravaged Syrian city of Homs.
There were rumours on Tuesday that aid had been suspended, but Hollingworth said that it had merely been paused so that aid workers could regroup and plan for the following day.
“So far we’ve managed to get enough food and medical assistance into old Homs for around 1500 people for one month,” he said. “We’re going back tomorrow.”
The UN is assisting civilians who wish to flee Homs, one of the hardest-hit cities in the Syrian war. (Excerpt from CNN)
International peacekeepers have failed to prevent the ethnic cleansing of Muslims in the Central African Republic, a human rights group said.
Militia attacks have led to a “Muslim exodus of historic proportions”, according to a report by Amnesty International.
Aid groups have warned of a food crisis, as many of the shops and wholesalers were run by Muslims.
The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) has started a month-long aid airlift.
The roads are too danger-
ous to transport food without a military escort, WFP spokesman Alexis Masciarelli told the BBC.
This is why the UN agency is taking the more expensive option of flying food in from neighbouring Cameroon.
The first flight carrying 82 tonnes of rice arrived on Wednesday, with a further 1800 tonnes of cereal to follow in the coming weeks.
This is enough to feed 150,000 people, but he said it was not enough as 1.25 million need food aid in the country.
and flood defences.
On a visit to flooded Wraysbury near London on Tuesday, Defence Minister Philip Hammond was berated by a local resident who said the authorities were not doing enough to help those affected.
Hundreds of homes along the banks of the River Thames west of London have been evacuated. With water levels still rising and more rain forecast for the rest of the week, Cameron warned things may get worse before they get better. (Excerpt from France24)
Egypt’s military chief Abdel Fattah elSisi has left for an official visit to Russia to
According to the UN, 90 per cent of the population is eating just one meal a day. Prices are said to have shot up after many Muslim traders fled the capital Bangui.
Masciarelli said some of the food would be distributed immediately at a camp at Bangui airport, to which some 100,000 people have fled. He said that food would also be distributed to schools, churches and mosques around the country where people have sought refuge from the violence. (Excerpt from BBC News)
discuss bilateral cooperation with the Kremlin, the Associated Press news agency reported.
Sisi and Nabil Fahmy, Egypt’s foreign minister will hold “2+2” talks with their Russian counterparts on a two-day trip that started on Wednesday, military spokesman Colonel Ahmed Ali said in a statement.
The trip comes “in response to the historic visit of the Russian defence and foreign ministers to Cairo” last November, the army statement said.
Russia’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Cairo for two days in mid-November to discuss
weapons sales as well as political and economic ties. That visit came amid tension between Egypt and its longtime ally the U.S., which has suspended some of its military aid to Cairo after Sisi toppled the former president, Mohammed Morsi, in July. Since Morsi was overthrown, the military-installed government has been waging a deadly crackdown on his supporters that has left more than 1400 people dead, according to rights group Amnesty International, and thousands of others jailed.
Sisi is expected to stand in upcoming presidential elections. (Al Jazeera)
By UtamU Belle
Students, parents, and teachers of the One Mile Primary School in Linden on Wednesday witnessed the turning of the sod signalling the commencement of the reconstruction of the school, which was burned down during the 2012 Linden upheaval.
The school was destroyed by arson in August 2012 during a wave of violent protest action in the community over a government proposed increase in electricity tariffs. More than 800 students were displaced and had to be accommodated at three separate locations across the Linden community.
The new state-of-the-art facility will be built to the tune of $170 million, and is expected to be completed by February 2015.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand, junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill, Chief Education Officer Olato Sam, Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon, and Region 10 Education Officer Marcia Paddy Andrews were all present to witness the event. At a meeting held at the Wismar Hill Primary School, prior to the turning of the soil at the rebuild site, Manickchand reflected on a meeting held at the venue following the torching of the school.
New building
She said at the time, the ministry was extremely worried that the affected students had become the victims of bad management. Nevertheless, she noted that it was aware that it was tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that the students received an education despite the circumstances.
Owing to the structural damage to the old build-
ing, a new structure will be built. The minister indicated that she did not know what would happen to the old structure which residents had attempted to rebuild through self-help. While she congratulated the efforts of residents, Manickchand noted that the risk was too great to continue rebuilding the structure.
The contractor, she noted, is ready to commence the rebuilding process as soon as possible. Students are expected to be able to utilise the school at the beginning of the new school term in April of next year. Manickchand urged the gathering to pay keen attention to contractors and the manner in which the project is carried out. She added that a Facebook page was created so that persons can voice concerns, and encour-
aged all to be vigilant in ensuring that the school is constructed to quality standards.
“We believe in empowering each person to be the watchguard of what’s happening in the development of your community,” Manickchand noted.
In his remarks, Solomon said it was indeed a proud moment for the people of Linden and the children of the community, more so, the 826 students.
“The One Mile School is a school that is built on the rich history of what the people of Linden and Region 10 stand for, which is a school that was constructed through self-help. We know it is within that spirit that the residents of the One Mile, Half Mile extension would have ensured that they educated their pu-
pils and children to appreciate the finer things that the school would have progressively allowed for them to appreciate.
Grateful
“... I’m grateful for that position adopted by the government, to ensure that all the pupils of the One Mile school can be housed at one time, under one unique
structure,” the regional chairman said. Solomon noted that the school ranked second in terms of academic performances, and despite the challenges presented by the fire, the students remained resilient. He said he was certain that the contractors will ensure that the people of Region 10 receive quality work and the process
will also be reflective of the amount of money spent.
The regional chairman expressed hope that Lindeners will be employed as skilled personnel on the project, indicating that he was looking forward to government’s continued support. Solomon also thanked persons who had contributed to the attempt by Lindeners to rebuild the school through self-help.
Responding to Sharma’s comments was Minister Edghill who noted that while it was not written in law, contractors are expected to employ persons within the community in which projects are being carried out, provided that they possess the requisite knowledge and skills.
“I would want to see Lindeners getting work,” he noted, but encouraged them to be fair in negotiating manual labour costs.
The junior finance minister noted that if the contractor is delinquent, penalties may be instituted in the form of liquidated damages which, he noted, is a clause within the contract.
He explained that should difficulties arise which may result in the slow execution of the project, it must be reviewed by the consultant who will seek advice from the Education Ministry.
To start a new career involves an investment of time, and in many cases depending on the career,
Starting a new career also takes a certain degree of courage in an individual, to begin a new path after perhaps already having tried another.
The most important element before embarking on a new career consists of knowing what you want
and how hard you want to work for it. You can start by creating a list of career options that you would find fulfilling, not just ones that you might be able to do.
Your new career list
Your new career list would not only contain the possible fields you would like to pursue, but also all of your talents and abilities which could be applied
to your new career path. Focus on what you are good at and what activities make you happy. Also, list the abilities which you may not have, but are willing to develop in the interest of furthering your new career. After completing the list, you will probably have a better idea of what kind of new career you want and how you might go about embarking on it. (Business Dictionary)
By Samuel Sukhnandan
The Colwyn Harding Support Group on Wednesday revealed that the results of two independent medical reports have indicated that there is now enough evidence that Colwyn Harding was indeed sodomised.
His attorney, Nigel Hughes, told the media that the medical examinations reveal that Harding suffered from active rectal mucosa bleeding. This is an indication, according to those medical reports, that a foreign object was used to rape the 23-year-old man.
Hughes said Harding was discharged on January 20 from the Georgetown Public Hospital after spending 23 days there. He was then taken to a private doctor at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital to be evaluated. He was admitted there to be treated for sepsis and fever.
Harding later underwent three medical procedures: a right herniorraphy, a laparotomy and bowel resection, and a re-laparotomy and the creation of two ostomies. Harding’s attorney asserted that at no time during hospitalisation at Georgetown Public Hospital was Harding examined for injuries to the anus or rectum.
Only two surgeons examined Harding thus. These are the local doctor at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital and another in Jamaica. Hughes said coming out of the independent report performed here, Harding not only suffered from active rectal mucosal bleeding, but also had an inflamed rectum.
Forensic examination
He left Guyana for further treatment in Jamaica on January 27 with his mother and a member of the
Gsupport group. Harding was evaluated twice, with the last time being on February 5. He also underwent a forensic examination and was advised on the way forward. Hughes noted that the findings of the report from the Jamaican surgeon are consistent with findings of the local surgeon.
The main finding of the Jamaican report was a narrowed distal sigmoid. It was reported that the surgeons were not able to go beyond a certain length given the severity of the injury. The surgeon in Jamaica also recommended further studies on Harding’s intestines, before he undergoes another surgery.
Apart from the find-
ings, Hughes spoke to other issues, especially to do with a number of what he termed, “inconsistencies” in Georgetown Public Hospital records. These include: incorrect page numbering; missing details and chronological errors; differences in terminology to describe the original problem, for instance, hydrocele in one document and incarcerated hernia, in another document; a signature but no name of doctors written on the charts; and the absence of a referral note from the Medical Outpatient Department.
On that note, Hughes said based on these inconsistencies both surgeons here and overseas ques-
tioned the validity and reliability of some pages in Harding’s medical chart. He said, “We await the submission of the requested medical records and the pathology reports for the tests and partial intestines removed from Colwyn Harding by the Georgetown Public Hospital.”
Hughes said the findings of both medical reports have been dispatched to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Bibi Shalimar Ali-Hack for her to consider possible charges to be instituted against the police officer involved. “The facts will speak for itself,” the attorney said.
A lawsuit of $100 million has been made out against the police. Attorney General Anil Nandlall has been written to by Hughes, to discuss the matter of damages. “This is an attempt to afford the authorities and the state a reasonable opportunity to embark on a serious discussion about the question of damages.”
During the press conference, the abused man’s mother, Sharon Harding broke down in tears, as Hughes explained to media operatives the severity of damage to her son’s health. Harding is due for another surgery to repair the damage to his anus and intestine in another six to eight weeks, which is likely to be performed in Jamaica.
The family, however, needs US$7500 to offset all of the expenses, including the entire cost of the surgery. Persons wishing to support Colwyn Harding and his family are, therefore, asked to contact Red Thread’s Director Karen DeSouza on telephone number 227-7010. (samuelsukhnandan@guyanatimesgy. com)
uyana has been ranked 67 out of 180 countries in the 2014 World Press Freedom Index, released on Wednesday by Reporters without Borders Last year, Guyana was ranked at 69 out of 179. The 2014 World Press Freedom Index spotlights the negative impact of conflicts on freedom of information and its protagonists. The ranking of some countries has also been affected by a tendency to interpret national security needs in an overly broad and abusive manner to the detriment of the right to inform and be informed. This trend constitutes a growing threat worldwide and is even endangering freedom of information in countries regarded as democracies. Finland
tops the index for the fourth year running, closely followed by the Netherlands and Norway, like last year. At the other end of the index, the last three positions are again held by Turkmenistan, North Korea, and Eritrea, three countries where freedom of information is non-existent. According to the report, despite occasional turbulence in the past year, these countries continue to be news and information black holes and living hells for the journalists who inhabit them.
Reference tool
This year’s index covers 180 countries, one more than last year. The new entry, Belize, has been assigned an enviable position (29th). Cases of violence
against journalists are rare in Belize, but there were some problems: defamation suits involving demands for large amounts in damages, national security restrictions on the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act and sometimes unfair management of broadcast frequencies.
The 2014 index underscores the negative correlation between freedom of information and conflicts, both open conflicts and undeclared ones. In an unstable environment, the media become strategic targets for groups or individuals whose attempts to control news and information violate the guarantees enshrined in international law, in particular, article 19 of the International Covenant
By Gomatie GanGadin
Residents of Marshon, Annandale, East Coast Demerara are up in arms against squatters who have taken over a community ground, forcing, they said, scores of young boys to spend their leisure time gambling and smoking ganja on the streets.
Residents are frustrated over the apparent lack of interest by the local authorities in ensuring that the ground is utilised for its intended purpose. During a tour of the area earlier this week, Guyana Times was told that the issue dates back to 2008 when more than 30 squatters moved onto the land. However, following warnings by the Housing Ministry, several of them left, leaving behind two families who have succeeded in bullying residents to stay off the property. The land at the centre of the dispute has been used since the 1960s as a sports ground for the three schools in the area and also as a venue to promote culture through drama and shows.
When this publication contacted the Neighbourhood Democratic Council’s overseer responsible for the area, he said he “was unaware of this issue”, contrary to what residents have claimed. His position, however, is that the owner of the land has to be identified, whether it is the sea defence authorities or the Housing and Water Ministry.
He said if the land belongs to the ministry, then it is a matter to be dealt with by that ministry. Checks by this newspaper to ascertain the owner of the land proved futile.
Annandale North Community Development Group Chairman Rajkumar Outar expressed concern that the land may soon be overrun by squatters as their squatting space is increasing as the days go by. “At the beginning of their squatting, the squatters had occupied an area to the north end of the ground. Now, they are almost in close proximity of the ground,” Outar said.
Much invested
on Civil and Political Rights, the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and the 1977 Protocols Additional 1 and 2 to the Geneva Conventions.
“The World Press Freedom Index is a reference tool that is based on seven criteria: the level of abuses, the extent of pluralism, media independence, the environment and self-censorship, the legislative framework, transparency, and infrastructure,” said Reporters Without Borders Secretary General Christophe Deloire. “It makes governments face their responsibilities by providing civil society with an objective measure, and provides international bodies with a good governance indicator to guide their decisions.”
He stated that much time, effort and resources have been invested into the ground’s development and it would be sad to see that wasted. The lowlying ground, which is adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, was prone to flooding for extensive periods of time, but residents over the years have built it up.
Outar said in the 2000s, he had hired men, who, with the help of villagers, filled and rehabilitated the land, in the aim of offering the youths a facility to spend their free time doing something constructive.
“Sometimes, it was inundated and men over the years have done backfilling with their bare hands and donkey carts to avoid the flooding of the ground. A humongous effort was made to make it into playable condition for youths and even those who are not so youthful,” he explained.
His account was supported by the villagers who confirmed that they had indeed worked on the project. Additionally, Outar said in 2003, he had, on behalf of the group, surveyed and ap-
plied for the plot of land. To this day, however, there has been no word from the relevant authorities. While Outar and the other villagers were awaiting a response, squatters reportedly invaded the land intent on putting down roots.
Dishonourable intentions
The squatters, however, had a different story to tell, accusing the businessman of having dishonourable intentions for the land. Two women accused Outar of using the ground as a profit-making venture and not in the interest of others.
Residents voiced their own concerns and opinions over the dispute. Bhagmonia Persaud, 82, said she was worried for her grandchildren as the ground was a central part of their lives. She stated that all their leisure time would usually be spent there playing cricket and partaking in sporting activities. She said the dispute has caused a ban on all activities, creating a void in the lives of the youths in the area. She also refuted the claims made by the squatters that Outar was using the ground to make money, stating that every dollar raised was channelled into the development of the ground. “Every event that takes place there I went to and it was most times free or of little charge and no alcohol was present.”
She added that many times Outar would take money from his pocket and do what had to be done without asking for anything in return.
Her view was supported by another villager who asked that his name not be mentioned for fear of victimisation.
The man said he grew up in the village playing in the disputed ground and both young and old partook in sport activities there every afternoon. He believes that more should be done by the authorities to get the ground back to the villagers, since the situation is badly affecting them.
“The youths of the area that used to utilise the ground are now left with nothing to do. Drinking, smoking, gambling, liming on the street corners, that’s what their lives have now turned to, simply because of this ground, as there is nothing to occupy their time,” the man lamented.
He said he too knew of the many times Outar would reach into his pocket and spend to aid in the development of youths and the ground.
Ravi Kissoon, a 17-year-old boy from the village, explained that he would usually have to travel to the next village to utilise its sports ground to occupy his leisure time. He stated that the inability to utilise the ground in the community affects many other young people, as their time would usually be spent playing cricket, football and interacting with their role models at the land. Now, there is nothing for the youths to do, creating a situation of noise nuisance and adding to the delinquent activities in the village.
Today’s emphasis will be on money matters. You will have good luck in your financial planning. Examine all your options. Get facts firsthand to ensure that you make the best choice possible.
By Bernice Bede Osol
(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
Your outgoing nature and vivid imagination will lead to an unusual adventure. Explore the possibilities and turn something you enjoy doing into a profitable endeavour. Believe in your ability, talent and skills.
20-March 20)
Jump-start your career. Concentrate on selfimprovement and utilising your skills differently and effectively. This will improve your confidence and protect your position while escalating your chance to advance.
(March 21-April 19)
You will make great achievements if you take advantage of a new opportunity. Don’t waste time in contemplation; start the ball rolling. Your direct approach will bring good results.
(April 20-May 20)
Don’t pressure others to do things your way. Keep the peace and avoid confrontations if you want to gain control. Pursue your ideas in secret and present them only when you’re confident of your success.
(May 21June 20)
Step into the spotlight and share your thoughts and plans. You’ll attract interest, enthusiasm and contributions from onlookers who will help you develop and promote your ideas.
It’s time to take a realistic look at your savings and investments. Determine what will give you the best opportunity to increase your wealth and make it the focus of your strategy.
(July 23Aug. 22)
Avoid conflicts, lie low and refrain from making a hasty decision that will leave you in a vulnerable position. An emotional reaction may be difficult to control, but it will only make matters worse if you fail to rein yourself in.
(Aug. 23Sept. 22)
You may feel that information is being withheld from you. Patience and perseverance will be necessary to determine what has been going on behind the scenes. Ask direct questions.
(Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Let your imagination wander and your curiosity lead the way. Your thirst for knowledge will enable you to explore and expand a wide variety of interests.
(Oct. 24Nov. 22)
Resist the urge to take control. You may give the wrong impression or offend someone who has more to offer than you realise. Patience will be required.
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
You’ll be enticed by exotic destinations or adventure. Participate in community activities and see what kind of excitement you can find. Follow your heart.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2014
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Fifteen ensigns from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Wednesday received their badges of ranks from their Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar as they were formally commissioned as second lieutenants at Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.
In addressing the ceremony, President Ramotar noted that the GDF continued to face many challenges, but he was confident that the current leadership of the army would take the neces-
delivered the charge, said the GDF’s cooperation with other countries brings the Caricom region closer to the kind of integration that everyone hopes for, and assured that his government will continue to search for areas of collaboration in this regard.
The head of state told the graduating officers: “You made a fine choice in opting to pursue a career in the military. Service and protection of your country is a special distinction reserved for those who have aspired to be the finest that they can be.
sary steps to address them. He, however, expressed concern over the number of soldiers who are listed as Absent Without Leave (AWOL). He reminded that, “Military service is unlike other vocations, where you can simply opt out as you please. Those who stay away from duty without authorisation and permission are imperilling the future of the army, affecting the security of our country and short-changing the taxpayers whose hard-earned dollars have provided for their training.”
The ranks successfully completed the Standard Officers’ Course (SOC) Number 46, which commenced in March last year with a batch of 24 students. The SOC was developed to provide training, not only for new army officers, but also for new officers of other services. Three of the 15 officers who graduated were from the Belize Defence Force (BDF), the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
President Ramotar, who
You have chosen a career in military service and today, you have reached an important milestone.”
The course was rigorous, both physically and mentally, and the president said the fact that these officers have passed these gruelling tests is testimony to their diligence, hard work and perseverance – qualities that are true to every professional soldier.
“Just as how others have served as an inspiration for you to join the military, you, now, are in a position to be role models for future cadets. I want you to appreciate the tremendous privilege and responsibility that this represents,” he asserted.
He exhorted them to define themselves not by their rank, but by their conduct and to live up to their responsibilities by acting in such a way, so as to uphold and promote the name of the GDF.
He also assured them that the sacrifices that have been made and will continue
to be made are deeply valued by the nation, and pledged that government will do all that it can to provide them with opportunities for selfimprovement within the military.
The commander-in-chief also took the opportunity to publicly acknowledge and laud the skills of the GDF’s Special Force Officers who led the search operation for the Trans Guyana aircraft that crashed a few weeks ago in one of the country’s densely forested areas and retrieved the bodies of its two occupants.
“The team undertook that mission which required them to use some of the training that they have received in the GDF and they did an outstanding job,” he said.
In his message, army Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips said this training has instilled a higher level of discipline, built confidence and character, and sharpened the leadership qualities of the officers, all of which are necessary for service in the GDF.
He also reminded that military work requires judicious and skilful application of technology, aggression and discipline to accomplish given missions and tasks. He added that “this is the professional framework that must now guide your intellectual development as young officers of the force”.
The SOC provides a solid foundation for the subsequent professional development of all cadets entering the GDF.
It is only an introduction to the officer training and development systems of all military and para-military services in Guyana, and must be supplemented by appropriate specialist and technical training.
From the batch of graduates, Second Lieutenant Simon Gordon received the ‘best student’ award. Second Lieutenant Marion Hernandez from the BDF, who is the runner- up best student, also received awards for military knowledge and best shot; while Second Lieutenant Steffhon Branche received the award for best drills.
Dinesh Chandimal was in the middle of several mini conferences during the Bangladesh chase, and at the end of the 16th over, he held his own by bringing back Lasith Malinga. Nasir Hossain got out and Sri Lanka went ahead and sensed victory even as the 20th over began. But Malinga was done, he had bowled the 19th, so Thisara Perera was given the ball and he almost gave it away. Anamul Haque blasted 14 runs in the final over and Bangladesh fell short by just two runs.
The dramatic end came in the last ball when Anamaul top-edged a full toss and was gobbled up by the bowler. His innings ended on 58 off 44 balls, opening up only towards the end when he hammered Perera twice over cover to bring the game almost to Bangladesh’s grasp.
Chandimal’s decision cut the home side short of Nasir’s abilities to finish a T20 match. The 17th over originally seemed to be Sachithra Senanayake’s responsibility, but Chandimal had held firm and Sri Lanka won perhaps on the back of his gutsy captaincy, highlighted by subtle changes in the field and more visibly last-minute bowling changes.
Defending 168 runs on a flat deck was never going to be easy but Sri Lanka bowled progressively better as the game went on. While Bangladesh’s required rate seemed to be in control early on, the bowlers recovered towards the end, pushing it till the final over when Bangladesh needed 17 to win.
Shamsur Rahman and Tamim Iqbal gave the hosts an excellent start, adding the team’s second fifty-plus opening stand. Shamsur was strong down the ground while Tamim played Malinga and the other seamers very well, particularly through point.
The tide turned when Shamsur got out softly, giving Ajantha Mendis a return catch. Angelo Mathews then made sure Sri Lanka remained in the game, by running back from short midwicket and diving full length to hold onto a miscued pull from Tamim.
Shakib and Anamul then added 43 runs for the third wicket, with some feisty batting and some wild slogs. This was the partnership that would take Bangladesh close to the target, but Shakib’s over-eagerness to slog the ball nipped it in the 14th over. Shakib made 26 off 17 balls, his paddle sweep against the pace off Nuwan Kulasekera, standing out.
Sri Lanka’s target was largely down to Kusal Perera.. The hacks, slices and bumps were abundant as he tucked in at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. He was in his el-
ement while the rest of the batting line-up stuttered, clubbing Mashrafe Mortaza over his head in the very first over.
Kusal then went after Sohag Gazi in the fourth over, sweeping him twice and then following it up with two bunts through midwicket to complete four consecutive fours.
Comparisons with Sanath Jayasuriya were justified in the 13th over when he picked up Farhad Reza, with a jerk of the wrist. It landed in the stands between deep square-leg and midwicket.
With Kusal in pime form, the only way Bangladesh could have got him out was through a piece of brilliance. It came from Anamul at the midwicket boundary, jumping high to first get hold of the ball, before having the agility to twist and stay inside the rope as he balanced
himself on one leg. Kusal was out for 64 off 44 balls, having struck seven fours and the six.
That was not the only great catch of the evening though. Kumar Sangakkara had lofted one towards widish long-on and had timed it wonderfully. Nasir ran across on the midwicket boundary, dove full length to his right, flew almost and held on to it.
Seekuge Prasanna fell to an ill-timed sweep shot, giving left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny his first T20 international wicket, making it 87 for 4 in the 10th over.
At the start it was Mashrafe who struck in the first over when Tillakaratne Dilshan misread his guile and went for his scoop far too soon. Both of them played together in both domestic and Twenty20 tournaments in Bangladesh, so it was all the sweeter for Mashrafe. (Cricinfo)
Sri Lanka innings
MDKJ Pererac Anamul Haque
b Arafat Sunny 64
TM Dilshan b Mashrafe
Mortaza 0
LD Chandimal* c Farhad Reza
b Shakib Al Hasan 18
KC Sangakkara† c Nasir Hossain
b Shakib Al Hasan 11
S Prasanna c Nasir Hossain b Arafat Sunny 4
AD Mathews run out (†Mithun Ali/Mashrafe Mortaza) 11
LTC Perera not out 19
KMDN Kulasekara c Shamsur Rahman b MashrafeMortaza 31
SMSM Senanayake not out 0
Extras: (lb 7, w 3) 10
Total: (7 wickets) 168
Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Dilshan), 2-61 (Chandimal), 3-77 (Sangakkara), 4-87 (Prasanna), 5-116 (MDKJ Perera), 6-120 (Mathews), 7-164 (Kulasekara)
Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 4-0-43-2, Sohag Gazi 3-029-0, Rubel Hossain 4-0-270, Shakib Al Hasan 4-0-272, Arafat Sunny 3-0-17-2, Farhad Reza 2-0-18-0
Floyd Reifer’s announcement last week that he would be retiring from first-class cricket at the end of the regional season in April has effectively brought to end an era.
Reifer is the “last man standing” from the “old brigade” of first-class cricketers, nurtured under the guidance of previous stars Desmond Haynes and Malcolm Marshall, in addition to those who flourished under the leadership of Courtney Browne.
Reifer entered the Barbados squad way back in 1992 when Haynes, Marshall, Carlisle Best, Ezra Moseley and Winston Reid were still part of the set-up. He played alongside Vasbert Drakes Ottis Gibson, Philo Wallace, Sherwin Campbell, Ian Bradshaw and others in Browne’s team which was dominant in the late 1990s.
The former Lodge School batting prodigy switched allegiance to Combined Campuses and Colleges in 2006 to play the role of player/coach.
Exposure
In the last eight years he has also put in place a framework for student cricketers to gain exposure and opportunities at the Cave Hill Campus.
Bangladesh innings
Tamim Iqbal c Mathews
b NLTC Perera 30
Shamsur Rahman c & b Mendis 22
Anamul Haque c & b NLTC Perera 58
Shakib Al Hasan
b Kulasekara 26
Nasir Hossain c NLTC Perera
b Malinga 16
Mithun Ali† c Mathews
b Kulasekara 0 Farhad Reza run out (NLTC Perera/†Sangakkara) 7
Sohag Gazi not out 0
Extras: (b 1, lb 4, w 1, nb 1) 7
Total: (7 wickets) 166
Fall of wickets: 1-52 (Shamsur Rahman), 2-64 (Tamim Iqbal), 3-107 (Shakib Al Hasan), 4-132 (Nasir Hossain), 5-134 (Mithun Ali), 6-158 (Farhad Reza), 7-166 (Anamul Haque)
Bowling: SL Malinga 4-0-341, KMDN Kulasekara 4-029-2, SMSM Senanayake 3-0-21-0, BAW Mendis 4-029-1, NLTC Perera 4-0-422, S Prasanna 1-0-6-0
After two decades in the game, leaving was quite emotional for Reifer.
“It is hard to say goodbye, but it has to be done. This is my last season playing and I am going to enjoy it. I will go out and compete as I always do and look to make my contribution to the CCC cause.
“I am still going to look for those scores and try to help develop the players in the team, who come from all around the region.
“I am still going to play club cricket in Barbados but my main role will be to continue to develop players for West Indies cricket.”
A tall, slim left-hander with a flat-top hairstyle when he first made his mark, Reifer made his first-class debut against Trinidad and Tobago back in the 1992 season. He had shown glimpses of his class while playing
country almost cost him his life on the cricket field. Back in 2005 he collided with teammate Martin Nurse while attempting a high catch. The accident left Reifer with a concussion and he had to be hospitalised.
He had to undergo four surgeries and did not play for a year.
That incident happened a week after he played through the pain of a swollen ankle to help Barbados beat Guyana away from home.
“I was told I was unconscious for 45 seconds to a minute – one minute of my life I will never remember what happened. It was devastating. The doctor said I could have died from neck injuries because of the way the accident happened.
for The Lodge School and the Barbados Under-19 teams before he was called up for national duty.
Growing up in St George, he was surrounded by cricket – three uncles, Leslie, George and Elvis, all represented Barbados in the 1980s.
“We played all types of cricket . . . I played with the bigger guys and as I grew older I started to compete and show my worth and get recognition.
“At Lodge there was a rich culture of cricket and sports and there were very good facilities and infrastructure,” Reifer recalled.
“It was always a bit of pressure with my uncles who played. To follow them was a bit of pressure but I could handle it and I enjoyed representing Barbados and giving all I had for my country.”
When Reifer went to Trinidad for his first match something happened – he saw a young Brian Lara preparing for the match and it was a lifelong message he received.
“When we came down to Queen’s Park Oval for practice I saw Brian in the nets and you could tell he was there for a while, he was sweating. When we got together as a team we went to warm up. We batted, we bowled, we did fielding and when we finished he was still batting,” Reifer said.
“That is something I had never seen before. In the game the only way we got him out was run out, and that left a great memory. I said, ‘If this guy can prepare like that and be so successful then we have to tailor our preparation like that’.
“I took that lesson with me through my career and into my time as coach at UWI and CCC.
“I felt good to be in the Barbados team in those early days and I learned a lot from those around me – men who did extremely well for Barbados and West Indies.
“All I try to do now is share that knowledge with the players I have around me and try to help them develop into better cricketers.”
Reifer’s love for the game and his commitment to his
“It was a very tough period for me being out of cricket for a year, an entire year without income, as a young man; it was very, very difficult. It was the grace of God and the inner strength I developed that helped me to make it through.
“I have to thank my family and my wife Amanda –who was my girlfriend at the time. They stood by me and helped me to make it back to a normal life and back onto the cricket field.
Bounced back
“Eventually, I bounced back. Richard Straker helped me a lot as well. I had to learn to walk again. I was like a baby . . . had to learn to crawl, to walk and then to run again.
“It was a long painful, painful, painful period in my life. But I bounced back and then the team and hierarchy at CCC gave me this wonderful opportunity to be part of this programme and I want to thank them as well.”
Reifer has the honour of having the highest aggregate both in the Regional Four-Day competition which started in 1966 and regional 50-over cricket since 1976. In the Regional Four-Day, Reifer has amassed 6 667 runs in 125 matches from 224 innings at an average of 32.20 with 12 centuries, with 200 against the Windward Islands at Kensington Oval in 1997 his highest score.
After the recent Nagico Super50 game at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad, Reifer had played 95 regional OneDay games. He has compiled 2 723 runs in 91 innings with a top score of 130 versus Trinidad and Tobago at Providence in Guyana, with three centuries at an average of 34.91. In International cricket he has played six Tests and eight One-Day Internationals with moderate success. In two of his six Tests he was captain of the West Indies team against Bangladesh in 2009.
Reifer’s first-class record at present stands at 151 matches – 7 608 runs at an average of 31.08 with 13 centuries and 41 fifties and he has taken 156 catches. (WICB Media Release)
As hunches go, picking Shaun Marsh for this tour was a biggie. He had averaged 25 in first-class cricket since being axed from the Test team in early 2012. He was the Sheffield Shield’s 34th highest run scorer this season. But whatever Australia’s selectors saw in Marsh that no one else did, whatever encouraged them to pencil him in at No.4 against the world’s best team, whatever inkling they had, it paid off on the first day of the series in South Africa.
By the close of play, Marsh and Steven Smith had demoralised the South Africans and in particular Graeme Smith, who had sent Australia in after vacillating over the decision in the lead-up to the toss. His bowlers troubled Australia in the opening session and took three wickets before lunch but their threat level diminished as the ball grew older and they managed only one wicket for the rest of the day, far from a passable outcome.
From 98 for 4 when Michael Clarke top-edged a hook to fine leg off Dale Steyn, the Australians had moved on to 297 for 4 at stumps, with Marsh unbeaten on 122 and Smith on 91, eyeing off a possible third Test century from four matches. Already the top order had bettered
Australia 1st innings
CJL Rogers c Duminy b Morkel 4
DA Warner b Steyn 12
AJ Doolan c Peterson b McLaren 27
SE Marsh not out 122
MJ Clarke* c Philander b Steyn 23
SPD Smith not out 91
Extras: (b 4, lb 7, w 6, nb 1) 18
Total: (4 wickets; 90 overs) 297
Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Warner), 2-24 (Rogers), 3-72 (Doolan), 4-98 (Clarke)
Bowling: DW Steyn 20-4-542, VD Philander 16-2-55-0, M Morkel 18-5-56-1, R McLaren 16-4-53-1, RJ Peterson 10-0-340, JP Duminy 10-1-34-0
Shaun Marsh
their first-innings efforts in all five home Ashes Tests, for 257 was their highest score at five down in those games. Their frequent saviour Brad Haddin will not know what to do with himself in Centurion.
The Marsh-Smith partnership was 199 at stumps and the runs had flowed more and more rapidly as the day wore on.
The second new ball only served to bring more boundaries for the two wellset batsmen, and the frustration showed on the faces of the South Africans as the shadows grew longer, not that they had created vast numbers of chances.
Marsh’s only genuine life came on 12 when he cut Morne Morkel hard and Hashim Amla at gully put down a difficult chance. There were other nervy mo-
ments, including a miscue just over the head of a jumping Robin Peterson at cover on 57, a hook that narrowly eluded a diving Morkel at fine leg on 77, and a run-out chance on 83, but Marsh survived.
He not only survived, he thrived. Strong when driving down the ground and through the off side, he worked plenty of singles through leg when the bowling was too straight.
Most of his strokes were along the ground and he brought up his second Test hundred from his 174th delivery with a tickle to fine leg off the part-time offspin of JP Duminy, celebrating like a man who had been given a second chance at life, which in cricketing terms he was.
However valid the arguments were against Marsh’s
inclusion, they had become irrelevant. And if Shane Watson returns from his calf injury for the second Test, it will not be Marsh who makes way. At least, not unless his own calf problem, which appeared to hamper his running at times during his century, acts up. Not that he was the only man Australia had to thank for their solid scoreline at the close of play. Smith showed again why he now tops the list of Australia’s Test batting averages over the past year.
As he did in his mature Ashes hundred at the WACA, Smith left the ball with fine judgment and waited for the bad balls to score from. He drove through cover with power when the bowlers overpitched and was also strong down the ground, bringing up his half-century from his 118th delivery with a punchy cover-drive for four off Ryan McLaren. Earlier, McLaren had bowled well on the greenish-tinged pitch but like his team-mates, the threat was blunted after lunch.
Graeme Smith must have gone to that first break pleased with his decision to send Australia in, for his men had them at 83 for 3.
His bowlers had just enough movement and, in the case of Morkel, disconcerting bounce. An overconfident David Warner, who had struck two boundaries in the first over of the game, played on for 12 when he tried to cut a Steyn ball that was both too straight and too full, and Australia were 15 for 1.
That became 24 for 2 when Morkel came on. His first ball was a bouncer that struck Chris Rogers on the arm and the followup delivery was another short one that Rogers, on 4, could only fend to short leg for Duminy to take a sharp catch. (Cricinfo)
The leadership of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) changed hands on Sunday when Guyana’s lone national arbiter Irshad Mohamed was voted in as the new president of the local governing body for chess during the federation’s annual general meeting (AGM). Mohamed replaced fellow businessman Shiv Nandalall, who did not seek re-election after serving two consecutive terms at the
helm. Nandalall had taken over from veteran chess player and columnist Errol Tiwari, who was elected to head the GCF when it was resuscitated back in 2008, after almost two decades of dormancy.
Immediately after being elected on Sunday, Mohamed revealed that his priority will be the development of chess among youths. “We want to tap into the schools and focus more on the growth and
development of the game among the youth population,” Mohamed pointed out.
That apart, Mohamed said he is keen on having Guyana compete at the Olympiad in Norway in August, as well as the GCF hosting the much touted Caribbean Community (Caricom) championship later this year.
The new GCF head called on his executives to work in the best interest
of the game’s development, while he urged stakeholders to play their part in ensuring progress is made during his tenure.
On his executive, Mohamed has George Vaughn as treasurer, Wendell Meusa as the chess trainer, Ronuel Greenidge as secretary, and Wayne Browne in charge of fundraising. The committee members are Krishnanand Raghunanand, Maria Thomas and Ryan Singh.
By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto
Since his migration to Trinidad and Tobago ten years ago, former Guyana Under-19 skipper Troy Cornelius has been very impressive, with a number of high scores, and he has expressed great delight with his performance at the club level.
The left-hander stated that he wants to continue with his prolific scoring and his ambition is still to be a big contributor for Merry Boys Sports Club in the twin-island republic.
Having chalked up over 15 centuries and countless 50s, the Essequibian also took the opportunity to express the view that the standard of cricket in Trinidad and Tobago is exceptional.
He acknowledged the support of fellow team members, including West Indies international players Lendl Simmons and Reyad Emrit, saying this has always been an encouraging factor for Cornelius.
“I [am] enjoying my cricket over here and, without a doubt, the standard of the game in Trinidad and Tobago is incomparable to the regions, and that is something that has given me the motivation because I strongly believe in professionalism,” Cornelius said.
Cornelius, who skippered Guyana at the regional youth tournament in 2001 at home, said he really admires the structure and system in place by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and is therefore not surprised by the large number of players plying their trade in that country on a regular basis.
“I think the organisation of their cricket is fantastic and the structure definitely wonderful. Seeing other cricketers coming from different parts of the Caribbean and playing here professionally is not strange to me, because they want to play good cricket, and more importantly, they are paid well,” Cornelius explained.
Reminiscing on his under-19 days and his representation for Essequibo and Guyana, the 32-yearold occasional off-spinner stated it was a great honour to lead his country.
In so doing, it is still history-making to be the
first Essequibian to captain a Guyana team at the under-19 level.
“It was a great honour to captain Guyana at the youth tournament. In my first year (2000), test player Narsingh Deonarine was the skipper, but taking up the responsibility the following year was a dream come true for me and I will always cherish that armband,” Cornelius declared.
Quizzed on his involvement with the game, particularly off the field, Cornelius was more than happy to say that he wants to give back something to the game, specifically Essequibo, and by extension Guyana’s cricket overall.
“Of course I will begin my coaching course soon, and that is an area I think is very important for the development of the game.
So I will love to give back to cricket, especially my country, and Essequibo because there are lots of talented players, but they need proper guidance and help with the technical part of the game as well,” Cornelius, whose favourite cricketer was ex-Australia captain Steve Waugh, said.
Cornelius, who originally comes from Bartica, said he is still indebted to Vibert Johnson, a senior Essequibo inter-county and a former Guyana under-15 coach as well, while he also thanked Sherlock Atwell from Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) for the steady improvement of his game at an early age.
Cornelius played most his teenage cricket in Georgetown, representing DCC while he donned the national colours at the under-15 level as well.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul compiled a powerful half century to guide West Indies to a comfortable six wicket win over New Zealand in a warm-up match on Wednesday before the start of their campaign in the ICC Under 19 World Cup here on Friday.
Chanderpaul rekindled the innings with a top score of 62 allowing West Indies to overhaul the 147 scored by New Zealand who batted first at the Sevens Stadium Pitch 2, Dubai.
The young cricketers from the Caribbean stumbled to 7 for the loss of two quick wickets within three balls in the third over after opener Shimron Hetmyer was caught for two and Nicolas Puran was also caught without scoring.
But the son of the famous West Indies batsman Shivnarine, struck seven fours and brought his side back on course featuring in two half century partnerships before he was forced to retire hurt.
Chanderpaul teamed up
Tagnarine Chanderpaul
with Jeremy Solozana in a third wicket stand that produced 66 runs, resurrecting the chase from two for 7 to three for 73.
Solozana scored 35 which
included five fours.
A second partnership for the fourth wicket between the young Guyanese batsman and Jonathan Drakes yielded 50 runs.
Drakes who picked up four boundaries scored 28 while Brandon King was unbeaten on 16 as West Indies cruised to 151 for four.
Earlier, captain Ramaal Lewis led a bowling attack that created all sorts of problems for the young New Zealand players who lost their first three wickets with only 54 runs on the board.
Resistance in the middle of the innings offered hope in the form of a 46 run 4th wicket stand between Robert O’Donnell and Shawn Hicks.
O’Donnell top scored with 31, Hicks scored 27 while Tim Seifert added 23, the main contributors as the last six wickets tumbled for the addition of 47 runs.
Lewis finished with three for 26, Charles 2-9 and McSween 2-24
On Monday, West Indies Under 19s scored a comprehensive nine wicket victory over Afghanistan Under 19s in a warm-up game.
West Indies begin their campaign in the ICC Under 19 World Cup against South Africa in Dubai on Friday.
(WICB Media Release)
The Flying Ace Cycling Club will be holding a 50-mile cycle road race on February 24 to celebrate the 80th birthday of former national cyclist Sancho Benjamin.
The event will start in the village of Fyrish in Berbice and end at the Number 66 Village Bridge, as the cyclists will have a chance to compete for the top monetary prize of $80,000, while the top six posi -
tions in the open category will be paid.
In addition, there will be three other categories in the veterans under50, the juniors and the females, with the top three receiving prizes, while eight sprint packages will also be up for grabs at the event.
Cyclists interested in being a part of the event can contact Randolph Roberts on 628-1951 to register for the event.
England manager Roy Hodgson has ruled out the possibility of John Terry coming out of international retirement for the World Cup in Brazil.
Terry voluntarily ended his England career in September 2012 but, following successive home defeats by Chile and Germany last November, and Terry’s excellent form for Chelsea, there have been calls for his return to the international set-up.
But Hodgson told reporters at Wembley: “John has retired. As far as I’m concerned, that is the situation.
“We have got along without him for the whole of the qualification and quite a few friendly matches, and we’ll have to get along without him in the future. As far as I’m concerned, retirement is retirement.
“You respect that when players retire, we move on.
“We moved on after our first qualification game when John Terry limped off
and since that time we have chosen the players who are available, who have represented us well in my opinion, so we will continue with
‘Awo’ Abrams – club revamps roster for 2014 season
Just a year ago, one East Bank Essequibo businessman assembled some of the best football players in Guyana, with the aim of one day having the country’s number one team, and though that title still respectfully belongs to Alpha United, the Slingerz Football Club has enjoyed a fruitful inauguration into Guyana’s football arena.
The pinnacle of the club’s accomplishments for 2013 was winning the prestigious Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Banks Beer Cup, following a 3-2 win over Santos in the finals.
Added to that, the club’s only defeat since their registration under the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) in February last came at the hands of Alpha United.
The ‘Hammers’, owned by Odinga Lumumba, who is also Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment, clinched a 1-0 win in the Mayor’s Cup finals, and then defeated the ‘West Side’ team 4-2 in the finals of the Goal for Gold tournament.
They competed in five tournaments, winning three and finishing runner-up in two; a statistic that General Manager Colin ‘B L’ Aaron is happy about.
“If you look back at football in Guyana, I don’t think there’s any other club which can boast that, in their first year, they were able to have that amount of success. So Slingerz FC is happy. We’re not satisfied because, in sports, everyone’s aim is to be the best at what they do and, as such, we will going all out to ensure that happens” Aaron said.
Looking ahead, the club made eight new signings, with the acquisition of national striker Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams being the most notable.
that.”
Terry, 33, won the first of his 78 caps in June 2003 and succeeded David Beckham as England’s captain in 2006. He lost the captaincy for the first time in February 2010 after allegations about his private life and regained it a year later.
The FA then took the armband away from him before the 2012 European Championship - prompting England manager Fabio Capello to resign - with Terry facing a court case over alleged racial abuse of the Queens Park Rangers player Anton Ferdinand.
Terry was found not guilty but was still charged separately by the FA, and retired from international football in protest. The FA’s independent commission found him guilty, banning him for four matches. (Sky Sports)
Abrams was acquired from Slingerz FC’s arch rivals Alpha United, and the ambidextrous striker, according the club’s general manager, will certainly be an asset to the team.
“I think every coach will also love to have a player like ‘Awo’ on his side. He brings with him a wealth of experience. You can’t find many forwards who have played for this country at every level. He came from a top club in the Caribbean, and so he knows what it means to play hard and to win titles,” said Aaron.
Domanique Babb (Milerock), John Waldron (Silver Shattas), Deon Charter (Eagles United), Lennox Allicock (Vasco), Dextroy Adams (Young Achievers), Leroy Pedro (Western Tigers), and Jamal Harvey (Uitvlugt
United) are the other new players who will now don the Slingerz uniform.
“This is a team that we believe will be successful this season and will give us that competitive edge. We came out with a bang, and so the club and its players are always in a situation where we have to perform at our best, because that’s what persons are expecting of us.
“We have an obligation to the people who support us. Things can only get better for us from this stage onwards” he said.
Asked if the exit of former captain Dwain Jacobs is seen as a major blow to the team, Aaron said, “Jacobs is a great player and played an important role in us being in the position we’re in presently, but him leaving didn’t put a damper on us in anyway. The players all play specific roles and, as such, collectively, we were able to achieve some of our objectives for last year, but it is never about no one man getting things done. But we wish him well.”
Slingerz FC will roll out their star-studded roster this Saturday, when the second Annual Stag Beer/ West Side Mashramani Champions Cup kicks off at the Uitvlugt Community Center Ground, West Coast Demerara.
The defending champions will come up against Bagotsville in the opening encounter, while the home side and Stewartville will collide in the second of the evening’s fixed double-header in the knock-out tournament.
The Slingerz roster is a follows: Michael Crandon, Trenton Lashley, Pierre Joseph, Tichard Joseph, Vurlon Mills (captain), Joshua Brown, Kimba Braithwaith, Olvis Mitchell, Quason McAully, Rondell Hutson, LesCharles Critchlow, Simon Emmanuel, Colin Nelson, Jason Cromwell, Anthony Harding, Clive Nobrega, Domanique Babb, John Waldron, Deon Charter, Lennox Allicock, Dextroy Adams, Leroy Pedro, Anthony Abrams, Devon Millington and Jamal Harvey. Coach is Charles ‘Lilly’ Pollard.
By Rajiv Bisnauth
Two aggressive and inform sides will clash in a battle of ‘near equals’ when Guyana and Barbados face each other in the second semi-final of the NAGICO Super50 tournament today, from 14:00h at the Queens Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago (TT).
It would be a contest on even keel, as both teams would do everything in their power to reach Saturday’s final.
Both teams have a lot of respect for each other, but go into the semi-final on the back of contrasting performances.
While Guyana moved smoothly into the semi-final spot, Barbados had to fight their way, after being left with no other option but to win their final group match.
And they did it in fine style, beating the Leeward Islands by four wickets to top Zone B, ahead of TT by a point. Guyana finished in second position in Zone A.
Guyana’s power-packed batting line-up and inform bowling attack may pose a major threat to the Barbadians. However, their 10-run defeat at the hands of the Jamaicans in the final preliminary round match is a wake-up call.
They will have to regroup quickly and gain self-belief in this all important clash.
With eyes firmly set on the final berth, the Guyanese again will pin all
final against T&T.
Guyana: Christopher Barnwell (captain), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (vice captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Anthony Bramble (wicket-keeper), Robin Bacchus, Trevon Griffith, Leon Johnson, Narsingh Deonarine, Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton and Paul Wintz. Coach is Esuan Crandon
Barbados: Kevin Stoute (captain), Sulieman Benn, Tino Best, Rashidi Boucher, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Shane Dowrich (wicket-keeper), Fidel Edwards, Jason Holder, Ashley Nurse, Dwayne Smith and Kenroy Williams. Coach is Hendy Springer.
hopes on veteran left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul and the elegant Ramnaresh Sarwan, as the key figures in Guyana’s top and middle order.
Chanderpaul, Sarwan, fellow Test batsman Assad Fudadin, opener Trevon Griffith, skipper Christopher Barnwell and Leon Johnson have been effective so far, but application and pitch occupation will again be crucial.
In the bowling department, Guyana will continue to place their hopes in the hands of Ronsford Beaton, Veersammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Paul Wintz and skipper Barnwell, who have all been among the wickets.
On the other hand, assessing the opposing line-ups is not an easy task. However, although Barbados does not have the big names as their opponents, they have a lineup that is capable of creating huge upsets.
Barbados have a new captain in all-rounder Kevin Stoute. The batting will rely heavily on Dwayne Smith, who could either bat at the top or in the middle order, Kraigg Brathwaite and Jonathan Carter.
The bowling is strong, with spinners Sulieman Benn and Ashley Nurse, while Jason Holder, Tino Best, Fidel Edwards and Carlos Brathwaite are the fast-bowling options.
A win today by either team will place them in the
Guyana face Barbados in a battle of ‘near equals’
By Treiston Joseph
The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) on Wednesday received a significant boost from beverage giants Ansa McAl at a simple handing over ceremony. The Goodwill tournament will be a four-nation event, featuring boxers from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia and Guyana facing off in the ring for the rights to be deemed the best.
Marketing Director of Ansa McAl Troy Codogan, at the handing over ceremony which was held at Ansa McAl’s head office on the East Coast Demerara, expressed his belief in the tournament’s value.
“Ansa McAl, being a good
corporate citizen, is pleased to support boxing. Boxing is one of the pillars of one of our brands, and we would have sponsored the first or the inaugural box-off, where we gave some money over last year, and we will be doing this year.
“This series of events is in preparation for the 2016 Olympics, and we hope that this small gesture will help our athletes in realizing that long elusive gold medal,” Cadogan stated.
President of the GBA Steve Ninvalle, who expressed gratitude for the gesture by Ansa McAl, explained what the undisclosed sum of money will be used for.
“We have called many, and we were chosen by few, and we want to say thanks very much to Ansa McAl…
this shot in the arm is really needed because, as Cadogan, said it’s quite an expensive task to bring these guys in, to house them and to feed them, and some of this sponsorship will go into our encampment.
We have 14 boxers encamped at the National Gymnasium, and they are raring to go.
“It is only right that we ask the boxing community to support the people who support boxing. So we call on the boxing community to support Ansa McAl and Ansa McAl products,” Ninvalle said.
The Goodwill championships will punch off this Friday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with the overseas boxers set to arrive on Thursday for the championships.
